₦airaland Forum

As the nation moves into election mode with the commencement of election campaigns next week, President Muhammadu Buhari has again, given assurances of his determination to lay a foundation for free, fair and credible elections in the country.

Responding to a speech by a delegation of Imams and senior Islamic scholars from the 36 states of the federation at the State House on Friday, President Buhari said that a number of measures put in place have seen the gradual improvement of elections, as in Edo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States from what he described as “dismal and unacceptable levels witnessed in Rivers and Kogi States.”

According to the President, “What I want to assure Nigerians is that I will continue to pressure the Police and other agencies to do their best to ensure a conducive atmosphere for free and fair elections.”

On the issue of security raised by the religious group, President Buhari said he will continue to nudge security agencies to find lasting solutions, stressing however, the need for community and religious leaders to play a part in identifying criminals in their midst.

The President thanked the Muslim religious leaders for recognizing the various achievements of the administration especially, in dealing with security, fighting corruption and progress in agriculture.

“I am not satisfied with the reporting of agriculture. Millions of our citizens have returned to the farms with many leaving white collar jobs for opportunities in agriculture,” he noted.

The leader of the delegation, Dr. Khalid Aliyu, who is the Secretary General of the Jama’atul Nasril Islam, had lavishly praised the President’s achievements in key areas of his campaign in 2015 namely, security, corruption and the economy.

According to him, “So far, so good, government has gone a long way in meeting its promises.”

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 16, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari, Friday, stated that his vision and objectives for Nigeria are very clear and he is on course to achieving them.

Speaking when he received members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Reverend (Dr,) Samson Ayokunle in State House, Abuja, President Buhari said he is doing his best to fulfil his electoral promises of securing the country, fighting corruption and resuscitating the economy.

President Buhari said that fighting corruption takes longer time especially with the need to adhere to the rule of law.

“It is on record that some cases initiated by the anti-graft bodies since 2003 are yet to be concluded. We will, however, not be discouraged. Where monies have been recovered, such monies will not find their way back to the looters as I have directed EFCC to account for every money it has recovered and put them in a dedicated account,” President Buhari said.

Responding to the request of CAN for an overhaul of the intelligence gathering system , President Buhari said the burden of intelligence gathering involves everyone especially district heads , traditional rulers, opinion leaders and especially religious leaders that are very close to the grassroots. He added that bandits who are operating in various communities live among the people and enjoined leaders of thought in various communities to avail security agencies of information about the criminals.

President Buhari also told the visitors that he had assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, that the 2019 elections will be free and fair as he has been victim of fraudulent elections and beneficiary of free and fair election in the past.

“When I decided to put on this Agbada to see what the people are seeing in it, I tried three times, 2003, 2007 and 2011, but the fourth time, in 2015, I succeeded. We thank God and technology in the form of permanent voters card and card reader, because what they used to do was to look at constituencies, award the votes and then they will say whoever didn’t agree should go to court. When people are looking for what to eat, where do they have the money to go to court to pay the SANs?” President Buhari said.

On farmers and herders clashes, President Buhari told the visitors that government was working towards finding a lasting solution to it.

The CAN delegation had lauded the President for his efforts in fighting corruption, the initiatives to stem the tide of unemployment, the various efforts aimed at revamping the economy, the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and the implementation of the Bank Verification Number and the Treasury Single Account.

They, however, called on the President, to, ensure that the security agencies are non-partisan as we head to 2019 elections; restore peace to troubled spots in Northern parts of the country especially in the Garshish District of Plateau State, and institute a judicial panel of enquiry to look into the killings in the North Central particularly the murder of Major General Idris Alkali (rtd) and the Royal Highness of the Adara Kingdom in Kaduna, Dr Maiwada Raphael Galadima.

They also called on the President to; ensure that Nigeria does not go back into recession; urgently resolve the issue of minimum wage and to task the security agencies to ensure the release of Miss Leah Sharibu and other Chibok girls still in captivity.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 16, 2018

Adds: 1 Million beneficiaries targeted in next phase, FG committed to creating more opportunities for Nigerians to prosper

Following the successes recorded in the N-Power programme of the Buhari administration and the growing need for government’s direct intervention in job creation, the Federal Government will expand the N-Power scheme to accommodate 1 million beneficiaries in the next phase, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The Vice President who stated this while responding to a variety of questions from Nigerians across different professions and persuasions, at a town hall meeting in Abuja yesterday, said the programme would become the largest post-tertiary job scheme in Africa.

According to him, “the idea of N-Power is supposed to be government’s own programme of direct employment and training. At the moment, we have taken up to 500,000 and in the next phase we are looking at another 200,000 and closely followed by another 300,000.

“In all, we will be employing up to a million, and that will be the largest post-tertiary job programme in the entire Africa. The reason why we have done this is because of the employment problems that we have, we may not be able to engage everybody but at least government must give some direct provision of jobs.”

Prof. Osinbajo explained further that though government could not pay more than the N30,000 currently paid to beneficiaries and also fix all the unemployment issues, it is working on creating the enabling environment to ensure that beneficiaries as well as other unemployed Nigerians become useful to themselves.

He said: “It is infrastructure that will create the opportunities to provide more jobs, especially through manufacturing and Industry.

“So, we are doing roads and rail, providing power; that is the way we can develop industry. We are energizing our markets at the moment, putting solar power in the markets. We have designated 300 markets, we have done Ariaria in the South East, Sabon Gari in Kano, Surat in Lagos, Isikan in Ondo, Gbagi in Oyo and we are expanding so that more people can work.”

On the need to engage more women in productive activities, Prof. Osinbajo said: “one of the ways the Buhari administration is engaging more women is through our GEEP loans.”

He said: “56% of our GEEP loans go to the women. So there is a lot of preferential advantage that we give to women and this is because women are effective managers of resources; they pay back these loans when they are given.”

Speaking on the misconceptions about the borrowing arrangements of the Buhari administration, the Vice President said, the country, under President Buhari, was not in a terribly bad debt situation as insinuated in some quarters.

According to him, very frequently you find people creating fear about the issue of debt and saying that this government has borrowed more than previous governments.

“I want to give you the facts and figures on the debt issue. The dollar denominated debts of Nigeria – that is the debts of the Federal Government, the States and Local governments.

“In 2010, Nigeria’s debt was $35 billion; 2011, it was $41billion; in 2012, it was $48 billion, in 2013, it became $64 billion; 2014, it rose to $67 billion; 2015, it fell to $63 billion; 2016, $57 billion; 2017, $70 billion; 2018, it is $73 billion. So, the difference between 2015 and now is $10 billion.

“One of the things that I always want you to bear in mind is that when oil prices are at their highest, between 2010 and 2014 that was when we had the sharpest rise in debts.”

Continuing on the debt issue, Prof. Osinbajo said “the other thing that I want us to bear in mind is what is called debt to GDP. Our debt to GDP is one of the lowest among the countries that are frequently compared to us. Our debt to GDP is 20%. When you compare it to other countries, you will see that Ghana is about 68% whereas Ethiopia’s is 48%. In terms of the size of our economy and debt, we are doing okay”

He, however, agreed that “Nigeria may have an issue with debt to revenue”, noting that “we are not collecting enough revenue compared to what we want to spend.”

“Are we collecting enough taxes? If you look at the FIRS figures, it says 914 Nigerians pay the self-assessed tax of more than N10 million. Of the 914, 912 live in Lagos and the other 2 live in Ogun state, no other Nigerian outside of Lagos and Ogun pay the self-assessed tax of more than N10 million. So, we are simply not collecting enough revenue,” he added.

The Vice President said the Federal Government in collaboration with the States was working on harmonizing tax collections in order to address issues relating to multiple collection of taxes.

He said: “this is a problem that we are dealing with all across Nigeria. It is one of the issues we are dealing with under the ease of doing business. We are addressing the sub-national. How we can harmonize taxes. The second phase of our ease of doing business is focused on the collection of multiple taxes; there is no reason why that should continue.”

On the ASUU strike, the Vice President said that government is engaging the leadership of the union, noting that “the next meeting is on Thursday, November 15, 2018”.

He, however, explained that “we are dealing with a population of about 200 million people who depend on a budget of about N8.6 trillion and of that amount, 70% of it goes to salaries and overheads, and it goes to less than 2 million people. It is impossible to answer to all of the monetary needs of people by the size of the federal budget”.

On healthcare financing, Prof. Osinbajo said the Buhari administration has done much even as it has earned 60% less than the previous administrations.

According to him, “the first thing to bear in mind is that health care financing has suffered over the years even when we were earning the most money, we were underfunding healthcare.

“In 2015 when we came in, the healthcare budget was N22.7 billion and as of today we moved that to N86.5 billion and we are earning 60% less. Education was N23 billion in 2015, now it is N102 billion. The issue really is one of government commitment. For the first time, in the 2018 budget, we are setting aside 1% of our consolidated revenue to the health sector.”

Earlier, the Ministers of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; Industry, Trade and investment, Dr. Okey Enelamah; Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi; and Agriculture, Dr. Audu Ogbe, responded separately to issues relating to their various ministries.

The town hall meeting was organized by Act Now, a non-political group that works in promoting transparency and good governance as well as youth participation in governance.

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity

Office of the Vice President

13th November, 2018

*Says corruption must be tackled by all for country to make progress

*Urges religious leaders to continue to preach peace, work for the country’s unity

The prudent management of resources by the Buhari administration has helped it achieve far more in terms of infrastructure and development than previous administrations, while it has invested heavily on social protection, the largest in the country’s history, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this at a public lecture organized by the Council of Chief of Imams, Ikeja Division in Lagos on Saturday.

The Vice President also stated the determination of the administration in its fight against corruption, noting that it was a major challenge which had slowed the country’s development in the past.

He added that the Buhari administration has spent over N2.7 trillion on capital expenditure in the last three years, pointing out that it is the highest amount ever spent on capital in the history of Nigeria.

The Vice President listed some of the infrastructure projects to include, among others, the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway, the Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway and the Second Niger Bridge.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, the Buhari administration has been able to achieve this through prudent management of resources, despite earning 60% revenue less than the previous administration when the price of crude oil was high.

“Despite earning 60% less revenue, we are spending more on infrastructure in this government, from roads, rails to power,” he said.

The Vice President also said that components of the administration’s Social Investment Programme have impacted the lives of millions of Nigerians.

He explained that through the N-Power Programme, 500,000 young graduates have been engaged by the Federal Government in different areas of public service.

He said similar successes have been recorded in the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme, GEEP (which includes the TraderMoni Scheme), the Conditional Cash Transfer, CCT, and the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, which currently feeds over nine million public primary school pupils in 26 states.

Speaking on the impact of the TraderMoni scheme – the N10,000 interest- and collateral-free loans to petty traders nationwide, the Vice President said two million petty traders nationwide will benefit from the microcredit scheme by the end of the year.

He adds, “If the N60 billion that was part of the sum looted from the nation’s treasury in the past, was given out to these traders, 6m petty traders would have been beneficiaries.”

