₦airaland Forum

Update on Aso Rock response to killings in Benue State:

-President Muhammadu Buhari met with Inspector-General of the Nigerian Police Force yesterday

-IGP has deployed DIG Police Operations to Benue to supervise implementation of new security strategies to end attacks

-8 suspected herdsmen arrested and being prosecuted.

-In addition, the IGP has deployed Police Aerial Surveillance Helicopters, Police Mobile Force; Police Special Forces, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Police Joint Intelligence and Investigation Teams to support conventional Police Personnel on the ground.

Office Of The Vice President

Press Release

We Will Protect The Poor, & The Helpless Who Suffer From Crisis - VP Osinbajo

*Says FG will enforce the peace, & adds that tragedies ought not be politicized


Prepared Remarks By His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Vice President Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria At The Interdenominational Church Service For This Year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day Held At The National Christian Centre, Abuja Today January 7, 2018

I am especially honoured to be here to join family and friends of our departed heroes to mark this day when we remember the incredible sacrifices they made on the field of battle.

Every one of the men and women of our armed forces killed in battle took a decision that they were prepared to lay down their lives for flag and country. Those promises were tested and found to have been faithfully made. Many died in circumstances so terrifying and horrifying.

But the greatest loss is of the families they left behind, wives, husbands, children, siblings and sometimes parents. So death is a test not for the dead but for the living. It is the living that must bear the pain of shattered hopes. The many children who will miss the special moments in their lives, one parent would not witness their days of joy and celebrations, graduations, marriages, naming ceremonies because their fathers chose to defend our nation and its commitments to other nations. It is to those brave and courageous fallen heroes that this day is dedicated and we honour their memories. But it is their families to whom we owe a debt that cannot be redeemed. No matter how hard we try or how eloquently we describe the services of the departed we cannot bring them back.

But our debt, our continuing obligation places a burden upon us as governments and people of Nigeria.

The first is to rigorously defend the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria by words and action. Rebuking firmly and even by recourse to law, those who by their words and action threaten to break the bonds of nationhood paid for by the blood and sweat of our Military.

Second is to defend faithfully the freedoms and rights that form the fundament of our society and nationhood. These include, the right to life, which involves the duty of the State to provide adequate security for lives and livelihoods of the citizens, the right to liberty, freedom of worship amongst others. Yes, we have seen in the past few years how these rights have been challenged by the mindless extremism of the Boko Haram in the North-East, and how again our gallant military, police and civilian populations have risen jointly & gallantly to rout these criminal combatants and restore peace to most communities in that zone. We have also seen even recently the killings that have resulted from attacks of herdsmen on farmers and communities and also where farmers and communities have attacked herdsmen, the spate of violence and loss of lives in Rivers State, & the Badoo killings in Lagos and Ogun States.

The President has ordered the police and the armed forces to deal decisively with these killings and to ensure that the perpetrators are found and punished. The President has also in almost daily meetings, and strategy sessions with relevant security and law enforcement agencies worked to find lasting solutions.

But we must also not permit the politicization of these tragedies. One of the reasons why for years Boko Haram thrived was because of the politicization of the insurgency. There were those who planning to benefit politically from the tragedies painted opposition as the perpetrators. Again we see some today who want to benefit politically from the killing of women and children in Benue and Adamawa, and asuch stoking the embers of ethnicity and religion. By their hate speeches they want to fix the criminal acts of a few individuals on whole ethnic groups, they want to create a religious crises if they are allowed.

Our obligation is to stop them from playing dangerous politics that could threaten our unity and stability, just as we continue to enforce the peace in troubled areas. As Bishop Benjamin Kwashi said it is the poor and helpless who suffer the most from crisis, and it is they that we have sworn to protect.

Senate President’s representative, Service Chiefs, distinguished guests ladies and gentlemen: the Armed forces remain the bastion and exemplar of National Unity: Nigerian men and women of every tribe and religion, standing side by side in the gravest danger, being harmed and dying side by side under one flag and in defense of one nation. No attainment is worthwhile unless some are prepared to sacrifice for it nay the ultimate sacrifice.

Our Nation today stands as one to honor those who paid and continue to pay the price night and day for our safety and the safety of our land. We pledge that the labors of these heroes past shall not be in vain.

But we who gather here today are Christians, many born again. We are the light of our Nation and the Salt of this land. It is to us that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been given, the gospel which preaches contrary to our flesh, that we must love our persecutors and pray even for those who despises us. The gospel is a gospel based on the sacrifice of God of his only begotten son . Our country today needs the gospel that says that we must overcome evil with good. A gospel that conquers by weakness and meekness because the battle is not ours it is the Lords.

God Bless the Armed forces of Nigeria
God bless the 36 States of Nigeria and the FCT
God bless Nigeria.


Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
7 January 2018

Speech: President Buhari At The Launch Of New Locomotives And Coaches For The Kaduna-Abuja Train Service – January 4, 2018

You may recall that I commissioned and flagged off the Abuja-Kaduna train service for both Passenger & Freight in July, 2016 which was Nigeria’s first ever Standard Gauge train service. I am glad that this service has become very useful to commuters and has since become the preferred mode of transport for the journey between Abuja and Kaduna.

2. In response to the increased demand for this service, we are today launching and commissioning 2 additional locomotives and 10 additional Passenger coaches to improve the service. At the same time we are flagging off the other leg of the journey. Trains are scheduled to take off at the same time from both Kaduna and Abuja.

3. You may also recall that during the commissioning in 2016, I restated our resolve to vigorously pursue rail development in Nigeria through the implementation of the 25-Year Strategic Railway Master Plan.

4. I am happy that today a number of the projects are progressing very satisfactorily. The Lagos to Ibadan segment of the Lagos to Kano double track standard gauge rail line project is targeted to be completed by the end of the year.

5. The Itakpe to Warri standard gauge central line is expected to be commissioned by July this year and the extension from Itakpe to Abuja is being pursued vigorously.

6. Additional critical projects which I am particularly keen to start include the Coastal Rail line (Lagos-Calabar) with branches to Benin, Agbor and Onitsha; Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Standard guage rail line with branches to Owerri, Awka, Abakaliki, Yola and Damaturu; and Kano – Kazaure – Daura – Katsina – Jibiya to link with Maradi in Niger Republic as part of regional railway interconnectivity in the ECOWAS sub-region.

7. Other supporting projects which have been approved are the procurement of more locomotives, coaches, wagons, workshops and equipment that will be used for new standard gauge lines.

8. By way of encouraging private sector participation in our rail development, negotiation for concession of the narrow gauge railways with a consortium led by General Electric is in progress. We are looking forward to a more efficient rail service on the narrow gauge lines to be driven by the private sector.

9. It is on the basis of this that we are creating a more conducive environment for private sector participation by strengthening our legal and regulatory frameworks. The necessary Bills namely, Nigeria Railway Authority and National Transport Commission are already before the National Assembly.

10. Let me once again reassure Nigerians that we are strongly committed to linking all major commercial and production centres as well as state capitals with railway systems as a way of bringing about rapid socio-economic development and improving the quality of life of the citizens and promoting national integration.

11. This is not only a statement of intent but a benchmark which we are using to measure the performance of our administration. Our resolve to develop our rail system to a world class standard remains. To achieve this, I am using this opportunity to solicit the support of all relevant stakeholders especially the National Assembly and our development partners in realizing this objective.

11. Finally, I acknowledge the great efforts and hard work of the Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi and his team for ensuring that we realize our objective of providing a functional and efficient rail system to Nigerians.

Thank you and May God bless all those who ply this route.

Source: https://statehouse.gov.ng/news/speech-president-buhari-at-the-launch-of-new-locomotives-and-coaches-for-the-kaduna-abuja-train-service-january-4-2018/

Aso Villa Newsletter: 2017 In Review

Looking Back At 2017

2017. As President Buhari recently described it, 2017 was a difficult year. The President was ill and on medical vacation for much of the first half of the year. In his words, “I have never been so sick.” His bouncing back to good health in August coincided with the emergence of the economy from five quarters of recession. In the first half of the year the President launched the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and Vice President Osinbajo (as Acting President) signed the 2017 Budget into law. (That Budget Proposal was submitted to the National Assembly by President Buhari in December 2016, but was not passed into law by the National Assembly until May 2017).

