₦airaland Forum

“PRESIDENTIAL ORDER TO CUT TIME FOR BUSINESS APPROVALS, REGISTRATIONS UNDERWAY”


REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE VICE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION & FIRST ANNUAL LECTURE OF "THE INTERVIEW" MAGAZINE PUBLICATION ON SEPT 6, 2016

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Most of us are here to support a dear brother and friend of many years, a very insightful columnist, Azubuike Ishiekwene.

But I am also here to support a dear brother and friend of many years who many of us call Azu. Azu has always stood for something; a strong social conscience, strong values and sound ethics. He is a man who has consistently shown strength of character which brings me to the theme of this commemorative lecture; "Why Start-Ups Fail And Strategies To Save Them",

Without meaning to pre-empt what l know will be an eminent, and erudite presentation by Mr. Ncube, let me say that the success formula for a start-up, whether it is in the business of starting a newspaper or landing a robot on mars 350 million miles away are essentially within two broad issues that will ultimately determine success or failure. One will be an enabling environment and the other will be concept; in relation to what I just mentioned about Azu, which is strength of character.

Strength of character is what l find very fascinating because it is an attribute that is so important, so crucial, yet so hard to find. It is the patience to do routine things properly, everyday; the focus to start and finish a project. And all of that involves some adherence to values, sound moral principles and to principles, even sometimes when those principles work to your own disadvantage.

You must excuse me if l sound like a preacher, but commitment, focus and values are everything. Anybody can start a business or any kind of enterprise, but the truth is that most people will never see it through for a variety of reasons. But in several cases just as in a daily drudgery of building a business, most of course are unprepared.


One of the most amazing facts for me on assumption of office as Vice President was the sheer number of abandoned projects in every ministry and government agency; such a sheer number of things that were started, but never completed and have remained uncompleted.


Another amazing fact for me was just the sheer number of excellent ideas that are available to you every single day. As a matter of fact, l do not know and l had always assumed and I suppose many of us assume, that there are not enough good ideas, but there are just an incredible number of great ideas.


I attended a lecture just a couple of months after l was sworn in and before l got back into the car from the lecture, l had thirteen bound proposals from different people. They were well bound, well prepared proposals and practically about any subject that you could imagine. And l read these proposals every day. There is absolutely no shortage of good ideas in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, what l do is that any time l think about anything, when anything occurs to me, l just call up the right ministries and always invariably somebody will answer. Our problem really is never (that we are ) short of great ideas, well thought ideas; the question is how to start and ensure that you finish.


Sometimes, it's just being unprepared and that has applied to individuals and to business, just being unprepared. I remember a lady who worked with me while l was in the Ministry of Justice in Lagos State. A woman of great faith, she had been believing God for an opportunity to go abroad to study, to do a Masters in Law, in a particular area of Law, and she believed that one day this would happen.
Indeed, the day came, it was the United States of America Embassy that eventually offered about three different scholarships in three different disciplines and everyone was so excited for her because she had practically told everybody that she wanted this particular opportunity to go abroad.

This came on a platter of gold and she didn’t have to pay as it was on scholarship, but the US embassy gave us just two days to bring all the documents. So, l asked her for her passport, but she didn’t have a passport and she had never bothered to get a passport. To cut a long story short, we missed that particular opportunity because we couldn’t get the passport and sort out every thing within two days.

But what was amazing was that here was someone whose life, as it were, was totally devoted to this objective of going abroad to study and yet when the moment came she was just unprepared because she just couldn’t get the passport. I suppose it is a failing, that we have not just in an individual but also in business; just quite not being ready to do what needs to be done.


How about integrity, that overused and abused but that relevant concept whenever we're building a business on ethical principles. Does integrity pay in a corrupt environment?

In my practice both as an Attorney General and later as a litigator in corporate life, l found several examples that clearly demonstrate that building a business on sound ethical principles will look stupid in the short term, but eventually does make sound business sense.

I am sure many of us who are here who are active professionals in the past thirty years or so, are familiar with the rise and fall of many banks in Nigeria. Many of those banks were rated the largest in assets size and deposits for several years and suddenly they failed….of course many were involved in several sharp practices. Many relied on the network of bribery of public officials to attract public sector deposits. Those who didn’t do those deals looked foolish at the time. There was a particular popular Nigerian bank whose name of course l will not mention, whose founder decided from day one, that they would insist on high ethical standard and they did it. Everyone probably know that bank in the banking industry.


So when the CBN cracked down in 2009, most depositors, mostly corporate and individuals moved to that bank in one of the most dramatic flights to safety that we have seen in corporate life in Nigeria. Clearly, the reason why most people moved is because they suddenly realized that well, this bank may not have looked very good, but they realized that the safety of their resources was best assured in that particular bank and of course the bank had continued to grow from strength to strength.


So, there is a clear sense in which trustworthiness is still the best currency in business and all over the world entities that have been able to maintain trust, that have been able to show themselves to be trustworthy, have proved that integrity is still the best policy.

I spoken about two things, the strength of character, the ability to start and finish as well as integrity. But there is also this question of an enabling business environment, creating a right business environment; that essentially is the business of government. It is the business of government to create the right environment for start- ups, the right environment for doing business.


The problem in most cases and that which we have experienced in Nigeria is that approval processes are needlessly difficult. Bureaucrats generally get cuts in seeing the process as an end in itself and not as a means to an end.

So generally speaking, a bureaucrat sitting at his desk just sees the whole processes as his daily work that he doesn't have to rush. He does not have to be necessarily accountable for everything would take its time. lf you want an approval, it could take you three days, three months depending on how he feels.


The bureaucrat does not believe that it is his responsibility to facilitate the business and of course this is compounded by the fact that very quickly, all of these processes become toll gates for corruption in one way or the other.

So, the public official really does not necessarily see himself as being involved in the business of growing private enterprise or growing business or creating jobs. But there is of course a direct link between his own job and successful businesses because businesses pay taxes and taxes are where the bureaucrat is usually paid from. But of course with oil money, tax is de-emphasized.


But the most important thing is that government must and it is the business of government to find the political will to ensure that it creates the right atmosphere and the right environment for doing business.


One of the chief aims of the current government is in creating an enabling environment for doing business and some of us will be familiar with the fact that about a month ago, President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the enabling business environment committee which l chair. The mandate of that committee is the mandate which was given to the Honorable Minister for Industry Trade and Investment -that Nigeria must go up on the World Bank's ease of doing business ranking. I think that the mandate is to go at least fifty spaces before the end of 2017.


Now, how would that happen? How will it create that environment?

The first step that we have taken is to directly involve the private sector. So, the private sector lead of the project is a gentleman who is the head of KPMG Nigeria and who will be working on this project practically on full time for the next couple of weeks. The secretariat itself will be one that would be challenged with finding out what needs to be done. It would be challenged with questions like, what are those important processes that need to be simplified or in some cases completely excluded so that business can go on easily.


One of the critical issues especially for foreign businesses is being able to get visa to come to Nigeria. I remember speaking with the Ambassador of one these western countries and I complained that it was getting too long for Nigerians to get their visa to go abroad, business men or whoever it was. But the gentleman politely reminded me that it takes possibly double the time to get a Nigerian visa to come into Nigeria for any business man coming from his own country.


The truth of the matter is that our processes are far too difficult because it takes all manners of bottlenecks and there is a need to free up those processes. Most countries that have succeeded in attracting foreign investments perhaps take a second look at their processes before inviting people into their country. One of the important innovations that would be introduced is that of getting visa on arrival.

Now, the visa on arrival process is one that is already in the regulations, but usually involves people applying ahead of time and then pick up the visa. But the actual business on arrival process that would free up the process, is one that once you arrive here, you are able to get your visa on arrival. You apply on arrival and get it on arrival.