Prof. Osinbajo said at the inception of the administration, over 23 states in Nigeria owed salaries of between three to 12 months, which necessitated the Federal Government giving the states bailout funds to pay their workers.

He said the Buhari administration was also confronted with the drop in Nigeria’s crude oil production of 2.2 million bpd, coming down to around 1 million bpd as a result of the restiveness in the Niger Delta Region.

Speaking further, the Vice President stated that the struggle in Nigeria is that between good and evil, and not between religions.

“I want to say to you that it’s a battle between good and evil. What we are fighting for in this country is a battle between good and evil, it is not a battle between religions. Corruption is our major challenge. The people that steal Nigeria’s resources are both Christians and Muslims,” he said.

During the event, a public lecture titled: “The Role of Muslim Leaders in the South West Towards achieving Peaceful and Successful 2019 Elections,” the Vice President highlighted some of the programmes and projects of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration since its inception in May 2015.

The Vice President advised the religious leaders to continue to admonish their followers to embrace peace and work for the unity of the country.

The first paper at the lecture was presented by Prof. Ishaq Lakin Akintola, the Director-General, Muslim Rights Concern, while Dr. Saheed Timehin, a senior lecturer at the Lagos State University, presented the second paper.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President
Office of the Vice President
11th November, 2018

Protocols:

I am delighted to be here at the commencement of this event – the 2018 e-Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition. The theme of this occasion – “Promoting Digital Economy in an Era of Disruptive Technologies Through Effective Regulations” is apt, building on last year’s theme that centred on Fostering the Digital Economy through Local Content Development and Effective Regulation.

2. This administration’s commitment towards delivering good governance and development to our people is as strong as ever, considering the huge role ICT is playing in the successes recorded in the past three and a half years.

3. You may recall that in my address at last year’s event, I raised a number of issues relating to ICT’s role in fostering the digital economy in Nigeria, including:

a. The sector’s contribution of about 10% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). I am pleased to note that this has been taken seriously and stakeholders’ efforts resulted in ICT emerging as one of the key performers of the second quarter of 2018 by recording 11.81% growth.

b. We challenged the country’s reliance on foreign hardware resulting into the importation of about 80% of ICT hardware through local distributors of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) by MDAs and other government establishments. We stressed the need for concerted efforts aimed at reversing the trend.

c. It is pleasing to note the efforts by all relevant stakeholders in forging strategic partnerships towards ensuring that Nigeria becomes an export hub for ICT hardware in Sub-Saharan Africa.

d. The efforts of NITDA aimed at reorganising the registration and certification process for OEMs to ensure adherence to world class standards as well as guarantee quality and durable devices are highly commendable.

e. The Agency is encouraged to work with relevant regulatory agencies to ensure strict compliance with these new regulatory instruments.

f. Furthermore, the Agency’s work on the Nigerian ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Vision that focuses on the development of Digital Infrastructure, Education Reform, Skills Development and Research and Development as well as supporting the ecosystem is highly commendable.

g. I understand that the Agency worked with relevant stakeholders in developing the document. I continue to encourage the Agency to use its regulatory instruments in ensuring full socialisation and implementation of this document.

h. We emphasised the need for the public service to be highly competitive, innovative and digitally-enabled to deliver public services and effectively drive government programs and policies. I note that NITDA and other relevant government agencies have taken this up by creating the enabling environment through the development of policies, frameworks, standards and guidelines.

i. I am aware that some of these regulatory instruments have been subjected to critical scrutiny and revision through a series of stakeholder engagements. Efforts should be intensified at making them public as well as sensitising public servants and the general public about the value of these regulatory instruments.

j. The enforcement of the use of the policy on Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the impact they have made on the administration’s public financial management reforms.

k. In addition to the consolidation of accounts and elimination of ghost workers that resulted in a combined monthly savings of about N24.7 billion, the TSA facilitated the recovery of huge sums of money including the recent N1.6 billion from a single account. These policy initiatives reinforce this administration’s fight against corruption by ensuring transparency and accountability in government business transactions.

4. You may recall the issuance of Presidential Executive Order 003 mandating all ministries, departments and agencies to give preference to locally manufactured goods and services in their procurement of information technology services, in order to strengthen its implementation as well as provide clear policy directions.

5. Presidential Executive Order 005 was also issued in February this year. This is part of the administration’s deliberate efforts and strong commitment at strengthening the role of Science, Technology and Innovation in the country’s socio-economic development.

6. Of particular note is NITDA’s initiative focused on the Registration of IT Contractors and Service Providers in collaboration with other regulatory bodies with special emphasis on competencies. This will ensure the delivery of quality IT projects, as well as facilitate the development of indigenous IT companies in line with global best practices.

7. You may also recall the remark about NITDA’s efforts at enforcing Federal Government’s directive on ensuring that all ICT projects in the country are cleared by it before implementation.

8. This will ensure that government’s ICT procurements:

a. Are transparent,

b. Aligned with government’s IT shared vision and policy,

c. Lead to cost savings through promotion of shared services,

d. avoid duplication,

e. ensure compatibility of IT systems and improve efficiency in government business,

f. enforce the patronage of indigenous companies where capacity exists; and

g. uphold the highest standards for service delivery.

9. In this administration’s efforts at ensuring full realisation of these objectives, a new Circular was issued in August this year, to reiterate this directive.

10. NITDA is expected to work with all relevant government agencies to ensure full compliance with this directive. Defaulters of IT Clearance among the public establishments are to be reported to government.

11. We are serious about fighting corruption. We must not fail in our quest to eliminate corruption in government businesses and in the wider society.

12. The success of this administration’s Social Investment Programme (SIP), tagged as the largest and most ambitious social safety net programme in our recent history, relies heavily on the application of ICT.

13. Components of programmes such as the N-Power, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) and the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) all leverage on ICT. This programme has so far benefited over 9 million Nigerians.

14. Furthermore, NITDA, in collaboration with the National Social Investment Office (NSIO), is coordinating Federal Government’s initiative of establishing eight ( Innovation Hubs, one in each of the six Geo-Political Zones and one each in Lagos and Abuja.

15. The purpose of establishing these hubs is to facilitate digital capacity building for immediate employment, entrepreneurial skills development, job and wealth creation. All these are aimed at promoting the digital economy in an era of disruptive technology through effective regulations.

16. Finally, I enjoin the Conference to come up with innovative ideas, workable and implementable recommendations that would help and enhance government’s efforts at creating the enabling environment for the promotion of the digital economy in an era of disruptive technologies, considering our peculiarities as a country.

17. While declaring this Conference open, I thank you very much for your attention and wish you fruitful deliberations.

President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with President Paul Biya on his inauguration Tuesday for another term of office following his victory in the October 7, 2018 presidential election.

The Nigerian leader commends his Cameroonian counterpart for sustaining the long history of good neighbourliness with Nigeria and cooperating in the current push against Boko Haram insurgents.

As the Cameroonian leader begins a new tenure, President Buhari wishes him success and looks forward to enhanced relations between the governments and peoples of both countries.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 6, 2018

*Adds: Building an enabling business environment is a crucial plank of Buhari administration’s economic policy

*“Nigeria’s domestic consultative process is a model”

The Federal Government is currently pursuing a rigorous domestic and wide consultative process with all stakeholders in the public and private sector on the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that this is because it recognizes the benefits of promoting intra-African trade for development, job creation, poverty reduction and modernization.

The Vice President said this yesterday during the Africa Trade Forum 2018, AfCFTA Ratification and Implementation, with the theme: “A Game Changer for African Economies,“ which held in Lagos.

Noting that the AfCFTA is probably the most significant Pan African trade agreement in this generation, the Vice President stated that Nigeria, being “possibly the largest market in Africa today, is most likely to benefit the most or lose the most from the implementation of the agreement.”

Prof. Osinbajo stated that in response to the nation-wide stakeholder engagement on 22nd October, President Muhammad Buhari, at a meeting with stakeholders, inaugurated and established the “Presidential Committee on Impact and Readiness Assessment on the African Continental Free Trade Area”.

He added that the Presidential Committee is now at work, in full steam, and a final report will be sent up to Mr. President in 10 weeks.

“I believe that most African policy-makers would accept these feedbacks from Nigeria as having wider validity, especially as having some validity with their own economy as well.

“At the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on AfCFTA last week, President Buhari emphasized, while commending the AfCFTA process, as worthy and commendable, he said that the agreements we negotiate should be properly understood by those that would implement them, and be accompanied with an implementation plan.

“As the President said, “the AfCFTA is worthy and commendable.” As a Government, we consider that structural reforms should address the legitimate concerns raised by stakeholders.

“As Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Management Team (EMT), I am pleased to read and hear that fellow African countries consider Nigeria’s domestic consultative process with Stakeholders as an applicable model. We engaged, constructively and robustly, with stakeholders, not only on the AfCFTA, but also on Trade Policy Writ Large.

“The central message was support for the AfCFTA, based on a clear definition of increasing intra-African trade. The core feedback is to prepare thoroughly and, inter alia, ensure that the preferences of the AfCFTA would neither be abused nor be enjoyed by third parties that were not part of the negotiations.”

Also speaking in Lagos on Friday at the opening of the Lagos International Trade Fair, the Vice President stated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to policies and reform efforts geared towards enhancing diversification and structural reform of the economy, through massive investment in infrastructure and human capital.

Prof. Osinbajo also stated that, “building an enabling business environment is a crucial plank of our economic policy. It is pivotal for the enhancement efficiency and fostering transparency.”

“These policies have successfully enhanced productivity, increased the share of manufacturing in Nigeria’s total export earnings and a drastic reduction in susceptibilities to shocks that our economy had been frequently exposed, to on account of commodity volatility which we face constantly. Our focus on infrastructure extends to both hard and soft infrastructure, particularly trade facilitation, quality infrastructure and the Ease of Doing Business Reforms,” he said

He added, “we have taken on the key infrastructure challenges that have stifled SME growth and development in the country, by seeking innovative ways to bridge the significant infrastructure gap and at the same time, creating an enabling environment in which it is easier to do business.

“Since 2016, in two budget cycles, we have spent N2.7trillion in capital and mostly on infrastructure and this is the largest capital spend in our nation’s history, despite the fact that the country has earned 60% less than in the previous last 5 years. We focused on roads, power and on a new national rail network, among others. The Lagos-Kano rail which starts from the Lagos Port, is an important infrastructure for us, because once the Lagos-Ibadan end of it is completed by the end of the year, particularly because it starts from the ports, it will greatly relieve our roads from a lot of the trucks that go from point to point, out to the West of Nigeria and to the farthest part of Nigeria.”

The Vice President noted that collaboration between the private and public sector is important for economic growth and development.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
03 November, 2018

The N-Power management is pleased to announce that their portal for #NPowerBuild will be opened for new applications between Nov. 5th - 16th, 2018.

Applicants can apply for any of the 7 trades listed.

For updates, check @npower_ng on Twitter, and website- http://npower.gov.ng.