To recap, 2017 was the year in which:

1. Nigeria exited its worst recession in decades. After five quarters of negative growth, the economy bounced back into positive territory. Agriculture was one of the stars of 2017, posting consistent growth levels even throughout the recession. Also, Inflation fell for ten consecutive months during 2017 (February to November).

2. The Naira stabilised against the dollar, after the Central Bank introduced a new forex window for Investors and Exporters. The stability has attracted billions of dollars in portfolio investments since April 2017.

3. On the back of a stable Naira and increased investment inflows, Nigeria’s stock market emerged one of the best-performing in the world, delivering returns in excess of 40 percent.

4. Nigeria saw bumper food harvests, especially in rice, whose local production continues to rise significantly (States like Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kano leading the pack, with Ogun joining at the end of 2017). The price of a 50kg bag of rice – a staple in the country – has fallen by about 30 percent since the beginning of 2017, as local production has gone up.

5. The Federal Government launched a 701 billion Naira Intervention Fund (‘Payment Assurance Programme’) aimed at supporting power generation companies to meet their payment obligations to gas and equipment suppliers, banks and other partners. The impact is being felt, the amount of power being distributed is now currently steady at around 4,000MW - higher than previously recorded.

6. The Federal Government began paying pensions to police officers who were granted Presidential pardon in 2000 after serving in the former Biafran Police during the Nigerian Civil War. These officers, and their next of kin, have waited for their pensions for 17 years since the Presidential pardon.

7. Nigeria rose 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, and earned a place on the List of Top 10 Reformers in the world. As part of efforts to entrench an enabling environment for business in Nigeria, the National MSME Clinics initiative engaged and provided support to 364,028 MSMEs across 11 States in 2017.

8. Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves grew by $12 billion, reaching the highest level since 2014. Nigeria also added, in 2017, an additional $250m to its Sovereign Wealth Fund (making a total of $500m added since the Buhari administration took office). Also, Nigeria’s trade balance crossed over into surplus territory, from a deficit in 2016.

9. Nigeria successfully issued two Eurobonds (US$4.5bn), a Sukuk Bond (100 billion Naira), a Diaspora Bond (US$300m), and the first Sovereign Climate Bond ('Green Bond') in Africa, raising billions of dollars for infrastructure spending.

10. The Federal Government launched a Tax Amnesty scheme (the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme, VAIDS) expected to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenues when it closes in March 2018.

11. The Federal Government successfully commenced implementation of a Whistleblowing Programme that has so far seen recoveries of tens of millions of dollars.

12. The Social Investment Programme – Nigeria’s most ambitious social welfare programme ever – rolled out across dozens of states. Currently, 5.2 million primary school children in 28,249 schools in 19 states are being fed daily; 200,000 unemployed graduated enlisted into the Npower Job Scheme, a quarter of a million loans already distributed to artisans, traders, and farmers; and more than 280,000 people benefited from the Cash Transfer programme across 21 States.

13. The number of Nigerians facing food insecurity in the northeast dropped by half, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

14. The Nigeria Customs Service recorded its highest-ever revenue collection, crossing the One Trillion Naira (N1,000,000,000,000) mark. [The target for 2017 was 770 billion Naira (N770,573,730,490); 2016 Collection was just under 900 billion (N898,673,857,431.07)]

15. The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), under the new management appointed by President Buhari in 2016, remitted 7.8 billion Naira to the coffers of the Federal Government. The total amount remitted by JAMB between 2010 and 2016 was 51 million Naira.

16. 2017 was also the Year of Nigeria’s Agriculture Revolution, embodied by the successes of the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) and the Anchor Borrowers Programme. More than a dozen moribund fertilizer blending plants were revived under the PFI this year.

17. Finally, 2017 will be the Year that laid the foundation for a 2018 that will be Nigeria’s Year of Infrastructure. A number of important infrastructure projects, in power, rail and road, are scheduled to come on-stream or inch close to completion next year.

2017 was also the year we launched a new State House website. Look out for lots of engaging and informative content in 2018: https://statehouse.gov.ng/


Nigeria's Agriculture Revolution: A 2017 Timeline

Pre-2017 Context

November 17, 2015: Launch of the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) by President Muhammadu Buhari, in Kebbi State. The ABP was created by the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide a linkage between smallholder farmers (SHFs) of key agricultural commodities, and "anchor" companies involved in the processing of these commodities. The ABP provides farm inputs in kind and cash (for farm labour) to smallholder farmers to boost production of these commodities, stabilize inputs supply to agro processors, and address Nigeria's negative balance of payments on food. At harvest, the SHFs supply their produce to the Agro-processor (Anchor) who pays the cash equivalent to the farmer’s account. Since inception, the CBN has invested more than N40 billion in the ABP, benefiting more than 200,000 smallholder farmers -- growing rice, wheat, maize, cotton, soya beans, poultry, cassava and groundnuts as well as involved in fish farming -- across 29 states of the federation. Find out more about the ABP here

February 2016: Groundbreaking ceremony for the 120,000MT per annum WACOT Rice Mill in Argungu, Kebbi State.

December 2, 2016: Birth of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) with the signing of a Phosphate Agreement between FEPSAN and OCP, on behalf of Nigeria and Morocco respectively. Details here: https://medium.com/@TheAsoVilla/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-presidential-fertiliser-initiative-pfi-e6879d424dd6

2017

February 14, 2017: First output of blended NPK Fertiliser rolls out under the PFI

April 2017: Launch of new Tomato Policy by the Federal Government to boost investment in local production.

July 2017: Launch of the Presidential Economic Diversification Initiative (PEDI), aimed at supporting the revival of moribund industries (especially in Agro-processing) and facilitating new investments, by reducing regulatory bottlenecks and enabling access to credit.

July 27, 2017: Commissioning of Indorama Eleme Fertilizer Plant, Port Harcourt, by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

August 1, 2017: Commissioning of the 120,000 MT per annum WACOT Rice Mill in Argungu, Kebbi State, by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. It was the first Rice Mill to be conceived, completed and commissioned under the Buhari Administration.

August 29, 2017: Commissioning of the 60,000 MT per annum Edo State Fertilizer Company Limited (also managed by WACOT, in a Public Private Partnership with the Edo State Government), by the Vice President.

September 12, 2017: Commissioning of OLAM's 750,000 MT per annum Integrated Poultry Facility (consisting of Feed Mill, Hatchery and Breeder Farms) in Kaduna State, by President Buhari

September 2017: Fifteen (15) moribund NPK Fertilizer Blending Plants now revived and in operation across Nigeria, under the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative. Target is 18 before the end of 2017.

October 2017: Dangote Rice Company Limited launches the Dangote Youth Rice Farm project, an out-grower scheme for youths, at the Lower Niger River Basin Authority, Kampe, in Yagba West local government area of Kogi State. The Dangote Rice Company provides seedling, pesticides, and fertilizers while the Basin Authority provides the land.

December 1, 2017: Commissioning of Kellogg's Tolaram Cereal Plant, in Lagos. It will produce 10,000MT of cereal per annum.

December 21, 2017: Commissioning of Mitros Rice Mill in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to produce Ofada and Parboiled Rice.

Full Speech Of President Muhammadu Buhari On 2018 New Years National Broadcast

I join my fellow citizens this morning to welcome and celebrate the New Year 2018. This year promises to be pivotal in our quest for CHANGE.

Unfortunately, I am saddened to acknowledge that for many this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy. Instead of showing love, companionship and charity, some of our compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship on us all by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country.

The consequence was that not many could travel and the few who did had to pay exorbitant transport fares. This is unacceptable given that NNPC had taken measures to ensure availability at all depots. I am determined to get to the root of this collective blackmail of all Nigerians and ensure that whichever groups are behind this manipulated hardship will be prevented from doing so again.

