₦airaland Forum

Speech By His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President, Federal Republic Of Nigeria, At The Commissioning Of EFCC Headquarters In Abuja,
Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Protocols:

This is another milestone in our determined and collective fight against corruption. Throughout my journey in national service and since 2015, I have made a very conscious decision to pursue a vigorous fight against corruption in public life.

Since 2015, we have made significant progress in the fight against corruption. Everyone now knows that corrupt officials will be held to account, no matter how long it takes. We have recovered and are still recovering trillions of naira that were stolen in the past few years by people without conscience. We are pursuing recoveries everywhere and are making sure that anyone who has been found culpable is made to answer for his or her crime under the law. It is my hope and expectation that the judiciary, which is a critical stakeholder and partner in the war against corruption, would continue to collaborate with the Executive to bring corrupt people to book.

Permit me to also seize this opportunity to call on the Legislature which provides the legal framework for the anti-corruption war to add more verve to the determination of government to rid our nation of the brazen corruption witnessed in recent years, through reviewing archaic provisions in our laws and proactive passage of new legislation. Ladies and gentlemen, an American author and philanthropist, Anthony Robbins once said: “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin." He was saying, in other words, that if you are determined, no obstacle will be big enough to stand in your way.

What I see here is not only a structure of concrete and metal, I see in this edifice, the resolve of Nigerians to fight corruption. But structures are not the whole story. We must CHANGE our ways of handling public trust. Corruption not only kills governments but destroys societies. It is the major reason why we are struggling with basic developmental issues that other comparable nations have long overcome. War of corruption is not an easy one to fight, because it affects so many different branches of our lives, so much that some people do not even consider breaking trust is anymore a crime. It has become the norm. That is why we must fight this attitude and encourage Nigerians to CHANGE their attitudes and perspectives.

The goal of this Administration is to ensure the protection of public trust, and the anti-corruption war is at its centre. We never intended, and we are not engaged in witch-hunts, but we are determined within the laws to call people to account. It is for this reason that we appeal to Nigerians to support regulatory agencies like Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, because fighting corruption is everyone’s concern. I call on the Judiciary and the National Assembly to join hands in this national effort. I am glad to note that quite a number of nations are signifying interest to help us tighten their laws and enter into agreements with Nigeria to repatriate not only stolen funds but to make the culprits face due process of law.

We are committed to working with our foreign friends to stop the inflow of stolen funds from Nigeria into their countries and recovering what is there already. These assets, when repatriated will be put to building our infrastructure. It is my pleasure to perform the opening ceremony of the ‘’Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s Headquarters’’.

Thank you all

State House Press Release[b]

[b]We've Done More With Less Resources In Three Years, President Buhari Assures Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Dutse, Jigawa State, said his administration is delivering on promises with clear-cut targets, prudent management of resources and a deliberate policy to plug wastage and pilfering of government resources.

Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi, during a two-day visit, President Buhari said the odds of initial dwindling oil prices did not discourage the government from setting lofty developmental projects and achieving more in three years than the 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party’s misrule.

The President said the growing support the administration currently enjoys can be attributed to the understanding of Nigerians of the unpleasant realities it inherited, and its efforts to reposition the economy in spite of “what the opposition keeps sponsoring in the press’’.

President Buhari directed the Minister of Water Resources, Eng. Sulaiman Adamu, to work with the Jigawa State Government to alleviate the challenge of water scarcity in the state capital, following a complaint by the Emir of Dutse.

On arrival in Jigawa State, the President began his engagements at Auyo, near Hadejia, where he inaugurated the expansion of an irrigation scheme and paid a visit to the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje.

The President, who was received by a tumultuous crowd, thanked the Emir of Hadejia and his people for always supporting him, even when he was an opposition candidate.

He said his visit to Hadejia was more of homecoming, promising to give more attention to the needs of the people in the Emirate.

In his remarks, the Emir of Dutse commended the Federal Government for its efforts in addressing the challenges of corruption, terrorism and drug abuse in the country.

The Emir requested that the Date Palm Research Centre in Dutse, currently under the National Oil Palm Research Institute, be moved to the Federal University, explaining that the research centre would be more relevant and functional in the university.

Both Emirs held special prayers for the President and his administration.

Garba Shehu
SSA to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 14, 2018

Excerps From PODECast Newsletter: May 14, 2018

Numbers:

16 billion: Value, in Chinese Renminbi (RMB), of the 3-year Currency Swap Agreement signed between the Central Bank of Nigeria and the People's Bank of China, on Friday 27th April 2018. The Agreement will provide RMB liquidity to Nigerian businesses doing business with China, and Naira liquidity to Chinese businesses doing business with Nigeria. It will improve the speed, volume and ease of transactions between the two countries, and also remove the challenges and risks of having to do business using a third currency. Nigeria is the 3rd African country to sign a Currency Swap Agreement with the People's Bank of China. The signing came after 2 years of painstaking negotiations and is the latest outcome of President Buhari's State Visit to China in April 2016.

156km: Length of the new standard-gauge rail line currently being constructed between Lagos and Ibadan. It will have a total of nine stations: Apapa, Ebute Metta, Agege, Agbado, Papalanto, Abeokuta, Olodo, Omi Adio and Ibadan.

7,125 MW: Capacity of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to transport energy, as at December 2017, up from about 5,000MW in 2015.

459MW: Capacity of the just-completed, privately-owned Azura Power Plant, Nigeria's first large-scale project-financed Independent Power Plant. Construction started in early 2016, and the first of three turbines was completed in December 2017, seven months ahead of schedule. The plant is now ready for commissioning. It's 459MW output will add roughly 10 percent to Nigeria's current generation.

500 Billion Naira: Amount recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) - comprising 473 billion in Naira, 98 million in USD, 7 million in Euros, and 294,000 in Pounds Sterling - in 2017.

US$322.5m: Amount recovered in December 2017 from Abacha loot stashed away in Switzerland. Upon handover of the money by the Swiss Government, it was deposited into a special account in the Central Bank, and has been earmarked for the National Social Safety Nets programme of the Federal Government.

5 million: Increase in Nigeria's taxpayer base between 2016 and 2018, as a result of combined efforts of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and State Tax Authorities to expand the tax base and enforce tax payment. Nigeria has one of the lowest Tax-to-GDP ratios in the world, at 6 percent, and the Buhari Administration is keen to raise this to at least 15 percent by 2020.

Central Bank of Nigeria: Nigeria’s foreign reserves are now almost US$48 billion, from $40 billion at the beginning of January 2018, and $24 billion in October 2016. The current figure is the highest in more than four years.

Central Bank of Nigeria's Anchor Borrowers Programme:
Amount disbursed so far: N55.526 billion
Beneficiaries: 250,000 farmers
Hectarage Cultivated: 300,000
Jobs Created: 890,000 direct; 2.6 million indirect

7.9 million: Number of persons who have so far benefited directly from the Federal Government National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), since it launched two years ago. The NSIP is present in all 36 States of the Federation, and the FCT.

Ministry of Finance: 3-month Extension of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) Tax Amnesty Window. It will now end on June 30, 2018. Avoid investigation and prosecution for tax offences by taking advantage of VAIDS today: [url]https://vaids.gov.ng [/url]

Source: https://mailchi.mp/statehouse/podecast-may-14-2018

Nigerian Air Force Deploys Special Forces To Newly Established Quick Response Wing Nguroje, Taraba State

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday, 12 May 2018, deployed its Special Forces to the newly established 23 Quick Response Wing (QRW), Nguroje in Taraba State. The deployment is part of ongoing initiatives to reposition the NAF into a highly professional force capable of responding effectively, efficiently and timely to Nigeria’s security imperatives. The troops, made up mostly of specially trained regiment personnel, will operate in conjunction with other security agencies within the theatre of operation to enhance security of lives and property.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Napoleon Bali, told the personnel that it was a rare privilege to be part of the pioneering troops to establish the new unit. He therefore urged them to remain highly professional and always reflect the exceptional standards of the NAF in all of their engagements. Air Marshal Abubakar also charged the troops to maintain a cordial relationship with the host community as they would require the support of the people to succeed in their assigned responsibilities. The CAS added that, in line with one of the key drivers of his vision which focused on “comradeship, regimentation and inter-Service cooperation”, the troops should partner with other security agencies in the State and quickly key into whatever security arrangement was on ground with a view to adding value to it. Furthermore, he reminded them to strictly operate within the confines of the global Laws of Armed Conflicts while also abiding by NAF’s Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement (ROE) as enshrined in the ROE cards issued to them.

The 23 QRW is one of the 3 newly established NAF QRWs within the North Central Zone. Three hundred NAF personnel of the other 2 Wings are part of the 1000-man Special Intervention Force recently deployed to Makurdi to deal with the security challenges facing Benue and Nasarawa States. The idea behind the recent expansion being witnessed in the NAF is to bring security closer to all Nigerians, especially those in the rural areas.

Olatokunbo Adesanya
Air Vice Marshal
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

Takeaways From The Auspicious Meeting Between Presidents Muhammadu Buhari And Donald Trump

By Garba Shehu

This note is written by one who is mindful of the fact that there are Nigerians, I mean the opponents of this administration, who have prayed and prayed very hard that our President in the course of his historic visit to the White House on Monday, April 30, 2018, would stumble badly or come back with nothing.

President Buhari, to the disappointment of this group, delivered a calm, brilliant performance. He refused to be provoked and did not get angry at the taunting. He instead turned his attention to the task at hand and at the end, came home satisfied that he got everything he wanted from the US administration. The Rose Garden worked out very much for him as a routine engagement, certainly not like the make-or-break meeting as some wanted it to be.

It is also important that records be set straight to counter the mischief of opponents, some of whom have started rendering false narratives of a meeting to which they were neither invited nor in any way aware of its details.

The meeting of the two leaders happened in three phases.