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and Presidency Office of Digital Engagement (PODE) invite you to a #FacebookLive session with the Center's CEO Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu. The session will explore 'The NCDC Mandate'.

Watch live here: https://www.facebook.com/TheAsoVilla today at 2pm (WAT).

Protocols:

1. It is my pleasure to be here with you in this inauguration ceremony. Let me begin by saying that Nigeria today, is the largest economy in Africa. We are also the most populous nation blessed with vast natural resources.

2. For too long, our domestic productive capabilities were neglected in favour of imports. Nigeria was using its hard-earned oil revenues to create jobs offshore instead of developing the manufacturing potential of our very vibrant, young and dynamic population.

3. Many of our challenges today, whether relating to security, unemployment or corruption are rooted in the fact that we have not been able to domesticate the production of our most basic requirements. The recent recession, which was as a result of our over dependence on external factors, is a clear case of why Nigerians must now aspire to self-sufficiency.

4. The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) introduced by this administration focuses on the revival of key job creating and import substitution sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services.

5. To ensure the ERGP is seamlessly implemented, we commenced a number of structural reforms through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council; the Industrial Policy and Competitiveness Advisory Council; and, the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations.

6. Ladies and gentlemen, the benefits of these reforms are being felt as our economic policies are creating meaningful jobs for our young population, assuring national food security and improving the competitiveness of our economy to position export trade as an engine for economic growth.

7. However, while we must look inwards for certain solutions, we have not lost sight of regional and international trends, especially on trade where global dynamics are shifting and changing at a rapid rate.

8. This means that as we plan for the long term, we must also be flexible enough to respond to short-term shocks that could upset our economic diversification and backward integration plans.

9. It is against this background that we are gathered here today on the subject of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) which was introduced early in the year.

10. The creation of this free trade area is a worthy and commendable idea. Clearly, the population, resources, geographical spread and other theoretical trade indicators of the continent highlight the tremendous potential that exist if we can crack the various barriers that hinder intra-African trade.

11. However, although this assertion makes easy sense in theory, the reality of doing business in Africa poses its own peculiar challenges.

12. You will all recall that some months ago, the Vice President at an event reminded Nigerians that the concept of free trade implies a fundamental assumption of the level and competitive playing field that is fair.

13. For those of you who are in business, I am sure you will all agree that Africa’s trading landscape, as it stands, is multifaceted.

14. For us in Nigeria, our vision for intra-Africa trade is for the free movement of “made in Africa goods”. This means the goods and services must have significant African content in terms of raw materials and value addition to the production and service processes.

15. Therefore, the Continental Free Trade Area must be packaged and implemented to achieve this vision. This is the only way the majority of Africans will positively benefit from it.

16. A few months ago, I directed a nationwide stakeholder engagement on the AfCFTA to understand the true impact of this agreement on Nigeria and Nigerians considering the existing domestic and regional policies as it relates to trade.

17. From these consultations, the key issues raised by stakeholders were:

a. Abuse of rules of origin,

b. Smuggling arising from difficulties in border controls,

c. Un-quantified impacts of legacy preferential trade agreements;

d. Low capacity and capabilities of local business to conduct international trade,

e. Cost of finance,

f. Insufficient energy; and

g. Transport logistics infrastructure, to mention a few.

18. Our ERGP is addressing these issues. Nonetheless, we are determined to break away from the past practice of committing Nigeria to treaties without a definite implementation plan to actualize the expected benefits while mitigating the risks.

19. We cannot go back to the days of signing agreements without understanding and planning for the consequences of such actions. And our country being the worse off.

20. Your task as members of the AfCFTA Impact and Readiness Assessment Committee is to address the issues raised during the nationwide stakeholder consultations on the AfCFTA.

21. You are expected to develop short, medium and long-term measures that will address any challenges arising therefrom.

22. I look forward to receiving from you in 12 weeks, a clear roadmap for Nigeria as it relates to the AfCFTA.

23. I wish you fruitful deliberations and I am happy to inaugurate this Committee.

I thank you and may God bless our country.

Says FG will find a more lasting solution to flooding across the country

Following the recent flooding of communities in some states, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN has said the Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments, will continue to find a more lasting solution to the problem across the country.

Prof. Osinbajo gave the assurance yesterday during a tour of some communities submerged by flood in Bayelsa and Rivers States.

The Vice President who was flown over the affected communities in Rivers and Bayelsa, said government will find a permanent solution.

According to him, “While the Federal Government and the State Governments work together to ensure that we dredge, clear the waterways, and we build the canals that are necessary, it is important also for us who live within the environment to ensure that we don’t block the drainages, estuaries and we don’t block the waterways so that there will be no flooding.”

Addressing the immediate situation of the victims the VP noted that, “We are committed to seeing that you are appropriately and well cared for in whatever way that is possible.

“So many have lost farmlands and means of livelihood, so we have to assist in providing some means of resettlement, and that is one of the pledges that we are going to make today, that we will support the state government, and we will support all of you in the resettlement effort, because that is also more important. You are staying here but it is more important that you are resettled properly.”

Continuing, Prof Osinbajo said, “It is not a favour that we take care of the people, it is the duty of every government to take care of the people. That’s why am here with the Minister of Environment and the Director General of NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) to take a look, by ourselves, to see and to experience firsthand what is going on here so that we can understand the type of response and the quality of response that is required.”

While commending the State governments and the relevant agencies for the prompt action and efforts at rehabilitating the people in the IDP camps across the states, Prof. Osinbajo assured that the Buhari administration as a caring government will provide support in whatever way so as to give succour to the people in the camps.

He said, “What we are trying to do is to support as much as possible, with NEMA. As you have heard, NEMA is already here on ground and they are working very hard with the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to ensure that we are able to give both succour and comfort as possible. And that will involve provision of food, tents, mosquito nets.”

The Vice President who said he was in the states on the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, noted that the most important aspect of the management was how to resettle the people after the water recedes, adding that adequate plans must be put in place to assist the victims.

At the IDP camp at St John Catholic Church, Igbogene, Prof. Osinbajo thanked the Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Ogbelema, who is the Vicar General of the Diocese, for the church’s efforts in assisting the flood victims. The Vice President added, “This is a wonderful thing you have done, I think that you have shown what it is that we as Christian leaders must do, which is to take care of those who need care.”

Prof. Osinbajo commended the people for their strong spirit and steadfastness, noting that despite their predicament and suffering due to the flood, they are not broken and have not given up on government.

Earlier, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, thanked the Vice President for finding time despite his very tight schedule to visit Bayelsa and see the condition of the IDPs and the level of devastation.

Aside from Igbogene and other communities in Bayelsa State, the Vice President visited IDPs in Mbiama and Akinima camps, all in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Vice President added, “We will be talking to the state government to see how we can effectively work with the state government to resettle all of you back in your homes and also plan for the future, because we think that this cycle of flooding must not be allowed to continue.”

Accompanying the Vice President were Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, and his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah; the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jibril; Senator Magnus Abe of Rivers State; former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva; Director General of NEMA, Mustapha Maihaja, and other government officials.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
20th October, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the latest communal violence in Kasuwan Magani in Kaduna State which claimed 55 lives.

Reacting to the violent clashes, President Buhari said the frequent resort to bloodshed by Nigerians over misunderstandings that can be resolved peacefully, is worrisome.

According to the President, “No culture and religion support the disregard for the sanctity of life,” adding that “peaceful coexistence is necessary for the progress of any society and its wellbeing.”

He noted that without communal harmony, the environment for the conduct of “our everyday businesses would be impossible to achieve.”

President Buhari explained that “violence cannot be an alternative to peace. On the contrary, reliance on violence leads to ultimate self-destruction. Violence is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Embracing peace is a necessity.”

In commending the Kaduna State government for its rapid response to the crisis, the President appealed to community leaders to engage in regular dialogue to nip imminent crises in the bud, while admonishing the people to develop the spirit of tolerance and patience at all times.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 20, 2018

On the Voluntary Offshore Assets Regularization Scheme (“VOARS”)

Whereas the Constitution imposes a duty on every citizen to declare his/her income and assets fully and honestly to appropriate and lawful agencies and pay taxes promptly;

Whereas every taxable person is under obligation to voluntarily declare his/her income and assets from all sources including outside Nigeria, file annual tax returns and pay the tax due to the tax authority;

Aware that it is desirable to inculcate in all Nigerian citizens the ethics of responsibility to the nation, accountability, and honesty;

Aware that there are significant offshore assets of Nigeria origin that have not been declared to the relevant authorities, and that are also not tax compliant;

Aware that the Government(s) owe citizens the duty of ensuring security, welfare and development; and

Consequent upon the determination to provide an opportunity for taxpayers who are in default under all relevant Statutes to voluntarily declare their offshore assets and income and pay taxes due on them and in return obtain some benefits.

Now Therefore, Pursuant to the Authority Vested in me by the Constitution as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I Hereby Order as Follows:

1. The Office of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice shall set up a Voluntary Offshore Assets Regularization Scheme in Switzerland (hereinafter referred to as “the Scheme”) for all categories of taxpayers who have defaulted in declaration of their offshore assets, payment of taxes due and collectible subject to the fulfillment of the terms and conditions as may be stipulated in this Order and other subsequent complementary regulations.

2. The Scheme shall provide a twelve (12) month period commencing from ……………day of……………… 2018 for taxpayers who are in default to declare their offshore assets and income from sources outside Nigeria relating to the preceding thirty (30) years of assessment.

3. The Scheme shall encourage and provide an opportunity for eligible taxpayers to:

a. regularize their offshore assets held anywhere in the world;
voluntarily elect to regularize their tax status for all the relevant years by paying to FGN a one-time levy of 35% of their offshore assets in lieu of all outstanding taxes, penalties and interest;

b. voluntarily elect to access the facility in Switzerland by paying the 2% facility access fees and submitting to compliance procedures required by Swiss authorities in order to obtain an Eligibility certificate to declare offshore assets through the Scheme;

c. establishes a Swiss nexus for their offshore assets held anywhere else in the world or its management in Switzerland or through its financial system and institutions in order to use the Scheme;

d. avoid and stop tax evasion; and

e. ensure full tax compliance on their residual offshore assets after accessing the Scheme by paying taxes to FGN on income earned thereon.

Eligibility to Participate

4. The Scheme is open to and targeted to all persons, entities and their intermediaries who are holding offshore assets and are in default of their tax liabilities in any way whatsoever, including those who:

a. are not already under investigation by law enforcement agencies in Nigeria or any other country and have not been charged with any crimes including theft of public funds or obtaining offshore assets through corrupt practices;

b. own offshore assets but are yet to declare them with the relevant authorities; such offshore assets by definition include:
liquid assets (bank balances), stocks and bonds held in portfolios, insurance policies, shares in listed or unlisted offshore companies, property assets and all manners of assets held directly or indirectly through corporate entities, trust structures and non-Nigerian resident companies and intermediaries;

c. earn income on offshore assets but are yet to declare such income to relevant tax authorities;

d. are registered taxpayers who have additional disclosures to make or need to amend prior disclosures; and/or are registered but have not been filing returns;

e. have not been fully declaring their taxable income and offshore assets;

f. have been underpaying or under remitting;

g. are under a process of tax audit or investigation with the relevant Tax Authority and/or engaged in a tax dispute with the relevant Tax Authority but are prepared to settle the tax dispute out of court;

h. have applied for and received FGN Special Clearance to access the Scheme; and

i. have been determined to be innocent after investigations or legal proceedings.