Such unpatriotism will not divert the Administration from the course we have set ourselves. Our government’s watch word and policy thrust is CHANGE. We must change our way of doing things or we will stagnate and be left behind in the race to lift our people out of poverty and into prosperity.

My address to fellow Nigerians this morning is devoted mainly to informing you about the intense efforts this Administration is putting to address our country’s huge infrastructural deficit.

We are going to make significant in-roads in advancing road, rail and power projects across the country.

The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing is one of the drivers of this Government’s commitment to renew and increase Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure in order to achieve global economic competitiveness as targeted under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

With regards to Railways, we have set ourselves ambitious targets. Already in construction stage is the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway.

The line should reach Ibadan from Lagos by the end of 2019 and will carry two million passengers per year and five million tons of cargo will be transported every year giving a substantial boost to the country’s economy.

Construction of the Kano – Kaduna segment is expected to commence this year and reach Kaduna by the end of 2019. By the end of 2021 the two ends will be joined so that we will have standard gauge railway across the main North-South trading route.

The Abuja – Kaduna route will be boosted by additional rolling stock next Thursday and will be able to handle one million commuters annually.

At the same time I have approved and negotiations will be concluded in the first part of this year for the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri line covering Aba, Owerri, Umuahia, Enugu, Awka, Abakaliki, Makurdi, Lafia, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Yola and Damaturu. The Abuja to Itakpe line will go through Baro and terminate in Warri with construction of a new seaport at Warri.

Negotiations are also advanced for the construction of other railway lines, firstly from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic passing through Kazaure, Daura, Katsina, Jibia to Maradi.

Secondly, Lagos to Calabar the “Coastal Rail” through Ore, Benin, Agbor, Asaba, Onitsha, Sapele, Ughelli, Warri, Yenagoa, Otuoke, Port Harcourt, Aba, Uyo and Calabar. In the next few years, all these Nigerian cities will be linked by functional modern rail systems, giving enormous boost to the social and economic life of our people.

With respect to the Abuja Capital Light Rail, progress has reached 98% completion, as at 64% completion when we assumed office. Only test runs remain before start of operations.

This train service will stimulate economic activities in the Federal Capital and provide residents with an efficient and safe transportation system. Twelve railway sub-stations around the capital over a 45.2 kilometre route will serve as a catalyst and a pull factor to the economy of the area. The Light Rail System will reduce traffic congestion and carbon emission in line with the Administration’s policy on climate change.

Management of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been reconstituted and has been charged with a 12 week rapid intervention in road repairs to cover all the geo-political zones. Government is undertaking repairs and maintenance of 44 roads within the six geo-political zones.

Twenty five major highways will be funded under the N100b SUKUK facility. Each geo-political zone will benefit by an equal amount of N16.67b. The following major highways are to receive special attention:

a. Oyo – Ogbomosho,

b. Ofusu – Ore – Ajebandele – Shagamu,

c. Yenagoa Road Junction – Kolo Otuoke – Bayelsa Palm,

d. Enugu – Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Way,

e. Onitsha – Enugu Expressway,

f. Kaduna Eastern Bypass,

g. Dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road,

h. Dualization of Abuja – Lokoja – Benin Road,

i. Dualization of Suleja – Minna Road.

In addition, Government has approved work to start on the re-construction of Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano road which is in a state of disrepair. Work will soon start and is expected to be completed in 2019.

More Nigerians across the country are experiencing improved power supply to their homes and businesses. However, power remains a concern to this government because too many people still do not have regular and reliable supply.

The Payment Assurance Guarantee Scheme which started in January 2016 has enabled the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader to raise so far N701 billion to assure Generation Companies of at least 80% payment for any power delivered to the national grid.

Consequently, generation has now reached 7,000MW. On December 8, 2017 the country achieved 5,155MW of power delivered to consumers, the highest level ever recorded.

Several moribund projects have been revived. Repairs of Afam Power Station added 110MW in 2017 and another 240MW will be added this year through a private investment partnership.

Katsina Power Project is now being tested and producing 10MW of power from wind for the first time in Nigeria. It should be fully operational this year.

The Zungeru 700MW Hydroelectric Power Project, stalled by court cases is due for completion in 2019. The transmission and other requirements to operate the 30MW Gurara Phase 1 Hydroelectric Plant, the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydroelectric Plant and the 215 MW Kaduna Gas/LPG/Diesel Power Plant will also be completed this year.

A landmark project, Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project is at last taking off. This project has been on the drawing Board for 40 years, but now the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the 3,050MW project has been agreed with a Chinese joint venture Company with a financing commitment from the government of China. Completion is targeted for 2023.

As I mentioned earlier, the Transmission Company of Nigeria can now distribute all the 7,000MW that can be generated. TCN and the Niger Delta Holding Company have added 1,950MVA of 330 down to 132KV transformer capacity of 10 transmission stations and 2,930MVA of 132 down to 33KV transformer capacity of 42 sub-stations including Ikot Ekpene, Aba, Alagbon, Ajah, Ejigbo, Funtua and Zaria.

This Administration is working with the privatised distribution Companies to overcome the continuing challenges of distribution.

These massive public works should spearhead the recovery and lead millions back to employment. You will recall that it was not until last year that we got out of the economic recession into which the country had fallen as a consequence of past unsustainable economic policies which projected short-term illusory growth.

The government is slowly stabilizing the economy.

It was in order to change the steady and steep decline that we adopted the more sustainable policies and programmes captured in the Economic Recovery Plan. Diversification efforts have resulted in improved output particularly in agriculture and solid minerals sectors. The relative exchange rate stability has improved manufacturing sector performance.

We have got to get used to discipline and direction in economic management. The days of business as usual are numbered.

Two years ago I appealed to people to go back to the land. I am highly gratified that agriculture has picked up, contributing to the government’s effort to re-structure the economy. Rice imports will stop this year. Local rice, fresher and more nutritious will be on our dishes from now on.

By the same token, I am today appealing to enterprising Nigerians with ideas and unemployed graduates and other able-bodied and literate men and women with ideas not to just sit and wait for employment from the government or the Organized Private Sector. Great nations are built by enterprising people who turn their hands to anything that circumstances dictate.

In respect of political developments, I have kept a close watch on the on-going debate about “Restructuring”. No human law or edifice is perfect. Whatever structure we develop must periodically be perfected according to changing circumstances and the country’s socio-economic developments. We Nigerians can be very impatient and want to improve our conditions faster than may be possible considering our resources and capabilities. When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure.

We tried the Parliamentary system: we jettisoned it. Now there are shrill cries for a return to the Parliamentary structure. In older democracies these systems took centuries to evolve so we cannot expect a copied system to fit neatly our purposes. We must give a long period of trial and improvement before the system we have adopted is anywhere near fit for purpose.

However, there is a strong case for a closer look at the cost of government and for the public services long used to extravagance, waste and corruption to change for the better. I assure you that government is ever receptive to ideas which will improve governance and contribute to the country’s peace and stability.

As the electioneering season approaches politicians must avoid exploiting ethnicity and religion by linking ethnicity with religion and religion with politics. Such must be avoided at all costs if we are to live in harmony.

In this respect the rest of Nigeria could learn from the South Western States who have successfully internalized religion, ethnicity and politics.

Political discourse should be conducted with civility, decorum and in a constitutional manner. We all have a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and entrench the rule of law. We should draw encouragement from the series of bye-elections conducted by INEC last year which were generally violence free and their outcomes adjudged to be free and fair.

Before I conclude my address I must reassure my fellow citizens that security of life and property is still top of our government’s agenda. We have since beaten Boko Haram. Isolated attacks still occur, but even the best-policed countries cannot prevent determined criminals from committing terrible acts of terror as we have seen during the past years in Europe, Asia, Middle East, elsewhere in Africa and in America.

Our government remains determined to protect all Nigerians in line with our election pledge and promises. On behalf of all Nigerians let me offer our thanks to the Armed forces, the Police, other para-military forces and traditional authorities who are working round the clock to ensure that you and I go about our normal business in reasonable safety.