First, the one-on-one in which only the two of them were present. Then they had a working lunch, each leader accompanied by ten top officials. President Buhari had with him the Governors of Ogun and Plateau; the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Industry, Trade and Investment; the Chairpersons of Senate and House of Representatives committees on international relations; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA; the Chief of Defence Staff and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States.

The US President had more-or-less the same representation, except that the Secretary of State who just got cleared for the job by the Senate hadn’t assumed so he was represented by the Deputy Secretary of State.

President Trump also brought with him the Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) which I must emphasize, is significant to Nigeria given the fact that the U.S. remains the largest contributor to the on-going effort to reconstruct the Northeast and resettle its millions of displaced persons.

The third engagement involving the two leaders was the joint press conference by the leaders, aired live by some major TV networks across the world.

What did the meetings achieve?

First of all, it is important to state that from the very beginning, the two leaders got on very well with one another. They also shared a common respect for each other.

Some key remarks made by President Trump on our president sum this up:

He said President Buhari “is a rare leader”; he said “I respect him a lot” and said our leader had “succeeded in cutting down corruption”. He called President Buhari a “valued partner” and a “strong democrat.”

The two parties had agreed before the meeting that discussions will be on three key issues namely Security/Counter Terrorism, Trade, and Development of Democracy in Nigeria.

On security, the Nigerian delegation was pleased from the onset that the Trump administration had agreed to the major sale of military equipment to Nigeria. Team Nigeria was equally pleased about the much-increased role of the US in assisting the efforts to defeat terrorism in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region in general.

The President expressed appreciation for these and requested additional support to counter insurgency.

On the specific issue of the sale of the 12 Super Tucano A-29 warplanes and weapons to Nigeria to effectively fight terrorism, President Buhari told his American counterpart that we are pleased with this, but want delivery to be fast-tracked, given the security situation in the country.

Expectedly, President Trump said yes to this, and, additionally promised the sale of helicopters and about just everything President Buhari wanted.

Still on President Buhari’s meeting with Trump, it is important to explain the context of the remarks by President Trump where he was quoted as saying the U.S is concerned about the murder or killing, as he put it, of Christians. At the press conference, President Trump towards the end of his remarks, at the briefing, mentioned the protection of ‘‘innocent civilians of all faiths, including Muslims and Christians’’, which reporters left out.

In his remarks, the US President neither chided nor talked down on President Buhari. Saying that “we will do something about that,” is a clear expression of willingness to support Nigeria to bring to an end the unwanted killings. This is contrary to the press reporting which jumped on the issue, conveying a wrong impression that President Trump was only concerned about the lives of Christians. He mentioned Muslim lives as well.

Equally wrong was the hasty condemnation of the U.S. President by some Muslim groups in the country without the benefit of a full view and understanding of what was said and the context in which it was said.

The President also conveyed the country’s appreciation for the U.S. support for the humanitarian situation in the Northeast, with a contribution of 500 million US Dollars in cash and in-kind contributions, the highest by anyone, through the United Nations and other inter-governmental organizations.

But the scope of work to be done is larger than anyone had envisaged and Nigeria wanted the US to do more. President Trump didn’t say no, only that he wanted more access to the Nigerian market for their agricultural goods.

“For a country which we assist with USD 1 billion dollars every year, you must do more to open the market to us,” Trump said. These are matters to be debated and resolved.

This leads us to the next important issue- Trade. Pointedly, President Trump did not mince words when he said: ‘‘President Buhari has also taken several steps to fight corruption and improve the Nigerian business climate. And most of all to me — and again — is ripping down those trade barriers. These measures will make it easier for Nigeria and the United States companies to invest. And we will be investing substantially in Nigeria if they can create that level playing field that we have to very much ask for, and maybe demand.’’

In acknowledging the efforts of President Buhari and the significance of the Nigerian economy on the continent of Africa, President Trump promised to grow trade and commercial ties between the two countries to create wealth and jobs for the benefit of their citizens.

Talks were also held between the Nigerian delegation and American Chief Executive Officers, who came from across various industries especially agriculture, digital economy and increasing value additions to locally produced raw materials.

Some of the broad level discussions on the business side included the planned coming of a John Deer tractor assembly plant to produce 10,000 tractors, which will certainly create thousands of jobs in Nigeria. Also on the table were several investment proposals across the food value chain including the production of chemicals for crop protection; a large-scale seed production company in Nigeria; a food ingredients company that will, among others set up an oilseed crushing plant with a capacity for about 50 million tons and a business engagement with local partners for the facilitation of international merchandising of local farm produce, serving as a firm assurance of buyer at the time of harvest.

There are plans by the Dangote Group and others for new partnerships to bring research and high yielding crop varieties that have seen increases elsewhere from two to six tons of maize and two to seven tons of rice per acreage as achieved in Brazil and other countries.

Other new businesses proposed at the meetings included the setting up of consumer products by big giants like Proctor and Gamble, a refinery in Ogun, Burger King food chain and a plant for the production of Heinz tomato products, in all cases, walking back to integrate local producers of raw materials.

With the blessing of the two leaders, assets recovery is also getting a major boost. The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami was directed to sit down with Jeff Sessions, his US counterpart to have a roadmap for the recovery of USD 500 million of Nigerian stolen assets hidden in the US. They will also finalize on the return of USD 1 million of the Diepreye Alamieyeseigha loot.

Immediately after the bilateral engagement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama and Minister of Justice, Malami, met with their U.S. counterparts. In the months ahead, the Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, will also meet with his U.S. counterpart, Wilbur Ross.

If the trip to the White House is to be judged according to its set objectives, there is nowhere it came short as some saucy opponents have said. President Buhari got everything we wanted from President Donald Trump.

When he was asked if Nigeria had succeeded in getting American to buy more of our oil, President Buhari said he did not. We have others buying our oil. Must we sell to a particular buyer?

This government will smartly work with the current American government, knowing that American interests are not always ours, as a strategic partner on security, anti-corruption economic growth and job creation.

Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media & Publicity

May 3, 2018

State House Press Release

Beware Of Fake Statements Ascribed To President Buhari

The public is hereby alerted to a new dimension in the orchestrated plot to diminish the stature of President Muhammadu Buhari before millions of Nigerians who love and adore their President.

First, it was a pernicious twisting and misinterpretation of the words of the President by mischievous elements, perhaps they can earn him opprobrium and infamy. When they see that the gambit is not achieving the desired results, they have now gone into utter fabrication of apocryphal statements, which they purvey through the social media.

An example is a fictive portion of the February 2015 lecture by the then Candidate Buhari at Chatham House, London. This is what is circulating now on social media:

"What is the difference between me and those who elected us to represent them, absolutely nothing. Why should Nigerian President not fly with other Nigerian public? Why do I need to embark on a foreign trip as a President with a huge crowd with public funds? Why do I need to go for a medical trip abroad if we cannot make our hospital (sic) functional? Why do we need to send our children to school abroad if we cannot developed (sic) our university (sic) to compete with the foreign ones?"

Fortunately, the Chatham House lecture of 2015 is in the public domain. The full text was published by many Nigerian newspapers, and is still available in their libraries and various websites. The concoction by haters and agents of disunity is not part of the text of the lecture at all.

The morbid minds that created the falsehood simply want to de-market and demean the President, having seen that defeating him in a free and fair electoral contest is a tall order. Therefore, they desire to instigate the electorate against him by creating statements that never existed, and attributing such to him.

We are, however, glad that millions of Nigerians, young and old, are smart enough to see through the machinations. The dubious people will not succeed, as President Buhari's reputation has been built over time, and sustained for decades. That is why he is widely acclaimed for integrity, transparency, honour, and accountability, both home and abroad. Negative minds can never erode or corrode this.

Bitter emotions stunt the soul and defile the mind. Those behind it will find out, eventually, that they are the ones swallowing poison, and expecting another person to die. They will realize the folly of their actions, to their own grief.

Decent Nigerians are urged to be wary of the fare they consume hook, line and sinker, particularly on social media. President Buhari is actuated by nothing else than love for motherland. He is poised to build a country which all Nigerians can proudly call their own. Noxious minds can still have a change of heart.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
May 9, 2018.

State House Press Release

Climate Change: President Buhari Seeks Sustained Support From International Community

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja reiterated the need for sustained financial, technical and capacity building support from the international community to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in the country.

Receiving a Letter of Credence from Mr Robert Jan Petri, the Ambassador of Netherlands to Nigeria, President Buhari said Nigeria would continue to vigorously pursue the replenishment of the Lake Chad Basin, which has dried up to 10 percent of its original size.

''With the population growth in Nigeria and the drying up of the Lake Chad, we have to move faster and adapt to the impacts of climate change through technological solutions, '' the President said.

The President told the Dutch Ambassador that following Nigeria’s active participation in UN-organized Climate Change conferences in 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Nigerian government successfully hosted a high-level international conference on Lake Chad in February 2018.

President Buhari noted that the high-level conference provided an opportunity to push further options to restore the Lake Chad, including the inter-basin water transfer project from Ubangi River in Central Africa to the Lake.

On agriculture, the President welcomed the interest by some Nigerian doctoral students studying in the Netherlands on developing the sector through research and innovation, particularly the livestock sector.

In separate remarks, while receiving the Letter of Credence from the High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana, Mr Pule Mphothwe, President Buhari commended the Southern African country for its consistent support to Nigeria in the international fora.

Recounting Nigeria’s leadership role in the liberation of African countries from colonial domination, the President said: ''It is a national duty to support our African brothers in their time of need.''

The President who also received Letter of Credence from Mr Houssam Diab, Ambassador of Lebanon to Nigeria, commended Lebanon for successful parliamentary elections, commitment to stability and security in the Middle East, as well as assistance to Syrian refugees.

In their separate remarks, the Ambassadors while highlighting the existing and cordial relations between Nigeria and their countries, called for increased trade and economic cooperation.

The Dutch Ambassador said, ''we are in the process of intensifying our cooperation, particularly on agriculture where we can offer our expertise, being the second largest exporter of food after the United States.''