Business registration is also a process we believe must be much faster. The President is generally working on a set of regulations for ensuring that business registrations and business approvals do not exceed a certain time frame that would be prescribed by a presidential order.


Generally speaking, what tends to happen in a lot of business approval processes is that a government agency will ask you for a certificate or for some kinds of documents that are to be found in another government department. One of the ways we have tried to streamline the process is to ensure that a government department does not ask you to get a certification or some other certification from another government department. It is the business of the relevant government departments to talk to each other and facilitate the process for the investor.

Access to credit, land registration and land reform are some of the other issues we are looking at and we are talking to state governments, because ease of access to land is a very important issue especially in the major commercial capitals of Nigeria. In those major commercial capitals, one of the major problems which are being experienced is access to land and when they have access to land then they can have easily have access to approvals and Certificate of Occupancy and all of that.


And at the meetings we held with some of the state governments, in fact at one of the retreats we have held with the state governments, one of the critical issues which we discussed is how to facilitate access to land and how to facilitate government approvals. Certainly, there are measures to facilitate business and to ensure there is ease of doing business. As l said, Government is committed to ensure that it is easier for people to do business and have access for all the different facilities that would make it easy to do business in this country.


CONCLUSION
It is a special pleasure as I said to be here to present the "The Interview" l want to say that what we have seen of publications and what we have seen all over the world is that they do have great difficulties in staying alive. l think what is important here is that those who are behind this publication, have shown consistently through their careers, especially their careers in the print industry and communication in general, that they have what it takes to stay the course. They have what it takes to ensure, to see this through and they have all it takes to start and to finish. So, I am extremely pleased and honoured to unveil "The Interview”.

Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
Sept 6, 2016

PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING

NIGERIA HAS BEEN BADLY GOVERNED, BUT NOW THERE IS HOPE— VP

*Says economy already producing good results in agric & solid minerals
*Pipelines vandalism responsible for loss of 1m bpd in oil production for 6 months

There is no country in the world that can face the kind of stealing that has taken place in Nigeria without having to deal with the consequences, including the current state of the economy.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made this assertion today while receiving a delegation of the Northern States Pentecostal Bishops Forum in his office at the Presidential Villa, assuring however that even though the times are hard today, “there is great hope that this country will prosper.”

According to him, “this country has been badly governed. We are dealing for instance with the embezzlement of funds to the tune of $15B in one sector alone. “

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo observed that there are those who are asking ‘why talking about the past’ and he posed a response: “We have to, that is why we are here.”

“We have not turned attention to the oil and gas sector, where the former CBN Governor alleged that $20B was stolen. We must condemn and stand up against this level of corruption. It is the single most important reason of the current state of the country. We can’t ignore it.”

The Vice President then called on Christian and religious leaders generally in the country to condemn corruption “openly.” He added that “we can’t say because they are Christians or Muslims we wont condemn those involved in corruption.”

Responding to the views of the leader of the delegation, Archbishop John Praise Daniel that members of the forum have been actively involved in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, the VP said indeed the “country has been systematically destroyed.”

He explained: “Our currency depreciated because we don't have the reserves to back it. At the height of the oil boom, there were no savings.”

In addition to the massive fall in oil prices, the VP stated that the vandalization of pipelines has led to a worsening of the situation with the country loosing about 1m barrels of oil per day for up to 6 months now. The vandalism has equally cut power supply short since gas pipelines were also destroyed.

“That is the background for the sort of situation we find ourselves,” Prof Osinbajo asserted while expressing renewed hope that “God surely has a plan for this country. We (as a government) are open, honest, transparent and we shall use the resources of this country very well.”

He pointed out that the recent GDP figures released last week indicated clearly there is growth in agriculture and solid minerals. According to him “agric and solid minerals have witnessed improvements.”

The social investment programmes according to the Vice President are on course, reassuring the nation “that very soon the 500,000 jobs scheme will take off,” alongside other schemes.

Earlier Archbishop Daniel expressed the support of the forum for the diversification of the Nigerian economy by the Buhari presidency, while calling for access to lower interest rates. The forum also asked the federal government to checkmate the violent herdsmen, create ranches in the states and promote religious harmony.

Responding the Vice President noted that President Buhari has given clear instructions to the security agencies to deal with anyone regardless of status who carries arms and also deal with anyone that causes and perpetrates violence of any kind.

“The President has said twice in the past fortnight that anyone who commits atrocities must be arrested and tried and he has demonstrated that resolve,” Prof Osinbajo said.

He however added that generally the country’s criminal justice system is rather slow in delivering justice, adding that there is need for justice sector reforms.

His words: “the justice system is very slow, not just in some cases, but generally extremely slow. For example it takes for ever before a murder trial gets to court.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
Sept 6, 2016

THERE WILL BE A TURNAROUND, NIGERIA WILL PROSPER

REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, VICE PRESIDENT, PROFESSOR YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE DELTA STATE ECONOMIC SUMMIT/25TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT OF THE STATE IN ASABA, AUGUST 26, 2016


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Let me begin by saying how honoured l am today as a guest of the Government and the people of Delta State on this occasion of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the state. I bring a very warm greetings and congratulations from the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.

I must thank my very dear friend and brother, His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the very kind personally delivered invitation to me to attend this event and to have chosen to anchor this anniversary of the state on the auspicious economic and investment summit. It’s a clear demonstration of your understanding of the gravity of the times we are in and the need for rigorous thinking and action to solve the problem. I also commend your steady and even-handed leadership in the state in the past few months, very well done.

As l reflected over what I have seen this morning, I considered that the summit such as this given the very high quality of resource persons will invariably deal with the substantive economic ideas and investment possibilities. We have just heard the intriguing innovative ideas of the Chairman, Jim Ovia and the great deeds and innovation that has just been laid out by his Excellency, the Governor.

What I like to discuss is the Governance Infrastructure, the fundamental, attitudinal and character imperatives that must undergird development. We are confronted today possibly with the most challenging economic times in the history of our country, and what we need to do in this time is the sort of leadership and the character of the leadership…Obviously we must take our time to reflect over the type and character of leadership, the types of values and exactly what this time calls for.

Let me say categorically that governments in Nigeria have never been short of ideas, good intentions or even good plans.

But one of the key difficulties that we always seem to have is that ability to stick to the plan through day-by-day and just that ability to get things done. We have innovative ideas but somehow we start, we are not able to finish and sometimes we don’t even get started at all. I think that the times we are in call for building that capacity to perform, insisting that plans must have some performance indicators and that public officers must be held to account for their performance.

But state capacity itself, the capacity of the state to do things, requires government to hire well qualified people and constant relevant training. Time and resources are saved when the best quality people are hired, when people are well trained for what they do, (the benefits are endless). Just take an example of the National Communication Commission. The Commission was established in 2001 (via an Act repealing Decree 75 of 1992) to regulate the telecoms industry, and of course it’s completely peopled by Nigerians, staffed by Nigerians, if you look at the excellent work done by the people, its an excellent regulator, its done so well in regulating the telecoms industry over the years.

There will be hiccups sometimes but because of the quality of the individuals who have served in that commission, we have seen that it is possible to be an excellent regulator. We ’ve seen the same kind of performance at various times also in the Central Bank of Nigeria and I think that its very important that we bear in mind that the quality of state capacity or the ability of the state’s agencies and institutions to deliver services fully depends on the quality of those that were hired and its always critical to economic development.

Some have said that what we need is strong institutions and I agreed completely that we need very strong institutions because with all the great plans that we have, without strong institutions, institutions that know what to do and that are able to deliver, we are always going to have difficulties and l will just take one example of how weak institutions can affect economic development.

I served in Lagos as the Attorney General for eight years, one of the key things discovered in our first term in Office was that all of a sudden, the stock of houses, the middle level type houses, was just dropping and we discovered that actually fewer and fewer poor people were building middle level houses for rent. People were investing in other things but they were’nt investing in housing. In the past people build houses to be able to rely on those houses in their retirement but that was changing.

