₦airaland Forum

PRESIDENT BUHARI CALLS FOR STRONGER GLOBAL ALLIANCE TO COMBAT TERRORISM

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja called for stronger global alliance in intelligence and information sharing to halt the scourge of terrorism that currently haunts both developing and developed countries.

The President made the call at the State House while receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of Republic of Tunisia, Mr. Jalel Trabelsi; Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Bernhard Stephen Schlagheck; Kingdom of Sweden, Mrs. Inger Ultvedt and the High Commissioner of Canada, Mr. Christopher Thornley, at separate meetings.

President Buhari told the Canadian High Commissioner that countries must always be on alert, and be willing to share information on activities of terrorists.

The President said Nigeria received support from several countries to fight Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, after the invitation to the G-7 meeting in Germany in 2015, recording remarkable progress in degrading the group and saving many lives.

"The terrorists are all over the place; and we must be more watchful. If a developed country like France can be attacked by terrorists to the point of killing about 130 people, then what more of developing countries.

"We need to build, and keep increasing our capacities to network and stay ahead. We need to build these capacities across borders because terrorists operate across borders,’’ he said.

President Buhari said the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in the North East also received attention from some countries, who were quick to render services and material support to alleviate the humanitarian crisis that followed the overpowering of Boko Haram.

The President said his government had instituted reforms in various sectors of the Nigerian economy to ensure stability and integrity in operations, promising to create a more enabling environment for new partnerships and attractions for Foreign Direct Investments.

In his remark, Thornley said the reforms in the Nigerian economy were necessary to build global confidence and deeper relationships that will benefit the country.

"We want you to know that Canada stands by you as a friend to Nigeria, and your government," he said.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
4th October, 2016

NIGERIA AT 56

The 56th Independence Anniversary at the Presidential villa State Hous Abuja.

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON 56TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY.
OCTOBER 1ST 2016
Today – 1st October is a day of celebration for us Nigerians. On this day, 56 years ago our people achieved the most important of all human desires – freedom and independence. We should all therefore give thanks and pray for our founding fathers without whose efforts and toil we would not reap the bounties of today.
2. I know that uppermost in your minds today is the economic crisis. The recession for many individuals and families is real. For some It means not being able to pay school fees, for others it's not being able to afford the high cost of food (rice and millet) or the high cost of local or international travel, and for many of our young people the recession means joblessness, sometimes after graduating from university or polytechnic.
3. I know how difficult things are, and how rough business is. All my adult life I have always earned a salary and I know what it is like when your salary simply is not enough. In every part of our nation people are making incredible sacrifices.
4. But let me say to all Nigerians today, I ran for office four times to make the point that we can rule this nation with honesty and transparency, that we can stop the stealing of Nigeria's resources so that the resources could be used to provide jobs for our young people, security, infrastructure for commerce, education and healthcare.
5. I ran for office because I know that good government is the only way to ensure prosperity and abundance for all. I remain resolutely committed to this objective.
6. I believe that this recession will not last.
7. Temporary problems should not blind or divert us from the corrective course this government has charted for our nation. We have identified the country’s salient problems and we are working hard at lasting solutions.
8. To re-cap what I have been saying since the inception of this administration, our problems are security, corruption and the economy, especially unemployment and the alarming level of poverty.
9. On Security, we have made progress. Boko Haram was defeated by last December – only resorting to cowardly attacks on soft targets, killing innocent men, women and children.
10. Nigerians should thank our gallant men of the Armed Forces and Police for rescuing large areas of the country captured by insurgents. Now, residents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, as well as several neighbouring states go about their daily business in relative safety. People can go to mosques, churches, market places in reasonable safety.
11. Commuters can travel between cities, towns and villages without fear. Credit for this remarkable turn-round should go to our Armed Forces, the Police, various sponsored and private vigilante groups, the local traditional leaders. Security is a top to bottom concern and responsibility.
12. Besides Boko Haram, we are confronting other long-running security issues, namely herdsmen vs farmers, cattle rustling, kidnappings. This Administration is firmly resolved to tackle these challenges and to defeat them.
13. A new insurgency has reared up its head in the shape of blowing up gas and oil pipelines by groups of Niger Delta Militants. This Administration will not allow these mindless groups to hold the country to ransom.
14. What sense is there to damage a gas line as a result of which many towns in the country including their own town or village is put in darkness as a result? What logic is there in blowing up an export pipeline and as a result income to your state and local governments and consequently their ability to provide services to your own people is reduced?
15. No group can unlawfully challenge the authority of the Federal Government and succeed. Our Administration is fully sympathetic to the plight of the good people of Niger Delta and we are in touch with the State Governments and leaderships of the region. It is known that the clean-up of the Ogoniland has started. Infrastructural projects financed by the Federal Government and post amnesty programme financing will continue.
16. We have however, continued to dialogue with all groups and leaders of thought in the region to bring lasting peace.
17. Corruption is a cancer which must be fought with all the weapons at our disposal. It corrodes the very fabric of government and destroys society. Fighting corruption is Key, not only to restoring the moral health of the nation, but also to freeing our enormous resources for urgent socio-economic development.
18. In fighting corruption, however, the government would adhere strictly by the rule of law. Not for the first time I am appealing to the judiciary to join the fight against corruption.
19. The Third Plank in this Administration’s drive to CHANGE Nigeria is re-structuring the economy. Economies behaviour is cyclical. All countries face ups and downs. Our own recession has been brought about by a critical shortage of foreign exchange. Oil price dropped from an average of hundred USD per barrel over the last decade to an average of forty USD per barrel this year and last.
20. Worse still, the damage perpetrated by Niger Delta thugs on pipelines sometimes reduced Nigeria’s production to below One million barrels per day against the normal two point two million barrels per day. Consequently, the naira is at its weakest, but the situation will stabilize.
21. But this is only temporary. Historically about half our dollar export earnings go to importation of petroleum and food products! Nothing was saved for the rainy days during the periods of prosperity. We are now reaping the whirlwinds of corruption, recklessness and impunity.
22. There are no easy solutions, but there are solutions nonetheless and Government is pursuing them in earnest. We are to repair our four refineries so that Nigeria can produce most of our petrol requirements locally, pending the coming on stream of new refineries. That way we will save ten billion USD yearly in importing fuel.
23. At the same time, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Bank have been mobilized to encourage local production of rice, maize, sorghum, millet and soya beans. Our target is to achieve domestic self-sufficiency in these staples by 2018.
24. Already farmers in thirteen out of thirty six states are receiving credit support through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme. Kebbi state alone this year is expected to produce one million tonnes of locally grown rice, thanks to a favourable harvest this year. As part of the 13 states, Lagos and Ogun are also starting this programme. Rice alone for example costs Nigeria two billion USD to import.
25. The country should be self-sufficient in basic staples by 2019. Foreign exchange thus saved can go to industrial revival requirements for retooling, essential raw materials and spare parts. It is in recognition of the need to re-invigorate agriculture in our rural communities that we are introducing the LIFE programme.
26. Government recognises that irrigation is key to modern agriculture: that is why the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources are embarking on a huge programme of development of lakes, earth dams and water harvesting schemes throughout the country to ensure that we are no longer dependent on rain-fed agriculture for our food requirements.
27. In addition, government is introducing Water Resources Bill encompassing the National Water Resources Policy and National Irrigation and Drainage Policy to improve management of water and irrigation development in the country. We are reviving all the twelve River Basin Authorities, namely;
I. Anambra - Imo
II. Benin - Owena
III. Chad Basin
IV. Cross River
V. Hadejia - Jama'are
VI. Lower Benue
VII. Lower Niger
VIII. Niger Delta
IX. Ogun - Osun
X. Sokoto - Rima
XI. Upper Benue
XII. Upper Niger
28. The intention is eventually to fully commercialise them to better support crop production, aqua –culture and accelerated rural development.
29. This Administration is committed to the revival of Lake Chad and improvement of the hydrology and ecology of the basin. This will tune in with efforts to rehabilitate the thirty million people affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad basin countries.
30. The second plank in our economic revival strategy is centred on the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. The Ministry will lead and oversee the provision of critical infrastructure of power, road transport network and housing development.
31. Power generation has steadily risen since our Administration came on board from three thousand three hundred and twenty four megawatts in June 2015, rising to a peak of five thousand and seventy four megawatts in February 2016.
32. For the first time in our history the country was producing five thousand megawatts. However, renewed militancy and destruction of gas pipelines caused acute shortage of gas and constant drop in electricity output available on the grid.
33. There has been during the period June 2015 to September 2016 big improvement in transmission capacity from five thousand five hundred megawatts to the present seven thousand three hundred megawatts.
34. There were only two system collapses between June and December 2015, but due to vandalism by Niger Delta militants the over-all system suffered 16 system collapses between March and July 2016 alone. As I have said earlier, we are engaging with responsible leadership in the region to find lasting solutions to genuine grievances of the area but we will not allow a tiny minority of thugs to cripple the country's economy.
35. In the meantime, government is going ahead with projects utilizing alternate technologies such as hydro, wind, and solar to contribute to our energy mix. In this respect, the Mambilla Hydro project, after many years of delay is taking off this year. Contract negotiations are nearing completion with Chinese firms for technical and financial commitments.
36. The project is to be jointly financed by Nigeria and the Chinese-Export-Import Bank. In addition, fourteen Solar Power Projects have had their power purchase agreements concluded. Hence the plan to produce one thousand two hundred megawatts of solar electricity for the country would be realized on schedule.
37. And in line with the objective of government to complete all abandoned projects across the country, the Rural Electrification Agency's projects needing completion are provided for in the 2016 Budget. Bringing electricity to rural areas will help farmers, small scale and cottage industries to integrate with the national economy.
38. Roads Construction and Rehabilitation has taken off. The sum of twelve billion naira was allocated to this sector in the 2015 Budget, not enough even to pay interest on outstanding unpaid claims.
39. Notwithstanding the budgetary constraints, the current budget allocated two hundred and forty billion naira for highway projects against twelve billion naira in 2015. Many contractors who have not been paid for three years have now remobilized to sites. Seven hundred and twenty point five billion naira has so far been released this budget year to capital projects.
40. The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has received one hundred and ninety seven point five billion naira. Work on the following highways has now resumed.
1. Dualization of Calabar – Itu Road in Cross River/Akwa Ibom States.
2. Dualization of Lokoja – Benin Road, Ehor - Benin city, Edo State.
3. Re-construction of outstanding sections of Benin – Shagamu Express way, Edo/Ogun States.
4. Expansion works on Lagos – Ibadan Dual carriageway, Ogun/Oyo States
5. Rehabilitation of Onitsha – Enugu Expressway, Anambra/Enugu States.
6. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu – Port Harcourt Dual carriageway, Abia/Rivers States.
7. Rehabilitation of Hadejia – Nguru Road, Jigawa State.
8. Dualization of Kano – Katsina Road, Kano State.
9. Dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road, Borno State.
10. Dualization of Azare – Potiskum Road, Azare – Sharuri Road, Bauchi State.
11. Rehabilitation of Ilorin – Jebba – Mokwa – Birnin Gwari Road, Kwara State.
12. Construction of Oju/Lokoja – Oweto Bridge over River Benue, Benue State.
41. Other major highways are in the queue for rehabilitation or new construction.
42. Already contractors have recalled about nine thousand workers laid off and Government expects that several hundreds of thousands of workers will be reengaged in the next few months as our public works programme gains momentum.
43. On railways, we have provided our counterpart funding to China for the building of our standard gauge Lagos -Kano railway. Meanwhile, General Electric is investing two point two billion USD in a concession to revamp, provide rolling stock, and manage the existing lines, including the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line. The Lagos-Calabar railway will also be on stream soon.
44. We have initiated the National Housing Programme. In 2014 four hundred million naira was voted for Housing. In 2015 nothing. Our first budget this year is devoting thirty five point six billion naira. Much of the house building will be private – sector led but Government is initiating a pilot housing scheme of two thousand eight hundred and thirty eight units uniformly spread across the 36 states and FCT.
45. We expect these units to be completed within 4 – 6 months. These experimental Nigeria House model Units will be constructed using only made in Nigeria building materials and components. This initiative is expected to reactivate the building materials manufacturing sector, generate massive employment opportunities and develop sector capacity and expertise.
46. The programmes I have outlined will revive the economy, restore the value of the naira and drive hunger from our land.
47. Abroad, Nigeria’s standing has changed beyond belief in the last 18 months. We are no longer a pariah state. Wherever I go, I have been received with un-accustomed hospitality. Investors from all over the world are falling over themselves to come and do business in Nigeria. This government intends to make business environment more friendly because we can not develop ourselves alone.
48. All countries, no matter how advanced, welcome foreign investments to their economy. This is the essence of globalization and no country in the 21st century can be an island. Our reforms are therefore designed to prepare Nigeria for the 21st century.
49. Finally, let me commend Nigerians for your patience, steadfastness and perseverance. You know that I am trying to do the right things for our country.
50. Thank you and may God bless our country.