Notably, the Botswana High Commissioner told President Buhari that several companies from his country had indicated interest to invest in Nigeria’s mining, agriculture, sports and creative arts sectors.

''Sequel to the visit to my country (Botswana) by your predecessor in 2011, there is a great desire for my President to visit Nigeria,'' Amb. Mphothwe said.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 8, 2018

State House Press Release

Birnin Gwari Killings: President Buhari Approves New Security Measures

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a new Battalion of the Nigerian Army, as well as a new Police Area Command, in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as part of measures to scale up the security response to the banditry affecting the area.

The President strongly condemns the latest massacre of innocent Nigerians in the area. According to him, "I am deeply outraged by this unwarranted, unprovoked and reckless destruction of lives by bandits who belong to the lowest level of civilization. I feel the pains and devastation of the families of the victims, and this administration will do everything possible to ensure we defeat these enemies of humanity."

The new Army Battalion and the Police Area Command are the latest in a series of law enforcement measures to ensure more effective protection of lives and property, in and around Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Zamfara and Nasarawa States.

Last week the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of two new helicopter gunships, for deployment to parts of the country affected by banditry. A Quick Response Wing has also been established by the Nigerian Air Force in Taraba State, while a Joint Military Intervention Force is fully on ground in Benue.

President Buhari assures that security remains a priority for his government and his administration will not tolerate the persistent killing of innocent people in order to set Nigerians against one another.

According to the President, "these persistent killings are not spontaneous; there are subterranean forces with a sinister agenda to instigate war in the country for selfish purposes."

He notes that "Although unconventional war is particularly complicated, our security forces are making rigorous efforts to better understand these enemies with a view to decisively checkmating their evil attacks.”

President Buhari extends his condolences to the families of the victims, the government and the people of Kaduna State over this unfortunate tragedy, assuring that his government will never abandon them to their fate.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media and Publicity)
May 7, 2018.

Office Of The Vice President

Press Release

FG, State Government Will Continue To Work Together To Improve The Conditions Of Workers Nationwide – VP Osinbajo

*Praises Nigerian workers for their hard work, innovation, resilience, patriotism

*Says on these values, Nigeria is building structures for true greatness

*President Buhari concerned about Nigerian workers and their wage structure

“The President’s concern for workers is not theoretical or rhetorical, but one borne out of experience, and respect for the sweat of the working classes, This is why we evolved mechanisms to bail out all the 36 states of the Federation, to the tune of N1.91Trillion so far including Paris Club repayments, in recognition of the shortfalls in their finances arising in particular from the oil shocks of 2015/2016.

“We have extended this support regardless of party affiliation, to enable the States settle the backlog of arrears and salaries and pensions of workers. At the inauguration of the National Economic Council in 2015, President Buhari publicly declared that our administration will support every State, because poverty is no respecter of ethnic group, religion or party affiliation.

“While we do recognize that payment of salaries and pensions is essential, we are also conscious of the fact that the increasing cost of living and the recognition to ensure a fair and decent living wage, has rendered the Minimum Wage Instrument which is currently in force obsolete. Accordingly, President Buhari on November 27, 2017, inaugurated a Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee to renegotiate the National Minimum Wage for our workers.

“This administration has remained committed to improving the welfare of the Nigerian people. When we came into office at least 22 States were owing salaries, some for a whole year. If you recall in November 2015, the President said and I quote, “all my life I have always earned a salary, so I understand what it means when your salary is not paid or when it is not enough.”
– Vice President

Speech Delivered By His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Vice President, Federal Republic Of Nigeria On The Occasion Of The 2018 National May Day Celebration Held At The Eagle Square, Abuja On, Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

Protocols

Let me begin by wishing all of us gathered here, mainly our two federations of Trade Unions - the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), a happy celebration of May Day in solidarity with organized labour the world over. I salute and pay tribute to all Nigerian workers and working families. It is on your hard work, innovation, resilience and patriotism that our nation is building the structures for true greatness.

I must also seize this opportunity to acknowledge the historical contributions of Nigerian working people and organized labour to the political, economic, social and cultural development of our nation. The Nigerian organized labour has always been at the forefront of the push for a better Nigeria, from the struggles for independence; right through to the clamour for the restoration of the democratic order, and, in the last 19 years, for the sustenance of the freedoms guaranteed by our democracy. I must also say that Nigerian organized labour has contributed actively towards helping Nigeria get out, in record time, of an economic recession arising from past economic mismanagement.

This administration has remained committed to improving the welfare of the Nigerian people. When we came into office at least 22 States were owing salaries, some for a whole year. If you recall in November 2015, the President said and I quote, “all my life I have always earned a salary, so I understand what it means when your salary is not paid or when it is not enough.”

Just last year, Mr. President speaking to governors visiting him, again went back to the issue of salaries, I don’t know how any of you can go to sleep at night knowing that your workers have not been paid. The President’s concern for workers is not theoretical or rhetorical, but one borne out of experience, and respect for the sweat of the working classes, This is why we evolved mechanisms to bail out all the 36 states of the Federation, to the tune of N1.91Trillion so far including Paris Club repayments, in recognition of the shortfalls in their finances arising in particular from the oil shocks of 2015/2016.

We have extended this support regardless of party affiliation, to enable the States settle the backlog of arrears and salaries and pensions of workers. At the inauguration of the National Economic Council in 2015, President Buhari publicly declared that our administration will support every State, because poverty is no respecter of ethnic group, religion or party affiliation.

While we do recognize that payment of salaries and pensions is essential, we are also conscious of the fact that the increasing cost of living and the recognition to ensure a fair and decent living wage, has rendered the Minimum Wage Instrument which is currently in force obsolete. Accordingly, President Buhari on November 27, 2017, inaugurated a Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee to renegotiate the National Minimum Wage for our workers.

As you are all aware, the subject of a National Minimum Wage for the Federation is within the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). This means it is primarily the responsibility of the Federal Government. Although, there are arguments regarding fixing minimum wage in a Federation such as ours, it is the responsibility of government to establish the necessary social protection for all Nigerian workers based on the ability of each tier of Government to pay.

The argument for a national minimum wage, therefore, cannot be faulted, because minimum wage is the minimum amount of compensation an employee must receive for putting in his or her labour and as such, should be anchored on the principles of social justice, equity, and fairness. We believe that those who can pay above the social protection floor are free to do so, as many have been doing in many States and sectors of the economy.

This administration has no intention of presiding over the dismantling of the gains of organized labour through the years, especially almost four decades ago. Our hope therefore, is that the Tripartite Committee comprising government, labour, and the private sector, will expedite its assignment to enable the Federal Government to present an Executive Bill on a new National Minimum Wage to the National Assembly for passage into law, as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Federal Government and the State governments will continue to work together, to improve the conditions of workers across the country.

Great Nigerian workers, it will be belabouring the point, to say that a virile organized labour is a vital institution for our nation at every point in its development. In our political and democratic evolution, a virile labour is a sine qua non. In the interest of the men and women of our society, who need a voice to speak loudly against economic or social injustice, Labour must remain united.

Let me seize this opportunity once again, to reiterate this administration’s commitment to the unity of the Nigerian organized labour, to serve as a bulwark against divisive forces, internally and externally. Accordingly, I advise that the Nigerian labour movement must employ its leadership skills of conflict resolution and utilize all the internal mechanism to resolve conflicts, because factionalization is not an option and not the answer.

I must at this point, appreciate the Nigerian labour movement, for being a strong pillar of support for our anti-corruption agenda. The government recognizes the fact that, indeed, the first line real victims of corruption are the Nigerian workers and working families, along with the rural poor. They are the ones who suffer the most from the corruption of the political classes.

It is regrettable that despite the enormous revenues Nigeria earned from oil in recent past, we still have problems with payment of salaries and pensions of workers, largely due to mismanagement and corruption. I assure you that under our administration, we will ensure that we expend every kobo of public funds, towards securing the welfare of all Nigerians.

We have continued to demonstrate our commitment, to the welfare of Nigerians by ensuring, that we protect the socially excluded and socially vulnerable. For the first time in the history of our country, we are implementing a full social protection programme, through a youth employment scheme, N-Power, Micro-credit to small businesses, Conditional Cash Transfers to the poorest, and a Home Grown School Feeding programme. So far we have employed 200,000 graduates in our N-Power programme, and we are bracing up to do 300,000 more.

Today, we are feeding over 7million children in 22 States, and we have employed 70,000 cooks. So far, we have given over 362,000 Microcredit loans, and our target is to give 1million of such loans especially to market women and artisans. We have also given cash transfers over 300,000 of the poorest Nigerians our Conditional Cash Transfers. Our target is to give this benefit to 1 million of the poorest.

The issue of course is that every country, of the size of Nigeria, especially a developing country, must have a social protection policy; we must have a safety net. The resources of the country must be used to protect those who either cannot work, or are vulnerable and poor in ways those who experience it can imagine. We take it as our duty, as a progressive government, to ensure that we protect the poor and vulnerable, and this is the main objective of the programmes that we have put in place.

These programmes have been targeted at the most vulnerable segments of our society, and are meant to ensure that we build a socially cohesive society, in which the resources of the country work for all. We will continue to apply public funds in such a way, that no section of the country or segment of the population, suffers social exclusion.

It is also the reason why we have prioritized agriculture in our economic planning. Our investment in the sector is paying off; importation of rice has dropped to just 2%. Millions of farmers, producing rice, sorghum, millet, tomatoes and other grains, are earning decent returns on their investments. We will soon be self-sufficient in both rice and tomato paste. We will soon be sufficient in our food as the President has said, “we must grow what we eat.” It is up to us, to ensure that we are self-sufficient in our food production and it is the duty of our government and we have considered it our historical task to ensure that we are able to provide food that is home grown and available to all Nigerians for cheap.