But we discovered that a major reason why that was happening was because, it was possible for you to rent a house and after one or two years of renting, thereafter you don’t pay anymore, you wait for the landlord to take you to the Magistrate court and while in the Magistrate court you don't pay anything and you can hold the landlord up in the Magistrate court for years and when the court manages and forces you out of the place, you still don’t pay anything.

I discovered that an average person got discouraged in building houses but resorted to buying shares and stocks. So because of the slow pace of delivery of justice in the Magistrate court, it affected the stock of houses, so people were simply not building houses especially for rent because of slow pace in that particular institution. And so we had to go through a whole reform, not just of the Magistrate sector, but also in the Justice sector.

The truth of the matter is that without very strong institutions, the economic delivery would just not get done. And that’s the same for law and order, there is a huge dividend when you are able to maintain law and order in the society.

In the area of safety, (if) people can rely on the police, the law enforcement agencies, there’s a huge dividend for the economy. But where that is not the case, then you are going to pay that dividend, things simply don’t run, people who want to invest don’t want to invest or they spend so much money on security that will push up the cost of whatever it is that they are producing.

So we need to strengthen our institutions, (but) the times we are in also call for character in the leadership that we have.

Prof. Soludo said yesterday at the Governor’s forum in Kaduna State that there is a huge deficit of trust between leaders and the led especially after years of betrayal of trust. And the truth of the matter is that, we cannot truly lead people especially in difficult economic times where we are projecting an economic future purely based on trust.



If the people cannot trust the leadership, trust deficit creates a problem and we have seen that the trust deficit has increased because by and large, the politicians in government have enabled people to believe that whenever a politician speaks, or someone in government, they must be telling a lie.

If you look at some of the things that happened in the past few years, you will understand exactly what we are saying, people simply don’t believe that those in authority and power have their interest at heart.

At the moment, looking at what went on at the military procurement for Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east, when we came into office we found that funds voted for the upkeep of soldiers were embezzled by their higher superiors and senior members of the government of the day (then). Many men of the armed forces died due to fake Armoured Personnel Carriers, & fake bullet-proof vests.

When you create those kind of troops that cannot rely on the integrity of their leadership, there is something wrong with that and there is no excuse whatsoever for that kind of conduct.

No one should be able to give any form of excuse for the kind of things that were done in those military procurement at the time. It led to an insurgency that could have ended sooner. More lives were lost. When you create those kind of trust deficits, its extremely difficult to galvanize people behind the ideas of the vision of governments and I think that it is truly important that our leadership at the federal, and at the state levels should understand that we must build the trust of the people. And we can only build the trust by ensuring that we are trustworthy ourselves.

Francis Fukuyama, the well respected social scientist, explored the idea that even the economic prosperity of states and sub-national communities and even business success depends a lot on trust. Business moves faster when parties can trust each other. Credit is priced and given to countries and businesses even on trust.

I was speaking to a large entrepreneur in our country, who’s between a number of very massive projects in various parts of the country, and the projects were over 2 billion dollars and one of the questions I asked was ‘how he was able to source the finances? He was able to get loan from some of the financial institutions on four percent interest!

Even the Federal Government cannot get a 4 percent loan. He was able to get that loan obviously because bankers believed that he was trustworthy enough and that he will deliver on the projects that he said that he will deliver on. So, trust plays critical role but the trust is built over time. Where there is trust, government policies, even tough ones will be accepted by the people, because they trust their leaders.

It is that value that drives national development, it takes such strong values to drive commerce and business. Government must stand for something, some high values, there must be a moral platform. Western liberal democracy upheld the ideas of merit, hard-work and sometimes that would be described as a puritanical work ethic and it’s my view that our own elite, political elite, religious elite and business elite must have some consensus on the important of values in our society.

Let's just take an example of those values, let’s just take merit as an example, whether it’s in commerce, community or national development or even sports or entertainment, the choice of who runs the show is usually based on merit, or it should be.

If our choice is based on merit, it ensures it can guarantee the best performance. However, it appears that in matters concerning government and governance and the matters of even allocation of public resources, we prioritize ethnicity or even religion and political affiliation over merit. The order of priority (our society seems to follow) is which local government, which zone. Merit always comes last in our considerations, this is why we under perform, and why we cannot perform well in matters of government and in the allocation of public resources.

The reason why we do better in football, for instance than in running of public resources and institutions, is because in football, you don’t tell the coach that this geo-political zone is represented. You can’t say unless you have someone from the South-South, South-West, North-West or from the North-East must constitute a football team. But when it comes to government, and government is what determines how well our lives are run, we insist that unless every zone is represented, you can’t run it properly. But the truth is that you and l know that, that has nothing to do with merit.

The right thing to do is that even in personal matters, l won’t ask you if you attend the Redeemed Christian Church, whether he is a Muslim or even an atheist and even if l was looking for the best doctor and I can afford it, the best doctor is the one l will go for. I will not insist on where he comes from because I want the best and that’s how it should be.

So if we want to run our country right, our first priority must be merit and afterwards as in other countries of the world that have multi-ethnic, multi- religious societies we then introduce quotas, so the quota comes after merit. But not for quotas to take priority…chose merit first and then you deal with the quotas and the few political things, religion if you like and other matters but you must start with merit.

Relevant education is probably the most important catalyst for growth, not natural resources. But knowledge is the key to prosperity. Simeon Kolawole wrote a beautiful article on the difference between the farmer and those who process what the farmer has produced and how much they make. So it’s not the farmer who makes the most money from the produce, but (the one who can tap) the technology processes and add value to it, is the one who makes more money. The man who sells the finished product online even makes more money.

The competitions for development among the people and individuals of the world today will depend on education. Especially digital literacy and innovation, every aspects of our lives, business, vocational, every discipline will be profoundly affected by technology. There is no aspect of our lives that will not be affected by technology. So the kind of education in our public education system today must reflect that reality. Digital education is absolutely important, we must not spare any expense to ensure that our public education system takes into account the pervasive importance of digital education and digital literacy.

Briefly on private enterprise, the Governor spoke about PPPs and different collaborations with the private sector. There is actually no way that we can create prosperity without the private sector, as a matter of fact, the private sector is the engine of growth, it cannot be the public sector since the public sector does not have the resources.

If you look at all of the investments, the major investments that have been made in this country, most of those major investments especially in commerce have come especially in the past decade, have come from the private sector. Look at the investments in banking sector, in infrastructure, investment in cement, in Petro-chemicals, all of those investments are huge private sector investments.

We simply have to create the environment for the private sector to thrive. But l think that the private sector too must recognise the huge responsibility to the people because as the engine of growth, it’s simply your historic role to ensure that you recognise that national development must also be a key priority for you as an entrepreneur, it must be your priority. Great leaders of the world are the entrepreneurs of the world because they were also patriotic. The private sector must also be a responsible partner with services of every kind for charity and all of those kinds of things and contributing to education, civic education and all manner of civic causes to make society truly great.

Today all of us recognise that we are in the worst economic crisis in the history of our nation. We are aware of the facts and figures of the fall in oil prices, oil production which stood at about 2.2 million barrels per day dropped to under 1.2 million barrels per day. A drop of almost a million barrels for every single day means that the country is earning 60 percent less than it was earning even less than one year ago.

Vandalisation of pipelines and gas in Forcados in Warri has led to a 60 percent even more drop in gas production-(used to power plants).

AS of February 2016 for the first time in the history of Nigeria, we were producing 5000 Mega Watts. About a month ago we were even about half of that, 2,500 for an economy this size, one hundred and seventy million people. 2000 MW of power don’t even begin to make any sense.