VP Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN attends ZamfaraState@20

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONVERSATION WITH YOUTHS AND UNVEILING OF A BOOK BY BAYO OMOBORIOWO. SEPT 30 2016

PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE.

BUHARI WILL DO EVERYTHING TO MAKE NIGERIA GREAT – VP

President Muhammadu Buhari is ready to put everything on the line to make sure Nigeria is great and he has no other objective other than seeing this dream come true, says Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

“This morning, I had a meeting with the President and he repeated to me twice, he said ‘at my age there is only one thing I am looking for, I want to see a great Nigeria’. He has no other objective and I feel very inspired by that,” Prof Osinbajo stated.

The Vice President spoke while receiving a delegation of Christian Ministers Welfare Initiative also known as the Pastors’ Forum, Taraba State, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Prof. Osinbajo while restating the firm commitment of the President and himself to a great Nigeria where peace and justice reign said “it is madness for anybody in our position to be looking for money. According to him, God put people in a position of authority for them to be able to do something for their people.

“I think if any Nigerian gets the chance to be president of the country, there is nothing he/she is looking for anymore except that while there you improve the lot of the people,” he added.

Linking the economic situation to corruption and official graft, the VP stated that “no economy can tolerate the level of corruption seen in Nigeria without the consequence, Nigerian lives were being lost and yet people cannot account for $15 billion meant for purchase of security equipment to fight the insurgents.”

Besides, the Vice President also explained how the factor of vandalisation of oil installations is contributory to the recession.

He said Nigeria has lost several millions of barrels of crude oil due to the activities of the militants in the Niger Delta.

According to him, by early 2016 the country was producing 5,000MW of power for the first time, but by February 2016 the Focados terminal was destroyed by militants and 40 per cent of the gas used to fire the power plants were lost and the country was down to 2,500MW of power.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, at the time the militants started blowing up oil and gas installations, the amnesty stipend were still being paid, “nothing changed, the only reason is that we are investigating people who have stolen money.”

He added that the country was loosing one million barrels of oil a day, nothing that, that is 60% of the country’s revenues, and there is nowhere such amount of revenue is lost without going into some economic challenge like a recession.

While expressing optimism that the country will come out of the recession, the VP stated that “there is no question at all, God has a reason for bringing us in at this time and God helping us we will see a change in this country.”

Vice President Osinbajo urged the Church and all religious leaders to stand up against corruption, stressing that if this government is doing the right thing by fighting corruption the Church should support it.

In response to some of the concerns of the delegation, the Vice President assured that the Federal Government is working very seriously to end the problem of ravaging herdsmen. He said the President has instructed the police and the military to act and deal with anybody who carries arms.

He then urged that anybody with early information or intelligence on such violent activities should give it to government and the security agents for effective response. He also added that those behind the ‘herdsmen violence’ are criminals.

While calling on honest and forthright men in the country to work together, Osinbajo said God has structured Nigeria in such a way that no one can dominate another, not Muslims against Christians or Christians against Muslims.

“It is not possible for one tribe to dominate another based on the way God has structured the country. The reason we have Christian president and Muslim vice president or Muslim president and Christian vice president is to have balance,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the delegation, Rev, Godwin Nyiekule said the delegation was in the State House to pledge their support to the Buhari Administration for its forthrightness and fight against corruption. “We are happy with the government for the war against corruption crusade,” he said.

Rev Nyiekule also highlighted that the Christian Ministers Welfare Initiative is a non-partisan group but supports good persons who want to participate in government, adding that the federal government should come to the assistance of those churches whose premises are being used as IDP camps.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
September 29, 2016

FG, STATES, UNFPA, DFID TO COLLABORATE IN NEW INITIATIVE TO TACKLE MATERNAL MORTALITY IN NIGERIA

There is now emerging in the country a convergence of opinions that forced and early marriages represent a challenge and a drawback especially as it affects issues around maternal mortality in the country according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Speaking at a meeting today with delegations from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Department for International Development DFID, Prof Osinbajo observed that respectable people in the society are now beginning to speak up on the issues.

" I think there is a convergence now on many of these issues; on early and forced marriage, people have clearly identified that this is a major drawback for development and a major problem for us,” according to the Vice President.

Prof. Osinbajo added that quite a few people who are respected, “whose cultures and systems are involved, are already speaking up and are being listened to.”

He was responding to the submissions made by the Executive Director of the UNFPA, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin and the Permanent Secretary of the UK’s Department for International Development, DFID, Mr Mark Lowcock on the need for the Federal and States government to work with global agencies to reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria. They proposed a new global initiative to address maternal mortality in Nigeria.

Osotimehin, a former Health Minister in Nigeria said maternal mortality rates in Nigeria are among the highest, with 111 dying on a daily basis.

Both Osotimehin and Lowcock sought the assistance of the Vice President to encourage state governors and the National Economic Council so that the federal and state governments can work together with international agencies to address the crisis of maternal mortality in the country.

Responding, the Vice President expressed hope that the nation is "at a moment and time when a lot is happening, a lot has been achieved and a lot has been done. So, we are in a moment when a lot can be done,” adding that the issue can be dealt with promptly.

He promised the delegations that the governors would be open to working together on the issues alongside the federal government and global agencies like the UN and DFID.

While appreciating the work done so far by the UNFPA and DFID on the situation, the Vice President encouraged them to hasten the process of scaling up their interventions in addressing issues associated with maternal and child mortality.

The Vice President added that the state governments would be encouraged to embrace the initiatives and sign up, as key partners in the renewed campaign to contain maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.

" I think this is the kind of issue that most of us will be happy to work together on and am sure if we work this out well we can make this happen without any difficulty. So am very confident that we can really work with you on this,’’ according to the VP.

Earlier, Prof. Osotimehin informed him on the UNFPA’s plan to restart a national programme to reduce the rate of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria, especially in the North. He said the new initiative, if well implemented, would drastically reduce the incidence of maternal deaths.

According to Osotimehin, " Nigeria constitutes 2% of the world’s population but contributes 10% of the world’s maternal mortality.”

" The UNFPA in partnership with the DFID is proposing a programme that will ultimately reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria by 30% through a child spacing and family planning initiative.’’ Osotimehin said.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, DFID, Mr Mark Lowcock acknowledged the challenge posed by maternal and child health, stating that it was more of a development issue than a health challenge. He said the DFID was already financing a programme that supports 6 million couples every year on family planning.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, also attended the meeting.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
September 28, 2016

NIGERIA WILL SCALE UP BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH INDIA -- PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday said Nigeria will continue to expand its relationship with India in the areas of health, education, agriculture, technology and trade.

Receiving the Indian Vice President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari, at the State House, President Buhari said Nigeria had over the years benefited from the cooperation of the Asian country in trade and investment, agriculture, technology and the fight against terrorism.

The President welcomed the proposed investment of 5 billion US dollars in the Nigerian economy by the business delegation that accompanied the Vice President, while noting that India had already invested 10 billion US dollars in the economy.

President Buhari said Nigeria would emulate the Asian country’s agricultural model and capacity to feed its 1 billion population, and also export to other countries, describing the country as ``sustainable and prosperous’’.

The President noted that Nigeria would continue to support the reform of the United Nations Security Council, pointing out that it was unfair on the rest of the world for five countries to exercise the power of ‘‘yes or no’’ in the UN.
In his remarks, the Indian Vice President said his country, which is the leading buyer of Nigeria’s crude oil, will increase its purchase of the commodity in addition to natural gas.