Terrorism and urban crimes are world-wide phenomena and our security forces are continuously adapting their responses to changing threats.

With regard to rampant cases of kidnappings, we are taking immediate short-term measures to combat this new evil creeping into our societies. Tighter police methods and swift and severe punishment for those proved to be engaged in kidnapping are on the way.

With respect to Niger Delta, Government is still engaging responsible leadership of the Communities to help in identifying and addressing genuine grievances of the region. Our clean-up programme in collaboration with the United Nations is making satisfactory progress.

I am grateful to all the Governors and other Political & Community leaders of the Niger Delta States for their part in bringing relative peace to the areas.

Finally let me again express my heartfelt thanks to all Nigerians who prayed for me during my illness last year. I feel deeply humbled by your prayers and good wishes and I am more determined than ever to serve you to the best of my ability.

Good morning. And I wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Source---->> http://www.nta.ng/news/20180101-full-speach-of-president-muhammadu-buhari-on-2018-new-years-national-broadcast/

Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) Press Release

19th December, 2017

NEMSA Embarks On A Nationwide Technical Monitoring And Evaluation Of Primary 33KV Feeder Lines With Associated 33/11KV Injection Substations

The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has commenced a Nationwide Technical Monitoring and Evaluation of the primary 33KV feeder lines and associated 33/11KV injection substations with supply source from 330/132/33KV transmission substations.

The exigency of the exercise is to identify constraints militating against quick realization of the Federal Government’s policy and efforts for sustainability of the incremental, steady and uninterrupted power supply as they are achieved through the 33KV primary feeder lines to the 33/11KV injection substations and subsequently through the 11KV feeder lines and associated distribution transformers and finally to the consumers. Also this is to identify the high risk and technical loss points along the 33KV feeder lines. Again this is to enable NEMSA find out the causes/reasons for load rejection by the DisCos and to make recommendations for dealing with identified issues/challenges.

Engr. Peter O. Ewesor, the MD/CEO NEMSA & Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, while on one of the inspections, said “the importance of the exercise cannot be overemphasized in light of the spate of the increasing number of electrical accidents and incidents, power failures/outages at the downstream-of the power value chain (power distribution networks) even when there is a huge increase in power generation in the grid system”.

The exercise, which commenced on the 18th of October, 2017, has so far covered Abuja, Ikeja, Kano, Benin, Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Enugu DisCo’s networks and the exercise is still ongoing.

Furthermore, Engr. Ewesor said “the exercise will identify high risk defective networks that pose serious threat and danger to operators’ operational staff and the general public for immediate attention and correction/rectification by respective DisCos and TCN.

Therefore, the importance and the expected positive impact of this National Technical Monitoring and Evaluation exercise which is part fulfilment of NEMSA’s mandate cannot be overemphasized.

During the exercise, some of the DisCos were given immediate order to effect rectification of the defects and lack of procedures that were observed.

State House Press Release

Osbornegate: All Those Found Culpable Will Be Sanctioned- President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja said all those found culpable in the Osborne Towers scandal will be made to account and appropriately sanctioned.

Receiving a report of the panel established to review the operational, technical and administrative structure of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), President Buhari described the discovery of monies in the flat at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, in April this year, as an ‘‘unfortunate incident which rightly aroused public interest and outcry.’’

‘‘All the circumstances surrounding the obtaining, keeping custody and disbursement of the funds have been examined by the Vice President’s Committee and all those found to be culpable will be made to account and appropriately sanctioned.

‘‘However, it must be understood that this cannot be done in a manner that jeopardises national security or exposes the operations of any intelligence Agency, which must, by nature be conducted in secrecy.

‘‘Suffice it for me to assure all that justice will be done consistent with our anti-corruption policies,’’ the President said.

President Buhari, while commending the Presidential Review Panel on NIA led by Amb. Babagana Kingibe, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, for completing their assignment expeditiously, expressed the hope that the recommendations of the panel and that of an earlier Committee headed by the Vice President to look into the Osborne matter will assist Government in improving the operations of the NIA and the overall National Security architecture.

‘‘Your Panel’s recommendation, informed as they are by your collective experience and expertise in this field, should in particular help to reposition the NIA to better perform its vital functions with greater professionalism.

‘‘The Osborne Tower incident and its aftermath has also brought to the fore the need to review the entire National Security Architecture, which has now been in operation as established 31 years ago.

‘‘Once again, I thank you very much for undertaking this national assignment, ’’ he said.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was present at the presentation of the report by the panel which has Chief Albert Horsfall, Amb. Zakari Ibrahim and Amb. Ezekiel Oladeji, as members.


Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 19, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari returns to Abuja from Paris today. In Paris he attended and spoke at the One Planet Summit on Tuesday.

Full Speech on [url]http://Statehouse.gov.ng [/url]

Statement By H.E Muhammadu Buhari
President, Federal Republic Of Nigeria At The International Climate Change Summit

Tuesday, 12 December 2017
Paris, France

I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France, the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the World Bank Group for convening this high-level Summit on the issues of financing climate actions and aligning financial flows in order to reach the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

2. The adverse impacts of climate change such as temperature rise; erratic rainfall, sand storms, desertification, low agricultural yields, drying up of water bodies like Lake Chad, gully erosions and constant flooding are a daily reality in Nigeria. This reality is most felt by the highly vulnerable communities who lack the capacity to cope.

Excellencies
3. Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, we have been strengthening our national efforts towards the implementation of the Agreement and the Marrakech Call for Action. We have already ratified the Paris Agreement in May 2017 and, thus, we have pledged, under the Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce our emission by 20% by 2020 and 40% by 2030.

4. In our efforts to deliver on these pledges, we are tightening the existing governance structure in Nigeria for more effective implementation of climate change activities, including the additional responsibilities that are consequent on the adoption of the all-encompassing climate change treaty.

5. In collaboration with the European Union, we have also developed a robust National Monitoring, Reporting and Verification framework to meet the Agreement’s requirements. Further, Nigeria has developed the Sectoral Implementation plans for some priority sectors; namely: Oil and Gas sector, Agriculture and Land use, Power, and Industrial Energy Efficiency. For each of these sectors, we have assessed and selected key policies and measures that would enable the country to meet its commitments based on their cost effectiveness, poverty reduction and mitigation, and job creation potential.

6. We have considered the feasibility of implementation, potential to deliver short-term results, gender and social inclusiveness, enhancing healthy environment and minimal impact on land use and deforestation, as well as environmental benefits.

7. Actualising these plans over the next 15 years, Nigeria on its own will achieve 20% emissions reduction below Business As Usual. With international support, we can achieve 45% emission reduction by 2030.

Excellencies
8. Nigeria recognizes that ensuring sustainable funding is a major constraint in efforts to implement the Nationally Determined Contribution. To respond effectively to climate change mitigation and adaptation challenges, critical mass of financial resources beyond what we can provide from our national resources will be required.

9. We have embraced the issuance of the green bond as an innovative and alternative source of projects funding that would help reduce emissions and provide robust climate infrastructure, such as renewable energy, low carbon transport, water infrastructure and sustainable agriculture in line with the Paris Agreement.

10. But we cannot do this alone. While we have ambitious plans, having just come out of recession, we are under no illusion of the challenges that we face in Nigeria. Recalling that the success of COP21 was hinged on the strategic“$100 billion by 2020”, it is therefore pivotal for countries like Nigeria for the promise be kept if we are to meet our Nationally Determined Contribution obligations. Simply, we cannot implement our Nationally Determined Contribution without adequate financial, technical and capacity building support from the developed countries.

11. And this support must be sustained on a long term basis. The changes that Nigeria, and other developing countries need to make cannot be undertaken overnight. Indeed, we require some fundamental restructuring of our economy. In this process, technology will be a powerful tool to simultaneously address climate change and advance development.

12. In Nigeria, Government is actively promoting technologies and practices such as sustainable land management, climate resilient agriculture, water efficiency, clean energy, and skills for reducing greenhouse gas emissions among others. Sustaining these efforts will also require external support.