But we must accept that a lot of problems we are experiencing that has led to difficulty in Foreign Exchange. We need enough Foreign Exchange to be able to service that (forex) market. Inflation has also affected manufacturing, our GDP has affected practically everything. But I want to say that the good part of the problem lies in our hands to solve.

I know that with the continuous engagement with the militants am sure we will be able to move along. But everything else that we are confronted with are problems that we can solve.

I believe very strongly that with the kind of focus we have and the kind of dedication that we have, there will be a turnaround and that this country will prosper.

I believe very strongly that one of the critical things for us is that we must have faith in our abilities to make this country truly great and I can tell you there is a dedication and honesty in the leadership of this nation today.

It is possible for us to do things that can make this country truly a great nation, if the leadership are not concerned about making money for themselves but their concern is to turn this country around and to do well. I believe that we have the best opportunity to ensure that this country is a great one.

Thank you very much!

FG EXPECTS BETTER ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR SECOND HALF OF 2016

*2nd quarter figures indicate further growth in Agric, solid mineral sectors:
*Better than IMF estimates
*Reveals highest increase in share of investment in GDP since 2010

The just released GDP figures for the 2016 second quarter by the National Bureau of Statistics while confirming a temporary decline, has also indicated an hopeful expectation in the country's economic trajectory.

Besides the growth recorded in the agriculture and solid mineral sectors, the Nigerian economy in response to the policies of the Buhari presidency is also doing better than what the IMF had estimated with clear indications that the second half of the year would be even much better.

The Buhari presidency will continue to work diligently on the economy and engage with all stakeholders to ensure that beneficial policy initiatives are actively pursued and the dividends delivered to the Nigerian people.

The following statement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu on the latest NBS report:

"The just recently released data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that Gross Domestic Product declined by -2.06% in the second quarter of 2016 on a year-on-year basis.

A close look at the data shows that this outcome was mostly due to a sharp contraction in the oil sector due to huge losses of crude oil production as a result of vandalisation and sabotage.

However, the rest of the Q2 data is beginning to tell a different story. There was growth in the agricultural and solid minerals sectors which are the areas in which the Federal Government has placed particular priority.

Agriculture grew by 4.53% in the second quarter of 2016 as compared with 3.09% in the first quarter. The metal ores sector showed similar performance with coal mining, quarrying and other minerals also showing positive growth of over 2.5%. Notably also, the share of investments in GDP increased to its highest levels since 2010, growing to about 17% of Gross Domestic Product.

The manufacturing sector though not yet truly out of the woods is beginning to show signs of recovery while the service sector similarly bears watching.

Nevertheless, the data already shows a reduction in imports and an increase in local produced goods and services and this process will be maintained although it will start off slowly in these initial stages before picking up later.

The inflation rate remains high but the good news is that the month-on-month rate of increase has fallen continuously over the past three months.

Unemployment remains stubbornly high which is usually the case during growth slowdowns and for reasons of a structural nature.

The picture that emerges, barring unforeseen shocks, is that the areas given priority by the Federal Government are beginning to respond with understandable time lags to policy initiatives. Indeed, as the emphasis on capital expenditure begins to yield results and the investment/GDP numbers increase, the growth rate of the Nigerian economy is likely to improve further.

As these trends continue, the outlook for the rest of the year is that the Nigerian economy will beat the IMF prediction of -1.8% for the full year 2016.

The IMF had forecasted a growth of -1.8% for 2016, however the economy is performing better than the IMF estimates so far. For the half year it stands at -1.23% compared to an average of -1.80% expected on average by the IMF.

What is more, it is likely the second half will be better than the first half of 2016. This is because many of the challenges faced in the first half either no longer exist or have eased."


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
August 31, 2016

NIGERIA WOULD BE DEVELOPED ON THE ENERGY, CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE, VP SAYS AT ASO VILLA DEMO DAY GRAND FINALE


REMARKS BY VICE PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, AT THE GRAND FINALE OF THE ASO VILLA DEMO DAY AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA TODAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2016


Let me first say how truly excited we are to receive here today Mark Zuckerberg, (and from now on I will only call him Mark as everyone else does.)

As you know Mark is a very informal person. I had asked him earlier why he wasn’t wearing his T-shirt but he assured me that that was just out of respect for the formality of coming to see the President.

But it is really exciting to have you here today with us, Mark. I think that one of the great things that you have demonstrated is that it is possible to live your dreams; it is possible to make your dreams not just coming true but coming true so fabulously that you not only influence your environment but you influence the whole world.

I had said earlier-(referring to earlier meetings today at the Presidential Villa) that one of the things that you have done is really to create connectivity across the world so that people are really able to interact across tribe, across race and across countries and feel as part of one family.

This is really one of the great things that you have done and your coming to Nigeria has been especially energizing for not just the young people but everyone else.

As you could see, even the President is of course on Facebook, and I am also on Facebook. So we are one of the 17 million. So this hasn’t just been exciting for the young people.


Everyone who organized this Aso Villa Demo Day are young people, all of them work for the government of Nigeria in one capacity or the other, aside from the private sector who have done such an excellent work and all of them are very young people. I just want to thank you all for the excellent work you have done putting this whole thing together.

Let me also congratulate the winners. First the 30, I must say that all 30 of you are winners in every sense but of the 30 there are three who have shown themselves to be outstanding and have been adjudged to be outstanding and I want to congratulate you all on that very great achievement.

This is the first iteration-(edition) of the Aso Villa Day. In the next year I am sure it is going to be bigger and better. I don’t know if we are going to get Mark to be able to show up for that. But somehow or the other we are going to keep him in the loop and let him know what we are up to and how much progress we are making.

I want to thank you all for taking the time to be here, taking the time to participate. And I want to say that this country is going to be built on the energy, on the innovation and on the creativity of the very young people who are here. And whenever young people say that we want to be included, I believe very strongly that today you are included and no one has a choice in that matter.

Today technology has created a level playing field; technology has made it possible for you seated somewhere in your office or living room to create wealth, to create connectivity, to create all manner of things across the world.

So this was not like when I was 25. It is a new day, it is a completely new day and I think there is so much hope and there is so much that your generation of people are going to do. And I am certainly looking forward to being a part of that. By the time I am 80 I hope that I will be in a position to have an App that enables me to follow very closely whatever all you people are doing seated somewhere in my village enjoying life.

I am sure that you are all going to have a great future and I certainly look forward to working with you as part of the government of Nigeria to ensure that all of our plans, all your talents and abilities are put to the best possible use and we support you all the way.

We are also looking forward to cooperating with Facebook. I am sure that in the next couple of months we will be working out the ways in which we can cooperate especially with connectivity and some of the great ideas that Mark has for improving connectivity in Africa. We are going to be working very closely with him so that in the next few months we are able to achieve something by way of increased connectivity for all of Africa.

Again thank you very much. God bless you all, thank you sirs and thank you ma.

RELEASED BY:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
September 2, 2016

FG MAINTAINS UPSURGE IN HUMANITARIAN SUPPLIES TO DISPLACED NIGERIANS

*IDPS IN CAMEROON, CHAD AND NIGER INCLUDED
*WHO, HEALTH MINISTRY SET TO VACCINATE IDP CHILDREN AGAINST POLIO
*SUPPLEMENTARY FOOD FOR MALNOURISHED CHILDREN
*IDPs IN CAMPS & RECOVERED TERRITORIES BENEFIT

In continued fulfilment of its commitment to ensure that all IDPs are well catered for wherever they are, the Federal Government through NEMA has distributed thousands of bags of essential food and non-food items to Nigerians in Cameroon, Chad and Niger, according to a report by the Presidency.