According to him, the relationship between Nigeria and India is near perfect as both countries ‘‘have nothing to quarrel about’’.

Garba Shehu
SSA to the President
(Media & Publicity)
27th September, 2016

NIGERIA, INDIA TO REACTIVATE JOINT COMMISSION AS VICE PRESIDENTS HOLD BILATERAL TALKS IN ASO ROCK

The governments of Nigeria and India would be reactivating the Nigeria-India Joint Commission earlier set up to foster deepened relationship and expanded economic interaction between the two countries.

This was the highlight of the bilateral meeting earlier today at the Presidential Villa between the visiting Indian Vice President, Honorable M. Hamid Ansari and Nigeria's Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The Nigeria-India Joint Commission which was first set up in 1979, and was revived during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration met last about 5 years ago. But both Vice Presidents in their discussions today called for a reactivation.

According to the Indian Vice President the “Joint Commission should be reactivated within the shortest possible time,” a call that was promptly consented to by Vice President Osinbajo saying “we agree that the Commission which met last 5 years ago be reactivated.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that the Commission provides a veritable way forward to work out the different areas of collaboration discussed at the close-door bilateral talks. Issued discussed ranged from economic relations, peace and security, consular matters and regional & international issues.

In his opening remarks at the talks, Vice President Osinbajo stated that both countries should also focus on the outcome of the 3rd India-Africa Summit held last year, disclosing that Nigeria “will take an active part in the elaboration of the Programme of Action.” He also called for the setting up of a Joint Implementation Committee to pursue the commitments of that summit.

Observing that India has recorded “remarkable advancement,” in science and technology, including in space research, Vice President Osinbajo added that Nigeria is committed to playing a more active role in the evolution of the International Solar Alliance launched by the Indian Government last year with a view to benefiting from its operations for Nigeria’s own quest for alternative sources of energy.

In his own remarks the Indian Vice President, who is also the head of the country’s upper legislative chamber-Rajya Sabha- (also known as the Council of States) said he was delighted to be in the “beautiful city of Abuja and congratulated the country on last year’s free and fair elections. He said the Nigerian people “deserve praise for coming out to vote and ensuring that democratic values take root in Nigeria.”

Vice President Ansari commended President Muhammadu Buhari for effectively tackling the challenges of the country including Boko Haram. He noted that the Nigerian government was taking steps to minimize the impact of the challenges.

The Indian Vice President who had earlier paid a courtesy call on President Buhari accompanied by VP Osinbajo concluded by saying “our friendship is a source of great pride to us, our destinies are so inter-linked and we are confident that our discussions today will strengthen our strategic relationship.”

The meeting also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Product Standardization and a Letter of Intent to conclude agreements on a number of diplomatic issues including Customs Cooperation, Prisoner Transfer, Renewable Energy, and Visa issues.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Aishat Abubakar signed the MOU for Nigeria and India’s Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Arjun Ram Meghwal signed for his country. For the Letter of Intent, the Indian Ambassador Mr. B.N. Reddy signed for his country, while the Permanent Secretary, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Mr. Sola Enikanolaye signed for Nigeria.

Several ministers from the Nigerian Federal Executive Council attended the bilateral meeting alongside the Indian delegation that included Members of Parliament.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
September 27, 2016

NIGERIA'LL KEEP FAITH WITH ECOWAS BANK - PRESIDENT BUHARI

Despite the economic downturn caused largely by fallen prices of oil in the international market, President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria will fulfill its obligations to the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

Receiving President of the bank, Mr. Bashir Mamma, at State House, Abuja, Monday, President Buhari said: "We may be limping because of fallen oil prices, but we will fulfill our commitments to the bank. We may have fallen behind, but we will live up very soon. We will maintain the objectives of setting up the bank, which is to help our less financially endowed neighbours."

Mr. Mamma disclosed that EBID is the financing arm of ECOWAS, which has been there for about 30 years, and was initially set up as a Fund, "to help less developed West African states, but we now cover all parts of the sub-region."

He added that EBID set up Ecobank, and has also established an airline, after the national airlines of most member countries collapsed.

FEMIADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
September 26, 2016

WE'LL GET OUT OF OUR PROBLEMS, PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Nigeria has the people and the resources to surmount her economic problems, President Muhammadu Buhari has assured.

Receiving President of the African Development Bank (ADB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, at State House, Abuja, on Monday, President Buhari said: "God has given us people and resources. It will take hard work on our part, but we will make it. We will get out of our problems. We are determined to produce what we eat, and stop importation. We will also chase those who stole, and get them to refund."

The President said the country appreciates helping hands being lent by the ADB, assuring Nigerian-born Adesina, who was the immediate past Minister of Agriculture, that "we will not let you down. Your country won't disappoint you."

Adesina appreciated President Buhari for the support the country gave when he ran for ADB presidency, thus making him the first Nigerian to occupy such position since the bank was established in 1964.

He also lauded the Nigerian President for successes recorded in securing the country, particularly in the North East, noting that "there can be no development without adequate security."

The ADB boss described recent economic decisions taken in the country as "bold, tough, uncomfortable, but right," adding that Nigeria would reap the dividends in the short and long run.

"You can count on the ADB as a true friend of Nigeria. You should support massive investment in infrastructure, and we are here to also support. Closing the infrastructure deficit will enable growth, and create employment. Nigeria is too big to fail," Adesina said.

The ADB President unfolded the packages his institution has for Nigeria, which include; $1 billion of budget support, $300 million to create jobs for 185,000 youths, $250 million towards North East infrastructure development, $1 million grant to deal with challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), $300 million for infrastructure development around Abuja, $200 million for Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to deepen facilities, among others.

Dr Adesina expressed delight with what he called "President Buhari's push on anti-corruption, and stance on governance," adding that building institutions was critical. To that end, he said ADB would give a total of $4.8 million as grant for institutional support, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) getting $2 million, and $1million to Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). "You can always count on my support, and that of the ADB," he concluded.

FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
September 26, 2016

HOW AND WHY WE GOT INTO TROUBLE, PRESIDENT BUHARI BRIEFS NIGERIAN PROFESSIONALS IN AMERICA

They converged from different parts of the United States of America, top rate professionals all, Nigerians whom Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora Matters and International Relations, described as "15 of the best people God ever created."

The professionals were in New York to meet with the Nigerian President. Top flight aeronautics engineers, physicians, I.T experts, a Judge, a top policewoman, entrepreneurs, an Import Specialist at Customs and Border Protection, professors, two straight A students, and many others.
The parley provided President Buhari opportunity to bring them up to speed on how and why Nigeria got into trouble, with an assurance that with all hands on deck, including the best brains in the Diaspora, the country would bounce back in the shortest possible time.

"I am very pleased with this meeting," President Buhari stated. "Wherever you go in the world, you find highly competent and outstanding Nigerians. They not only make great impact on their host countries and communities, their financial remittances back home also help our economy, particularly at a time like this, when things are down.

"We got into trouble as a country, because we did not save for the rainy day. For example, between 1999 and 2015, when we produced an average of 2.1 million barrels of oil per day, and oil prices stood at an average of $100 per barrel, we did not save, neither did we develop infrastructure. Suddenly, when we came in 2015, oil prices fell to about 30 dollars per barrel.

“I asked; where are the savings? There were none. Where are the railways? The roads? Power? None. I further asked; what did we do with billions of dollars that we made over the years? They said we bought food. Food with billions of dollars? I did not believe, and still do not believe.

“In most parts of Nigeria, we eat what we grow. People in the South eat tubers, those in the North eat grains, which they plant, and those constitute over 60 per cent of what we eat. So, where did the billions of dollars go? We did a lot of damage to ourselves by not developing infrastructure when we had the money.

"Talking of our military, they earned respect serving in places like Burma, Zaire, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra-Leone, and then, suddenly, that same military could no longer secure 14 out of 774 local governments in the country.

Insurgents had seized them, calling them some sort of caliphate, and planting their flags there; till we came, and scattered them.
"We raised the morale of our military, changed the leadership, re-equipped and retrained them; USA, Britain, and some other countries helped us, and today, the pride of our military is restored.

"Boko Haram ran riot, killing innocent people in churches, mosques, markets, schools, motor parks, and so on. And they would then shout Allahu Akbar. But if they truly knew Allah, they would not do such evil. Neither Islam, nor any other religion I know of, advocates hurting the innocent. But they shed innocent blood, killed people in their thousands. Now, we have dealt with that insurgency, and subverted their recruitment base.

"Those who stole Nigeria dry are not happy. They recruited the militants against us in the Niger Delta, and began to sabotage oil infrastructure. We lose millions of barrels per day, at a time when every dollar we can earn, counts. It is a disgrace that a minimum of 27 states, out of 36 that we have in Nigeria, can't pay salaries.

"But I prayed so hard for God to make me President. I ran in 2003, 2007, 2011, and in 2015, He did. And see what I met on ground. But I can't complain, since I prayed for the job. In the military, I rose from 2nd Lieutenant to Major-General. I was military governor in 1975 over a state that is now six states. I was head of state, got detained for three years, and headed the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which had N53 billion of that time in Nigerian banks.

“God has been very good to me, so I can't complain. If I feel hurt by anybody, I ask God to help me forgive. He has done so much for me.
"After 16 years of a different party in government, no party will come and have things easy. It's human. We need quality hands to run Nigeria, and we will utilize them. I will like to welcome you home when it's time. But I'll like you to be ready."

All the Nigerian professionals pledged to contribute their quota towards re-launching their fatherland to a new dawn.

FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 23, 2016.

HOW AND WHY WE GOT INTO TROUBLE, PRESIDENT BUHARI BRIEFS NIGERIAN PROFESSIONALS IN AMERICA

They converged from different parts of the United States of America, top rate professionals all, Nigerians whom Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora Matters and International Relations, described as "15 of the best people God ever created."

The professionals were in New York to meet with the Nigerian President. Top flight aeronautics engineers, physicians, I.T experts, a Judge, a top policewoman, entrepreneurs, an Import Specialist at Customs and Border Protection, professors, two straight A students, and many others.

The parley provided President Buhari opportunity to bring them up to speed on how and why Nigeria got into trouble, with an assurance that with all hands on deck, including the best brains in the Diaspora, the country would bounce back in the shortest possible time.