We have no choice but to improve our business environment, our business environment must enable medium and small scale businesses to work. To this end, we are committed to ensuring the reduction of interest rates so that businesses can have access to cheap credit. It is important to encourage young people in technology, innovation and the entertainment industry. We intend shortly, through the instrumentality of an advisory body, to mainstream the incentives available to the rest of industry to these new businesses.

Let me say also, as you are all quite aware, that insecurity has remained a big challenge for us all. But we are determined to face this challenge and secure the country more than ever before. To this end, Mr President and the Security Council have been engaging in rigorous stock taking, with a view to reengineering our security architecture to meet the challenges of the mindless killings in some parts of the country, including the threats of marauding herdsmen, cattle rustlers and bandits.

It is our duty to secure the rights of farmers, and all citizens, and to ensure that herders also can rear their cattle, especially as we have proposed in well-resourced ranches. But there are also criminals who want to stoke religious and ethnic crisis. Criminals who want to divide the country, using all manners of excuses including the recent attacks.

What is the explanation for anyone to go into a church to kill priests and worshippers? We recognize that while the protection of lives and property is a primary responsibility of government, it is also incumbent on us as citizens to share in this responsibility, as security is a collective responsibility. This country belongs to us all.

Our country is great because of the talents of our people, from every tribe, tongue, and religion. Our diversities are our strength. We must reject every attempt to divide us; our focus must be on developing our economy, providing opportunities in industry, manufacturing, technology for our young people. To borrow from Dike Chukwumerije, a young Nigerian poet - “we must build bridges not walls.”

We must continue to have faith in our great country. I thank you for your continued patience all workers of this nation, and your sacrifices towards moving the nation forward. Nigerian workers are by any estimation, the most patriotic segments of the population. You are amongst the most committed taxpayers, because your taxes are deducted at the source. Hence, nobody can deny you the right to interrogate government and how public funds are expended at all times. You remain amongst the few organizations that have risen above primordial sentiments and have gone across tribe and ethnicity and religion to come together to unite for a common purpose.

We believe that the worst is over for Nigeria. Accordingly, we will do everything within our powers to sustain the current economic recovery efforts. We will continue to reinforce our macroeconomic policies, to achieve sustainable economic stability and growth. We will also continue to ensure that growth comes along with more jobs and a fair and just distribution of the national wealth.

This administration has come this far, always counting on the continued support and goodwill of the Nigerian organized labour. I am confident that together we would achieve our objective, of building a united and prosperous nation.

Thank you all for your attention and may Almighty God bless us all and our great country, Nigeria.

​Released by:

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President, On Media and Publicity,
Office of the Vice President
1st May, 2018​

Press Statement By Mr. President During His Visit To The United States 30th April 2018

Good day, Ladies and Gentlemen of the media.
It has been a pleasure and honour to visit Washington DC at the kind invitation of President Donald Trump.

Nigeria and the United States share a long history of close and cordial relations, which encompass political, economic, military, social and cultural cooperation. Our two countries maintain a strategic partnership for peace and security, conflict resolution as well as the global fight against terrorism.

We also share common features as secular federal states, practicing a similar democratic model of governance and committed to the universal values of fundamental human rights and freedoms, free enterprise, social justice and the rule of law.

President Trump and his team and myself and the Nigerian team discussed issues related to security, trade, governance, human rights and humanitarian crises.

Security

We congratulated the leaders of North and South Korea on their historic summit and we applaud them for the positive commitment they have made towards the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. President Trump deserves a great deal of credit for his statesmanly role in transforming so dramatically the course of events in that region.

We also congratulated the US government on the important role it played in the defeat of ISIS, although some of the remnants have found their way to the Sahel region. We recognized the strong US support in our fight against terrorism and also appreciated very much the US’ agreement to sell twelve Super Tucano A-29 war planes and weapons to Nigeria to effectively fight terrorism.

To contain the spate of insurgency in Nigeria, the Federal government has adopted a multi-sectoral approach, involving relevant government agencies to address the socio-economic and political dimensions while the Armed Forces of Nigeria assist the civil authority to provide security and maintain law and order.

As part of efforts to address emerging cases of insurgency in the country, the Nigerian Military adopted a non-kinetic counter terrorism/counter insurgency approach code-named “Operation safe corridor”, to de-radicalize, re-habilitate, and re-integrate willingly surrendered Boko-Haram members into the larger society. This programme is currently embarking on a number of projects including: skill acquisition centers and integrated farms; comprising poultry, fish pond and greenhouse farming, among others. A number of international partners, including the International Organization for Migration have contributed to the success of Operation Safe Corridor. We indicated that we would appreciate whatever support we could also get from the US.

We expressed gratitude for US support in the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the North East of Nigeria, as well as humanitarian assistance to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), through agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other international partners. The USA has been to date the biggest contributor to the humanitarian response and last year gave approximately 500 million US Dollars in cash and in-kind contributions through the United Nations and other inter-governmental organizations. These have mainly supported protection activities, health, food assistance and shelter.

We are doing all we can to secure the release of the remaining abducted school girls from Dapchi and Chibok. In this context, we will continue to welcome US collaboration in intelligence gathering, hostage negotiations and information-sharing.

Violence Between Herdsmen And Farmers

The government is taking necessary steps to promote the peaceful co-existence of herdsmen and farmers, by focusing on boosting security and enforcing legislation that will guarantee herders and farmers access to land;

Trade And Investment

I extended sincere congratulations to President Trump and his government on the impressive performance of the US economy under their watch.

Our aim is to diversify our own economy by focusing on agriculture and food security; power and infrastructure. We have cut the importation of rice by about 90% thereby saving a significant amount of money. We very much welcomed increased US investment in the Nigerian economy, especially in the non-oil sector.

Economic relations between Nigeria and the United States are anchored on three major instruments, namely: the Bi-National Commission (BNC), Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The Bi-National Commission in particular, comprising bilateral political, economic, developmental and humanitarian partnership, is a basic economic framework for engagement between our two countries.

Nigeria’s trade volume with the United States stood at $6.07 billion according to 2016 statistics and comprised $4.176 billion worth of Nigerian exports to the US and $1.894 billion US exports to Nigeria. We urged greater effort to increase these figures substantially.

Governance And Anti-Corruption

We thanked the US government very much for the cooperation we have received in our effort to recover stolen funds. Our two governments have put the machinery in place for their respective Attorneys-General to collaborate in ensuring the return to Nigeria of over five hundred million United States Dollars ($500) of looted funds siphoned away in banks around the world. In this connection, we congratulated the US government on launching a Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative which was spearheaded by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering. We hoped that we could continue to count on US support in this area.

Human Rights

The Government of Nigeria remains deeply committed to the principles of human rights as well as the promotion and protection of people’s freedom, even in the process of fighting terror. We commit to ensure that all documented cases of human rights abuses are investigated and those responsible for violations held accountable for their actions.

NEWS:

The first of Nigeria #PMBinDC Agreement has been signed, with an international consortium led by General Electric (comprising GE, SinoHydro, Transnet and APM Terminals), for the interim phase of the concession of Nigeria’s narrow-gauge rail network.

The program is expected to deliver an increase in the number of available locomotives, thus increasing the frequency of passenger and freight rail services.

In addition, freight haulage capacity by the end of the first 12 months of the interim phase is expected to increase roughly ten-fold, from its current less than 50,000 metric tonnes per annum to about 500,000 metric tonnes per annum.

Initiated by General Electric, the Consortium is comprised of SinoHydro, a leading infrastructure construction services corp., Transnet, a leader in transportation & logistics infrastructure mgt & APM Terminals, a global port, terminal and intermodal inland services provider.

In the interim phase of the rail concession, Remedial Works will be carried out on part of the narrow- gauge rail line system to make it technically and economically operable.

Additionally, a joint operation will be established between the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) and the GE-led Consortium, with an initial supply of 10 locomotives and 200 wagons to augment the existing rolling stock in Nigeria.

PODECast (Aso Villa Newsletter): April 23, 2018

Numbers:

US$322,515,931.83: Amount recovered in December 2017 from Abacha loot stashed away in Switzerland. Upon handover of the money by the Swiss Government, it was deposited into a special account in the Central Bank, and has been earmarked for the National Social Safety Nets programme of the Federal Government.

FIRS: The Buhari Administration has raised Nigeria’s taxpayer base from 13 million in 2015 to 17 million currently (2018)

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS): The Nigerian economy expanded 1.92 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017 and 0.9 percent for the full-year 2017. Agriculture, which accounted for 25% of GDP in 2017, grew by 4.23% in Q4 2017; while Industry grew by 3.92%. The Services sector, which is about 53% of GDP, returned to positive growth in Q4 2017. Nigeria's non-oil sector experienced a strong growth of 1.45% in Q4 2017 as compared to a contraction in the previous quarter and the whole of 2016. This showing, the strongest since 2015, points to steady improvements across the economy.

Central Bank of Nigeria: Nigeria’s foreign reserves have now risen to US$47.93 billion in April 2018, from $40 billion at the beginning of January 2018, and $24 billion in October 2016. The current figure is the highest in more than four years.

Central Bank of Nigeria's Anchor Borrowers Programme in Numbers:
Amount disbursed so far: N55.526 billion
Beneficiaries: 250,000 farmers
Hectarage Cultivated: 300,000
Jobs Created: 890,000 direct; 2.6 million indirect

Central Bank of Nigeria: Nigerian businesses are showing more confidence in the macroeconomy as the overall Confidence Index (CI) rose to 24.5 index points in March from 14.5 index points recorded in February 2018.

Social Investment Programs (SIPs): A total of 7.9 million persons have so far benefited directly from the Federal Government Social Investment Programs (SIPs), since its creation two years ago.
Development Bank of Nigeria: This year, the Bank will disburse N59 billion to 200,000 MSMEs through its Partnering Financial Institutions (PFIs). Visit http://www.devbankng.com to see the list of the PFIs that MSMEs can access DBN loans through.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), conceived by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in collaboration with global development partners as a wholesale bank to support MSMEs in Nigeria, and licensed by the Central Bank in 2017, has so far disbursed 5 billion Naira to three National Microfinance Banks -- Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc, LAPO Microfinance Bank Ltd and NPF Microfinance Bank -- for on-lending to more than 20,000 MSMEs across Nigeria.