13. We need to accelerate Research and Development on facilitating Access to Climate Friendly Technologies, through technology pooling and collective approach to financing Research and Development, regulating restrictive practices in licensing agreements and anti-competitive uses of Intellectual Property and International Declaration on Climate Technologies.

14. In Nigeria, we are looking at insurance-based proposals to deal with loss, damage and adaptation to the poor, vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups. Risk mitigation through insurance must benefit those groups who currently have negligible access to any form of indemnity coverage. Vulnerable groups will also benefit from new technologies and ways to make insurance schemes affordable, including through long term premium support.

15. In the circumstances, Nigeria would require support from the international community on the following:

A long term solution for a source of clean power, which can be achieved through private investments to create economic competitiveness for industrialization, job creation and agricultural programmes throughout the country;
The inclusion of Nigeria in Climate Regional Programmes, especially strong financial support to our planned project for the replenishment of the Lake Chad. This long term solution will ensure sustained livelihood for rural and urban communities, and permanently address the conditions conducive to the spread of violent extremism and terrorism, and stem illegal migration especially of our youths abroad.

Excellences, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

16. I look up to the developed countries to jointly take a leading role in mobilising support for this action plan. However, addressing the challenges of climate change should be pursued within the framework of the General Assembly of the United Nations by anchoring efforts on assisting developing countries to meet their Sustainable Development Goals aspirations and Nationally Determined Commitment.

17. I thank you.

State House Press Release

Nigeria Requires International Support To Mitigate Effects Of Climate Change, Says President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Paris appealed to the international community to support Nigeria’s commitment to reducing the negative effects of climate change.

In a submission to the One Planet Summit in the French capital attended by over 60 Heads of State and Governments, as well as representatives of non-governmental and private organisations, with the theme, “Climate Change Financing,” the President said, “we cannot implement our Nationally Determined Contribution without adequate financial, technical and capacity building support from the developed countries.”

While noting that “since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, we have been strengthening our national efforts towards the implementation of the Agreement and the Marrakech Call for Action,” and Nigeria had already ratified the Paris Agreement in May 2017, President Buhari, however, said the country’s “Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce our emission by 20% by 2020 and 40% by 2030,” cannot be attained alone.

According to him, “having just come out of recession we are under no illusion of the challenges that we face in Nigeria.”

President Buhari said “Nigeria recognizes that ensuring sustainable funding is a major constraint in efforts to implement the Nationally Determined Contribution,” adding that “to respond effectively to climate change mitigation and adaptation challenges, critical mass of financial resources beyond what we can provide from our national resources will be required.”

On steps Nigeria has taken to meet its national goal in this respect, he said the country has “embraced the issuance of the green bond as an innovative and alternative source of projects funding that would help reduce emissions and provide robust climate infrastructure, such as renewable energy, low carbon transport, water infrastructure and sustainable agriculture in line with the Paris Agreement.”

In furtherance of efforts to deliver on the country’s pledges, the President said the government was “tightening the existing governance structure in Nigeria for more effective implementation of climate change activities, including the additional responsibilities that are consequent on the adoption of the all-encompassing climate change treaty.”

He also stated that “Government is actively promoting technologies and practices such as sustainable land management, climate resilient agriculture, water efficiency, clean energy, and skills for reducing greenhouse gas emissions among others,” noting that sustaining these efforts will also require external support.

Other measures required, he said, included “accelerating Research and Development on facilitating Access to Climate Friendly Technologies, through technology pooling and collective approach to financing Research and Development, regulating restrictive practices in licensing agreements and anti-competitive uses of Intellectual Property and International Declaration on Climate Technologies.”

According to the President, “In Nigeria, we are looking at insurance-based proposals to deal with loss, damage and adaptation to the poor, vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups. Risk mitigation through insurance must benefit those groups who currently have negligible access to any form of indemnity coverage. Vulnerable groups will also benefit from new technologies and ways to make insurance schemes affordable, including through long term premium support.”

Recognising that “the adverse impacts of climate change such as temperature rise; erratic rainfall, sand storms, desertification, low agricultural yields, drying up of water bodies like Lake Chad, gully erosions and constant flooding are a daily reality in Nigeria,” President Buhari admitted that highly vulnerable communities lack the capacity to cope.

He said Nigeria would require external assistance in the following areas: “A long term solution for a source of clean power, which can be achieved through private investments to create economic competitiveness for industrialization, job creation and agricultural programmes throughout the country; and the inclusion of Nigeria in Climate Regional Programmes, especially strong financial support to our planned project for the replenishment of the Lake Chad.”

The President noted that “this long term solution will ensure sustained livelihood for rural and urban communities, and permanently address the conditions conducive to the spread of violent extremism and terrorism, and stem illegal migration especially of our youths abroad.”

In acknowledging that the external support must be sustained on a long term basis, President Buhari emphasised that “the changes that Nigeria and other developing countries need to make cannot be undertaken overnight.”

He said some fundamental restructuring of our economy was required, adding that “in this process, technology will be a powerful tool to simultaneously address climate change and advance development.”

The President said he looked up to the developed countries to jointly take a leading role in mobilising support for this action plan on addressing the challenges of climate change within the framework of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

In their remarks, the three co-chairmen of the plenary session, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, the World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim, and the French President, Emmanuel Macron, stressed the imperative of a global comprehensive and speedy action, including private sector financing against the devastating impact of climate change.

President Buhari had before the summit, attended a luncheon hosted by his French counterpart in honour of visiting Heads of State and Governments at the Elysee Palace.


Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 12, 2017

These are some of the power plants coming onstream in Nigeria in 2018: Hydro, Wind, Gas.

(This graphic does not include solar plants)

1. Nigeria's available nationwide generation capacity has now crossed the 7000MW mark, all of which can be evacuated by the TCN—on account of
TCN's efforts to improve and complete transmission facilities.

2. Nigeria's Transmission capacity has expanded by about 40% since 2015

#IncrementalPower

Office Of The Vice President

Press Release

Nigeria’s Economy: There is Credible Independent Third Party Evidence That Buhari Presidency is on The Right Track, Says VP Osinbajo

*Commissions 300million Litre Capacity Tank Farm

“Significant local investments such as this send the strongest possible signal to foreign investors that not only is government saying that Nigeria is the investment destination in Africa, local smart money like Petrolex is also saying the same thing.

“And may I also say that there is credible independent third party evidence that we are on the right track.’’

Speech By His Excellency Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, Vice President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, At The Commissioning of The Petrolex Mega Oil City In Ibefun, Ogun State, on Tuesday December 12, 2017.

Prorocols

May I on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, congratulate Mr. Segun Adebutu and his team for bringing to reality this vision for an integrated Petroleum Complex, here in Ogun State.

What he and the Petrolex team have done, what they have accomplished here is an impressive testament to the power of vision and dedication, and it really is a special pleasure to be here today to see for myself and commission this one-of-a-kind facility.

From the point of view of government's downstream objectives in the petroleum sector, this investment is of special significance.
It ticks the boxes of strengthening our distribution infrastructure for petroleum products and meeting the target for reducing the importation of petroleum products and PMS to less than 20% by the end of 2018 and first quarter of 2019.

We expect that this space will be filled by investments in facilities such as this and this is why we are delighted this facility with a capacity to store 300 million litres of petroleum products - the largest of its kind in the country and am told, the largest in Africa and conveniently holding 4,000 trucks at a time, and a jetty capable of berthing 30million metric tons of cargo. This will substantially improve retail distribution in Nigeria and increase domestic storage capacity for petroleum products and the cargo coming in on barges from larger vessels for now will be stored and loaded from the gantry right here, this will decongest the Apapa and Ibafo tanker traffic and facilitate distribution from here to practically anywhere in the country.

But more cheering is the fact that this facility is still work-in-progress. The Tank Farm that we are commissioning today represents only the first phase of a much grander project: a 'Mega Oil City' which will include a 250,000 barrels per day Refinery, and this clearly, to date, will be the largest single line refinery in the country.