"I am very pleased with this meeting," President Buhari stated. "Wherever you go in the world, you find highly competent and outstanding Nigerians. They not only make great impact on their host countries and communities, their financial remittances back home also help our economy, particularly at a time like this, when things are down.

"We got into trouble as a country, because we did not save for the rainy day. For example, between 1999 and 2015, when we produced an average of 2.1 million barrels of oil per day, and oil prices stood at an average of $100 per barrel, we did not save, neither did we develop infrastructure. Suddenly, when we came in 2015, oil prices fell to about 30 dollars per barrel.

“I asked; where are the savings? There were none. Where are the railways? The roads? Power? None. I further asked; what did we do with billions of dollars that we made over the years? They said we bought food. Food with billions of dollars? I did not believe, and still do not believe.

“In most parts of Nigeria, we eat what we grow. People in the South eat tubers, those in the North eat grains, which they plant, and those constitute over 60 per cent of what we eat. So, where did the billions of dollars go? We did a lot of damage to ourselves by not developing infrastructure when we had the money.

"Talking of our military, they earned respect serving in places like Burma, Zaire, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra-Leone, and then, suddenly, that same military could no longer secure 14 out of 774 local governments in the country.

Insurgents had seized them, calling them some sort of caliphate, and planting their flags there; till we came, and scattered them.
"We raised the morale of our military, changed the leadership, re-equipped and retrained them; USA, Britain, and some other countries helped us, and today, the pride of our military is restored.

"Boko Haram ran riot, killing innocent people in churches, mosques, markets, schools, motor parks, and so on. And they would then shout Allahu Akbar. But if they truly knew Allah, they would not do such evil. Neither Islam, nor any other religion I know of, advocates hurting the innocent. But they shed innocent blood, killed people in their thousands. Now, we have dealt with that insurgency, and subverted their recruitment base.

"Those who stole Nigeria dry are not happy. They recruited the militants against us in the Niger Delta, and began to sabotage oil infrastructure. We lose millions of barrels per day, at a time when every dollar we can earn, counts. It is a disgrace that a minimum of 27 states, out of 36 that we have in Nigeria, can't pay salaries.

"But I prayed so hard for God to make me President. I ran in 2003, 2007, 2011, and in 2015, He did. And see what I met on ground. But I can't complain, since I prayed for the job. In the military, I rose from 2nd Lieutenant to Major-General. I was military governor in 1975 over a state that is now six states. I was head of state, got detained for three years, and headed the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which had N53 billion of that time in Nigerian banks.

“God has been very good to me, so I can't complain. If I feel hurt by anybody, I ask God to help me forgive. He has done so much for me.

"After 16 years of a different party in government, no party will come and have things easy. It's human. We need quality hands to run Nigeria, and we will utilize them. I will like to welcome you home when it's time. But I'll like you to be ready."

All the Nigerian professionals pledged to contribute their quota towards re-launching their fatherland to a new dawn.

FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 23, 2016.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1585368455091624&substory_index=0&id=1452287068399764&refid=17&_ft_=top_level_post_id.1585368455091624%3Atl_objid.1585368455091624%3Athid.1452287068399764%3A306061129499414%3A69%3A0%3A1475305199%3A2835574051493678861&__tn__=%2As

BUHARI APPEALS FOR SPEEDY GLOBAL HUMANITARIAN ACTION IN NIGERIA’S NORTH-EAST AND LAKE CHAD BASIN

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to the international community not to further delay or downplay the need for humanitarian intervention in Nigeria’s North-East and the Lake Chad Basin.

“It is time for collective global action to invest in the people of Nigeria’s North-East and the Lake Chad Basin region,” the President told the High-Level Event on “The Humanitarian Crisis in the Lake Chad Basin: A Turning Point,” in New York, on the margins of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA71).

“We are renewing the call for re-dedicated international action to end the humanitarian needs of victims and address the root causes of terrorism itself,” he said at the event jointly-sponsored by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the African Union, the European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

President Buhari noted that the “complexities and severity of humanitarian crisis across the world have increased in recent times, resulting in devastating repercussions.

Political and socio-economic structures as well as the growth trajectory of many countries have been negatively affected leaving traumatized populations. The dual impact of Climate Change and terrorism cum insurgency has created deeper implications for peace and security, social harmony and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

While commending the Multi-National Joint Task Force for degrading Boko Haram, he said that the Nigerian government has been fully responsive to the urgency to save innocent lives, protect victims of Boko Haram atrocities, guarantee stability and facilitate the resumption of normal social and economic activities in the North-East of the country.

“The Government of Nigeria is not overwhelmed by the enormity of this humanitarian challenge. Rather, we remain resolute in defeating terrorism in all its forms. We have put in place a robust people-driven counter-terrorism strategy built on a combination of revamped security operations and a human rights-based approach to help bring about rehabilitation, reintegration and reconstruction,” the President said.

According to him, “Nigeria has been providing food support, reintegrated healthcare, shelter, psycho-social support and access to water and sanitation amenities for those in need. We are also engaging highly respected community and religious leaders to discourage vulnerable youth from being radicalized.”

President Buhari expressed delight that displaced persons have begun to return to their communities in Konduga, Mafa, Benisheck and Ngala in the North-East.

On the missing Chibok schoolgirls, the President said that the unfortunate incident has remained in “our national consciousness,” adding that the administration “is working hard to ensure the release of all Nigerians held captive by Boko Haram, including the Chibok girls. We are ready to ensure their swift rehabilitation, reintegration and the continuation of their studies once returned to their families.”

On the Lake Chad, President Buhari said the shrinking of the Lake has also like Boko Haram, adversely affected the communities around the Basin by increasing their hardship.

Given the enormous challenge posed by the dwindling waters, the President noted that no single State in the region can independently meet the needs of the victims of the depressing occurrence.

“Nigeria thus, reiterates its call for stronger international action and support for the implementation of the Lake Chad Development Resilience Action Plan,” he said, even as he urged “increased global attention and active engagement than it is currently receiving.”

President Buhari, who did not fail to appreciate the critical support the North-East and Lake Chad Basin have been receiving from the United Nations and development partners, pledged Nigeria’s preparedness to collaborate in order to “find a lasting solution to this human disaster.”

FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 23, 2016

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

I HAD A VERY SUCCESSFUL UNITED NATIONS’ OUTING – PRESIDENT BUHARI

At the conclusion of his five-day activities during the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA71), President Muhammadu Buhari declared that he had a very successful outing.

Addressing the media to round off his visit to New York, the President reviewed all his major and side events during the visit and highlighted the issues on which he sent a clear and direct message to world leaders.

“I highlighted the need for the international community to work together to liberate humanity from poverty, save our planet from the devastation of climate change and rid the world of terrorism for a more peaceful and prosperous future,” he said.

President Buhari also stressed that, “I mentioned that the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) arising from Boko Haram terrorism is of particular concern to us. For this reason, we have taken concrete steps to address their humanitarian needs and to ensure that necessary conditions are established to enable the voluntary return of the displaced persons to their homes in safety and dignity.”

While acknowledging that “Nigeria as a developing country has been adversely affected by the global economic downturn,” he however, stressed that “we are undeterred and have embarked on a wide range of reforms in our efforts to diversify our economy and shift emphasis to mining, agriculture, industrialization, infrastructure development and the creation of the enabling environment for Foreign Direct Investment."

He also noted that “fighting corruption remains of prime importance to our administration,” adding that the campaign is already yielding positive gains including significant stolen assets recoveries.

The President stated clearly Nigeria’s position on Climate Change, development in developing countries, youth development, statehood for the Palestinians, and reform of the UN Security Council with Nigeria ready to serve on a reformed Council to “advance international peace and security.”

President Buhari listed his meetings with world leaders and the benefits from some of the side events such as the US-Africa Business Forum during which discussions focused on how top American business executives “can collaborate with us to diversify our economy, which will in turn drive development, job creation and general business development in Nigeria.”

He mentioned his meeting with top Nigerian professionals in the United States and the urgent need to reclaim the shrinking Lake Chad, even as he expressed delight that “some countries notably the United Kingdom and United States pledged additional support in the tune of US $391 million humanitarian aid for the Lake Chad region."

President Buhari used the occasion of the media event to thank relevant United States authorities for efficient security and administrative arrangements and officials of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for demonstrating “that we still have capable officers in our Foreign and Civil Services.”

He commended the Nigerian officers for the “tireless effects in projecting a positive image to our country, even in difficult times.”
President Buhari did not forget members of the Nigerian media, as he thanked them for “going through elaborate security checks and clearance procedures to follow my activities and hectic schedule in order to keep all our people at home well informed of my meetings and engagements.”

FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 24, 2016

MINISTRY OF BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING
PRESS RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