Ministry of Finance: 3-month Extension of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) Tax Amnesty Window. Avoid investigation and prosecution for tax offences by taking advantage of VAIDS today: https://vaids.gov.ng

Five Buhari Administration Initiatives You Should Know About

Anchor Borrowers Programme:
The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), established by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) on November 17, 2015. It is intended to create a linkage between anchor companies involved in the processing and small holder farmers (SHFs) of the required key agricultural commodities. The ABP provides farm inputs in kind and cash (for farm labour) to small holder farmers to boost production of these commodities. At harvest, the SHF supplies his/her produce to the Agro-processor (Anchor) who pays the cash equivalent to the farmer’s account. Find out more here--->> [url]https://www.cbn.gov.ng/out/2017/dfd/anchor%20borrowers%20programme%20guidelines%20-dec%20%202016.pdf[/url]

QUOTE // CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, February 2018: “Since commencement of the [Anchor Borrowers] Programme in November 2015, the CBN in partnership with state governments and several private sector groups, have disbursed a cumulative sum of N55.526 billion to over 250,000 farmers who cultivated almost 300,000 hectares of farmland for rice, wheat, maize, cotton, soybeans, cassava, etc. Two years into the implementation, the programme has contributed to the creation of an estimated 890,000 direct and 2.6 million indirect jobs."

Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI): Launched in December 2016 as the outcome of a partnership between the Governments of Nigeria and Morocco, and implemented as a Public -Private Partnership in Nigeria, led by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN).
Find out more about it here--->> https://medium.com/@TheAsoVilla/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-presidential-fertiliser-initiative-pfi-e6879d424dd6

Youth Farm Lab:
The Youth Farm Lab is an Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction with Synergos, to train Nigerian youths on livestock production and sustainable urban agriculture. It seeks Nigerians between the 18 and 35 years who are passionate about Agriculture and believe in its profitability potentials.

Presidential Economic Diversification Initiative (PEDI):
Launched in July 2017, the Presidential Economic Diversification Initiative (PEDI) supports the revival of moribund industries (especially in Agro-processing) by facilitating new investments, reducing regulatory bottlenecks and enabling access to credit. PEDI has made breakthroughs in the agribusiness sector in Imo and Ondo States.

Food Security Council:
The Council, to be chaired by the President, was inaugurated on Monday, March 26, 2018. It has as its members: Governors of Kebbi, Taraba, Plateau, Lagos, Ebonyi and Delta States; Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Chief of Staff to the President; National Security Adviser; Ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development; Finance; Interior; Industry, Trade and Investment; Water Resources; Environment; and Budget and National Planning; Chief of Defence Staff; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Directors-General of the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency; and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

The broad objectives of the Council include developing sustainable solutions to the farmers–herdsmen clashes; Climate Change and Desertification and their impact on farmland; grazing areas and lakes, rivers and other water bodies; oil spillage and its impact on Niger Delta Fishing Communities; piracy and banditry; agricultural research institutions and extension services and the problem of smuggling. The Council will also take interest in regional and global policies and trends that bear implications for food security in Nigeria.

State House Press Release

President Buhari Couldn't Have Derided All Nigerian Youths

At the Commonwealth Business Forum in London on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari gave a keynote address on Making Business Easier Between Commonwealth Countries. The presentation was followed by a discussion, and question and answer session.

Responding to a question, President Buhari had cause to talk about some Nigerian youths, and he said: " We have a very young population; our population is estimated conservatively to be 180 million. More than 60 per cent of the population is below the age of 30. A lot of them have not been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria has been an oil producing country, therefore they should sit and do nothing and get housing, healthcare and education free.”

Typical of their stock in trade, manipulators and twisters of statements of Mr President, who lie in wait to make mischief, interpreted the comment to mean that President Buhari had taken all Nigerian youths to the cleaners. But elementary English recognizes a wide gulf between "a lot of" and the word "all." How can "a lot of them," suddenly transmogrify to mean “all of them?” Mischievous and unconscionable!

There is no way President Buhari, father of the Nigerian nation in every sense of the word, who equally has biological children of his own in the youths age bracket, pass a vote of no confidence on all youths. It can only exist in the imagination of those who play what the President has described as "irresponsible politics" with everything.

President Buhari has always applauded and celebrated Nigerian youths who excel in different areas of endeavour, from sports, to academia, and other realms. And he will continue to do so, because he values the youths, and knows that they are the fulcrum on which the future of the country rests.

Indeed, every country has its share of idle population, and it is the bounden duty of government at all levels, to create an enabling environment for them to actualize their potentials. That is what President Buhari is committed to doing.

The focal areas of the administration; securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption, are actually intended to give youths a future and a hope. This much was emphasized in an April 5, 2018 comment by President Buhari, while receiving Letter of Credence from the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria, when he said: " Our insistence on probity is to encourage people to be accountable, and accept honesty as a lifestyle so as to secure the future of our youths.’’ The President also said more than 60 percent of Nigerians fall into the age category of youths and deserve to inherit a stable and prosperous country that they can be proud of, adding that the government will work assiduously to prevent waste and the depletion of resources by corrupt Nigerians.

It is futile for mischief makers to lie in wait, and take a minor part of the words of the President, and turn it into negative commentary, peradventure they could diminish the profile of the President. Nigerians across all walks of life know who is serving them faithfully and truly, and they will always reciprocate such fidelity as occasions demand.


Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
April 19, 2018

Office Of The Vice President

Press Release

Technology Is The Future Of Nigeria's Economy, Commerce And Industry, Says VP Osinbajo During Visit To Tech Hubs In Lagos State

*New National Council on Technology coming

*Adds: Nigeria has incredible talents in technology and innovation

*FG will partner and support growth of tech hubs

*Urges young Nigerians to find innovative, creative ways to solve country’s challenges

“There is so much going on, so many young people, and so many creative ideas. It’s just incredible. And that tells you what the future is going to look like. Already, as we always say, the future is here. I have seen for myself the sheer creativity. Practically every type of enterprise has been disrupted by the technologies that we see. And a lot of the payment systems that we have been seeing, a lot of the technology companies that we see are doing incredible things.

“A lot of the technologies and innovators we’ve seen got the attention and to where they are by being innovative and being creative. So, the only way to keep ahead of the curve, the way to keep ahead of anyone else is by increasingly innovative and by finding newer ways of doing things better. My advice is that the only way to keep ahead is by ensuring that you are ahead in terms of innovations and technology.” – Vice President

Transcript Of An Interview Granted By His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, Vice President, Federal Republic Of Nigeria, To A Group Of Journalists At Co-creation Hub, Yaba, Lagos, During His Visit To ICT/Innovation Hubs/Companies In Lagos State, Oon Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

Q: What’s your impression of the seven Technology & Innovation hubs you visited?

Vice President: It has been an exciting day. We’ve been, as you said, to a number of technology enterprises and hubs. We’ve been to Paystack, Andela, Flutterwave, Workstation, FarmCrowdy, African Fintech Foundry, and here we are at Co-Creation Hub.

What strikes one immediately is the sheer amount of innovation that is available and is going on. And I must confess that it is unbelievable that so much is going on.

I have been talking for a few months now about some of the businesses and the hubs that I visited today. I had a chance to chat and talk about various things. What strikes you is that there is so much going on, so many young people; so many creative ideas. It’s just incredible. And that tells you what the future is going to look like. Already, as we always say, the future is here. I have seen for myself the sheer creativity. Practically every type of enterprise has been disrupted by the technologies that we see. And a lot of the payment systems that we have been seeing, a lot of the technology companies that we see are doing incredible things.

Q: How can the Federal Government harness these tech talents?

Vice President: As you know, I chair the Economic Management Team of the Federal Government. I’m also chair of the National Economic Council. Technology is obviously the future; the future of our economy, the future of commerce and the future of industry. We recognize this in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and that’s one the reasons why I am here in the company of the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, the DG of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and, of course, the Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, and Commerce. We recognize that this is the way commerce is going to develop and that is why we are taking, first of all, such an active interest in their personal engagement.

We are also trying to see how we can collaborate, how we can partner with all of these enterprises and, in some cases, with membership organizations they have in order to be able to create the kind of environment that makes it possible for this to happen seamlessly and in a way that we actually can have a multiplication or replication of all we are seeing today.

So, we are collaborating already with a number of hubs and also with some that we are starting. For example, we are doing some work in partnership with Civic Hub in Abuja. We are doing some with the Humanitarian Hub in the North East, where we are focusing on the humanitarian challenges in the North East of Nigeria, and creating technology and innovation that could be helpful in solving some of their problems. We also have a Climate Change Hub in collaboration with the Lagos Business School. And, of course, we intend to collaborate and partner with Co-Creation Hub and several other hubs.

The point is that we are anxious not to get in the way. Government can sometimes get in the way of enterprise. What we really need to do is to partner and to work hand in hand with them so that we help in whatever way, in whatever difficulty that they have. In some case, it might be credit; in some others, it may just be in creating and ensuring the right policy.

So, on one of the things that we are trying to do is to set up a council of sorts. Already, we have an industrial and competitiveness council. We want to look at doing one for technology and for innovation as well so that we bring in some of the key players and thinkers around technology working with government and government officials to develop policy and various ways we can help them to do what they are doing better.

Q: Advice to existing and potential tech developers in the country?

Vice President: I’m going to borrow from the wise Minister of Science and Technology, who, earlier in the day in our discussion, said something. It is that a lot of those who are doing these enterprises, a lot of the technologies and innovators we’ve seen got the attention and got to where they are by being increasingly innovative and creative.