But perhaps of greater importance as a feature of our national economic objectives is that this facility again bears out a philosophical plank of our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, which is that private capital must lead Nigeria's economic revolution. And this is trite as the private sector is the nation's major economic force and that the primary business of government is to create the environment that enables commerce to thrive unhindered.

And of importance also is the fact that significant local investments such as this send the strongest possible signal to foreign investors that not only is government saying that Nigeria is the investment destination in Africa, local smart money like Petrolex is also saying the same thing.

And may I also say that there is credible independent third party evidence that we are on the right track. A month and half ago the World Bank adjudged us to be one of the ten most improved economies in the world this year, from the point of view of our business and investment climate.

This facility also represents jobs - 10,000 direct and indirect ones. Each of these jobs will support not just the workers, but also their dependents, aside from the significant impact on the local economy here - by way of increased incomes traders, farmers, artisans, and landowners. There is of course the fact that economic activities moved to a place where no economic activity was hitherto.

The Federal Government is absolutely clear in its belief that industrialization is the key to achieving sustainable economic growth and creating jobs for millions of young people. The petrochemical industry is a logical and crucial component of this plan and we are doing all we can to provide an incentive regime that will drive investments in this sector. And we certainly would like to see credible investors like Petrolex prominently in this crucial space as well. And speaking to Mr Adebutu, already, there is a plan for a fertilizer facility here and also for the production of several other elements of the petrochemical industry.

We have recently published through the NIPC, Nigeria's full list of business incentives and barely two weeks ago the President asked that I chair a committee to look into how to provide lower interest rates for the manufacturing industry. We understand clearly that without some kind of preferential interest rates for the manufacturing industry in Nigeria, we will not be able to make much progress and for that reason we are now looking very closely into how we can provide cheap credit for the local industries and I hope we will be able to achieve this in a short period of time.

Let me again express the Federal Government's full support for this project and our pledge is that we will be with you every step of the way, supporting in every way we can.

I must congratulate the patriarch of the Adebutu business dynasty, Sir Kensington Adebutu on this special day, where you have seen the future of your progeny in your lifetime. This is a great blessing indeed for which we join you in giving thanks to the Almighty God.

Segun and the management and staff of Petrolex Oil and Gas deserve our commendation and congratulations on this landmark achievement and we all pray for the speedy and successful completion of the next phases of this project.

Nigeria eagerly awaits the full manifestation of this “Mega Oil City Project” and in a few minutes it will be my pleasure to commission the Petrolex Mega Oil City project.

Thank you all.

Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
December 12, 2017

Nigeria's Generation & Transmission capacities have grown significantly since 2015, & are now both at ~7,000MW. But the Discos are still currently Distributing only about 5,000MW.

The Federal Ministry of Power, Works & Housing is now taking steps aimed at getting the balance of 2,000MW to consumers. #IncrementalPower

Nigeria is open for business and investment. These are a handful of commissioned investments this year, across the country: in Agriculture, Retail, Food, Healthcare, Oil and Gas, etc
#InvestNigeria

Factsheet: Why President Buhari is in Paris, France

The President is attending the One Planet Summit which aims to mobilize the financing needed for developing countries to attain the goals and targets of the Paris Climate Agreement. The theme of the Summit is ‘Climate Change Financing’.

In Paris he will reiterate Nigeria’s commitment to realising the objectives of the Paris Agreement, as well as strengthen Nigeria’s partnerships with fellow governments, and other regional and global Climate Action partners and stakeholders. At the Summit the President will deliver a speech on behalf of Nigeria. He will also attend a lunch hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France for visiting Heads of State and Government.

Nigeria joined several other countries around the world to sign the Paris Agreement in December 2015. President Buhari signed the Agreement on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 22, 2016, and followed this up with the signing of the Instrument of Ratification at the State House, Abuja, on March 28, 2017. This ratification made Nigeria the 146th party to the Paris Agreement. The Agreement became binding on Nigeria with effect from June 15, 2017, one month after the submission of the Ratification Instrument to the United Nations on May 16, 2017.

Under the Agreement Nigeria has committed (the so-called ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions – INDCs) to reducing carbon emissions 20% unconditionally and 45% with international support, by 2030. To achieve this Nigeria requires billions of dollars in funding and investment for energy, transport and agriculture projects that would reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change (manifesting as desertification, flooding, erosion, erratic rainfall, etc).

Nigeria has prioritized five sectors for the implementation of its INDCs, as follows:
1. Oil and Gas (a new National Gas Policy that will reduce flaring, and also promote the use of gas instead of wood products).
2. Agriculture and Land Use (Climate-smart agriculture).
3. Transport (Shift from road transport to rail; also shift from transport powered by fossil fuels to renewable energy).
4. Industrial Energy Efficiency.
5. Power (A new energy mix that increases the contribution of renewable energy sources; investment in solar and wind energy).

Financing is required not only for investment in the needed infrastructure but also for research and development aimed at advancing climate-friendly technologies.

Climate change is deeply connected to the Sustainable Goals Agenda of the United Nations. Goal 13 of the SDGs prescribes “urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.”

Government cannot singlehandedly fund the implementation of the INDC targets. An estimated 80% of the funding for climate action will need to come from the private sector. This is why the Government of Nigeria is launching, this month, a Green Bond, to raise domestic financing for low-carbon infrastructure projects across the country.

Partnerships are key to the success of the Paris Agreement. The Government of Nigeria is collaborating with subnational governments, regional and continental organisations, development finance institutions, the private sector and civil society groups, to ensure the success of its climate action efforts.

The One Planet Summit is being hosted by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and organised by the United Nations, the World Bank Group, the French Government and a coalition of NGOs/CSOs.

Follow updates using the hashtags: [url]#PMBinParis[/url], [url]#ClimateActionNG[/url] and [url]#CFD2017[/url]

Source: http://statehouse.gov.ng/news/factsheet-why-president-buhari-is-in-paris-france/

Are you a Nigerian between the age of 13 and 24?

Do you want a chance to design President Buhari's Season's Greetings Card and WIN a Cash Prize?

Then this is for you.
Upload your design to instagram and tag @TheAsoVilla, @BayoOmoboriowo and [url]#PMBSeasonsGreetings[/url].
Only the winner(s) Will be contacted.
Entries close midnight Wednesday December 13, 2017.

Design format should be A3 foldable to A4

Office Of The Vice President

Press Statement

Buhari Presidency Begins National Consultation On Farmers-Herders Conflicts

Following his visit to Adamawa State on the 5th of December 2017 in the wake of the communal clashes in the area, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has today, Monday, 11th December 2017, commenced a series of national consultations with all relevant groups designed to find a lasting solution to the farmers-herders conflict in parts of the country.

Today's meeting, the first in the series, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and had in attendance the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; the Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa; elder statesman, Mallam Ahmed Joda; and other leaders of the Fulani communities. Subsequent meetings would focus on other interest groups.

At the meeting, previous reports on the conflict were presented by the delegation and causes of the conflict were analysed. The meeting unequivocally condemned the acts of violence that has occurred, especially the killing of children and women, and highlighted the need for Law Enforcement and other Government Agencies to dutifully and objectively perform their Constitutional roles.

The Vice President assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s resolve and commitment to the entrenchment of lasting peace in all communities across the country and the resolution of all legitimate grievances.

He said "There is nothing much more important now, in showing our leadership, beyond preventing tragedy and destruction of everything we have built as a nation. The entire Nigeria enterprise is bigger than other interests. The overall objective is ensuring that our nation is not enveloped by another crisis."

According to the Vice President, “We now have an opportunity to do something. We have the opportunity to resolve the issues and to build a nation where we and our children can live in peace."

Already, following the Vice President’s visit to Adamawa State last week, several food items and relief materials have been distributed to all the affected communities in the State, including Shafaron, Kodomti, Tullum, Mzoruwe and Mararraban Bare in Numan Local Government Area. Others communities that have received relief materials are Dong, Lawaru and Kukumso in Demsa Local Government Area of the State.

In the next series of meetings, the Vice President will meet with the Batta, Bachama and other groups from Adamawa State; while meetings with stakeholders from other conflict-affected States would follow.