The list of food items distributed to the camps in the three countries include amongst others:
12, 332 bags of parboiled rice/rice;
6, 084 bags of maize;
6,156 bags of millet;
5,180 bags of granulated sugar;
2,000 bags of salt (25kg);
800 bags of semolina;
4,016 bags of beans;
9,800 cartoons of Indomine noodles;
1,800 cartoons of powdered milk;
800 cartoons of spaghetti;
2,000 vegetable oil (20 litres);
2,180 cartoons of Omo detergents;
600 kegs of palm oil and
400 cartoons of 3-in-1 tea

The monthly report for August indicated that non-food items supplied to the camps in the three countries from 2015 to date include medical and non-medical supplies such as antibiotics, antifungal, anti-malaria, Anthelmintic, NSAID, non-SAID Analgesics, Antitussives and Antithasmine drugs.

There were also eye drops, anti-diabetic drugs, Antacid drugs, multivitamin, laboratory consumables, blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets, men’s and women’s wears.

In Minawao, Cameroon alone, 48,400 bags and cartoons of non-food items like medium and small mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets, blankets, towels, guinea brocade, nylon mats, plastic plates, cups, spoons and buckets, Omo detergents, washing soaps, bathroom slippers, pampers as well as exercise books pencils and textbooks were distributed to IDPs.

In the report titled Monthly Report Of Federal Government Actions In The North East States Affected By Boko Haram, the Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSA-P) on IDPs in the Vice President’s Office, Dr Mariam Masha, stated that the National Humanitarian Coordination Forum (NHCF) is effectively addressing the welfare of IDPs in these areas.

The Forum, partnering with critical stakeholders, establishes important intervention mechanisms to check and mitigate the incidence and negative effects of flooding on the IDPs in Borno, Yobe and Bauchi States.

NHCF humanitarian interventions covers areas such as health, nutrition, food security, water, education, protection, sanitation and hygiene across the States affected by insurgency in the North East region.

The report showed that the Federal Government through the bold initiative of the military has constructed a temporary school for IDPs in the Bama camp and deployed teachers for a population of over 3,000 children.

The military also provided solar boreholes in Dikwa, Gamboru, Monguno, Marte, Mafe Gwoa, Buni Yadi, Bulla, Allargano and in several other communities in Borno State.

The scale of humanitarian efforts by the military also cover road construction and reconstruction, donation of educational materials to schools as well as rehabilitation of worship centres and markets in Adamawa and Yobe States.

The report also noted that the military through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has formed a working group which is to develop a policy framework and national action plan in preventing and countering violent extremism

Commending the commitment of the UN System for its various humanitarian and policy initiatives, Dr. Masha noted that the World Bank organised a workshop towards developing a strategic plan which will assist the Federal Government to effectively articulate and implement its programmes for the North East.

Also, the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Health are to collaborate with the military and civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to vaccinate children in all accessible LGAs in Borno State in support of government’s Polio Response Plan.

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), according to the report, relocated a total of 23,391 IDPs from schools that were initially used as camps to new sites in Bakassi and Dalori IDP camps in Maiduguri. Similarly, the Federal Ministry of Education provided emergency classroom supplies for learners in Borno State communities such as Konduga (675), Bama (2500), Dikwa (500), Damboa (500) and Monguno (500).

The report which noted the interventions by the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE), showed that displaced persons also received from PINE, various food items ( rice, millet, guinea corn, maize, iodized salt, vegetable oil and Indomie noodles) were distributed to the six (6) frontline States as follows:
Items(Qty) Borno Yobe Adamawa
Rice - 3,900 3,600 900
Millet - 700 600 300
Guinea corn - 700 600 300
Iodized Salt - 800 600 600
Vegetable oil - 250 200 200
Indomie N. - 1,100 1000 500

Items(Qty) Bauchi Gombe Taraba
Rice - 900 900 900
Millet - 300 300 300
Guinea corn 300 300 300
Iodized Salt - 600 600 600
Vegetable oil - 200 200 200
Indomie N. - 500 500 500

In Michika LGA, 1,780 IDP households benefited from package consisting of food and non-food items and 2,000 bags of 25kg rice for IDPs were supplied to Gujiba and Gulani towns all in Adamawa State.

As for Gombe, several bags of food were supplied to the State for the Operation Safe Corridor in the reporting period as follows:
Food Items (Qty) Non-food Items (Qty)
Rice (25kg) bags - 450 Mattresses - 800
Beans (5kg) bags - 400 Blankets - 500
Maize grits (25kg) - 400 Nylon mats - 500
Millet (25kg) bags - 200 Plastic buckets - 1,000
Sorghum (25kg) - 200 Plastic spoons - 1,000
Spaghetti - 750 Plastic cups - 1,000
Maggi - 50 Plastic plates - 1,000
Tin tomatoes - 810 Plastic slippers - 1,000
Vegetable oil (kegs) - 102 Men’s wears - 2,000
Palm oil - 102 Bath soaps - 63
Salt - 50 Bath towels - 1,000
Sugar - 50
Milk - 460
Milo - 460

It would be recalled that Operation Safe Corridor (OSC) is a programme set up by the Federal Government in its bid to war against insurgency in the North East. The objective of the programme is equally to enhance government efforts to rehabilitate and re-integrate surrendered and repentant terrorist members in the region.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
Sept. 1, 2016

Minister seeks investments in creative sector, says Nigeria ready for business

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has
called on international investors to
invest massively in Nigeria's creative sector ''as the non-oil export
alternative for economic growth and
development''.

The Minister made the call while addressing the plenary session at the
ongoing 2016 Edinburgh International
Festival Summit in Scotland on Thursday.

''With approximately 24 million TV households, 150 TV channels, a
greater number of radio stations, smart
phone penetration edging over 40 million and over 100 million phone
lines sold to date, and with over 20 million
Diaspora Nigerians who are all primary consumers of the creativity
located all over the world, and with us
being the commercial bed rock of the last frontier, Africa, we are
ready for business,'' he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said although Nigeria is endowed with abundant
cultural heritage, with each of the 36
states boasting of at least 3 to 5 cultural industries, the challenge
is how to harness this abundant cultural
heritage and create an economy out of it.

He noted, however, that the nation is ready to tackle the challenge by
working with its partners, including
the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the British Council, to build capacity
and provide knowledge.

Recalling the Memorandum of Understanding which he signed with the
British Council on the sidelines of
the summit on Wednesday, the Minister expressed the belief that the
British Council ''can assist us in the
area of capacity building, identification of infrastructure and, more
importantly, in the area of organizing
how these things work in a cooperative manner''.

He announced Nigeria's intention to preserve its cultural heritage by
reviving a number of its festivals that
have not been held regularly over the years, including the Argugun
Fishing Festival and Durbar, and also
bringing back the various age-long traditional games like 'ayo',
'arin' and traditional wrestling.

Alhaji Mohammed told the summit, which is being attended by
representatives of many countries, that the
present Administration had resolved, even before knowing the price of
oil was going to crash, that it would
diversify its economy

He said apart from agriculture and solid minerals, the country will be
focusing on the creative industries ''because
it is a major low-hanging fruit'' which is ready to be plucked immediately.

The Minister identified some of the key creative industries thriving
in Nigeria as the home-grown Nollywood
(Film) Industry and the music industry ''which is beginning to find
its way into major international markets''

He also listed traditional medicine, music, food, cosmetics,
performing arts, science and technology, oral
expressions, costumes and body adornment as some of the nation's
cultural resources

''We are simply not awake to the fact that our cultural resources
offer more lucrative alternatives to our oil
deposits in the form of income derivable from entrance fees to
facilities and exhibitions, copyright charges
for reproduction and use of collected rare objects, photographs and
visual images, enquiry charges, sale of
publications, publicity materials and promotion licensing agreements
to mention a few.

''We need to be alert to harvest our many distinctive tangible and
intangible cultural resources,'' Alhaji Mohammed
said, adding that Nigeria is opening opportunities to boost tourism
and the hospitality business through well-organized
national and international carnivals and festivals.