Requirements for Valid Declaration

5. In order for an offshore assets disclosure pursuant to the Scheme to be valid, the following requirements must be met:

a. the disclosure by the taxpayer should be made voluntarily;

b. the disclosure must be full, honest, complete and verifiable in all material respects;

c. the disclosure must be made through the Voluntary Offshore Assets Regularization Facility in Switzerland (VOARFS), the qualified intermediary of FGN rendering sovereign advisory services for this purpose;

d. the disclosure must be made in accordance with compliance procedures required by Swiss authorities through the processes established by the Voluntary Offshore Assets Regularization Facility in Switzerland (VOARFS) or in any other form or manner as may be prescribed by Regulations governing the Scheme; and

e. consent that a one-time levy of 35% of offshore assets will be paid to FGN in the manner prescribed by regulations governing the Scheme; and

f. consent that the assessments of future taxes payable will be carried out by the relevant Tax Authority on income earned on residual offshore assets.

Reliefs/Benefits

6. Any taxpayer who truthfully and voluntarily declares his/her offshore assets and income, complies with the regulations and guidelines governing the Scheme, pays to FGN a one-time levy of 35% on the total offshore assets and consents to tax compliance on the residual offshore assets shall obtain the following benefits:

a. permanent waiver of criminal prosecution for tax offences and offences related to the offshore assets, penalties and interests concerning such declared offshore assets;

b. immunity from tax audit of the declared and regularized offshore assets;

c. waiver of interest and penalties on the declared and regularized offshore assets;

d. receive from FGN an Offshore Assets Regularization Compliance Certificate on the declared and regularized offshore assets; and

e. be free to use or invest their duly regularized residual offshore assets in any manner in Nigeria or overseas, and be subject only to annual tax to FGN on the income earned on such residual offshore assets, provided however that the above mentioned reliefs are obtained only if the remission or waiver granted under the Regulations governing the Scheme shall not prejudicially affect or invalidate any court order or judgment already obtained in respect of any default in payment of tax for which interest and/or penalty have already accrued.

7. The benefits referred to in paragraph six (6) above are granted to any taxpayer in full compliance with the following conditions:

a. the taxpayer accesses and provides full co-operation to the voluntary offshore assets disclosure facility in Switzerland;

b. the taxpayer pays the prescribed 35% levy to FGN in accordance with procedures governing the Scheme; and

c. the taxpayer consents to tax compliance on the residual offshore assets and full co-operation with relevant Tax Authority in Nigeria concerning future taxes on income earned on such residual offshore assets;

Consequences of Failure to Comply

8. Failure of any defaulting taxpayer to truthfully and promptly take advantage of this Scheme shall at the expiration of the Scheme result in the following consequences:

a. investigation, charges and enforcement procedures concerning offshore assets held anywhere in the world pursuant to information now readily available through automatic exchange of information between Nigeria and foreign countries;

b. loss of right to plea bargain;

c. liability to pay in full, the principal sum due;

d. liability to pay 100% of all interest and penalties arising therefrom;

e. liability to be prosecuted in accordance with relevant existent laws for tax offences;

f. withdrawal of any reliefs, which may have been granted to the participant;

g. liability to undergo comprehensive tax audit; and

h. any sum paid in relation to the Scheme may be counted as part payment of any further outstanding tax in respect of undisclosed information.

Confidentiality of Information

9. All information provided by the taxpayer under the Scheme shall be treated with utmost confidentiality in accordance with the provisions of the relevant laws save where it is stated otherwise.

10. Any Nigerian official or persons duly authorized to receive information under the Scheme who breaches the confidentiality of information received or exchanged under the Scheme in breach of relevant laws shall be liable to prosecution.

General

11. This Executive Order is valid only for the period in which the Scheme shall subsist, and relates to only persons who have voluntarily declared their offshore assets and income for the purpose of regularizing their offshore assets and ascertaining their outstanding tax liability.

Any rights and status properly acquired by any participating taxpayer pursuant to the Scheme shall vest to the benefit of the taxpayer to the extent provided for by law.

12. This Executive Order shall be read in conjunction with all extant Tax Laws, Regulations and Guidelines as well as those that may be issued pursuant to the Scheme.

13. This Executive Order shall take effect from the …………day of……………………….2018.

Dated: This day of 2018.
Muhammadu Buhari.

President Muhammadu Buhari expresses regret over the unnecessary loss of lives and property as a result of the pipeline explosion in the Osisioma Ngwa community of Abia State Friday morning, and sympathises with those who lost loved ones.

Preliminary reports by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) show that the incident was not an accidental explosion, but a result of vandals who pilloried the pipelines to scoop the products.

Despite repeated warnings, these unscrupulous people have vandalised that particular pipeline 684 times in the last six months alone. Each time the pipeline is repaired, they resume their activities, even collaborating with security agents, who are reported to have set up toll gates collecting fees from the vandals. A fight broke out as a heist was going on and there was shooting, which is believed to have ignited Friday morning’s explosion, during which three security personnel also lost their lives.

President Buhari urges communities and state governments that host oil pipelines to be more vigilant and rise to combat the challenge posed by pipeline vandalism. The Enugu depot of the NNPC has been repaired and ready to function, but remains idle today because of the vandals.

The President also appeals to host communities to collaborate with the NNPC to tame oil pipeline vandalism in their areas.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 20, 2018

1. The meeting started by discussing the general over-view of the security situation in the country as it relates to the conduct of the forthcoming 2019 general elections. It recommended deployment of security agencies to the states to enable the elections to be conducted peacefully and to further doused tension created by the outcome of the political parties’ primaries and some desperate persons to sabotage the electoral process.

2. The meeting also discussed attempt to put pressure on electoral body by some notable personalities through demonstrations which was brought under control by combine efforts of security agencies to avoid being hijacked by hoodlums or armed bandits.

3. Another area of security concern includes post-election violence, as desperate politicians may whip up ethno-religious sentiments to create security situation in the country. Also of concern is the proliferation and stockpiling of weapons by some disgruntled elements with a desire to take laws into their hands at the slightest opportunity.

4. The council called for the concerted effort of all security agencies to ensure that the 2019 elections are hitch free and the need for continuous sensitization of the public by National Orientation Agency (NOA) and regular meetings of relevant stakeholders including INEC, international/local observers and the media ahead of the elections.

5. You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium.

Signed
Colonel Tukur Gusau
Public Relations Officer to the Hon Minister of Defence
18 October 2018

State House Press Release

Obasanjo's Endorsement Of Atiku Will Not Distract President Buhari

The Presidency has received the news of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s predictable U-turn and somersault on the endorsement of the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, at a meeting Thursday, and to say that we are the least surprised by the well-rehearsed theatre.

They will lose together. Listening to the prepared statement of the former President after the meeting showed the usual ego trip and “I know it all” character of Chief Obasanjo.

In the first place, we dare to say that a pompous statement from the former President advising Nigerians on a vote against President Buhari is the best recommendation that can come at this time.

It also betrayed a lack of understanding of today’s politics which is about good governance.

The country voted for change in 2015 and a leader that ensures good governance which only President Buhari and the APC can provide.

Bent on these laudable goals, we will not allow ourselves to be distracted.

We are busy on various national issues including the restructuring and the diversification of the economy, fighting corruption, terrorism and other threats to national security; increasing the availability of electric power, improving education, health, and providing long-delayed infrastructure – roads, rail, airports and so forth.

Many governments have come and gone, but they did not care about some of these projects.

We were talking about these things for sixteen years under the PDP and nothing was done.

President Buhari is proud of his record because his achievements are verifiable, while that of the PDP is manifested by the devastating social and economic impact of large scale corruption during their governance.

The President will not relent in the war against corruption because the ordinary people are the ultimate victims if we surrender to corruption and let its perpetrators go unpunished.

Abandoning the war against corruption is not an option. President Buhari is in this battle against graft because he cannot allow a few, rapacious, and selfish class of the elite to divert the resources meant for the well-being of the ordinary people to their private pockets.

Nigerians trust President Buhari in this effort because they are convinced he is not in government for personal financial benefits, or for an ego trip. It is just eleven years ago that the former President and Vice President in their ugly fight for power accused each other of corruption. Nigerians are yet to forget all that.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 11, 2018

State House Press Release

President Buhari: Anybody That Jokes With Nigeria's Unity Has A Problem With Us

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja declared that the Federal Government is ready to contend with anyone who is against the peace and unity of Nigeria.

''Anybody that tries to joke with the unity of this country has a problem as long as we are alive,'' President Buhari said while receiving Eze Abdulfatah Emetumah III, the Offor of Umuofor Kingdom, Oguta LGA, Imo State.

The President told members of the delegation led by the monarch, who is also the Chief Imam of Oguta that his main objective of serving as an elected public office holder is to make the country better.

''Our single objective is how to make Nigeria better and we will never get tired,'' he said.

President Buhari, who thanked the delegation for identifying with the progress made so far by this administration in moving the nation forward, assured them that their well thought out recommendations on engendering unity in the country would be considered.

In his remarks, Eze Emetumah commended the President for demonstrating his love for Nigerians and Nigeria through purposeful leadership in the last three years.

''Your Excellency, from birth you have a mission for Nigeria and you have demonstrated this in your career as a soldier, Minister, Head of State, in PTF and now President.

''You have fought for the unity of this nation and its enemies, we know very well that you won’t tolerate anything that would affect its unity and our collective existence,'' he said.

According to the royal father and cleric, it is noteworthy that under the present administration, ‘‘dissemblers like Boko Haram and other anarchists have tasted the bitter pills.''

''In agriculture, today locally produced rice has outnumbered the imported, while critical infrastructure especially Federal roads across the nation have improved and are still improving''.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 11, 2018

State House Press Release

No Part Of Nigeria Will Be Ignored Under My Watch, Says President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja said no part of Nigeria will be ignored under his watch. He gave the assurance when he received a delegation of Ugep Kingdom, Cross River State, led by His Royal Highness, Obol Ofem Ubana, Obol Lopon of Ugep, a retired Army officer.

The President was responding to a request by the royal father for the Federal Government to intervene and resolve inter-ethnic conflicts, affecting several communities namely Nko, Nyima, Oyadama, Edibe, Usumtong, Adadama and Ekureku. Responding, President Buhari told the delegation: “I assure you that under my watch, no part of Nigeria will be ignored.”