Also at the meeting were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Musa Bello.


‘Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
11 December 2017

Federal Ministry Of Finance

Press Statement

Friday, 8th December, 2017

The attention of the Honourable Minister of Finance has been drawn to some misleading and mischievous media reports regarding the suspension of the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir H. Gwarzo.

Mr. Gwarzo has alleged that his suspension was due to “his refusal to stop the forensic audit of Oando Plc.

The Minister would not have ordinarily responded in view of her responsibility for the approval of the Constitution and Terms of Reference for the Administrative Panel of Inquiry into the allegations against Mr. Gwarzo. However, given the degree of speculations and the potential impact on the capital market, there is a need for the Minister to set the record straight as follows:

1. The integrity of the capital market is vital to the growth of the Nigerian economy and must be managed in an orderly and transparent manner to ensure investors’ confidence. Its leadership must maintain and be seen to maintain the highest standards of integrity.

2. That the original decision taken by SEC on October 20, 2017 to suspend the shares of Oando Plc and conduct a forensic audit, was approved and endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Finance. The SEC team, led by Mr. Mounir presented adequate evidence to the Minister of Finance and her team, that Oando Plc had a clear case to answer with regard to infractions of the ISA.

3. No contrary evidence has been presented and thus, the investigative work on Oando and all other ongoing investigations being undertaken by SEC in the discharge of its statutory functions have continued. Indeed, our information is that the forensic auditors have resumed at Oando.

4. For the avoidance of doubt, there was no directive whatsoever to discontinue investigation into Oando and this was reiterated to the current SEC leadership at the formal handover meeting. The fact that the investigation has continued further corroborates that this is the Minister’s position.

The Timing of Gwarzo’s Suspension

5. The Federal Ministry of Finance would like to place on record that Gwarzo’s suspension is in line with the Public Service Rules (PSRs), to allow for an unhindered investigation of serious allegations of financial impropriety against him. Some of the allegations with documented evidence include the awards of contracts to companies related to him and members of his family.

6. It should be noted that Gwarzo was queried by the Ministry on 3rd November and he responded on 7th November, 2017. His response to the query was deemed unsatisfactory and further investigation was ordered. Based on the evidence from that further work and creditable reports that documents were being unlawfully removed from SEC, as well as consultations with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the decision was taken to suspend Mr. Gwarzo.

7. At the meeting on Monday, 27th November 27, Mr. Gwarzo was asked to clarify some of his responses to the query issued, which were not consistent with documentary evidence. From that interaction, Mr. Gwarzo became aware of the strong likelihood of his suspension. It was thereafter that Mr. Gwarzo prepared the memo, which has been circulated in the media.

8. It is instructive to note that Mr. Gwarzo personally delivered the memo using SEC staff seconded to the office of the Minister, in breach of normal procedures for the receipt of mail. The copy of the memo in the possession of the Minister was delivered with a message that any action against Mr. Gwarzo would result in same being leaked to the press. It was this threat of blackmail that strengthened the resolve of the Minister to suspend Mr. Gwarzo and allow the Administrative Panel of Inquiry to proceed with its probe.

9. The Minister restates that the insinuation of an instruction to discontinue with the Oando case is false and this can be corroborated by the other parties at that meeting and by subsequent events.

Signed:
Oluyinka Akintunde
Special Adviser, Media & Communications to the Hon. Minister of Finance
Federal Ministry of Finance
8th December, 2017.

Update on the fuel supply situation nationwide.

As President Muhammadu Buhari visits Kano, here are some things you should know:

1. All 4 of the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs) — National Home Grown School Feeding Programme
(NHGSFP); Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP); Npower Programme and Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) are currently being implemented in Kano State.

2a. There are 4,963 Npower Volunteers (2016 set) in Kano State.

b. There are 825,577 National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) beneficiaries (primary school pupils) in Kano, across over 5,000 schools, and being fed by 6,991 cooks.

c. Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) has disbursed 7,516 loans worth N379 million in Kano.

d. 14,492 persons across 2,733 households in Kano state have benefited from the Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme (CCT).

[url]#PMBinKano[/url]

President Muhammadu Buhari witnessed the release of 500 inmates pardoned by Kano State Government at the Kurmawa Prison.

Click here to watch video ---> https://www.facebook.com/TheAsoVilla/videos/719460408244691/

President Muhammadu Buhari decorates the Guards Brigade Commander, Brig-Gen. Musa Yusuf, who was recently promoted to the rank of Major-General.

Nigeria will receive the sum of $321m stolen by the family of late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, following the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by Attorney General Abubakar Malami SAN with Switzerland and the World Bank at the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR).

The modalities for the return of the stolen funds are set out in the MOU that was signed by the three parties at #GFAR2017 on December 4, 2017. The return of the looted funds is in line with Switzerland’s policy of returning illegally-acquired assets.

Citizens are encouraged to continue to speak up and report abuses.

State House Press Release: President Buhari Congratulates Wizkid, Davido On Awards

President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates renowned hip-hop artistes, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, WizKid, and David Adedeji Adeleke, Davido, on their awards at the Music of Black Origin (MOBO).

President Buhari joins the teeming fans of the artistes in Nigeria and all over the world in celebrating the highly deserved and meritorious recognition, which saw WizKid winning “International Best Artitse’’ award, while Davido picked the “Best African Act’’.

The President affirms that both singers have showcased the rich talents in the country, and brought pride to the nation through their many songs and performances, commending their dedication, hard work and charity works.

President Buhari also calls on the upwardly mobile artistes to be cautious and mindful of likely distractions to their careers, urging WizKid and Davido to serve as ambassadors of the country and role models to upcoming musicians.


Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media& Publicity)
December 1, 2017

This afternoon at the State House, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo chaired a Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Libya and the Sahel.

President Muhammadu Buhari: The situation in Libya, of people being sold into slavery, is appalling and unacceptable. We will do everything to protect our citizens wherever they might be. We have also started bringing back home all Nigerians stranded in Libya and elsewhere. We will ensure they all return home safely and are rehabilitated.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the swearing-in of President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, on 28th November 2017 in Nairobi.

President Muhammadu Buhari launched Nigeria's Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the Council Chambers, State House in Abuja.

Office Of The Vice President Press Release: Vice President Osinbajo To Represent Nigeria At Kenya's Presidential Inauguration

President Muhammadu Buhari would be represented by his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at tomorrow’s second term inauguration of Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi.

Prof. Osinbajo would be joining several other heads of State and Government from Africa and beyond who are expected at the swearing-in ceremony holding at the Kasarani Sports Complex in the country's capital city.

The Vice President who leaves Abuja tonight would be accompanied by the Foreign Affairs Minister of State, Mrs. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim and he is expected back in Abuja tomorrow afternoon.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to the President
Office of the Vice President
27 November 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee.

Speech: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) 2017 Graduation Ceremony National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies

It is a special pleasure to be here at this graduation ceremony, of the Senior Executive Course 39 of 2017 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, and I bring you the very warm felicitations of President Muhammadu Buhari, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I congratulate the participants of Senior Executive Course 39, for your excellent performance and your elevation to the privilege of Member of the National Institute, MNI.

Your presentation to Mr. President last week, Friday 17th November, on the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation for the Development of Agriculture & Agro-Allied Industries in Nigeria,” was both scholarly and practical, and will be an important reference in refining and implementing policy in this important area.

I also congratulate family and friends, and especially spouses of participants on this joyful occasion.

NIPSS occupies an important place in our national policy discourse, especially through its policy-relevant training and research outputs. Notably, the NIPSS alumni provide a patriotic repository of knowledge that is very often deployed in support of national development objectives.

Today’s event is significant. It is at once a celebration of success, and in many ways, also symbolic of the opportunities that will arise from completion of a year of rigorous learning and reflection, for you, and the Federal Government. And it also provides me an opportunity to share some thoughts on the trajectory of our national economic development with the Nigerian policy elite, to which distinguished group, you now rightly belong.

I am going to focus on the economy, where we are, and where we are heading in the next 12 months. What are the policy choices we have made? Why have we made those choices? Are those policy choices working?