So, the only way to keep ahead of the curve, the way to keep ahead of anyone else is by increasingly innovative and by finding newer ways of doing things better. My advice is that the only way to keep ahead is by ensuring that you are ahead in terms of innovations and technology. From what I’ve seen here today, it is obvious that these guys do not have any plans to rest on their oars, as they say. They certainly intend to keep ahead. I’m excited to say that the advice they need is the advice they’ve already taken. I hope that when we come back to see them, what we see here would be much more advanced than what we are seeing here today.

Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
18 April, 2018

State House Press Release

President Buhari Assures Nigerians: Your Confidence In Us Won't Be Abused

“We will do our best to justify your trust in us, and that confidence won't be abused,” President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians.

The President spoke in London Sunday while receiving the Buhari Diaspora Support Organization, led by Mr Charles Efe Sylvester.

"I am happy that people like you are here, on your own, defending the country. You have shown courage and sacrifice. I assure you that your confidence in us won't be abused, we will do our best to justify it," President Buhari said.

He noted that Nigeria was gifted with tremendous human and natural resources, but regretted that "failure of some of the leadership we had in the past led to our not being able to capitalize on resources to improve the lot of the people."

Saying wicked people plundered the country, "and kept Nigerians poor," the President added that looking at the condition in which the current administration met the country, without savings and the economy badly vandalized, "we have not done too badly."

President Buhari said the damage done to the Nigerian economy in the years of plunder was massive, and that government was doing its best to recover some of the loot, but noted that it was impossible to identify and recover all.

"If they had used 50% of the money we made, when oil prices went as high as $143 dollars per barrel, and stabilized at $100 dollars with production at 2.1 million barrels per day for many years, Nigerians would have minded their businesses. You could almost grow food on our roads, as they were abandoned. The stealing was so much, and they were so inept that they could not even cover the stealing properly. I wonder how all those things could have happened to our country." the President said.

He commended the Buhari Diaspora Support Organization for deciding to identify with the country, "when you could have stayed here, and being comfortable."

The Coordinator of the organization, Mr Sylvester, said the group was happy with the achievements of the Buhari administration so far, noting:

"You met a difficult situation, but you have overcome most of them. We are happy with the agriculture revolution, the ease of doing business, the anti-corruption war, the employment of youths through the N-Power programme, and the blockage of leakages in the public sector through the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

"We are proud of the speed with which you recovered the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls. It shows you as a worthy general. We are happy that you have declared for 2019. Majority of Nigerians are happy, but agents of corruption and darkness are unhappy. The same God, who healed you when you were ill, will grant you victory in the 2019 elections. You are a General who does not fear combat, either with Generals or non-Generals. We declare our love and support for you. You are fixing the faulty foundations of our country and second term is when you will build the enduring structure."

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
April 15, 2018

Office of The Vice President

Press Release

Niger Delta New Vision: Maritime University Commences Lectures

University take-off fulfilment of Buhari administration’s promise to develop the region

In fulfilment of the Buhari administration’s commitment to develop the Niger Delta in line with its New Vision for the region, the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, has today commenced lectures for the 2017/2018 academic year.

A total of 196 students have so far been accepted into the University to commence their academic programmes.

The Maritime University was granted approval in January by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence undergraduate degree programmes effective from the 2017/2018 academic session.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had also listed the University in its Central Admissions Processing System in January 24, 2018, while interviews for academic staff positions were conducted between 1st and 2nd of March, 2018.

The NUC had approved that academic activities commence in three faculties namely; Transport, Engineering and Environmental Management, with a combined total of 13 departments with various specializations – from Marine Engineering, Marine Economics to Climate Change, Fisheries and Aquaculture.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved an increase in the take-off grant allocated to the University from the N2bn earlier announced to N5bn. This sum was included in the 2018 budget presented to the National Assembly in November 2017.

Similarly, an additional N1B was approved by the President to support essential infrastructure works and staff recruitment in the University in November 2017.

Also, following the commencement of operations in 2017, the university had, in November 2017, invited job applications for academic staff with advert placement in major national dailies.

The Delta State government had also donated two 500KVA generators to the University.

Following President Muhammadu Buhari’s meeting with leaders of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in November 2016, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, was delegated to undertake a tour of the oil producing communities in 2017; and the take-off of the Maritime University was one of the major requests tabled before the Federal Government.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President,
Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
12th April, 2018

Press Briefing By The Chief Of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai NAM OMM(BR) GSS PSC (+) NDC (BD) FCMH FNHAM BA (Hons) MA MPhil On African Land Forces Summit 2018

Gentlemen of the press, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, you are welcome to Army Headquarters Conference Hall for the press briefing that will kick-start the African Land Forces Summit holding from Monday 16 to Thursday 19 April 2018. As you are all aware, the Nigerian Army is constantly carrying out training activities and updating its personnel in line with her constitutional role to aid civil authority in combating terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, cultism, civil unrest, ethnoreligious crisis as well as other security challenges. The increased incidents of these challenges bedevilling the nation in recent time have become worrisome.

In view of these, the Nigerian Army in conjunction with US Army African Command will be holding this year’s African Land Forces Summit with the theme “Unity Is Strength: Combating Africa’s Security Challenges”. The summit will afford military leaders of African countries the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, develop new ways of tackling security challenges on the continent and further facilitate cooperation.

It is pertinent to also state that, the United States military through the auspices of the African Command (AFRICOM) holds annual conferences called the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) with allied countries. The last ALFS 2017 held in Malawi. The forum affords countries the avenue to share experiences on global terrorism and forge common approach to combating transnational threats and crimes such as small arms proliferation and terrorism. The summit is the single largest gathering of African senior military leaders on the continent. It also afford them the opportunity to interact with the aim of strengthening existing relationships and developing new ones.

The Summit is a landmark event which the Nigerian Army will be co-hosting with US Army Africa (USARAF). It will provide the NA the forum to showcase its capabilities, project its image and military might to the largest gathering of African senior military leaders on the continent. This is in addition to providing a platform for countries to share experiences on global terrorism and other security challenges such as transnational threats and crimes.

The event is sponsored by the USARAF while the Nigerian Army (NA) will be the co-host. During the summit, all African Army Chiefs and Chiefs of other nations from Europe and the Americas including the USA will be in attendance. The ALFS 2018 is scheduled to hold at the main Auditorium, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The opening and closing ceremony are slated for 16 and 19 April respectively at the Transcorp Hilton. Part of activities lined up for the summit include military demonstration exercise that would entail firing and the use of pyrotechnics. The exercise will take place at 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada commencing with rehearsals on 12 and 14 April 2018, while the grand finale will take place on 17 April 2018. Residents of the area are advised to remain calm as all safety measures have been put in place to protect lives and property. Topical issues such as “Command and Control in African Operational Environment”, Collapse of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria Caliphate and Implications on African Stability and Security” among others will be discussed.

Participants will be drawn from all African armies; western partners as well as representatives from the three Services, the Nigeria Police and DSS, Principal Staff Officers from AHQ, Corps Commanders and General Officers Commanding will be in attendance. Also, some professors and members of Academia, and stakeholders will attend.

Gentlemen of the press, you have always been partners in progress hence we are using this opportunity to request you to give this event the widest publicity in your medium. On this note, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I thank you all for honouring our invitation. I will now take questions from you and clarify doubts if any.

State House Press Release

2019: Why I Declared Intentions Now, By President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has explained why he declared his intentions to run for another term in office on Monday, April 9, 2018, during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Receiving the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Justin Welby in London Wednesday, President Buhari said:

"I declared before leaving home because Nigerians were talking too much about whether I would run or not. So, I felt I should break the ice. We have many things to focus on, like security, agriculture, economy, anti-corruption, and many others. We needed to concentrate on them, and politics should not be a distraction. The majority of Nigerians appreciate what we are doing, and that is why I am re-contesting."

The President recounted some successes of the administration to his guest, with whom he has built a deep friendship in recent times, and was quite particular about strides in agriculture.

"We have cut the importation of rice by about 90%, saving billions of dollars in the process. People who rushed into petrol money have now gone back to agriculture. Even professionals have gone back to the land. Nigeria should be able to feed itself comfortably soon. I am so pleased," the President said.

On the war against insurgency, he stressed the need for continuous education of the people, "so that they can be free from religious manipulation," adding that no true religion advocates the hurting or killing of the innocent.

Responding to his guest's comment on the clashes between herdsmen and farmers in different parts of Nigeria, the President submitted:

"The problem is even older than us. It has always been there, but now made worse by the influx of armed gunmen from the Sahel region into different parts of the West African sub-region. These gunmen were trained and armed by Muammar Gadaffi of Libya. When he was killed, the gunmen escaped with their arms. We encountered some of them fighting with Boko Haram. Herdsmen that we used to know carried only sticks and maybe a cutlass to clear the way, but these ones now carry sophisticated weapons. The problem is not religious, but sociological and economic. But we are working on solutions."

President Buhari lamented that "irresponsible politics" has been brought into the farmers/herders’ crisis, but assured that enduring solutions would be found, and justice done to all concerned.

On Leah Sharibu, the schoolgirl from Dapchi still being held by insurgents, reportedly because she refused to renounce her Christian faith, the President said:

"We are managing the matter quietly. Making noise would not help. We are collecting as much intelligence as possible, working with the Red Cross and other international organizations. There are too many fraudulent people around, who claim they can do this and that. We won't deal with them. That was how we got the Dapchi girls back, and the Chibok girls."

Archbishop Welby said it was always a delight to see President Buhari, "whom I have tremendous respect for," adding: "You have my best wishes on your recent decision. I read your declaration speech. We are neutral as a church, but we will pray for you. Great statesmen are those who run for the good of their country. We will be praying for you."

The Archbishop presented President Buhari with a copy of his recent book, 'Reimagining Britain. Foundations for Hope.'

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
April 11, 2018.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the extension of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) to June 30, 2018.