Stimulus plan not to sell off all national assets but to source funds for Budget – Udoma
The primary objective of government’s fiscal stimulus plan is not to sell off all major critical national assets but to source immediate funds to reflate the economy and implement capital projects in the 2016 budget, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, has explained.
Senator Udoma who gave the explanation in Lagos at the weekend while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming Nigeria Economic Summit, said the intention of government is just to get enough money to fund the 2016 budget and get the economy back on the path of recovery.
Government, he stated, needs to inject a large dose of funds into the system to get the economy back on track and to faithfully implement those provisions in the capital budget tailored at reflating the economy and aiding the diversification process.
Senator Udoma explained that the country had lost almost half its expected revenue and would need to urgently source the shortfall to enable government faithfully implement the budget.
This unfortunate scenario, he explained, prompted the Economic Management Team to urgently work out a fiscal stimulus plan to generate immediate large injection of funds into the economy through asset sales, advance payment for license rounds, infrastructure concessioning, use of recovered funds, among others, to reduce the funding gap.
The other option, according to the Minister, would have been to source for additional loans, beyond the level of borrowing already projected for in the 2016 Budget. This would not be a wise option as it would raise the level of debt service to an unsustainable level.
He explained however, that government is exploring several angles in the asset sales proposal including repurchase options, which will make provision for buy-back of those assets when the situation improves.
The Minister insisted that the country’s economy may not have gone into recession but for the drastic fall in oil production levels due to disruptions caused by militant activities. At worst, he pointed out, it would have been a flat performance that would have sign-posted a new curve in the economy trajectory that would subsequently put it on the path to recovery and sustainable growth.
The Minister went on to say that the Government appreciated that the down-turn in the economy has brought hardship to the people, but he assured that government is committed to redressing the situation. “Our goal is to unlock the economic potentials of the non-oil and high-employment sectors, so as to achieve a sustainable inclusive growth that will ensure that the majority of Nigerians become more productive, thereby reducing poverty.
“Thus, we are deliberately working towards diversifying the Nigerian economy by ensuring that the non-oil sector drives the economy because this is the sector that contributes the most to GDP; and, has more capacity to employ.”
The basic strategy, he pointed out, is to reflate the economy through fiscal stimulus and strategic implementation of annual budgets.
“What this means is that we are geared to strategically spend our way out of recession. Unfortunately, we have not met all our planned expenditures for 2016 due to low revenue outturns. However, we have ensured that the resources that we release are targeted at priorities that will stimulate activities in the economy. We are also developing a more robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track performance”, he explained.
Senator Udoma said bad as it is, the current situation provides the country with an opportunity to revamp the economy and put it on the path to sustainable growth; but in doing so, Nigerians must reduce their demand for foreign products, focus attention on refining petroleum products locally, return to agriculture, develop the solid minerals’ sector and stay the course even if the price of oil goes up again.
Getting back the economy on the path of sustainable growth would require the contribution of every sector in their respective core mandate areas, and collaboration with organs like the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) provides a veritable avenue for forging consensus on issues of national development whilst evolving a common strategy and policy framework for addressing issues constraining development.
This year’s edition of the Economic Summit, which holds between October 10 and 12, is designed to encourage more production and consumption of Made in Nigeria goods and services.
It is believed that “with more patronage, Nigerian producers will be encouraged to improve the quality of their products. As the quality of Nigerian-made goods and services improve, international demand for them will increase. The fastest route to grow the economy and to create jobs for the teeming population is by pursuing export led growth. Export led growth will add to the country’s foreign reserves and stabilize the Naira”.
The Minister pointed out that past Nigerian Economic Summits made recommendations on self-sufficiency in local production and an export-driven economy. With current economic realities, this is the perfect opportunity to articulate a national discussion on “Made in Nigeria” to promote the goods and services that are already up to standards for consumption, encourage exports and increase opportunities for SMEs.
According to him, “this year’s Summit will provide a platform to sharpen the focus of the conversation. The key thrust would be to facilitate stakeholders’ discussions/agreements on the practical issues, opportunities, policies and regulations needed for “Made in Nigeria” to become an economic growth and development destination.
“It will also seek to articulate the strategies to achieve self-sufficiency and value-addition capacities for several products and services in the shortest possible time. The sub-themes of the Summit shall deliberate on the macroeconomic environment; ease of doing business; stakeholders’ behaviour and attitudes; access to finance; infrastructure; quality and standards; technology and innovation; as well as job creation, skills and youth employment”, he added.
The key outcomes of the Summit, he noted, “are expected to include the development of practical roadmap that will contextualize “Made in Nigeria” as an economic growth and development strategy for our short, medium and long term development partnerships and policies to deliver desired results and potentials for exports to increase foreign exchange earnings and shore up our reserves. The Summit will also emphasize the strong need for execution and proper measurement of results on the part of all stakeholders.”

Signed:
Akpandem James
Media Adviser to the Hon. Minister

PRESIDENT ELEVATES RESPONSE TO NORTHEAST HUMANITARIAN SITUATION


*INTER-MINISTERIAL TASK FORCE NOW PUTS MINISTERS IN DIRECT CHARGE OF SECTORAL COORDINATION

In a determined bid to more effectively confront the humanitarian challenges in the NorthEast, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a change in the management of the situation putting Cabinet Ministers in direct charge of sectoral coordination.

Before now, sectoral coordination of the humanitarian situation were managed by director-cadre ministry officials. But in a decision to upgrade and elevate the governance structure, the President has approved a modification of the structure by putting Cabinet Ministers in charge of governmental response to the humanitarian emergency caused by the insurgency in the NorthEastern part of the country.

Specifically, an Inter-ministerial Task Force has been established by the President to coordinate the response and work with humanitarian agencies to support the governments and other structures in the affected states.

In the Multi-sectoral Task Force, each sector will now be led by a Minister while the entire Task Force is led by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, which will now coordinate and mobilize the domestic, governmental and private sector resources necessary to effectively meet this challenge with the urgency it demands.

The ministers who will now personally supervise their ministry’s role in the newly modified governance structure include Ministers of Health, Interior, Women Affairs, Agriculture and Water Resources. The National Security Adviser to the President and the Chief of Army Staff, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the Presidential Committee on NorthEast Intervention, PCNI, would also be actively involved in the new elevated response model approved by the President.

Defeating Boko Haram and countering violent extremism has been one of the main priorities of the Buhari administration and, to date, the military has recorded great success. However, as the military forces move deeper into the core Boko Haram strongholds, they have discovered and freed several persons who are severely malnourished and in poor health, hence the acute need for stronger coordination, oversight and direction of all NorthEast humanitarian interventions and resettlement efforts.

The Federal Government has also expressed appreciation for the human and material resources already deployed by the United Nations Agencies, International Development Partners, Non-Governmental Organisations as well as other private companies and individuals who have been assisting to meet the urgent needs of the victims thus far.

With this new management structure, the Federal Government has given assurances to the UN and all other partners, local and international, of its readiness to effectively lead the humanitarian response, deploy adequate resources and do everything possible to mobilise a rapid response in order to save lives and restore normalcy to the affected areas.



Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity

In the Office of the Vice President

September 23, 2016

NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL OKAYS FG’S MEASURES TO BEAT RECESSION

*GOVERNORS COMMEND PRESIDENT’S ECONOMIC TEAM, PRAISE MINISTERS UDOMA, ADEOSUN

Rising from its monthly meeting today at the Presidential Villa, members of the National Economic Council, NEC, presided over by Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, expressed support for the plans and proposals of the Federal Government to steer the country out of recession.

While acknowledging the current economic challenges and difficulties, state governors at the meeting also endorsed the work of the President’s Economic Management Team and specifically commended the Budget & Planning and Finance Ministers.

The Vice President is the Chairman of the Council, which advises the President on economic affairs of the federation and in particular on measures necessary for the coordination of the economic planning in the country. NEC is composed of Governors of all 36 states of the federation, and the Central Bank Governor.


BELOW ARE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING AS PRESENTED TO THE PRESS BY THE GOVERNORS OF KEBBI, OYO STATES & DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE AFTER THE COUNCIL MEETING THAT LASTED OVER FOUR HOURS.


A. PRESENTATION ON STATE OF THE ECONOMY BY HONOURABLE MINISTER OF BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING

Highlights of the presentation:
Economy is currently in recession
Dependence on a Single Commodity (Crude Oil) whose price we do not control is a major factor
Oil price collapsed to less than $30 per barrel in Q1 2016 and market expectations are that it will stay lower for longer
However, this crisis is an opportunity to restructure and reset the economy



Measures for Economic Revitalisation:
The President’s Economic Management Team (EMT) working on plan to generate immediate larger injection of fund into the economy through:
Asset sales
Advance payment of license renewals
Infrastructure concessioning
Use of recovered funds etc to reduce funding gaps
Implementation of Fiscal Stimulus/Budget Priorities
Fast-track procedures through legislation and implementation of Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) of the budget
Meaningful diversification of the economy and cut down importation


*RESPONSE TO THE PRESENTATION AND GENERAL COMMENTS
Council members in response commended the Economic Management Team and generally welcomed the presentation and expressed support for the plan to steer the nation out of recession
Under AOB, Council members expressed confidence in and unanimously commended the EMT and both the Budget & National Planning and Finance Ministers for the presentations to the Council, praising their efforts, competence and capabilities.


B1. PRESENTATION OF DRAFT REGULATIONS ON LAND USE ACT, 2013 BY THE PRESIDENTIAL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON LAND REFORM (PTCLR)

The PTCLR presented to Council draft regulations on Land Use Act 2013 which seeks to make provisions to Streamline mortgage transactions and clearly delineate the rights, duties and obligations of a mortgage

Other aspects of the draft are:
Conditions for disposal of proceeds of sale and subsequent mortgages and implied terms of a mortgage
Rights of redemption and remedies and issues on mortgage by companies
Power of Assignment by mortgage and right of transfer and application of insurance money by the receiver


B2 PRESENTATION ON PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP) INITIATIVES ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING BY HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FINANCE

Highlights of presentation among others:
Target of N1billion fund to operate PPP (N500 billion initial) to create a blended pool of long term funds to intervene in housing development finance and mortgage provision
Funds aims to deliver family housing priced from as low as N2.5 million up to N18 million delivered in a ready to occupy condition with essential services (water and power connected)
The delivery target is 400,000 to 500,000 housing units per annum
The ultimate aim of the programme is to channel funds from savers to borrowers, so that builders have the required capital to construct and prospective buyers can access credit to purchase
The fund will attract low cost local and international capital, including from domestic pension and insurance funds, FG funding, as well as contributions from State Governments and other agencies.


Roles of the States
State to designate a liaison with whom Family Homes Fund can interface
Expedite building plan approval process and security of land title
Invest in enabling infrastructure e.g. Federal roads

Other benefits among others are:
Improved urban planning and development
Employment generation and skills enhancement
Expansion of tax base




C1 REPORT ON EXCESS CRUDE PROCEEDS

Honourable Minister of Finance reported to Council that the balance in Excess Crude Account is USD 2.453 billion as at September 20, 2016.
C2 PRESENTATION ON BEST OPTIONS FOR MANAGING FLOATING FOREX POLICY INTRODUCED BY CBN: A JOINT PRESENTATION BY CBN/HM FINANCE

Highlights
CBN introduced cautious Monetary Policy orientation as dictated by consumer price and exchange rate
Adoption of policy tightening measures for flexible forex rate to address persistent pressures occasioned by scarcity and speculative demands
Improving market dynamics by CBN
Interventions to States in the area of salaries and in commercial agriculture
The presentation also noted the following:
Controlling inflation is key to stabilising other macroeconomic indices and the current stance of monetary policy is expected to continue to help lock-in inflation expectations

C3 UPDATE ON BUDGET SUPPORT LOAN FACILITY
Honourable Minister of Finance reported to Council that N50 billion has so far been disbursed to state governments, and the facility is ongoing.


Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
September 22, 2016

WE'LL SOLVE NIGER DELTA PROBLEM SOON, PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday assured Barack Obama, the American President that Nigeria is making steady progress towards resolving the problem in the Niger Delta region which has led to economic sabotage on a grand scale.

During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 71st edition of the UN General Assembly, holding in New York, President Buhari disclosed: "We are making definite progress on how many factions of the militant groups exist, their leadership and operational basis, and we have equally sought the cooperation of the oil majors. In a short while, I believe the issues would be resolved."

While thanking America for help rendered in the area of security through provision of armaments, training for Nigerian troops, and sharing of intelligence, which has led to the degradation of Boko Haram in the North East, President Buhari said the country was open to support in combating the humanitarian crisis currently ravaging the region.

The President said the farming season was good this year, with the prospect of good harvest, and "Nigeria is on the road to food self-sufficiency soon. We shall be able to feed ourselves, and utilize the billions of dollars spent on importing food on other productive areas."
President Buhari reiterated that his administration came to power on the tripod promises of security, battle against corruption, and revamping of the economy, stressing that there would be no let-up in fulfilling those electoral promises.

He wished President Obama a happy retirement, as he winds down gradually on his tenure in office.

Responding, the American President described President Buhari as a man of "integrity and honesty," saying: "We have confidence in your leadership. There are some difficulties you face, but this administration is willing to assist in the short time we have left. You have made real progress in defeating the brutal organization called Boko Haram, and that was achieved because of your leadership."

President Obama offered a hand of fellowship to Nigeria "in the final and comprehensive defeat of Boko Haram, resolution of the Niger Delta crisis, which would help ramp up oil production and increase revenue, resolving the humanitarian crisis in the North East, recovering stolen money, and revamping the economy."

Describing Nigeria as a big and important country in sub-Saharan Africa, the American President said his country looked forward to a framework for sustained partnership between the two nations.

FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
September 20, 2016

BOKO HARAM: WE'RE MAKING PROGRESS IN DE-RADICALIZATION PROCESS, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that advances being made against Boko Haram insurgents go beyond degradation through just force of arms.

Speaking at a bilateral meeting with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, Monday in New York, on the sidelines of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Buhari said, "the de-radicalization process is also going on, and we are achieving some measure of success. Even suicide bombing is becoming rare, as the local people are themselves rejecting indoctrination by the insurgents."

The President assured existing and potential investors in Nigeria of adequate protection of their lives, investments and property, as the security situation in Nigeria is now very much better and conducive.

President Buhari said Nigeria was working hard to diversify the economy and expressed willingness to collaborate with South African businessmen especially in the areas of mining and agriculture, for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

In his remarks, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa recollected his visit to Nigeria earlier this year which he described as "very successful.” He added that he was interested in the promotion of economic and trade partnerships between the two countries.

At another bilateral meeting with President Macky Sall of Senegal, both President Buhari and the Senegalese President expressed their happiness at the good cropping season being experienced in their countries as it portends bumper harvests which will ultimately translate into an enhancement of the quality of lives of their people.

The two Presidents also reviewed the situation in Guinea Bissau and concluded that political leaders in the country need to make sacrifices to guarantee peace and development of the country.

FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
September 19, 2016.

WE ARE WORKING HARD TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN NIGERIA – PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday assured the international community that his administration was already implementing several people-oriented programmes to meet the humanitarian needs of the over two million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.

The President, who disclosed this at the High-Level Summit on “Addressing Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants” on the margins of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA71) in New York, United States, said such intervention programmes include: the Presidential Intervention Committee on Rehabilitation of the North-East; the Victims Support Fund; the Safe Schools Initiative and the proposed North-East Development Commission currently undergoing legislative process.

President Buhari added that, “we are making concerted efforts to meet our citizens’ immediate humanitarian needs by reducing their risk and vulnerability and increasing their resilience through vocational training and skills acquisition programmes, particularly for IDPs in camps.”
The President said any discourse on refugees and migrants in the case of Nigeria, “will be incomplete without reference to our internally displaced persons, victims of Boko Haram’s terrible atrocities,” which also rendered 600,000 persons homeless in Nigeria’s neighbouring countries.

He noted that in order to find a lasting solution to this regional challenge, Nigeria in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, recently hosted a regional conference on displacement of persons within the framework of Regional Protection Dialogue on the Lake Chad Basin.

At the global level, President Buhari said Nigeria has equally shown appreciable concern on issues of global human mobility using such control instruments as the National Migration Policy; Labour Migration Policy; Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Laws, and Nigeria Immigration and National Drug Law Enforcement Acts.

The Nigerian leader condemned all new forms of racism, xenophobia and hate ideology targeted at “undermining the considerable benefits that migration can deliver to global efficiency.” He said such divisive tendencies only lead to violence and avoidable loss of lives in a world that requires cooperation, adding that “globalization should mean free movement of goods, services and people.”

Nigeria, he said, “believes that without deliberate and collective commitment and action, the issue of large movement of refugees and migrants may impede our aspirations toward achieving the Programme of Action of the Cairo Agenda +20 and global determination to leave no one behind in the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 19, 2016

STATEMENT
BY
HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI
PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
AT THE

71ST SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

NEW YORK, USA

20 SEPTEMBER 2016
The President of the General Assembly His Excellency Mr. Peter Thomson
The Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Ban Ki-moon
Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen

Mr. President,
Let me, on behalf of the Government and People of Nigeria, congratulate you on your well-deserved election as the President of the 71st General Assembly. I assure you of Nigeria’s support in steering the affairs of the General Assembly in the next one year. I take the opportunity to also express my appreciation to your predecessor Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, for the achievements recorded during his tenure.
Mr. President,
2. Last year, I presented my first address to the General Assembly after my assumption of office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Indeed, it was a remarkable year, which not only celebrated the gains of the Millennium Development Goals, but also witnessed the adoption of the 2030 agenda on Sustainable Development.

3. These landmark achievements by the global community, will no doubt build a more prosperous, all inclusive world. We must work together to liberate humanity from poverty, save our planet from the devastation of Climate Change and rid the world of terrorism for a more peaceful and prosperous future.

4. We must remain committed to taking bold steps to transform our world. The Sustainable Development Goals underscore the imperative for our collective will towards finding enduring and sustainable solutions to addressing global disparities. It is in the light of our appreciation of the enormity of the task before us, that I welcome the theme of this Assembly, ‘Sustainable Development Goals; a Universal Push to Transform the World.’
Mr. President,
5. Nigeria as a developing country has been adversely affected by the global economic downturn. We are, however, undeterred and have embarked on a wide range of reforms in our efforts to diversify our economy and shift emphasis to mining, agriculture, industrialization, infrastructure development and the creation of the enabling environment for Foreign Direct Investment.

6. Our strategic objective is to stimulate the economy, restore growth and accelerate recovery. In doing this, we are taking measures to reduce the cost of governance and increase expenditure on infrastructure and ensure environmental best practices.

Mr. President,
7. Fighting corruption remains a cardinal pillar of our administration. Corruption freezes development, thereby undermining the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. I am pleased that our efforts in fighting corruption are yielding positive results including significant stolen assets recoveries.

8. The recovered funds are being channelled towards the development of critical infrastructure and the implementation of social inclusion programmes for our people. We are also strengthening our capacity of government entities to institutionalize reforms to ensure transparency and good governance.

9. The Anti - Corruption Summit held in London in May this year served as further reassurance of the global community’s commitment to fight corruption through the proposed practical steps to address the challenges including actions to hold perpetrators to justice within the law. Nigeria supports the development of an international legal framework to enforce anti-corruption measures and strengthen existing international institutions to effectively deal with corrupt practices.

10. Nigeria calls on Member States that are yet to sign up to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) to do so. Nigeria will continue to advocate for the facilitation of the recovery of illicit financial assets. Indeed, the speedy and unconditional return of stolen public assets should be the focus of the follow-up anti-corruption conference to be hosted by the US and UK in Washington next year.

11. Furthermore, Nigeria remains committed to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global coalition which promotes transparency and accountability in the management of revenues from the oil, gas and solid minerals sectors. We voluntarily signed up to EITI because we are convinced that transparent governance is an imperative for resource-rich developing countries like ours.

12. Through the work that our national chapter of EITI has done over the years, it is clear that our faith is not misplaced. The National EITI has been empowering citizens with critical information they can use to hold government and other players in the extractive industries to account, and make recommendations that drive reforms in these strategic sectors of our national life.
Mr. President,
13. The world took a giant step in Paris, towards addressing the challenges of Climate Change. Nigeria is proud to have been part of the process leading to the adoption of the Paris Agreement in December 2015 at the 21st meeting of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

14. COP- 21 marked a watershed in the global community’s commitment to address climate change and we will continue in our determined efforts to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.

15. At the centre of Nigeria’s climate action is our determination to implement the strategies in our Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), which will foster low carbon economy and sustainable growth in building a climate resilient society. We are creating public awareness through the integrated involvement of the private sector and civil society, and strengthening national institutions and mechanisms.

16. The negative consequences of Climate Change have manifested in the drying up of our Lake Chad. The means of livelihood of an estimated 30 million inhabitants of the Lake Chad Basin, spread across Cameroun, Chad, Niger and Nigeria, are being severely threatened. The cost of replenishing the lake has been put at 14 billion US Dollars under a five year plan which should be accorded global attention. Nigeria also supports the African Union initiative on the Great Green Wall to halt desertification.

17. In furtherance of our commitment to environmental sustainability, Nigeria has launched the cleanup of Ogoni land in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, based on the 2011 Environmental Assessment of the area by the United Nations Environment Programme. Multi-national oil companies operating in the area will be required to live up to their corporate social responsibilities and contribute to the cleaning-up of the environment degraded as a result of their activities and operations.
18. We call on development partners and multinationals to support our efforts, through the Ogoniland Restoration Fund.