Segun Adeyemi
SA to Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Edinburgh, Scotland
Aug. 26th 2016

Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN GCON at the 4th PGF Progressive Governance Lecture Kaduna State Thur. 25 August 2016

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, HIS EXCELLENCY PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, AT THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENT PLANNING (NCDP), HELD IN KANO, KANO STATE ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016



Protocol

I am delighted to be here with you today for this very important meeting of the National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) taking place in this historic and dynamic city of Kano. I must say how honored i am to be so warmly welcomed. I thank the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for the warm hospitality extended to me and all participants here. Similar appreciation goes to the leadership of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning for the arrangements made to ensure the successful convening of this meeting.

This Council meeting is well timed and well thought out, as it enables effective partnership and cooperation amongst all tiers of government to envision our collective future while tackling the challenges facing the economy. Your deliberations will also complement the on-going process of articulating the medium term sector strategy 2017-2019 and the 2017 Budget.

The focus of the 2016 NCDP’s meeting is on “National Strategic Planning as Vehicle for Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria” This focus is appropriate indeed.

It shows the intrinsic link between planning and expected outcomes, in this case the SDGs. The adoption of the SDGs in September 2015 was intended to place our world on the path of sustainable development by the year 2030.

The 17 SDGs which combine economic, social and environmental objectives are intended to be universal unlike the Millennium Development Goals which were meant solely for developing countries.

The universal application of the SDGs and their 169 targets show that they are a menu of options. This allows implementation to take account of different national realities, capacities, policies and priorities. In the Nigerian context, some of the issues that must engage our minds relate to economic diversification, boosting economic growth, eradication of extreme poverty, promoting social inclusion, creating jobs and stemming environmental degradation including climate change.

The empirical evidence from across the globe has shown that national strategic planning is very critical for attaining structural transformation and sustainable development. The countries of East Asia have proved this convincingly even though their development was largely private sector driven.

Such plans provide strategic direction, coherence and coordination. They are indeed a framework for guiding the activities of all stakeholders towards achieving a common goal. Planning specifics such as goals, targets and indicators which embody the SDGs also enable tracking, monitoring and evaluation.

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen-

Successful implementation of strategic plans and attainment of the SDGs entail partnerships as encapsulated in Goal 17-which is about the need to create (global) partnerships in order to attain sustainable development. Accordingly, just as the Federal Government seeks international partnerships at the global level with regard to rules and resources, we also seek partnerships at the national level. Such domestic partnerships entails working closely with the States which is one of the main reasons for the establishment of NCDP. Other essential partnerships are also being built with other sectors of society especially the private sector which is the indisputable engine of growth in successful economies.

Let me now speak about some of the things that the Buhari Administration is doing with regard to strengthening short and medium term planning. We have strengthened the link between budgeting and strategic planning by merging the National Planning Commission with the Budget Office of the Federation. We have adopted Zero-based Budgeting which compels the interrogation of public expenditure at micro levels and allows effective deployment of limited financial resources to areas and sectors with the greatest need. We have used a short-term strategic implementation plan to guide the 2016 budget and just yesterday the Federal Executive Council approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the Fiscal Strategy Paper which are fully consistent with the SDGs and AU Agenda 2063.

The strategic priorities of the Federal Government in the area of tackling insecurity, combatting corruption and growing the economy will undoubtedly find expression in any medium term plan. The same is true for the policy interventions in the Strategic Implementation Plan notably with regard to the policy, security and governance; diversification of the economy; power, rail and roads; oil and gas reforms; ease of doing business and social investments.

The commitment of the Buhari Administration to promoting broader macroeconomic and structural reform is obvious in our push to mitigate supply-side constraints. With the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector there has been a significant increase in the availability of petrol throughout the country with savings of N1.4 trillion on subsidy payments alone. Also a more flexible exchange rate regime will help to ease the pressure on the external reserves. In the short run of course there will be consequences for inflation, but we expect that with the greater clarity we are seeing in the implementation of the policy by the CBN, the foreign exchange market will stabilise, and confidence will be restored.

With regard to diversification, agriculture is a major priority of this government. The obvious gains are food security and a reduction in the financial burden and pressure on foreign exchange resulting from importing foods that we can produce. We are therefore looking to self sufficiency in a number of key types of produce including rice, wheat and tomato paste, while scaling up the export of traditional and non-traditional crops like cocoa, cassava, cashew and sesame seeds.

A strategic framework for coherent coordination of trade, industrial and investment activities is also being developed. A mixture of support instruments and incentives will be used to bring about growth in sectors that are critical for economic revitalization, especially in agriculture, agri-business, agro-processing, and SMEs promotion. It will also leverage the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan comprising Nigeria Automotive Development Plan, National Sugar Master Plan, and Local Patronage Initiative. I urge State Governments to key into and get maximum leverage from these initiatives.

Indeed, infrastructural development is being accorded priority in current interventions with total capital budgetary releases from January to July 2016 amounting to over 50% of total budget that has been released to the MDAs going to these needs. If security is added, this rises to over 70% with the Presidential Initiative for the North East being prioritized in order to give a new lease of life to our people in North East.

Some of the key Sustainable Development Goals relate to the social sector which is very much in tandem with the priorities in our social intervention programme. Just as conditional cash transfers address Goal 1 which aims to eliminate extreme poverty, we are also tackling Goal 2 which aims for zero hunger through our Home Grown School Feeding Programme which was launched in July 2016. The Teacher Corps programme to put 500,000 unemployed young graduates to work meets the objectives of Goal 4 on quality education and Goal 8 which is about employment.

In other words, our on-going interventions speak to the ultimate aim of the SDGs to get people out of poverty and address health and education issues of children and other vulnerable groups.

It is important to emphasise that neither planning nor implementation can gain much traction without strong governments and institutions . The capacity to implement is largely a function of the ability of state institutions to deliver social goods. Public health for example, eradicating Polio, AIDS, Laser fever, Ebola, depends so completely on , well funded, well resourced healthcare systems. A healthcare system organised to respond promptly, efficiently and robustly will save more lives and livelihoods than one that is less endowed. The capacity to enforce not just law and order, but social services like immunisation, public education programmes, is the very essence of Statehood.



Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me take this opportunity to highlight the African Union Development Agenda which is described as “Ágenda 2063”, to which Nigeria, has subscribed.

Agenda 2063 seeks to develop an Afro-Centric or home grown development framework that is predicated on harnessing the vast opportunities of the continent, as well as proffering solutions towards addressing the peculiar challenges African Nations are faced with in the current global sphere. It is a call to action to all segments of African Society to work together to build a common future and destiny as espoused in the AU vision. It represents a source of inspiration for the development of national and regional sustainable development plans.

The task before us therefore requires finding ways to promote partnership and collaboration in the articulation of a strategic national plan that that is aligned to the SDGs and the AU Agenda 2063. I enjoin you to participate actively in all related activities such as taking stock of the country's performance particularly on the defunct MDGs, convening multi-stakeholders dialogues and validations at zonal levels, and the work of Technical Working Groups. Such active participation will ensure that the concerns, interests and aspirations of our people are reflected in annual budgets and national development plans. It will also quite naturally help to ensure effective implementation.

Other critical challenges we will face in mainstreaming and implementing the SDGs are in the areas of implementation capacity, needs assessment & costing, financing etc etc. Others include rationalisation of the 169 targets and identification of the ones that are most relevant to our specific needs, situation and challenges, and harnessing baseline and disaggregated data needed to monitor progress. Your contributions on how these issues can be addressed would be invaluable.

Excellencies,

Strategic planning may sound academic or esoteric but the truth is that no modern economy has made notable progress without strategic planning. I must say that governments in Nigeria have never been short of good ideas , good intentions, or even good plans. but one of the key difficulties is just that ability to keep to the plan, plodding through day by day, doing the routine things that eventually fulfil a plan. The discipline to stay focussed over the long term is crucial to the success of any plan. To do so as a team requires even harder work, but success in any aspect of State building requires just that -hardwork.