“I am very pleased that you [the traditional ruler] have shared some professional background as a former military officer. My experience of being in the military afforded me the opportunity to work with all Nigerians and this is a lifetime experience.”

Earlier in his remarks, the traditional ruler thanked the President for appointing Yakuur sons into exalted positions in government, including the Chief of Naval Staff, Minister of Niger Delta and Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution.

He pledged the support of his community to PMB’s “quest to rescue Nigeria.” On restiveness in the region, the Obol Lopon said: “We are increasingly losing our youths to inter-tribal wars which if nothing is done will leave our communities without youths in the near future.” As Obolo Lopon of Ugep, I am ready to partner with relevant government agencies saddled with the responsibility and management of communal conflict resolutions.”

Office Of The Vice President

Press Release

Over A Million Displaced Persons Reunited With Loved Ones, Rebuilding Of Destroyed Communities Underway - VP Osinbajo

*Restates FG’s commitment to the release of persons still in Boko Haram captivity

Aside from the ongoing military operations that have significantly degraded the Boko Haram insurgents, over a million people displaced by the insurgency have been restored as efforts to rebuild destroyed their homes and communities are underway, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo said this on Saturday, during the Passing Out Parade of the 65 Regular Course (Army) and 66 Regular Course (Navy and Air Force) held at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna State.

The Vice President added that the Buhari administration is also committed to ensuring the release of all persons including young women and men held in Boko Haram captivity.

According to him, “In the last two years, more than a million displaced persons have been reunited with their loved ones, and over 100 of our kidnapped girls from Chibok have regained their freedom after more than two years in captivity, while the plight of the Dapchi Girls was promptly dealt with. This is in addition to the thousands of other captives who have since been rescued through special military operations.

“A few days ago, Mr. President spoke personally to the anguished mother of Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi girl still in Boko Haram captivity. All over the North East, our people are being provided with a chance to begin the urgent task of rebuilding their lives and livelihoods. The Federal Government is working with States, the international community, Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society Organizations, to help achieve this.”

The Vice President, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari as the Special Guest of Honour at the event, noted that the administration has embarked on some crucial changes to modernize the country’s Armed Forces and improve its structure and operational capabilities.

According to him, “Two additional divisions have been created, as well as several new Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), to enhance the strategic, operational and tactical performance of the armed forces in the various theatres of operations.

“Also, as part of efforts to modernize our Armed Forces, this administration has intensified the training and retraining of our officers and men in addition to providing new platforms and other resources. The Nigeria Army, for instance, recently acquired Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRL) and Armoured Vehicles, to improve operational effectiveness; as well as attack helicopters for the Nigerian Army Aviation Corps.”

For the Nigeria Navy and Nigeria Air Force the Vice President said, “the Navy recently commissioned into its operations, 6 new Fast Patrol Boats: NNS NGURU, EKULU, SHIRORO, OSE, GONGOLA and CALABAR, while the Nigerian Air Force has just acquired Diamond 40 and 42 aircraft for maritime patrol and intelligence surveillance, Mi-35M attack helicopters, and Augusta 109 Power helicopters for insertion and medical evacuation.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said, “A few months ago the Federal Government completed a deal with the United States Government for the purchase of Super Tucano A-29 aircraft for the Counter Insurgency Operations.

“There are also commendable efforts ongoing to produce military hardware locally, in partnership with foreign and local industries. The best-known example of this is the TSAIGUMI, the Nigerian Air Force’s first indigenous operational Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

“Earlier this year, this administration signed into law the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers and Soldiers, to ensure an improvement in the welfare of service personnel. Across the services, there have been upgrade of infrastructure – construction of new barracks across the country, renovation of existing ones, construction of medical facilities, and so on.”

The Vice President also specially commended the efforts and resilience of members of the Armed Forces for the giant strides recorded so far in the fight against insurgency.

He further said the ongoing military stabilization operations in the North East would continue until full normalcy was restored, while efforts would be sustained to ensure security in other parts of the country.

In the Niger Delta, Prof. Osinbajo said, “efforts of the military have helped reduce militancy substantially. Oil output has risen considerably with the resultant effect on the size and stability of government revenues.”

“The Federal Government's Amnesty Programme is also on course; as is the New Vision for the Niger Delta, our umbrella initiative aimed at ensuring that the people fully benefit from the wealth of their region,” he added.

Prof. Osinbajo added, “Those who take laws into their hands, who bear arms illegally, and who seek to profit from a climate of fear and insecurity will be decisively dealt with. That remains our promise to the people of Nigeria, who elected us to keep them safe and secure. The peace and stability of our dear country will continue to be of utmost importance.

“Across the North Central and North West of the country, we have made progress with regards to stemming the tide of communal violence, farmer-herdsmen clashes, cattle rustling, and kidnapping. The Special Intervention Forces deployed to the hotspots, combining ground forces with air support, have helped put the purveyors of violence on the back foot.”

Speaking further on other measures adopted by the administration to curb the menace of insurgency, Prof. Osinbajo said "security is not only about law enforcement. It is also about building the right relationships that underpin the development of secure societies."

The Vice President reiterated the Buhari administration commitment to zero tolerance for crime and criminality, while remaining fully committed to fighting grand corruption.

According to him, “In the area of corruption, the President as you know has been determined to ensure that we do not have a repeat of what has gone on in previous years and this he has taken a strong stand on grand corruption. By grand corruption I mean the looting of resources from the Nigerian treasury,” he said.

He said the achievements recorded in the economy and in the implementation of the Social Investment Programmes were possible as a result of the administration’s prudent management of resources hence achieving more with far less resources.

The Vice President then urged the graduands to take “their place in a military that is on the rise, destined and determined to take its place amongst the most powerful militaries in the world.”

Earlier in his remarks, the commandant of the Academy, Maj.-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, thanked the President for his support to the institution, noting that the graduating students had fulfilled all the requirements to be commissioned as officers in the armed forces.

Prof. Osinbajo was received on arrival at Kaduna International Airport by the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, and the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
7th October, 2018

State House Press Release

President Buhari Pledges Nigeria's Support For South Sudan

Nigeria is prepared to help South Sudan stabilize politically and economically, President Muhammadu Buhari assures.

Receiving Mr Ezekiel Gatkuoth, Special Envoy of the South Sudanese President at State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, President Buhari noted that the two countries have a lot in common in the area of developmental aspirations, adding: "It has not been smooth sailing for us all the way, too. But since South Sudan wants to share from our experience, we will support where we can, and pray hard for your stability."

The President advised the leaders of South Sudan to keep making sacrifices "till the environment is completely stabilized," stressing that stability should always be number one priority.

"You can't manage a country efficiently till you have first stabilized it. Then, the economy must follow. You must provide jobs for the people, particularly the youths. Also, you need to check corruption. Guide your national resources jealously. We will do our best to support," the President said.

Mr Gatkuoth, who is also his country's Petroleum Minister, said President Buhari was widely admired across the continent for his role in fighting corruption, noting that it was the reason the African Union made him a champion of the anti-corruption crusade in Africa.

He said South Sudan was putting its house in order, but needed assistance from Nigeria in the areas of security transformation, constitutional reforms, and infrastructural development.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
October 2, 2018

State House Press Release

President Buhari Congratulates China On 69th Anniversary

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated His Excellency Xi Jinping, the President of the People’s Republic of China, on the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic.

In a congratulatory letter personally signed by him, President Buhari said, “On this auspicious occasion of the 69th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, I extend to you warm greetings and felicitations on behalf of the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

President Buhari also praised China for the achievements in recent years and blossoming relations with Nigeria.

‘‘I seize this opportunity to congratulate you on the laudable economic and technological achievements of your country in recent years and commend you for sharing the fruits of your success with so many countries in Africa and around the world, thereby positively transforming the lives of millions.

“The Peoples’ Republic of China is Nigeria’s valued partner in progress. We have cooperated extensively in the fields of trade, technology, security, infrastructure, and human development.

“While looking forward to an even deeper and more beneficial relationship, you have our best wishes as you celebrate your 69th anniversary,” President Buhari said.

Meanwhile, the Chinese leader had also congratulated President Buhari on the 58th Independence anniversary of Nigeria, on Monday, October 1, 2018.

Nigeria and China share the same date as their National days.

In his congratulatory letter, President Xi Jinping praised President Buhari for stabilizing the country.

“Under the leadership of your Excellency, the Nigeria people have been committed to safeguarding the nation’s stabilization, development of economy and elevation of livelihood and achieved gratifying outcomes.

‘‘I would like to extend my appreciation and attribute the success of the recent Beijing Summit of the Forum on Africa- China Cooperation to your Excellency’s participation and remarkable contribution.

‘‘I highly value the development of China-Nigeria relations and I am willing to join efforts with you to elevate the Strategic Partnership between China and Nigeria to a new level, for the well-being of our two countries and peoples.

‘‘I wish your esteemed country prosperity and fortune, and its people happiness and contentment,’ President Xi wrote in his congratulatory message.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
Media and Publicity
September 29, 2018

Office Of The Vice President

Press Release

Nigeria Is Going To Be The Envy Of The World Soon, Says VP Osinbajo On Independence Day

“The reason why we are so optimistic is because we know that we are the best, we know we are going to excel, it may seem like it’s taking a while, and there are many problems, but every one of the over 1,000 days that I have been Vice President for, I grow stronger in my complete confidence that we are going to be the envy of the whole world in a few short years. Well, you might say that that is optimistic, why not, I am a Nigerian” – VP Osinbajo


Remarks By His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, Vice President Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria, At The Independence Day Dinner And Gala Night Held At The State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, On Monday, October 1, 2018

Protocols

I am extremely pleased to be here to join you all at this special anniversary dinner. I also must thank you all very much for honouring our invitation to be here to celebrate our country, especially on this 58th anniversary of our Independence. I am 61 years old this year, and most of those six decades I have lived here in this country, here in Nigeria. So, I think I can say that I know Nigeria quite well.

A few years ago, a poll reported in The British Independent newspaper declared us the happiest people on earth. The same poll said that we were also amongst the most optimistic people on earth, despite everything that we’ve experienced as a nation. I agree with both assessments, in other words, that we are possibly one of the happiest in the world, but I must also add that we are by far the most humorous people on the face of the earth. Well, if you don’t agree with me, but I can tell you so many reasons why we are the most humourous.

A few months ago, an important Nigerian politician who was on his way to a trial in a court said he was abducted. And after he escaped from his abductors, he remained hiding on a tree for 11 hours. The most interesting part of that story is that many people online in particular, on the Internet, started to tell stories of different birds and how long those birds could remain perched on a tree. All these were the Nigerian contributions to that story.

Yet another very important politician insists, and still insists that the most important attribute for leadership is dancing, and boy could he dance! And for those who think that that is ridiculous at least 200,000 people voted for him in a particular election.

When I served as Adviser to the Attorney General of the Federation between 1987 and 1992, I had a driver who was always broke. But he was always so optimistic. He had 14 children, while I, his boss, had only one child at the time. And I asked him, “Why do you just keep having so many children?” Of course he had more than one wife. He said to me in Yoruba “I don’t know which of them can become President of Nigeria. So, the more I have, the better my chances.” How optimistic can you be? Only a Nigerian can be that optimistic.