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are working hard to bring a permanent solution to the clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the country; deploying a combination of law enforcement, technical and multi-stakeholder collaborative initiatives.

President Muhammadu Buhari will leave Abuja today, for an official visit to Britain where he is due to hold discussions on Nigeria- British relations with Prime Minister Theresa May, prior to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings scheduled for 18th to 20th April.

The President will also meet the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Plc, Mr. Ben van Beurden in connection with Shell and other partners’ plan to invest $15b in Nigeria’s oil industry.

These investment ventures will lay the foundation for the next 20 years’ production and domestic gas supply.

President Muhammadu Buhari will in the UK, also renew discussions with the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, a good friend of the President, on inter-religious harmony in Nigeria and worldwide.

Follow #PMBinUK and #PMBAtCHOGM2018 (on Twitter) for updates from the President’s Official Visit to the UK and his participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings.

Office of The Vice President

Press Release

Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative Will Help Us Build A Vibrant, Competitive National Economy - VP Osinbajo

*Urges private sector, local businesses to leverage on initiative to expand globally

*Says initiative will bridge gap between local talents & Nigerians in Diaspora

“The Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative is designed to complement the fundamental economic objective of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which is to improve the wellbeing of Nigerians as individuals and as a collective.

“Our national economic aspirations in the medium-term are contained in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which emphasizes sustained growth to generate the large number of jobs we urgently require. As designed, this initiative fits very well into the ongoing work towards an enabling architecture of laws, rules, processes and tools that facilitates business.

“The fact that this initiative will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to find opportunities to contribute to national development through short-term assignments or by securing jobs, is a particularly pleasing component of this initiative and it is one I think we ought to pursue vigorously.

“It is very important for us as a nation to effectively utilise our human and material resources. This initiative will contribute to this objective by enhancing the capacity of our diplomats, to conduct economic diplomacy at a very practical level at home and abroad. Once it is fully up and running, the Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative stands to make a critical contribution to achieving the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. – Vice President

Remarks By His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, Vice President, Federal Republic Of Nigeria, At The Launch Of The Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative, At The Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, On Thursday, 5th April, 2018.

We are today witnesses to an event of monumental importance, both to the Nigerian Foreign Policy and our economy; the launch of the Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative (NEDI). This is the convergence of our global reach and influence with the tremendous opportunities for commerce and industry in Nigeria, a game-changing synergy that has been waiting to happen for years.

So permit me to specially commend our history making Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and his able collaborator, the Hon. Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okey Enelamah.

Hon. Minister Onyeama. Let me also commend you for something you do so well, which is giving generous credit to members of your team; this is very remarkable indeed. We have also come to know Seun Omobo quite well from your very generous introduction of her. I also want to commend her for the good work she has done.

The Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative is designed to complement the fundamental economic objective of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which is to improve the wellbeing of Nigerians as individuals and as a collective.

Our national economic aspirations in the medium-term are contained in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which emphasizes sustained growth to generate the large number of jobs we urgently require. We are also developing an economically empowered, healthy and educated work-force, and we are committed to providing the infrastructure, especially power, roads, rail and broadband infrastructure that is fundamental to the economic pace we have set for ourselves.

As designed, this initiative fits very well into the ongoing work towards an enabling architecture of laws, rules, processes and tools that facilitates business.

Economic diplomacy, which is the use of diplomatic methods to address national economic interests, has a key role to play in achieving the objectives of the ERGP. It is the means by which we intend to manage global inter-dependence relating to trade, investment and financial flows, and the articulation of international economic rules and participation in global value chains.

It is therefore imperative that, given the size of the Nigerian economy, we are well positioned to actively participate in international economic affairs, in a manner that is collaborative and mutually beneficial to us and our partners.

Nigeria’s participation in international economic processes must take account of official multilateral and bilateral relations, as well as trade and investment flows. Our multilateral economic engagement requires engagement in the architecture and rules at global and regional levels. This is why we have participated in African integration processes since the adoption of the Lagos Plan of Action and the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community.

It is also why we participated actively in negotiations to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area and why our attempt to build greater understanding on what it will entail for us as a nation should not in any way be construed or interpreted as diminished commitment to our pan-African ideals. We are committed to our Pan-African ideals; we are committed to the ideals that have stood us out as a country determined to integrate Africa. We are also committed to ensuring that adequate consultation is made adequately with the private sector before we make further commitments to some of the international treaties important to us.

The same is true about strengthening bilateral economic ties at the official level on issues such as technical cooperation, air services, double taxation, investment promotion and protection, fishing rights and such like. On the other hand, trade and investment ties between countries are driven in the main by their private sector actors. In the case of Nigeria, the private sector is particularly important because it accounts for well over 90% of our Gross Domestic Product. We are thus fully aware that building the vibrant and competitive national economy of our dreams, relies on enabling the innovation and dynamism of our private sector operators to flourish.

Given that private sector actors and indeed the talented individuals who drive trade and investment are numerous and dispersed, it follows that they may not have access or the means to obtain the information they need about opportunities that abound, especially abroad. There is a similar gap between the skills needed in the country and the skills that exist in the Nigerian Diaspora. The vision of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs to use the Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative (NEDI) to bridge these vital gaps is a very welcome development indeed.

It is particularly noteworthy that this initiative will use information technology to provide a platform that will match Nigerian firms with trade and investment opportunities that exist abroad, in a timely and accurate manner. This will benefit our Small and Medium Scale Enterprises by facilitating their access to global markets. It will at the same time, make it easier for them to conduct business across borders, which is a key component of our on-going efforts to improve the domestic business environment.

It is often said by foreigners that one of Nigeria's strengths is the quality of our people who work as professionals abroad. This has also been said here repeatedly. This is flattering, but it can sometimes impact negatively on economic development, especially because it also means brain-drain. The fact that this initiative will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to find opportunities to contribute to national development through short-term assignments or by securing jobs, is a particularly pleasing component of this initiative and it is one I think we ought to pursue vigorously.

It is also noteworthy that the Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative will bring the capacities of the Nigerian Foreign Service, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its network of over 114 overseas Missions, to bear in promoting trade and investment flows between Nigeria and the rest of the world. It is very important for us as a nation to effectively utilise our human and material resources. This initiative will contribute to this objective by enhancing the capacity of our diplomats, to conduct economic diplomacy at a very practical level at home and abroad.

Partnership is a key requirement for success when an initiative cuts across the roles and functions of several key actors; it challenges all of our skills in establishing those partnerships. I endorse what the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment has said about the importance of partnerships, especially here with regards to the synergies between government agencies and now, the synergies between local government agencies and our foreign missions and of course, our international partners here and there.

I am pleased that this initiative brings together key institutional actors not just in Foreign Affairs but also in Trade and Investment. The involvement of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and some of its key agencies including the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, as well as leading industry associations and we have heard from the Abuja Chambers of Commerce. This is a recipe for success and I think it is to be encouraged and commended and we are working very closely with the private sector every step of the way in our economic development plans.

Once it is fully up and running, the Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative stands to make a critical contribution to achieving the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. I want to urge all those who have been mandated with ensuring the success of this initiative to commit diligently to achieving these aims.

I am now therefore delighted to officially launch the Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative, and to dedicate it for the use of Nigerian businesses, professionals locally and internationally, especially professionals in the Diaspora, and ultimately to the economic progress of our dear nation.

Thank you very much.

Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the President
Office of the Vice President
6th April, 2018

Office Of The Vice President

Press Release

Nigeria Is On A Path Of Progress And Elevation – VP Osinbajo

Remarks By His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, Vice President, Federal Republic Of Nigeria, At A Media Chat With Journalists After The Easter Sunday Service At The Aso Villa Chapel On Sunday, April 1, 2018.

Q: This Easter celebration is coming at a time that several challenges are confronting the nation, what would be your message to Nigerians?

Vice President: My message is that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is also a strong and powerful message to the nation. Our nation is on the path of resurrection, progress and elevation. We are moving out from all of our challenges, and we are going to a place of greater hope, peace and prosperity and abundance for all of us.

Thank you.

Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity)
Office of the Vice President
April 1, 2018

Use your influence wisely, Presidency appeals to prominent Nigerians.

President Buhari’s Address at the Occasion of Receiving the Release of Dapchi School Girls

I am delighted to formally announce to Nigerians this morning and our International friends and partners that One Hundred and Seven (107) Dapchi students previously abducted, have been unconditionally released by their abductors.

This cheering and hearty development signifies our commitment to the security and wellbeing of all Nigerian.

We are never in doubt about our focus and direction since the assumption of this Administration. Security, ant-corruption and revamping of our economy are the main focus of our government.

You will recall that on 14th of this month, I paid a visit to Yobe State during which I sympathized with the parents, families, Government and people of the State for the tragic abduction of the students in Dapchi.

I made a solemn pledge on my word of honour that this Administration would do everything possible to ensure the unconditional release of the girls.

I further tasked all the appropriate security agencies to safely bring back the girls. We also reached out to our contacts at home and abroad. We embarked on backchannel shuttles with a clear view to bring to an end, of this tragedy.

We entered into negotiations solely to make sure that no single girl was hurt. This strategy paid off as the girls have been released without any incidents.

Let me re-emphasize our Administration’s commitment to the fight against terrorism and insurgency, and also call on all Nigerians, to join in this task. The security services have since been directed to put in place further measures around all schools vulnerable to attacks to ensure the safety of our pupils/students and teachers and school workers.

I have tasked all the security agencies to work to ensure that we do not witness any reoccurrence of these incidents. Security Chiefs have been warned in clear terms that any lapse on their parts will be viewed seriously.

To the rescued students, we want to reassure you as our daughters, that you will freely live and pursue your dreams in Nigeria of peace and order, without fear of violence or molestation.

While parents of the Dapchi girls rejoice because of the reunion with their children, I want to appeal to the Chibok Community never to lose hope or to despair. We are determined as never before, to bring back our remaining Chibok daughters. And this, we must accomplish. And that will be soon by God’s grace.