Mr. President,
19. The 21st century has been marked by the rising insecurity unleashed by global terrorism and violent extremism. Indeed, which constitute a real threat to the international community. With the global increase in the spate of terrorist attacks, there is now, more than ever before, international consensus and greater willingness to collaborate in combating this threat.
20. Indeed, we are meeting at the time when our hosts, the American people have just marked the 15th Anniversary of the tragic and dastardly terrorist attacks on their soil. We in Nigeria, having been victims of terrorism of ourselves fully understand the impact of 9/11 on the American psyche and the families of the thousands of innocent victims whose lives were lost that day, I therefore, reiterate the Nigerian Government’s and people’s sympathies to the American people and prayers for the families of the victims that they may heal and find closure soon.

21. We hope that justice will be done to the families of victims of 9/11 as indeed to that victims of terror everywhere in conformity with the norms of international justice. As we seek justice for terror victims, the international community should avoid reacting in the heat of deep emotions of the moment by taking unilateral measures, legal or otherwise that will have a negative and disruptive impact on the international community’s collective efforts to fight terrorism.
22. We should not be distracted in our collective resolve to beat back terrorism in all its forms. As we confront terror we must also commit to stopping the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which nurture its spread. To this end, Nigeria urges member States that are yet to sign and ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to do so without further delay.

24. Nigeria has made remarkable progress in our resolve to defeat Boko Haram whose capacity to launch orchestrated attacks as a formed group has been severely degraded. In the last few months, their operations have been limited to sporadic use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) against soft targets.

25. Nigeria has continued to combat terrorism based on the established rules of engagement and in conformity with international best practices. I take this opportunity to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to human rights norms and International Humanitarian Law in our efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism. I also wish to restate the assurance that the Federal Government of Nigeria is employing all our judicial tools to investigate and treat reported cases of human rights violations.

26. I commend the contribution of our neighbours - Benin Republic, Cameroun, Chad, and Niger whose combined efforts under the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) accomplished the present return of normalcy in areas hitherto occupied by Boko Haram.

27. May I also thank our international partners, including France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United Nations, ECOWAS the African Union and many other multilateral and bilateral partners for their invaluable support. Our experience today is evidence that with determined international collaboration, terrorism can be defeated.

Mr. President,
28. The flow of refugees and migrants world wide has attained alarming proportions. In this wise Nigeria supports the Ceasefire Agreement brokered by the United States and Russia to end the atrocious tragedy of the Syrian civil war. Of particular concern to us in Nigeria is the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) arising from Boko Haram terrorism. We have taken concrete steps to address their humanitarian needs and to ensure that necessary conditions are established to enable the voluntary return of the displaced persons to their places of abode in safety and dignity.

Mr. President,
29. At the same time, the Palestinian issue, despite years and years of international efforts is no nearer to being resolved. Nigeria in company with member States of the African Union, firmly support the Two-State solution with Palestinian rights to statehood in conformity, with numerous Security Council Resolutions beginning with Resolution 242 of 1967.

30. Let me seize this opportunity to once again thank all UN and other aid agencies and development partners currently deployed in North East Nigeria. I reaffirm Nigeria's commitment to collective action towards an effective global response to address the root causes of refugee flows worldwide.

Mr. President,
31. We acknowledge the importance of youth in national development and remain committed to harnessing the potential of the increasing youth bulge. We must take advantage of the numbers and creative energy of young people who are in the majority in Nigeria and in most other member states. Therefore, at the international level, we call for the establishment of a specialized UN agency for youth development to achieve this strategic objective.

32. Nuclear security remains central to our quest for durable peace and security. This was why I participated in the 5th Nuclear Security Summit hosted by President Barak Obama in Washington in March, 2016. Nigeria and the other peace-loving member States of the United Nations must continue to uphold the fundamental principles of nuclear disarmament non-proliferation and its peaceful uses.

Mr. President,
33. The United Nations should now redouble the long protected effort for its reform to enable it to effectively address the challenges of our times. Nigeria, therefore, reiterates its call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council, in particular to reflect equitable and fair representation and greater transparency, legitimacy and inclusiveness in its decision making.

34. Africa should be adequately represented on the United Nations Security Council in the permanent member category. In this regard, Nigeria stands ready to serve Africa and the world on a reformed security council to advance international peace and security.

Mr. President,
35. Let me conclude by reaffirming Nigeria’s abiding faith in the United Nations and in her capacity to support Member States to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo receives Executives of Unilag Alumni Association today at the Office of the Vice President, State House, Abuja.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE

WE MUST FIGHT CORRUPTION FOR ITS DAMAGE ON NIGERIA ECONOMY-VP

It is important that Nigerians insist that the problem of corruption must be dealt with considering the extent of the damage it has caused the country's economy.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made the assertion today while receiving a delegation of the University of Lagos Alumni Association that paid him a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa.

"We've watched corruption fighting back, some people even said bring back corruption, but not the man on the street," according to Prof. Osinbajo who added that the nation has witnessed excessive corruption.

Said he : "no economy can tolerate the level of corruption seen in Nigeria without consequences. Look at the Northeast, while a war is going, Nigerian lives being lost, some local governments had been taken over, and yet people cannot account for $15B meant for security equipment purchases."

"The corruption has been so much. Look at the sheer amount of money stolen and decisions taken that fuels corruption, decisions taken just with the sole aim of cornering national resources," the Vice President lamented.

While explaining the Buhari administration's approach to the fight against corruption, the Vice President noted that "we are not sitting down focussing on it, all we do is to empower the relevant agencies EFCC and co to do their jobs. Our main focus is the national economy."

Continuing he said "what catches our attention is the kind of discoveries we get and hear of daily." But he observed that Nigeria is still blessed with honest people, adding that as a nation it is important to pay serious attention to issues of integrity.

According to him, regarding the current government, "I can say is one that is completely focussed on dealing with issues that concerns this country. I work everyday with the President so I can say so. He is totally focussed on how to make this country a better place to live."

The UNILAG Alumni Association was led by Dr. Sunny Kuku who noted the group's support for the Buhari administration, expressing readiness to assist in any way necessary. He said the members of the Alumni Association were proud that one of them rose to the high office of the Vice President. Prof. Osinbajo said he was glad to receive the group in his office and grateful to be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
Sept 20, 2016

BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS AMBUSH ESCORT
Today afternoon, suspected elements of the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists who were foraging for food, ambushed troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE escorting commercial vehicles from Damboa to Maiduguri, at Sanda general area, Borno State.

Unfortunately, 5 civilians lost their lives at the incident and another died on the way to the hospital. Three soldiers also sustained injuries.

The wounded have been evacuated to Maiduguri.

Consequently, another robust patrol team has been despatched to reinforce the troops, clear the general area and pursue the terrorists.

This unfortunate incident has brought to the fore the need for more vigilance and cooperation amongst all.

We would like to assure the public that we would not allow this isolated incident to thwart the peace and security commuters enjoy along the route and all other opened routes in the North East.

Troops are on the heels of the attackers and would not relent till they are apprehended or killed.
Additional security measures have also been placed to avert reoccurrence.

In addition, the Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE wishes to clarify that alleged suspected Boko Haram terrorists attack at Chibok is not correct.

What happened was that, 2 persons were murdered at Kwamjilari village, (which is over 30 kilometres from Chibok, and very close to Sambisa forest), by suspected remnants of Boko Haram terrorists looking for food.

We wish to reiterate that they weren't killed outside or near a church as being bandied around. The people from the said village are all in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Chibok.

Those who went back to the village without authorization were moved back to Chibok 2 weeks ago.

Those killed went back on their own contrary to security advise.

Nevertheless, a patrol team was sent from Chibok went to the village this morning. Adequate measures would be taken to ensure no one go back to the village for now.

You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your esteemed medium.

Thank you for your usual and kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT

N-POWER, FG'S 500,000 JOBS' SCHEME FOR UNEMPLOYED GRADUATES, OTHERS ENTER ASSESSMENT PHASE

About a million Nigerian undergraduates who have applied online for the N-Power programme of the Buhari presidency would now be assessed in order to pick the final 500,000 for the two-year volunteer positions.
N-Power also has programmes for non-graduates.
Earlier today the Federal Government released a schedule for the next phase of the N-Power Programme, which is the job creation and empowerment initiative of its Social Investment Programme.

Under the next phase of the programme, candidates will be assessed in phases based on their specific chosen programmes before the final selection.
Under this phase, applicants are to log in and fill in their phone numbers and surnames as contained in their original application, using their personal profile (which has been opened for every applicant).
In addition, all candidates will be notified by SMS of their assessment the day before.
All assessments will include some personal questions and other questions testing basic knowledge of English, General Knowledge and Quantitative Reasoning.

Applicants should also note that they will be tested on other programme-specific questions depending on the programme they applied for.

Applicants are to note also that they can take their tests on a smart-phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer provided that the devices have internet connection.
Successful applicants will be selected to participate in the N-Power programme.

Applicants can only gain access to their profile for assessment as represented in the schedule which breaks down applicants in batches by the first letter in their surnames.
Based on the schedule, applicants for the N-Power Teach programme will be first in line, starting on Tuesday September 20, 2016 and applicants whose surnames fall between the alphabets V-Z (e.g. Venda, Wushishi, Xiaver, Yusuf, Zikora) should log in and take their assessments on the stipulated date.
A schedule for each programme’s assessment is represented below


THE ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE
Programme Test Days
N-Power Teach 20th September – 28th September 2016
N-Power Agro 29th September – 1st October 2016
N-Power Health 2nd October – 3rd October 2016
N-Power Community Education 4th October – 6th October 2016
N-Power Creative 7th October – 9th October 2016
N-Power Tech (Software) 10th October – 12th October 2016
N-Power Tech (Hardware) 13th October 2016 – 14th October 2016
N-Power Build 15th October – 18th October 2016


N-POWER TEACH PROGRAMME
DATES SURNAME BY ALPHABETS
20th September 2016 V, W, X, Y, Z
21st September 2016 P, Q, R, T, U
22nd September 2016 Aa – Al
23rd September 2016 Am – Az, B
24th September 2016 O
25th September 2016 M,N
26th September 2016 F, G, H, I
27th September 2016 C, D, E
28th September 2016 J, K, L, S


N-POWER AGRO PROGRAMME
DATES SURNAME BY ALPHABETS
29th September 2016 A, B, C, D, F, G
30th September 2016 E, H, I, J, K, L, M, N
1st October 2016 O – Z