Wherever we are from, from whatever part of this great country that we are from, whether we are from the North, the South-South, the South East, West, wherever, we have the same DNA. We love our country and this may not always be obvious, but you try insulting Nigeria if you are a foreigner and you will see our fierce and angry our reaction can be. A Nigerian can say the same thing, but if you’re a foreigner, don’t try it.

We love our food, we love our clothes, we love our merrymaking. We love to be successful and we love success. We are resilient, we are fair minded. Nigerians always fight for the underdog, we believe in justice and the rule of law, even though our system still can do much better. But we are by far one of the smartest and, perhaps, the most talented people on earth. And I don’t say that lightly.

In the US, Nigerians are the most educated ethnic group, not one of the most educated, but the most educated. Sixty per cent of Nigerians in the US, we are told, have college degrees. This is above the American average of 30%. And Nigerians in US are one of the highest income earners in the US, and I choose America as one example. Nigerians earn 25% more than the median US income.

The world’s fastest supercomputer was designed by a world-renowned inventor, Philip Emeagwali, a full-blown Nigerian. This means Nigeria has the patent for the world’s fastest computer. The wealthiest black African, a Nigerian. Isn’t that a good thing? We are also told that the wealthiest black woman in the world is also a Nigerian. Who knows who the next wealthiest African would be here or the next wealthiest African?

A Nigerian family, The Imafidons, who live in the UK, have been officially been declared the smartest family in the UK, a family of about six children who have excelled in their academics in incredible ways. The designer of that famous car, Chevrolet Volt, is a guy called Jelani Aliyu, he now works for the Nigerian government; super talented Nigerian from Sokoto State. And for those who think that we are only giants in technology and business, Anthony Joshua is the world’s best heavyweight boxer, for those who watch boxing.

Everybody is dancing to Nigerian music, and our traditional attires, especially our women attires and headgears have conquered Africa. Even our male attire, there’s just something about the Nigerian swag. Whether they like it or not, we Nigerians are just exceptional, we are just different. Anywhere you go, you know a Nigerian, don’t you recognize a Nigerian when you see one? You can just tell. If you see anyone reading a book on How to become self-confident, know that he is not a Nigerian, we are born self-confident.

The reason why we are so optimistic is because we know that we are the best, we know we are going to excel, it may seem like it’s taking a while, and there are many problems, but every one of the over 1,000 days that I have been Vice President for, I grow stronger in my complete confidence that we are going to be the envy of the whole world in a few short years. Well, you might say that that is optimistic, why not, I am a Nigerian.

Happy Independence Day. God bless you all.


Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
2nd October, 2018

National Broadcast By H.E Muhammadu Buhari President Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria On The 58th Independence Anniversary, 1st October, 2018

Fellow Nigerians,

Today is a day of celebration and solemn reflection. It is the anniversary of the day Nigerians realised one of the most cherished of human desires – the desire for freedom. We, therefore, give thanks to and remember our founding fathers who laboured so hard and sacrificed so much to build and bequeath to us this wonderful nation. It is our duty to consolidate this great legacy.

2. On this first October date and on the eve of the start of the general election cycle, we should do well to reflect on what binds us together and the great strength our diversity bestows on us. Ours is an ambitious nation, and, as citizens we have every right to look forward to the future with confidence and optimism which are well founded, considering where we find ourselves today.

3. There has been a steady improvement in the security situation in the North East. We remain committed to ending the crisis and make the North East safe for all.

4. Our thoughts and prayers are always with the victims of the Boko Haram’s atrocities and their families. Beyond that, we know that the goals of the Boko Haram terrorists include capturing territories, destroying our democracy and denying our children the right to education. We will not allow them to succeed.

5. I want at this point to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces, the Police and other security and law enforcement agencies, who have been working under the most difficult conditions to keep the country safe. In the process, many have made the supreme sacrifice.

6. As their Commander -In- Chief, I assure these our gallant men and women that I will continue to empower them by deepening their professionalism and providing all the necessary force multipliers and enablers required for them to prevail on the field. I am looking into all reported cases of inadequacies in relation to their entitlements, their welfare and those of their families.

7. We are diversifying away from reliance on oil to increased manufacturing capacity, solid minerals development, and agriculture.

8. Efforts are on course in the Niger Delta to clean up polluted lands, restore hopes of the youths in the region and re-establish livelihoods, and strengthen their capacity to guarantee for themselves and for our country a brighter future.

9. The age-long conflict between herders and farmers that was being exploited by those seeking to plant the seeds of discord and disunity amongst our people, is being addressed decisively. We will sustain and continue to support the commendable efforts by all including civil society organisations, local and states governments and our traditional and religious leaders in finding durable solution to this problem.

10. This being a transhumance issue, we are working with countries in our region that are also facing similar difficulties to complement our common efforts. In this context I must warn that the perpetrators of murder and general mayhem in the name of defending or protecting herders or farmers will face the full wrath of the law. Meanwhile, we urge all peace loving Nigerians to reject any simplistic portrayal, at home or abroad, of this conflict as either religious or ethnic based.

11. We are one of the countries in the world most affected by environmental degradation, as a consequence of climate change. We are signatories to almost all conventions and agreements aimed at slowing down the effect of climate change and mitigating its now evident consequences.

12. The consequences on lives and livelihoods of the shrinking of the Lake Chad and the pollution caused by oil exploitation activities alone make it mandatory on us to be at the forefront of the struggle for a safer and more sustainable environment. We will continue to mobilise international support for our efforts in this regard.

13. We are making progress in the fight against corruption and recovery of stolen public funds and assets despite vicious and stiff resistance. The shameful past practice, of the brazen theft of billions of Naira is no more. Shady oil deals and public contracts that were never delivered have become things of the past.

14. Consequently, and this is very evident across the country, we have done more with less in infrastructural developments. Roads, railways, major bridges, schools, energy and power, air and sea ports, welfare of serving and retired personnel both civilian and military including payment of legacy debt such as pension arrears, have been attended to.

15. There is now an enabling environment for local and foreign investment in Nigeria. We are building a rules-based system - a level playing field that is free from fixers and intermediaries. This is the cornerstone to help genuine investors and honest consumers, and the platform that will allow for the real reforms that we intend to deliver over the coming years.

16. We are gradually strengthening the economy with a stable Naira and falling inflation rate. We are building an economy that is moving away from over reliance on oil. Consequently we have witnessed massive return to farms and seen bumper harvest, despite recurrent floods across the country.

17. These positive developments are the result of our collective pursuit of a common vision through hard work and dedication, after the missed opportunities and disappointments that followed the return to democracy in 1999.

18. At the forefront, have always been our youths. They have been at the vanguard of the struggle for independence. They fought in the war to keep the country united. And it was they who kept alive the struggle for democracy and human rights in our country at times when these were at risk, especially following the June 12th 1993 election and the historic 2015 election process.

19. Even today, our youths play a central role in Nigeria’s continuing progress and developments in all fields of our national endeavour –technology, agriculture, mining, engineering and especially the creative arts. Together we are building a more diverse, inclusive and self-reliant economy.

20. In the past three years we have introduced many policies and programmes targeted at youth development and youth empowerment. We support the ‘not too young to run’ legislation aimed at giving the youths greater say in our national politics and governance.

21. The school feeding program in primary schools is aimed at encouraging enrolment and attendance. We are building on what we have already introduced to support schools and universities to which funds have recently been released for upgrade of facilities, training programs for our entrepreneurs, and rehabilitation schemes for victims of terrorism and human trafficking.
Fellow Nigerians,

22. Now we have in our hands technology that is a powerful tool that we can and should use for knowledge and understanding. As with other countries, we must also learn how to manage those tendencies that, instead, look to abuse new technologies to provoke passions and stir tensions.

23. Never before have we faced such a challenge. We must all rise to the responsibility of shutting out those disruptive and corrosive forces that hide in today’s world of social media. We need critical minds and independent thinking, to question and question until we are satisfied we have the facts. Otherwise, all the progress we have made as a democracy since 1999 is at stake.

24. I have committed myself many times to ensure that elections are fully participatory, free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be exactly INDEPENDENT and properly staffed and resourced. The ballot box is how we make our choice for the governments that rule in our name.

Fellow Nigerians,

25. Developing a thriving democracy is not an easy task. There can be no quick fixes or short cuts. These are the most important lessons that we have learnt in our 58 years as an independent nation.

26. At the international level, we remain a responsible and respected member of the international community, playing active positive roles within ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations as well as all other regional and international organisations and institutions of which we are members.

27. We will continue to support initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of our times: global and regional crises and conflicts, terrorism, trans-border crime, climate change, human rights, gender equality, development, poverty and inequality within and between nations, etc. In this context, we are working hard to achieve both the AU 2063 Agenda for socio-economic transformation of our continent; and the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which together aim at addressing these challenges

Fellow Nigerians,

28. As we celebrate the 58th Anniversary of our independence, we know we are on the right path. Although we have our differences, they count for far less than the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite us as a nation. We have so much for which we should be grateful, and in which we should rightly take pride. Our journey is not finished but we have come a long way.

29. I want to assure you that as President, I will continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve what really matters: a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of background, can aspire to succeed.

Thank you. I wish you a memorable independence celebration.

Statement Delivered By Mr. President

At The High-Level Meeting On "United Against Tuberculosis: Global Action Against Global Threat"

26 September 2018

United Nations Headquarters, New York

Chairman,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

Let me start by welcoming everyone to this High Level meeting, especially the adoption of the all-important Political Declaration on: "United to End Tuberculosis: An Urgent Global Response to a Global Epidemic". This is the very first global forum with dedicated focus on worldwide tuberculosis pandemic. Nigeria is delighted that this landmark event is taking place at a period when the pain of the disease, and its dire consequences on the health and socio-economic development of many developing countries is on the rise.

Madam President,

2. TB has become a global challenge that requires consistent and an all-inclusive global strategy based on research and discovery of new drugs. Such efforts must also include mobilization of funds and global partnership of relevant stakeholders working together to address the scourge.

3. The task before us therefore is to initiate a global response towards eradicating the disease globally. In developing countries, counter-measures are sometimes beyond the capacity of such nations. In addition, there is the need to develop new strategies that connect national responses with international finance and technical partnerships to stop the ravaging disease.

4. Nigeria welcomes the adoption of this Political Declaration, especially its relevant provisions which commit to provide diagnosis and treatment to 40 million people, including 3.5 million children between 2018 and 2022. The Declaration should also serve as a template for preventing TB for those most-at-risk, through rapid scale up of access to testing the infection, especially for the high- burdened countries. I am confident that other commitments made under this important document, including those on development of new vaccines, drugs and community-based health services, will further guarantee success in our collective fight against the disease.