While further efforts are being made to secure the release of every abducted citizen in Nigeria, Government is ever ready to accept the unconditional laying down of arms by any member of the Boko Haram group, who show strong commitment in that regard. We are ready to rehabilitate and integrate such repentant members into the larger society.

This country has suffered enough of hostility. Government is, therefore, appealing to all to embrace peace for the overall development of our people and the country.

May I also warn against those elements who have chosen to make political fortune of our citizens’ misfortune. Government would not tolerate any attempt by any person or group to trivialize or politicize security issues for politically motivated ends. Accordingly, security agencies would not hesitate to decisively deal with such unscrupulous characters.

Finally, I thank all Nigerians, who in spite of political differences, prayed and showed solidarity with families of the abducted students, during the period of the abduction.

This, undoubtedly, is the Nigerian spirit. We can and should sustain it beyond moments of sorrow. I remain thankful to the International Community and our friends who offered varying degrees of assistance during the back channel communications.

May I, on behalf of the Government and people of Nigerian, extend our appreciation to the security agencies for their loyal and tireless efforts in making this day a reality.

Thank you and may God bless our country.

Source: [url]http://statehouse.gov.ng/news/president-buharis-address-at-the-occasion-of-receiving-the-release-of-dapchi-school-girls/[/u]rl

Press Release: 101 Freed Dapchi Schoolgirls Now Documented – FG

March 21st, 2018

The number of the Dapchi schoolgirls who were released on Wednesday has increased from 76 to 101, with the documentation of more of the freed girls by the security agencies, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister said the number could still increase, as the documentation of the freed girls is ongoing.

He said the release of the schoolgirls is the outcome of the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to all security agencies to do everything possible to secure the release of the 110 Dapchi schoolgirls, who were abducted 19 Feb. 2018.

The Minister said the girls were released around 3 a.m. through back-channel efforts and with the help of some friends of the country, and that it was unconditional.

”For the release to work, the government had a clear understanding that violence and confrontation would not be the way out as it could endanger the lives of the girls, hence a non-violent approach was the preferred option.

”Within the period when the girls were being brought back, operational pause was observed in certain areas to ensure free passage and also that lives were not lost,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Federal Government Delegation comprising Ministers of Information and Culture; Interior as well as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs are on their way to Maiduguri to meet with the freed girls.

Segun Adeyemi
SA To Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Abuja
21 March 2018

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, speaking at the Ogun State Investors Forum:

In last two years we have launched and implemented a comprehensive Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), pursued peace in the Niger Delta, focused on improving our business environment, scaled up investment in agriculture and infrastructure, and expanded Nigeria’s revenue base.

Ultimate goal has been diversification of economy, away from unhealthy dependence on oil and gas revenues. We have also been zealous about reversing trend of grand corruption and underinvestment in infrastructure that characterised recent history.

Today, we are two quarters out of the recession, and firmly on path of recovery. External reserves are at highest in 5 years. Inflation down 13 consecutive months, manufacturing confidence on the rise. In 2017, Nigeria moved 24 places up on World Bank’s Doing Business Index.

Last year I flagged off construction of a new standard gauge railway line that will run from Lagos Ports, through Ogun State, to Ibadan – one of the terminal sections of a network that will run over a thousand kilometres across the country, to Kano.

Federal Government will continue to do everything within our power to support every State in Nigeria to reach its full economic potential.

It would be hard to find a Federal Government in recent history that has been as supportive of development ambitions of States as the Muhammadu Buhari administration. We have treated State Governments, regardless of partisan affiliation, as partners, not minions.

Next week, President Muhammadu Buhari will inaugurate a Food Security Council, which he will personally Chair, and which will work closely with the private sector to ensure alignment of all related policies, as well as bring greater efficiency to Nigeria's farming, fisheries and livestock production.

The Food Security Council will bring together the Federal Government, State Governors - who will be represented by six Governors from across party and regional lines (Kebbi, Lagos, Ebonyi, Delta, Taraba and Plateau), security agencies, and key players in our agriculture sector.

Federal Ministry Of Finance

Press Statement

Sunday, 11th March, 2018

Buhari Approves New Excise Duty Rates for Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco

…No increase in excise duty on other locally excisable products

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved an amendment to the excise duty rates for alcoholic beverages and tobacco with effect from Monday, 4th June, 2018.

The President has also granted a grace period of 90 days (three months) to all manufacturers before the commencement of the new excise duty regime.

There is however no increase in excise duty of other locally excisable products.

The Honourable Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who made this known on Sunday in Abuja, stated that the new excise duty rates were spread over a three-year period from 2018 to 2020 in order to moderate the impact on prices of the products.

The Minister disclosed that the new excise duty regimes followed all-inclusive stakeholder engagements by the Tariff Technical Committee of the Federal Ministry of Finance with key industry stakeholders.

According to her, the upward review of the excise duty rates for alcoholic beverages and tobacco was to achieve a dual benefit of raising the Government’s fiscal revenues and reducing the health hazards associated with tobacco-related diseases and alcohol abuse.

She said, “The Tariff Technical Committee (TCC) recommended the slight adjustment in the excise duty charges after cautious considerations of the Government’s Fiscal Policy Measures for 2018 and the reports of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund Technical Assistance Mission on Nigeria’s Fiscal Policy.

“The effect of the excise duty rates adjustment on trade and investment was also assessed by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment and it adopted the recommendations of the TTC.

“Furthermore, peer country comparisons were also carried out showing Nigeria as being behind the curve in the review of excise duty rates on alcoholic beverages and tobacco.”

Following the President’s approval, Adeosun disclosed that the new excise duty rate on tobacco was now a combination of the existing ad-valorem base rate and specific rate while the ad-valorem rate was replaced with a specific rate for alcoholic beverages.

The Minister added, “For Alcoholic Beverages, the current ad-valorem rate will be replaced with specific rates and spread over three years to moderate the impact on prices. This will curb the discretion in the Unit Cost Analysis (UCA) for determining the ad-valorem rate and prevent revenue leakages.

“For Tobacco, the Government will maintain the current ad-valorem rate of 20 per cent and introduce additional specific rates with the implementation to be spread over a three-year period to also reasonably reduce the impact on prices.”

Under the newly approved excise duty rates for tobacco in addition to the 20 per cent ad-valorem rate, each stick of cigarette will attract a N1 specific rate per stick (N20 per pack of 20 sticks) in 2018, N2 specific rate per stick (N40 per pack of 20 sticks) in 2019 and N2.90k specific rate per stick (N58 per pack of 20 sticks) in 2020.

The Minister explained that Nigeria’s cumulative specific excise duty rate for tobacco was 23.2 per cent of the price of the most sold brand, as against 38.14 per cent in Algeria, 36.52 per cent in South Africa and 30 per cent in Gambia.

The new specific excise duty rate for alcoholic beverages cuts across Beer & Stout, Wines and Spirits for the three years 2018 to 2020.

Under the new regime, Beer & Stout would attract N0.30k per centiliter (Cl) in 2018 and N0.35k per Cl each in 2019 and 2020.

Wines would attract N1.25k per Cl in 2018 and N1.50k per Cl each in 2019 and 2020, while N1.50k per Cl was approved for Spirits in 2018, N1.75k per Cl in 2019 and N2.00k per Cl in 2020.

The Minister added that the new excise duty regimes are in line with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) directive on the harmonisation of member-states’ legislations on excise duties.

It would be recalled that the ECOWAS Council of Ministers had at its 62nd and 79th Ordinary Sessions in Abuja in May 2009 and December 2017, respectively, issued directives on the harmonisation of the ECOWAS Member States’ Legislations on Excise Duties.

The directives seek to harmonise member-states’ legislations on excise duties of non-oil products and also stipulate the scope of application, rate of taxation, taxable event and amount.

Signed:

Oluyinka Akintunde
Special Adviser, Media & Communications to the Hon. Minister of Finance
Federal Ministry of Finance
Sunday, 11th March, 2018

See Breakdown Of The Newly Approved Excise Duty Rates Below

Press Release: The Era Of Importing Textile Materials For Producing Security Agencies’ Uniform Will Soon Come To An End- Interior Minister.

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Lt General (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau has announced plans to put an end to the importation of textile materials for producing uniforms by all Services under the Ministry of Interior.

General Dambazau made the disclosure when the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, His Excellency, Governor Kashim Shettima, led the management team of the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) to the Ministry of Interior to seek the Ministry’s support for the revitalization of its textile industry. The meeting which also had in attendance, the Minister for Agriculture, Dr Audu Ogbe, The CG Custom, Col Hameed Ali Rtd, and Controller Generals of Immigration, Prisons, Federal Fire Service as well as the representatives of the Inspector General of Police and CG Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, applauded the plans to domesticate the production of uniform materials and other accoutrements used by security Services in Nigeria.

The Interior Minister use the occasion to remind the various heads of agencies at the meeting, the need to adhere strictly to the Executive Order on support for local content in public procurement. He admonished them to be guided by the above mentioned Presidential Order in procuring uniforms and other accoutrements captured in the 2018 budget, while hoping that the current effort at reviving the nation’s textile industries will ensure the complete production of uniforms and other accoutrements locally, by 2019. Dambazau further noted the need to support the revitalization of the Nigeria textile industry. He said domesticating the production of security personnel uniforms, will not only boost Nigeria’s gross domestic products, it will also create employment opportunities for our teeming youths, reduce proliferation of such uniforms by criminal elements, while deepening internal security.

In their separate submissions, the Minister for Agriculture, Dr Audu Ogbe, the CG Customs, Hameed Ali and heads of security agencies in the Ministry of Interior were unanimous on the overall gains of domesticating the production of security Services uniforms in Nigeria, while the heads of the agencies pledged their commitment to implement the Executive Order on support for local content in public procurement.

Ehisienmen Osaigbovo.
Press Secretary, to the Honourable Minister of Interior.