Nigeria is well placed in terms of human and natural endowment to be a thought leader and economic role model in Africa and indeed globally. I am confident that if we remain positive, determined and focused our country can achieve such lofty goals and great heights that we have set for ourselves.

Permit me to again thank the National Council on development planning for their kind invitation to me to be here, and may I wish you a very fruitful and productive meeting and look forward to receiving the outcomes of this meeting and another invitation next year.

Thank you all.

INTERIOR MINISTER ENGAGED SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ON BRAINSTOMING SESSIONS ON WAYS TO ATTRACT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS TO NIGERIA.

Considering the enormous potency of the Nigeria Immigration Service to contribute meaningfully in re-writing the nation’s foreign investment fortune, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau gathered prominent Nigerians from diverse educational and professional background in Kano State on 17th -21st August, 2016 for the 2016 Nigeria Immigration Service retreat.

The retreat with the theme ‘‘Nigeria as a Hub for Trade, Investment and Tourism – Repositioning the Nigeria Immigration Service for Effective and Efficient Border and Migration Management’’ is geared towards retooling the Immigration Service to achieve best operational standards in Border Management, enhance Visa issuance and opening up the nation’s enormous tourism and business potential for influx of foreign investments.

In his address, the Interior Minister charged participants on identifying challenges in passport and visa regimes, both within and outside Nigeria as well as develop strategies for effective border management, and boosting the Country’s flow of foreign investments in the context of dwindling government resources.

The retreat which was attended by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as well as His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, CON the Emir of Kano, had Professor Femi Odekunle amongst other prominent resource persons, as facilitators.


EHISIENMEN OSAIGBOVO
Press Secretary, to the Honourable Minister of Interior

Ministry signs MoU with British Council, seeks to revive dormant
festivals, traditional games

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on
Wednesday signed an MoU with the Chief Executive of the British
Council, Sir Ciaran Devane, with a request for partnership to help
train festival managers, revive the country's major festivals and
prevent its traditional games from dying.

The agreement was signed in Edinburgh, Scotland, on the sidelines of
the ongoing 2016 Edinburgh International Festival Summit.

The Minister described the MoU as the height of the "spirit of
cooperation that has taken us thus far", saying however that it must
put more emphasis on substance rather than form

"We need to have a work plan that will enable us to measure
achievement year by year," he said. "An MoU that does not achieve
visible results is not worth its while."

Alhaji Mohammed said the challenge facing the sector is how to ensure
that it transits from creative industry to creative economy.

Alhaji Mohammed said the country is interested in capacity building
for festival managers with a view to changing its festivals from mere
fun events to business.

He said Nigeria is particularly keen to revive such grand festivals as
the Durbar and Argungun, which have not been held for some years, as
well as to prevent such traditional games like 'ayo' from dying,
because of their importance in teaching sportsmanship and promoting
tolerance.

In his comments, Sir Ciaran expressed his delight at the partnership
between the Ministry and the British Council.

He expressed the hope that the MoU will allow both parties to
translate their intent into action

"The British Council is delighted to assist in any way we can" to take
the partnership further, Sir Ciaran said.

Apart from the British Council, the Ministry also plans to sign a
similar cooperation agreement with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Segun Adeyemi
SA to Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Edinburgh, Scotland
Aug. 25th 2016

CREATIVE & ENTHUSIASTIC, NIGERIAN YOUTHS CAN ENERGIZE THE WHOLE NATION, SAYS VP OSINBAJO
• SEPT 2 IS ASO VILLA DEMO DAY TO PROMOTE TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION IN NIGERIA
• BUHARI ADMINISTRATION WANTS TO ENSURE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MORE YOUNG PEOPLE

Next month a group of 30 young Nigerians with vibrant technology-based ideas and innovations would be welcomed to Aso Rock, reflective of the Buhari administration's appreciation of the enormous creativity among Nigerian youths.

Making the disclosure today, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN also said the Buhari administration is aware that inspite of the advances in education and technology, inequality of access and opportunities still exists which the presidency wants to redress.

Speaking today while receiving the United Nations Special Envoy on Youth, Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Vice President Osinbajo eulogized Nigerian youth as being “very creative and are every where trying to make space for themselves.”

He announced that on September 2, the much talked about Aso Villa Demo Day would hold, hosting 30 young Nigerians who will pitch their innovative ideas at the Presidential Villa to a presidential audience including venture capitalists, investors and decision makers in the ICT industry among other influential business groups and interests.

While disclosing that the 30 most innovative and talented young people where picked out of the several thousands of young Nigerians who participated in a competitive selection process, Prof. Osinbajo stated “we are looking at a new generation of people who have the vision, who have a different way of thinking” and whose “energy and creativity,” will benefit the nation.

(Meanwhile, ahead of the Demo Day, a 2-day boot camp will hold for the selected 30 young Nigerians at the Ventures Platform Hub, Abuja from August 31 to September 1.)

"The youth enthusiasm in this country, their can-do spirit, their sheer force can energise the whole nation," according to the Vice President who added that he wont be surprised if more young people end up in top and key elected positions in the country.

However, he observed that inequality still exists on a global scale as there are still many who dont have access to education and don't even know about the advances in technology.

"Huge gaps and disparities still exist. So our concern is about creating more equality, more opportunity in education, to level the playing field so that more young people can get a clear chance in life," he stated.

Expressing concern about the humanitarian situation in the North-East, he said “the military is gradually winding down its activities and all that we have now is a humanitarian condition that have challenged particularly everything we have.”

He called for more concerted efforts from the international community in adddressing the humanitairn situation together with the Nigerian government, stressing that “insurgency is a major problem especially violent extremism and the consequences of it are so grave."

Earlier, the UN Special Envoy, Mr. Ahmed Alhendawi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome for him and his delegation being his first visit to the country. He said he was in the country to discuss with the UN Country Representatives on youth programs and advocated for a coordinated national youth policy pledging the support of the UN system in that regard. The envoy was joined for the visit by UN Country representatives from UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, ILO among others

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity)
In the Office of the Vice President.
August 23, 2016

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER – IN – CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, DELIVERED BY VICE PRESIDENT PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCH OF THE REVISED NATIONAL COUNTER TERRORISM STRATEGY AT CONGRESS HALL, TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA ON TUESDAY, 23RD AUGUST, 2016 AT 10:00HRS

I joined the army early in life and I spent all my professional life in the armed forces of Nigeria. I and so many others were trained to accept, to believe in and to be prepared to die for the security, safety and territorial integrity of Nigeria.

And indeed many of my colleagues and friends gave their lives defending this nation and its great people. We came from every nook and cranny of Nigeria, from the South-South, South-East, South-West, North-East, North-West and North-Central. There were Moslems, Christians, and atheists in our number. It never mattered where you were from or how you worshipped, we were just Nigerian Soldiers committed to each other and to our Nation, and completely convinced in the words of our old National Anthem, "though tribe and tongue may differ in brotherhood we stand."

Indeed our Nation today was built on the sacrifices, the supreme sacrifices of many in the forces and outside it. It is, because of the memory of these men and women that we must resist with all we have any attempts by anyone or any group, under any guise to undermine the safety, security, and integrity of our dear Nation.

In the past few years our nation faced the threat of terrorism, characterised by the mindless killing of innocent people, including children. The massacre of the Buni Yadi boys on their beds at night, the bombing of churches, mosques and market places, the kidnap of the Chibok girls and several many others.

The sheer recklessness of the killings, the shocking barbarity of the executions, were meant to terrorise and produce maximum fear. To further establish their reign of terror they took territory and hoisted their tattered flags in almost 27 local governments in the NE.

Sadly because of the disgraceful greed and wickedness of some in government and some in high office in the armed forces at the time, funds meant to equip soldiers to contain the terrorists were embezzled. Their incredible selfishness cost the nation thousands of lives, extended the reign of terror, and strengthened the enemy.