Madam President,

5. Our national TB eradication strategy has long been structured to provide tailored quality services in terms of diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Since assuming office in May 2015, we consistently increased budget appropriation for the health sector. This is with a view to ensuring that we promote the well-being of our people through access to qualitative health care services. In this regard, we are investing in research and development in our various public and specialized institutions.

6. Our national Action Plan on TB Eradication 2015-2020 is being pursued with renewed vigour, structured on five (5) overarching priorities.
These are:
Detection of TB in adults and children,
Improving treatment in specific geographic areas that are under-performing,
Integrating TB and HIV services,
Building capacity for diagnosing and treating drug resistant TB; and
Creating strong and sustainable systems to support these achievements. Private sector engagement for TB is being vigorously pursued as a robust Public-Private Mix (PPM).

7. In this connection, our strategic plan is geared towards meeting the overall aims of providing Nigerians with universal access to high quality, patient-centered prevention, as well as diagnosis and treatment services for Tuberculosis, TB/HIV and drug-resistance TB by 2020.

8. Furthermore, we are exploring the possibility of establishing a financial institution dedicated to providing financial support for free, comprehensive and qualitative medical treatments. The aim is to mitigate financial burden on victims and to also ensure that we continue to save lives and create favourable conditions for economic and social development.

Madam President,

9. Finally, let me pledge Nigeria's continued commitment to the eradication of TB in Nigeria. We remain resolute in efforts to address institutional and societal challenges, through the enhancement of strong multi-sectoral mechanisms. Let me therefore seize this opportunity to call on the global community to demonstrate renewed commitment to today’s declaration.

I thank you.

Statement Delivered By Mr. President

At The High-Level Meeting On "United Against Tuberculosis: Global Action Against Global Threat"

26 September 2018

United Nations Headquarters, New York

Chairman,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

Let me start by welcoming everyone to this High Level meeting, especially the adoption of the all-important Political Declaration on: "United to End Tuberculosis: An Urgent Global Response to a Global Epidemic". This is the very first global forum with dedicated focus on worldwide tuberculosis pandemic. Nigeria is delighted that this landmark event is taking place at a period when the pain of the disease, and its dire consequences on the health and socio-economic development of many developing countries is on the rise.

Madam President,

2. TB has become a global challenge that requires consistent and an all-inclusive global strategy based on research and discovery of new drugs. Such efforts must also include mobilization of funds and global partnership of relevant stakeholders working together to address the scourge.

3. The task before us therefore is to initiate a global response towards eradicating the disease globally. In developing countries, counter-measures are sometimes beyond the capacity of such nations. In addition, there is the need to develop new strategies that connect national responses with international finance and technical partnerships to stop the ravaging disease.

4. Nigeria welcomes the adoption of this Political Declaration, especially its relevant provisions which commit to provide diagnosis and treatment to 40 million people, including 3.5 million children between 2018 and 2022. The Declaration should also serve as a template for preventing TB for those most-at-risk, through rapid scale up of access to testing the infection, especially for the high- burdened countries. I am confident that other commitments made under this important document, including those on development of new vaccines, drugs and community-based health services, will further guarantee success in our collective fight against the disease.

Madam President,

5. Our national TB eradication strategy has long been structured to provide tailored quality services in terms of diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Since assuming office in May 2015, we consistently increased budget appropriation for the health sector. This is with a view to ensuring that we promote the well-being of our people through access to qualitative health care services. In this regard, we are investing in research and development in our various public and specialized institutions.

6. Our national Action Plan on TB Eradication 2015-2020 is being pursued with renewed vigour, structured on five (5) overarching priorities.
These are:
Detection of TB in adults and children,
Improving treatment in specific geographic areas that are under-performing,
Integrating TB and HIV services,
Building capacity for diagnosing and treating drug resistant TB; and
Creating strong and sustainable systems to support these achievements. Private sector engagement for TB is being vigorously pursued as a robust Public-Private Mix (PPM).

7. In this connection, our strategic plan is geared towards meeting the overall aims of providing Nigerians with universal access to high quality, patient-centered prevention, as well as diagnosis and treatment services for Tuberculosis, TB/HIV and drug-resistance TB by 2020.

8. Furthermore, we are exploring the possibility of establishing a financial institution dedicated to providing financial support for free, comprehensive and qualitative medical treatments. The aim is to mitigate financial burden on victims and to also ensure that we continue to save lives and create favourable conditions for economic and social development.

Madam President,

9. Finally, let me pledge Nigeria's continued commitment to the eradication of TB in Nigeria. We remain resolute in efforts to address institutional and societal challenges, through the enhancement of strong multi-sectoral mechanisms. Let me therefore seize this opportunity to call on the global community to demonstrate renewed commitment to today’s declaration.

I thank you.

State House Press Release

President Buhari Names Campaign Organization

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of a campaign organization for his re-election in 2019 with Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as Secretary/Director General.

Hon. Amaechi was the Director General of the Buhari-Osinbajo Presidential Campaign Committee in 2014-2015 that won the elections and brought the current administration into office.

The new Director-General will announce other appointments into the campaign structure as approved by President Buhari.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(SSAP Media and Publicity)
Abuja
20-9-18

Office Of The Vice President

Press Release

We Will Deploy More Resources To Ease Your Sufferings, VP Osinbajo Assures Communities Ravaged By Floods In Anambra, Delta, Niger

*Says FG will ensure those affected are resettled quickly, and livelihoods restored in affected areas

*Continues visits today

Having declared the recent flooding of communities in parts of the country as a national disaster, the Federal Government will deploy more resources to mitigate sufferings of people in the affected areas, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

While commending the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and the state emergency management authorities for its quick responses, Prof Osinbajo also said the Federal Government would work together with the state and local governments to ensure that people in the affected communities are resettled so that they can get back to normal lives.

The Vice President gave this assurance during his visits to Anambra and Delta states on Thursday to inspect communities in the states that were affected by the severe flooding that has ravaged several states in the country.

He assured the people affected in the states he visited that the Buhari administration will do everything possible to bring relief and restoration to all who have suffered on account of this flood disaster.

Prof. Osinbajo visits to the affected states is on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, and it comes a day after he also visited Zungeru Primary School in Niger State, where persons displaced by the flooding resulting from the construction of the dam were being camped.

The Vice President also directed NEMA to immediately supply materials needed for the building of the permanent resettlement site for the communities affected by the construction of the 700MW Zungeru Hydro Power Project in the State.

He said, “President Muhammadu Buhari asked me to come and see to your welfare. We will also do our best to help everybody so that you can resettle well. We are paying attention to everything that is going on here. And we will make sure that we do everything necessary to make you as comfortable as possible and to resettle you as quick as possible.

“Already, I’ve asked NEMA to supply immediately some relief materials to start some construction and the resettlement site. We have a new resettlement site, which as you know, has been in the works. We are going to continue construction and put a few structures there so that those who are here can move away from the school.

“We will also do our best to help everybody so that you can resettle well. Nobody wants to be in any trouble like this. You are hard working people, doing your work in your farms or trade. We want you to be able to go back and continue your work and your life.”

On the directive of President Buhari, the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) had on Monday declared flooding a national disaster in four states – Kogi, Niger, Delta and Anambra. “This underscores the enormity of the disaster here and what needs to be done. There is a lot of work that needs to be done not just by way of providing temporary relief and succour which is being done in IDP camps,” Prof. Osinbajo said.

Speaking earlier in Otuocha LGA in Anambra State while interacting with some leaders of communities affected by flooding in the state, and having flown over the affected communities to see the extent of damage, the Vice President said, “I am here to see for myself and to be in a position to brief Mr President about the extent of the disaster. As you know the disaster here and in several other states has resulted in the situation where the Federal Government has ordered that the situation be declared a national disaster.”

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “It is an unprecedented act for the President to so declare especially because there are certain things that need to be done as quickly and as efficiently as possible.”

He said: “I have overflown many of the disaster areas on my way here and we recognized that Ayamelu, Onitsha South and North, Anambra East and West, are experiencing varying degrees of flooding and many are already under water, and tragically also farmlands, especially at a time when we are ramping up rice production. I overflew the Coscharis farm and it is practically under water.

“This is really a disaster of immense proportion and we intend as a Federal Government, to deploy federal resources as much as possible to assuage some of the challenges that have been caused by this disaster.”

He added that “as an interim measure, NEMA has already sent allocation of food and relief materials to several areas.”

Prof. Osinbajo however advised families that are reluctant to relocate from their flooded homes to move children and other vulnerable persons to safe places, assuring that government would still reach out to them.

According to him, “we also noticed that aside from the IDP camps, many people have insisted on remaining in their homes, but because children and other vulnerable people are involved, we insist that they must be taken to safe places.

“But for those who insist on staying in their homes, we will be sending allocation of food and water to some of such communities, so we are not just going to be focusing on the IDPs.

“Already NEMA is taking a look at that, they have facilities for water purification, they also have some high-quality water treatment plants that are mobile. So, we would deploy clean water and other relief materials as quickly as possible.”

In the aftermath of the flood, the Vice President said “the most important is what happens in the long term. When these floods clear, people have lost their livelihoods, their farmlands, we have to find ways to assist them get back to their normal lives. We will be working to see how that can be done as quickly as possible.”

In his remarks, Governor Willie Obiano thanked the Vice President for the visit and the Federal Government’s efforts in supporting the state assuage the hardship faced by the people.

He appealed for additional support to enable people regain their livelihoods in the aftermath of the disaster especially those who lost vast expanse of farm lands.

In the same vein, during his visit to the camp for displaced persons in Asaba, Delta State, Prof. Osinbajo said the Federal Government would collaborate with the state government to help in restoring the livelihood of the people affected by the floods.

He said, “Let me say first how touched I am just seeing all you who are here and who has had to be evacuated from your homes and from the various places where you live, the various communities to this place as a temporary shelter.

“We are going to be working with the state government and of course with the local government authorities and we will do everything that is necessary to ensure that the sufferings, the pains that you've gone through already is not allowed to continue and as quickly as possible you can return to your homes and return to your livelihood and return to your work wherever that may be.”

Continuing, he said "The implications of a national disaster obviously means that the Federal Government will be working with all of its agencies and with the state government to ensure that lives are protected and those who need medical help are granted the medical help."

“We have also asked that the National Emergency Management Authority move quickly to supply additional relief materials to all IDPs, adding that "by tomorrow we should have an additional relief material including water, food, beddings and whatever is required, not only in this camp but in all the IDP camps or holding camps as is now called all across the state."

The Vice President commended the Delta State Government and its Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, for “moving very swiftly to assuage the sufferings of the displaced persons and for putting place adequate facilities in the camp for them.

In his remark, Governor Okowa said the camp for displaced persons was just a holding place, noting that they would soon be relocated as soon as the flood receded.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
21st September, 2018

Statement From President Muhammadu Buhari On The Killing Of Saifura Ahmed Khorsa.

My deepest condolences to the children and entire family of midwife and humanitarian worker, Saifura Hussaini Ahmed Khorsa. Condolences also to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and UNICEF.