N-POWER HEALTH PROGRAMME
DATES SURNAME BY ALPHABETS
2nd October 2016 A – I
3rd October 2016 J – Z


N-POWER COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMME
DATES SURNAME BY ALPHABETS
4th October 2016 A – G
5th October 2016 H – N, P – T
6th October 2016 O, U, Z


N-POWER CREATIVE PROGRAMME
DATES SURNAME BY ALPHABETS
7th October 2016 A – E
8th October 2016 F – N
9th October 2016 O – Z


N-POWER TECH (SOFTWARE) PROGRAMME
DATES SURNAME BY ALPHABETS
10th October 2016 A – H
11th October 2016 I – R
12th October 2016 S – Z


N-POWER TECH (HARDWARE) PROGRAMME
DATES SURNAME BY ALPHABETS
13th October 2016 A – J
14th October 2016 K – Z


N-POWER BUILD PROGRAMME
DATES SURNAME BY ALPHABETS
15th October 2016 A – B
16th October 2016 C – I
17th October 2016 J – S
18th October 2016 T – Z

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
September 19, 2016

Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN in a handshake with Hon. Rotimi Ameachi Minister of Transportation on arrival at The Banquet Hall of The Presidential Villa for the Presidential Quarterly Business Forum Mon. 19 Sept. 2016

Alh. Lai Mohammed Minister of Information, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun Minister of Finance, Sen. Udo Udo Udoma Minister of Budget & National Planning, Hon. Rotimi Ameachi Minister of Transportation and Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN on arrival at The Banquet Hall of The Presidential Villa for the Presidential Quarterly Business Meeting (Government & Private Sector).

Mrs. Kemi Adeosun Minister of Finance, Sen. Udo Udo Udoma Minister of Budget & National Planning, Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, Alh. Lai Mohammed Minister of Information, and Hon. Rotimi Ameachi Minister of Transportation at the Presidential Quarterly Business Meeting (Government & Private Sector).

MINISTRY OF BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING
PRESS RELEASE
September 14, 2016
Ministers hold retreat on the 2017 Budget
Ministers and Heads of relevant Federal Government Departments and Agencies will tomorrow (Thursday) converge at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, to present and discuss priority areas of the 2017 Budget.
It is part of a scheduled arrangement by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning to set the right parameters and fine-tune the 2017 Budget to align priority areas of the MDAs with national growth and development objectives.
The key objective of the retreat is to discuss the 2017 Budget as well as discuss steps that are being taken to get the economy out of recession. It will provide an opportunity to discuss the framework of the 2017 Budget, the key priorities and the deliverables of the budget.
President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will participate; while private sector facilitators and some economic experts are expected to provide perspectives during the technical sessions.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, the retreat has become necessary because over the years the country’s growth and development have been impeded by mismatch between plan targets and budgetary outcomes at the national and sectoral levels due to lack of synergy between the various Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The retreat is expected to deliver improved understanding of the measures being taken to get the country out of recession; improve synergy among the various ministries for enhanced implementation of planning and budget; enhanced knowledge of how to develop 2017 Budget which is effectively linked with the medium term plan; prioritized projects and programmes of ministries to fit into the 2017-2019 MTSS, 2017-2020 Medium Term Plan and 2017 Budget; and improved understanding on Budget ceiling for MDAs for 2017 Budget.

Signed
Akpandem James
Media Adviser to the Honourable Minister

TROOPS ARRESTS ANOTHER WANTED BOKO HARAM TERRORIST
The Boko Haram suspect on the wanted list number 105, Muhammed Bulama, has been arrested by troops on Tuesday 6th September 2016 in Yobe State.
Bulama was arrested along side with 2 other suspected Boko Haram terrorists; Ardo Abba Muhammed (elder brother to Bulama as claimed) and Muhammadu Kaigama, in Azare community, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, with the help of the local vigilantes in the town.
They were arrested riding on horseback and bicycle shepherding some sheep towards market.
During preliminary investigation, the suspected terrorist personally confirmed his photograph on the wanted list and further revealed that he specialized on rearing animals for the terrorist group.
He further confessed that they came to the village to sell the animals as they had ran out of cash in their hideout and would also get some food items back to for the upcoming Sallah festivity.
Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations
TROOPS ARREST WANTED SUSPECTED ECONOMIC SABOTEURS
Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected national economy saboteur, one Mr. Gabriel Ogbudje (an Ex-militant leader), also the alleged leader of the "Otugas Fire Force", a militant group threatening to attack Utorogu Gas Plant.
He was alleged to be responsible for the recent act of economic sabotage perpetrated on NPDC/Shoreline major delivery trunk line within Ogo-Oteri general area on the 26th of last month. The suspected militant who was trailed, was arrested by troops along Agbor-Abraka road, Edo State on Tuesday 6th September 2016.
He has been on the run since he was declared wanted because of his public declaration as the leader of the militant group "Otugas Fire Force" and his subsequent declaration of the threat code named "Crocodile Tears", which was published by the Vanguard and Thisday newspapers on 31st August 2016, while the Brigade was engaged on the military field training exercise nicknamed "Operation Crocodile Smile".
Gabriel was arrested along with his accomplice, Mr. Elvis Dweller Ejus. Both suspects were handed to Operation DELTA SAFE for further interrogation and subsequent handing over to the relevant security agency for prosecutions.
Please recall also that troops of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army in conjunction with Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Air Force and covert operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, arrested a suspected kingpin of the Niger Delta Avengers, Isaac Romeo, that goes by the appellation of "G2" in their terrorists camp.
He was arrested along with two other persons; Mr. Lawson Samson and an elderly man, Mr. Iyang Ekpo in Calabar, Cross State while driving in a vehicle with registration number, CRS 86 AO1 on Saturday, 3rd September 2016. The arrest followed painstaking efforts and tracking of the militant who was in the state to perpetrate further criminal activities of sabotaging critical infrastructures. All the suspects are currently being interrogated.
Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, AT THE LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL RE-ORIENTATION CAMPAIGN, CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME, AT THE BANQUET HALL OF THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA, ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH 2016
PROTOCOLS:
I welcome you all to this important occasion of the launching of the National Re-orientation Campaign, called ‘Change Begins With Me’. Nigeria today is passing through a challenging moment where hardly anything works in a normal manner. Many have attributed this phenomenon to the total breakdown of our core values over the years.
2. It is safe to say today that honesty, hard work, Godliness have given way to all kinds of manifestations of lawlessness and degeneration in our national life. This is why we have among our cardinal objectives ‘change’, which implies the need for a change of attitude and mindset in our everyday life.
3 I need not mention the serious effort we have engaged in since the inception of this administration on the fight against corruption in our public life. With the progress we have so far made in that regard, we feel the need to ensure that we put in place the necessary sustainable framework for action and measures that will help to entrench and consolidate the progress achieved so far.
4. This we believe can best be maintained through attitudinal change, and the change of our mindset in private and public life. The campaign we are about to launch today is all about the need for us to see change not merely in terms of our economic, social progress but in terms of our personal behaviour on how we conduct ourselves, engage our neigbhours, friends and generally how we relate with the larger society in a positive and definitive way and manner that promotes our common good and common destiny, change at home, change in the work place, change at traffic junction, change at traffic lights etc.
5. This campaign is part of the determination of our party to seek to carry all Nigerians along on the journey to a better and greater society that we all can be proud of.
6. There is no doubt that our value system has been badly eroded over the years. The long-cherished and time honoured, time-tested virtues of honesty, integrity, hard work, punctuality, good neighbourliness, abhorrence of corruption and patriotism, have given way in the main to dishonesty, indolence, unbridled corruption and widespread impunity.
7. The resultant effect of this derailment in our value system is being felt in the social, political and economic sphere. It is the reason that some youths will take to cultism and brigandage instead of studying hard or engaging in decent living; it is the reason that some elements will break pipelines and other oil facilities, thus robbing the nation of much-needed resources; it is the reason that money belonging to our commonwealth will be brazenly stolen by the same public officials to whom they were entrusted; it is the reason why motorist drive through red traffic lights, it is the reason that many will engage in thuggery and vote-stealing during elections; it is part of what has driven our economy into deep problem out of which we are now working hard to extricate ourselves. Every one of us must have a change from our old ways of doing things, we cannot fold our arms and allow things to continue the old way.
8. We must resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship, pettiness and immaturity that have poisoned our country for so long. Let us summon a new spirit of responsibility, spirit of service, of patriotism and sacrifice, Let us all resolve to pitch in and work hard and look after, not only ourselves but one another, What the current problem has taught us is that we cannot have a thriving army of rent seekers and vested interests, while the majority suffers.
9. Rather than sit back and complain endlessly, we have decided to act pragmatically, with the launch of this National Re-orientation Campaign. The campaign will not be a sprint but a marathon that will run the course of our tenure. We are under no illusion that the changes we seek will happen overnight, but we have no doubt that the campaign will help restore our value system and rekindle our nationalistic fervor
10. I am therefore appealing to all Nigerians to be part of this campaign. Our citizens must realize that the change they want to see begins with them, and that personal and social reforms are not theoretic exercise. If you have not seen the change in you, you cannot see it in others or even the larger society. In other words, before you ask ‘where is the change they promised us’, you must first ask how far have I changed my ways ‘what have I done to be part of the change for the greater good of society’.
11. While the government will drive the Change Begins With Me’ campaign, it must be strongly supported by all concerned individually. In this regard the private sector is a major stakeholder. Indeed when the campaign succeeds, it will impact heavily on the private sector. A punctual, diligent and hardworking staff can only be of benefit of not just himself or herself or the organization they work for but to various governments whether at local, state or Federal level.
12. While congratulating the stakeholders, especially Ministry of Information and Culture and the National Orientation Agency for conceiving this campaign, I charge all to pursue the campaign with vigour and ensure its sustenance by taking it to all the nook and crannies of this country, with the aim of getting the buy in of the old, the young, the rich, the poor irrespective of gender or other social positions.
13. Your Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, Members of the National Assembly, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to formally launch and handover the instrument of the Change Campaign tagged Change Begins With Me to the Honourable Minister for Information and Culture, for transmission to all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria. Indeed I say to the glory of Mighty Allah, “Change Begins With Me”
14. Thank you all for your kind attention