From the very beginning of our administration when Mr. President asked me to head the economic management team, he made it clear that in his view, the major reason for the slow development of our nation and the poverty of millions of our people, was corruption and mismanagement of public funds & resources. And that fighting corruption and mismanagement of public resources was as much an economic imperative, as it was a law and order issue. I agreed.

We, from that point, put in place structures that would ensure prudent and transparent management of resources. In July 2015, the President ordered that all MDAs funds should be paid into the Treasury Single Account. This ended years of MDAs keeping secret bank accounts, in some cases putting public funds in fixed deposit for interest far below market rates. Banks would then lend money back to government by buying treasury bills at substantially higher interest. Today, government knows exactly how much we have, and we are saving significantly.

Early in 2016, an Efficiency Unit was set up under the Federal Ministry of Finance to reduce wastage, plug leakages and foster greater fiscal transparency. The Efficiency Unit has enforced several deliberate cost-cutting measures including the removal or reduction of sitting allowances for civil servants in many cases, and saved over 1 billion a year, stopping the procurement of souvenirs, and printing for government programmes, we saved another N1billion.

By reviewing travel expenditures, and negotiating procurement discounts, we saved N15billion. We have also removed or reduced meals and refreshments for meetings, and saved another N1billion annually.

We stopped the siphoning of funds through ghost workers by insisting that all MDAs must be on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) across government, and also mandated the use of BVN. Over 461 Federal MDAs have been captured on the system thus far, with the objective being able to enroll all of them. We are now saving N25billion a month, from cleaning up the payroll in this way. The President has also ordered all Armed Forces personnel to be captured on IPPIS.

It is important to understand, what these measures to block leakages and stealing of public resources mean for economic performance. I will demonstrate that impact.

When we came into office, over 22 States were owing salaries. They were owing despite the fact that between 2011 and 2015, Nigeria earned its highest ever revenues from oil. Oil was selling at between $100 and $115 a barrel. Yet reserves between 2014 and 2015 fell from $35billion to $28billion in April 2015. When we came into office, oil prices fell as low as $28 a barrel, the unrest in the Niger Delta, especially the vandalization of pipelines and oil and gas assets reduced the production at some point by over a million barrels a day. Revenues dropped by as much as 60%.

But with 60% less revenue, we started a series of bailouts for the States, to enable them pay salaries and pensions. With 60% less revenue, we were able to provide about N1.3trillion for capital expenditure, the largest amount for capital in our nation’s history.

For the first time in five years we saved $500million, and invested another $500million in the Sovereign Wealth Fund. Today our external reserves stands at $35billion the highest in the past four years.

We have made the point, that Nigeria is not poor because it has no resources, it is poor because a lot its resources are stolen or mismanaged. We
can do a lot more with far less, if we don’t allow stealing.

Now let us for a moment, reflect on where the Nigerian economy is today. The economic focus and direction of the Buhari administration is set out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan – the ERGP. The plan is based on a set of principles, broad principles, and certain key action points including eliminating corruption in government procurement and processes, prudent management of resources, social inclusion, overcoming constraints such as power, petrol and skills shortages, promotion of the private sector, and use of the market mechanism where possible.

We have worked hard to keep faith with these crucial principles. In particular we are committed to ensuring that Nigeria does not return to the years of corruption and waste, where people at the highest levels of government simply converted to private use, funds and public resources meant for the building of public infrastructure and the provision of services.

We must pay attention to what we are seeing today, and some of the shameless noises of those who brought our nation to its knees, many of whom still have looted funds in their possession, trying to rewrite history and hoodwink the populace again. We say never again!

Distinguished guests ladies and gentlemen, today, regarding our economy, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The darkness is giving way to the light. Let’s begin with the macroeconomic story.

The decline in growth which started in 2014, has been reversed with the third quarter figures released earlier this week, showing that the economy has truly exited recession with the growth of 1.4%.

A further analysis of the Q2 2017 GDP results indicates that the recovery was driven largely by the performance in agriculture, industry, solid minerals and crude oil and gas production. Agriculture, which is a main focus of this administration, as stated in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), grew strongly throughout 2016 despite the contraction in the overall economy, continued to grow in 2017 recording a 3.06% growth in Q3 2017.

Industry which had contracted for nine consecutive quarters, but recorded its first positive growth of 1.45% in Q2 2017, and it has grown stronger in Q3 2017, growing by 8.83% compared to a contraction of -12.66% a year earlier. This represents the strongest growth in industry since Q2 2014, when industry grew at a similar rate of 8.97%.

The oil sector also grew strongly, partly due to actions of government which has led to stable oil production and an improved situation in the Niger Delta, as well as oil prices remaining steady. Oil production GDP grew very strongly by 25.89% in Q3 2017 compared to 3.53% in Q2 2017, and a contraction of -23.04% in Q3 2016.

Inflation continues to fall from a peak of 18.72% in January, to 15.91% today. Similarly, as noted earlier, our reserves are now at about $35 billion while the exchange rate regime has been stabilized. We are confident that the Naira will continue to appreciate.

One of our biggest priorities as a government was making the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable amongst us better. Right from the presidential campaigns that preceded our coming to serve, we had made it very clear that we would be a government for the poor and vulnerable. We designed an ambitious Social Investment Programme to accomplish this, comprising four initiatives; a jobs’ scheme for unemployed graduates, a micro-credit scheme targeting SMEs, a Home-grown School Feeding Scheme, providing one free meal a day to primary school pupils, and a Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme for the poorest Nigerians across the country.

The Social Investment Programme kicked off a year ago, with the recruitment of 200,000 young Nigerian graduates for the first phase of N- Power. These young people have been deployed across the 774 Local Government Areas of the country, as Teaching Assistants in public primary schools, Public Health Assistants in primary health centres, and as Agricultural Extension Service Assistants in various agricultural programmes.

Today, a year later, we have just pre-selected an additional 300,000 young unemployed graduates, and they will be further engaged in the N-Power programme.

The Home Grown School Feeding Programme now provides a free, nutritious meal, one a day to over 5 million children across 19 States, and our target is 5.5million children before the end of 2017.

In addition to providing nutrition for children in the first three years of primary education, the school feeding programme buys food from local farmers, and employs almost 55,000 cooks in 28,249 schools. Other participants in the food value chain such as processors and transporters also benefit indirectly from this programme.

While we were laying the groundwork of the rollout of the Social Investment Programmes, we began to aggressively invest in plugging Nigeria’s huge infrastructure gap. One of the reasons why we are where we are today, is that over the last three decades, we failed to invest substantially in infrastructure to any appreciable degree, even as our population grew.

Much of the funds that should have been invested in infrastructure simply cannot be explained. We wasted no time addressing this. Even at a time when our resources had dropped dramatically, and with little by way of savings, we invested in roads, railway and power projects.

Work resumed on several projects that had been abandoned or suspended before we took office. We completed and commissioned the railway line connecting Kaduna to Abuja, the first Standard Gauge line in Nigeria. The Abuja Light Rail project, which was only half-completed when we inherited it, is now almost ready to go into operation. When completed it will be the first functioning urban light rail in Nigeria.

Our successful engagement with the Chinese Government has yielded fruit; construction has started on the Lagos -Ibadan segment of a new Standard Gauge railway line between Lagos and Kano, and will soon commence on the coastal railway from Lagos to Calabar, which will open up the Southeast and Niger delta in unprecedented ways. We are now providing in the 2018 budget, the commencement of work on the Mambilla hydro-electric project.

However, even if we invested our entire annual budget on infrastructure, it would not be enough to fill the gap. So as a government it was clear, that the greatest impact would come from the efforts of private capital, while we act as enabler and catalyst, creating an environment conducive for investors and businesses.

This is why we have revised and prioritized the Road Trust Fund, to enable private firms to partner with the Federal Government to build, repair, and maintain roads in return for tax credits. Meanwhile, work continues on the long overdue Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and other major arterial roads like the Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa-Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna Road, and the Enugu-Port-Harcourt Road to mention a few.