The killing of Saifura- who worked for the Red Cross, to bring succor to the victims of terrorism- was an act of extreme barbarism; utterly reprehensible and inhuman. The Nigerian Government strongly condemns it.

We will continue to do everything possible to ensure the safe return of all of our people held by Boko Haram. This is a vow we intend to fully keep. I appeal to our international partners and friends to continue to support us, even as we redouble our efforts.

In the last 3 years the efforts of our gallant military and intelligence agencies have resulted in the freeing of thousands of hostages, including some of the Chibok Girls and most of the Dapchi Girls. Let me again assure that no one —including Leah Sharibu —will be left behind.

State House Press Release

President Buhari Directs NEMA To Declare “National Disaster’’ On Flooding

President Muhammadu Buhari has delegated authority to the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mustapha Maihaja, to declare a “national disaster’’ in the event that anticipated flooding turns a reality in parts of the country.

The President’s directive follows a warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency that Rivers Benue and Niger had almost reached levels that resulted in flooding in 2012, which led to the loss of lives and destruction of property. A letter to the Director of General of NEMA titled: “Situation Report on the River Flood Along the Banks of Rivers Benue and Niger’’, which was signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, said: “Delegation of authority to the Director General of NEMA to activate the Disaster Response Units of the military for possible search and rescue missions, and

“The procurement and proportionate stocking of relief materials and health-related items up to N3billion to provide for the needs of possible victims.’’ The letter also instructed the head of the emergency agency to provide regular updates to the President.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 14, 201

Frequently Asked Questions on Trader-Moni:

1. WHAT IS TRADER MONI? Trader-Moni is a collateral-free loan programme created by the Federal Government specifically for petty traders and artisans across the country.

2. WHY DID GOVT CREATE TRADER MONI? Over 20 million Nigerians that are in petty businesses are in dire need of capital to expand, but are unable to access loans to trade. Trader Moni is for them.

3. IS TRADER MONI A BANK OF INDUSTRY LOAN? No, Trader-Moni is a special intervention by the Federal Govt, the loan is only being administered by Bank of Industry Nigeria

4. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR TRADER MONI? If you are a petty trader or an artisan in Nigeria, and N10,000 can help your business today, then you are eligible to collect Trader Moni loan.

5. IS N10,000 THE ONLY LOAN AMOUNT AVAILABLE? Trader Moni loan starts from N10,000 but you can collect as much as N100,000. When you pay one loan, you qualify for a higher amount immediately.

6. IS THERE INTEREST ON TRADER MONI LOAN? Trader Moni is interest-free! You pay back the amount you take.

7. DO I NEED BVN FOR TRADER MONI? You can collect the first loan of N10,000 without BVN or bank account. After your first loan, you will require a BVN and a bank account for the next loans (N15,000; N20,000; N50,000; and N100,000)

8. DO I NEED PVC FOR TRADER MONI? You dont need PVC to register for Trader Moni and collect loan. PVC is not a requirement.

9. WHERE CAN I GET TRADER MONI FORM? There is no form for Trader Moni and registration is absolutely free. All you need is a phone number to register.

10. IS TRADER MONI FOR ONLY SOME STATES? Trader Moni will cover all the 36 states and the FCT by the end of this year. At least 2 million loans will be disbursed.

11. I CANNOT SELL AT THE MARKET, BUT I AM A PETTY TRADER. HOW WILL I GET REGISTERED FOR TRADER MONI? If you are a petty trader and do not sell in a market, an open cluster, or a busy hub or street, a team of agents will be sent out every month to seek out qualified petty traders who are not in busy hubs, markets or trade clusters. You may also call 0700-6275-386 or 0700-1000-200 to express your interest and state your location; we would do our very best to accommodate you.

12. WHO IS A MARKET ACTIVATION? Market activations are like “launch” events to announce the presence of TraderMoni in a state. However, it is not the start of TraderMoni in the state, as the programme has already started in every state nationwide.

13. CAN I REPAY CASH THROUGH AN AGENT? NO. You should NEVER pay back your TraderMoni loan to anyone outside of a commercial bank or a licensed mobile money agent, otherwise the payment will not be recognised by TraderMoni and you will still owe.

14. HOW DO I REPAY A TRADERMONI LOAN? To repay your TraderMoni loan, walk into any of the following banks: GTB, UBA, Ecobank, UnionBank, Stanbic, Sterling, Wema, Fidelity, Heritage, Jaiz.

15. WHERE CAN I BE ENUMERATED? You can be enumerated at your point of trade (where you sell your market). You can also be enumerated where you buy your goods before transporting for sale (for example, at the bakery for bread sellers) Wherever there is a TraderMoni agent, they would be able to enumerate you as long as you are eligible.

16. WHO IS AN ENUMERATOR AND HOW CAN I FIND THEM? TraderMoni numerators are agents of TraderMoni working on the field, in your market, trade cluster, or place of business.

17. HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A TRADERMONI LOAN? Register for the TraderMoni loan through a TraderMoni Enumerator (also called “agent”) in your area. TraderMoni has agents in every state today, identifying and registering eligible petty traders and artisans.

18. WHO DO I CALL, OR WHERE DO I GO, IF I HAVE QUESTIONS? If you have questions, you may call 0700-6275-386 or 0700-1000-200.

Contact Details:
For enquiries about TraderMoni, call 0700-6275-386 or 0700-1000-200.

Press Release: Card Reader Not Included In Electoral (Amendment) Bill Transmitted On August 3, 2018.

Per the release I issued on September 3rd that Mr. President has withheld Assent to the above Bill forwarded on August 3, 2018 and praying that by convention the content of Presidential communication to the National Assembly should not be fully released until read on the floor, speculation has been raised that '' card reader'' provision is one of the issues that determined Mr. President's decision.

For the avoidance of doubt, I hereby state expressly that the card reader Provision addressed by section 49 of the Principal Act was Completely, Expressly And Unequivocally Excluded And Not In Anywise Part Of The Provisions Of The Bill Forwarded To Mr. President on August 3, 2018 and could therefore not form part of the consideration of Mr. President.

In the communication of Mr. President to the National Assembly on the Bill transmitted on February 20, 2018 and the 2nd one transmitted on June 27, 2018 to him for consideration, there was no mention of card reader as subject of infraction nor reservation in any manner whatsoever, although there was provision for card reader in these two previous Bills which were now expunged by the National Assembly in the August 3, Bill transmitted.

For further clarity, the Bill of 20th February had 43 Clauses, and the revised Bill of 27th June had 41 clauses. The current further revised Bill of 3rd August which now excludes the card reader has just 15 clauses in the absolute wisdom of the National Assembly and Mr. President has no constitutional or legal authority to add or remove any provision to or from what the National Assembly has transmitted to him.

Clause 19 of the 20th February transmission States:

“Section 49 of the Principal Act is amended by substituting for subsections (1) and (2), new subsections “(1)” and “(2)” –

“(1) A person intending to vote in an election shall present himself with his voter’s card to the presiding officer for accreditation at the polling unit in the constituency in which his name is registered.

(2) The Presiding Officer shall use a Smart Card Reader or any other technological device that may be prescribed by the Commission, for the accreditation of Voters, to verify, confirm or authenticate the particulars of the voter in the manner prescribed by the Commission.”

Clause 17 of the 27th June transmission adds Paragraph 3 to the above which reads

"(3) where a smart card reader deployed for accreditation of voters fails to function in any unit and a fresh card reader is not deployed, the election in that unit shall be cancelled and another election shall be scheduled within 24 hours.”

Finally, it is the withholding of Assent by Mr. President to the latest transmission of August 3, 2018, which excluded the card reader provision that has now preserved the card reader and given opportunity and vent to the National Assembly to admit the card reader provision, when reconsidering the Bill, in her absolute legislative discretion.

I pray that this will put paid to mischief and deliberate misinformation even by persons and institutions who know these facts.

Signed.
Senator (Dr.) Ita Enang
Presidential Liaison to the National Assembly.
September 10, 2018

Office Of The Vice President

Press Release

You Are The Ones Who Can Make The Difference If You Remain Consistent In Service, VP OSinbajo Tells Young Aspirants

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has commended Nigeria’s youths for their desire to contribute to nation building in their various constituencies through active involvement in politics, while calling on them to make needed sacrifices to ensure the ideals they want to see in the country are realised.

Prof. Osinbajo said this on Wednesday night during a meeting with young aspirants under the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Noting that the country’s future depends on the commitment of young people who are willing to play their part and make positive differences, the Vice President said that it was important to encourage young people to participate at all levels of the party.

He said, “I also want to say that your courage is exceptional. If you aspire to be anything in a country of about 200 million people, you are a courageous person, no question about that, because when you count the number of people who hold elective offices in this country, they are very few when compared to the population. So, what you are searching for is really coveted, and is not a walk in the park. I really salute your courage," he said.

The VP then congratulated the aspirants for having gone "this far in the game, that you are not just sitting down at home, not just getting upset with yourself on Social Media. You are putting your money, resources and your time where your mouth is. So, consider yourself in very exceptional company. This is a group of people who have not lost hope, but are very determined to ensure that things work.”

Prof Osinbajo added that young people should not lose hope in the country as things would continue to change for the better if they remain committed to the ideals.

He said, “I strongly believe that the future of our party depends on people who are committed to see that we build a party that is based on ideals that you and I think are important. As a young person, I belonged to several pressure groups. I graduated at the age of 21. And when I graduated, I began to participate in various pressure groups, human rights organisations, anti-corruption, civil society groups of every kind. When political parties started forming, we could not aspire, but we remained involved. My first involvement in government was when I was appointed as Attorney General in Lagos State.

“For seven years - after serving as Lagos Attorney-General - I was part of the party, I did not have a board appointment or anything, but I kept working for the party. I kept working for the party as a lawyer. Most of those cases we were not paid a dime. But we went from place to place. Sometimes we didn’t even have a place to stay when we went to court the next morning. So, there is a measure of paying the price, it depends on how serious or committed we are to some of the things we say we are committed to.”

Prof. Osinbajo further called on young people to stay committed and remain within the party to help to build the party structures.

“I believe that, in party politics, we must go beyond positions, whether elective or appointed, but we must be committed to something, the principles and beliefs of those who are the forebears of that party,” he said.

The Vice President added, “We are in a place where we are the ones who can make the difference. Nothing is going to change overnight, but we can make efforts to change the process. We can do a lot more, but it depends on our commitment. I like the idea of young people getting a quota in the party structure to run for office on some level, such as the state houses of Assembly." Some of the aspirants had earlier raised the issue of allowing quotas to young people in elective offices.

According to the VP, "It is up to us to fight at every stage to see the ideals that we desire; we will win, in the end, if we are consistent. Our party is stronger if our young people are determined to make a change and a difference, even from within. We would see what can be done to ensure that women and youths are more involved in party politics.”

Young aspirants in the APC across the country who attended the forum last night had requested for audience with the Vice President ahead of the party primaries later this month.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
13th September, 2018