Since May 29 2015, we have committed ourselves as a government to the absolute defeat of the terrorists and to re-equipping and rebuilding the morale of our armed forces. The gallant men and women of our armed forces have in a few months freed many from Boko Haram-held territories and fatally degraded their fighting capacity. Our neighbours in the Lake Chad Basin area have also been tremendous allies in the various military engagements.

But like all evil, the vestiges of their activities and warped ideology still linger. Through personal contact, the social media, and even personal contacts, capture and intimidation, men women and even children are induced, persuaded or forced to engage in acts of terrorism .

This is why a robust and dynamic Counterterrorism strategy is crucial in the fight against terrorism, and must be constantly reviewed for relevance to contemporary challenges.

Today we are gathered to launch such a policy-The Revised Counterterrorism Strategy. That it is a revised strategy underscores the fact that we recognise that terrorism has numerous iterations, it is not static, and our response must be dynamic and versatile.

I am pleased to confirm that this policy is fit for purpose and adequately responds to the current, imminent and future challenges.

There must be an understanding that the war against terrorism is a most unconventional one. The enemy is essentially an insane nuisance because he revels in un-cowardly attacks. He does not obey the rules of warfare, kills the defenseless including prisoners, uses children as human guns and considers the killing of anyone at all as a victory.

As we think through our strategy, we must remember that to permanently win the physical battle, we must win the battle of the minds of the often impressionable young men who sign up to join Boko Haram. We must also educate the millions of other young men, through the leadership of our faiths.

We must let them know that Islam or any other religion we know, does not endorse the slaughter of any one. That any one who kills the innocent and shouts that God is great either does not know the meaning of those words or is deranged. We must work hard to provide opportunities for these young men and women who for years have lacked education and a real chance of doing well.

Our Social Investment Programmes and Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, our vocational and technical training for graduates and non-graduates, our Teacher Corp programme are all designed to create real opportunities for young people.

Today as hundreds are being released from Boko haram captivity, we are faced with a serious problem of malnutrition in children. Thousands are at risk. I have asked the Vice President to Chair an inter-ministerial team to quickly review the situation and work with our development partners and other CSOs to handle this particular problem.

The government is determined to ensure that the safety and security of every single Nigerian is our priority. This is why I have repeatedly ordered our law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of violence in any shape or form are arrested and made to face the law.

The activities of armed herdsmen and host farmers, kidnappers, and criminal militants all threaten our peace, security and the stability of our nation. We will not allow any one under any guise whether it is politics, culture or religion to violate the physical person, lives or property of other citizens. This is the oath to which I swore and I will uphold it at all costs.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, achieving success in combating the menace of terrorism is contingent on a well-articulated strategy and effective Counterterrorism coordination, with all stakeholders knowing and playing their roles well and devoid of inter - agency rivalry.

I therefore take this opportunity to commend the NSA and his team as well as other MDAs who worked tirelessly to ensure the development of this document.

In this regard, MDAs must henceforth respect and adhere to their respective roles as stipulated in the strategy and complimentary documents.

On this note, it is my honour and privilege to launch this document, the revised edition of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy.

May God Almighty continue to Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you for your attention.

Hon.Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, with the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Mr Sadanobu Kusaoke during the commissioning of the 1.2 MW Solar Power Plant , donated by the Government of Japan to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Lower Usuma Dam, Bwari Abuja on Tuesday 23, August 2016.

WE'LL INSTITUTIONALIZE ANTI-CORRUPTION WAR, PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES JOHN KERRY
President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged that the anti-corruption crusade in the country will be deepened and institutionalized to last beyond the life of the current administration.
Receiving American Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, at an audience in State House, Abuja, Tuesday, the President declared: "We will insist on the standards we're establishing. We are laying down administrative and financial instructions in the public service that must be obeyed. Any breach will no longer be acceptable.”
“We will retrain our staff, so that they understand the new orientation. And those who run foul of these rules will be prosecuted, no matter who is involved. But we will be fair, just and act according to the rule of law. Anyone perceived corrupt is innocent till we can prove it. We will work very hard to establish documentation for successful prosecution, and those in positions of trust will sit up."
President Buhari appreciated the intervention of the U.S before the 2015 polls, demanding free and fair elections in Nigeria, saying, "America did not do it because of what it stands to benefit from us. You did it for the Nigerian people. It tells so much what the U.S stands for in the world."
On the Boko Haram insurgency, President Buhari thanked the U.S for both hard and soft military help. "The training and intelligence that we could not muster ourselves, we received. The training has made Boko Haram less of a threat to Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region, while the military hardware has given our troops added confidence."
President Buhari said though Militancy in the Niger Delta has impacted negatively on the economy and affected the positive intentions of international and local investors, government was showing restraint not to use real force, "except when constrained to do so."
On the economy, the President assured that the focus of his administration is on the diversification of the economy having learnt our lessons from years of over dependence on oil.
In his remarks, Mr Kerry commended the courage of President Buhari in fighting corruption, saying: "We applaud what you are doing. Corruption creates a ready-made playing field for recruiting extremists. You inherited a big problem, and we will support you in any way we can. We will work with you very closely. We don't want to interfere, but will offer opportunities as you require."
The American Secretary of State also pledged to assist in tackling the humanitarian challenges in the North-east, adding that his country would get the UK, France, and others "to augment the support."
"Nigeria is priority for us. We won't miss the opportunity to work together, because you are making significant progress," Mr Kerry said.
FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 23, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari receives former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja

PRESS STATEMENT ON MEASURES TO URGENTLY REVITALIZE THE ECONOMY

The Economic Management Team has indeed been considering several policy options and measures to urgently reform and revitalize the economy. Some of these measures may well require legislative amendments and presidential orders that will enable the Executive arm of government move quickly in implementing the economic reform plans.

As far as I know, this has not been passed on to the President, the Federal Executive Council or the Legislative arm of government. So at this point, there are no further details to share.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
August 22, 2016

AFRICANS SHOULD WORK TOGETHER TO DEVELOP ECONOMIES, SAYS VP OSINBAJO

*Receives Liberian Counterpart in Aso Rock

African nations have to work together especially in developing their economies for the benefit of their people ahead of other forms of international cooperation.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, expressed this view today while receiving the visiting Vice President of Liberia, Mr. Joseph Nyumah Boakai in his office at the Presidential Villa.

According to him, "we have to help ourselves first before others come, we should look for ways we can benefit each other."

Prof. Osinbajo observed that there are Nigerian business people that can invest in Liberia, suggesting the creation of a bilateral economic council that can bring business interests from both countries together.

"We must engender stronger relationships between our countries, that is what Africans need," the Nigerian Vice President stated, adding that Nigeria and Liberia need to work together "to develop our economies."

While noting the important task for African governments to create enabling environments for agricultural and industrial development, Prof. Osinbajo noted that "our people depend on what government is able to do for them."

Strenghtening the relationship between both countries makes sense, Osinbajo emphasised, adding that this is so because of the interactions both share.


In his own remarks, Vice President Boakai of Liberia commended Nigeria saying "Nigeria remains a very important big brother to Liberia. You have made a lot of sacrifices to our country, including through ECOMOG and the United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL."

Acknowldging that Nigeria does care for Liberia, Vice President Boakai added that Nigerian businesses are helping the West Africa country in sectors like aviation, banking, insurance and investments.

Besides, he also said there are teachers and doctors from Nigeria who are currently helping to set up schools and health infrastructure in Liberia. According to him, "we are grateful to our brothers and sisters here. We want this relationship to go on, this is the way Africans should go."

The Liberian Vice President is in the country to participate in a public lecture. Vice President Osinbajo expressed pleasure in welcoming him to the country and wished him a fruitful time while here.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
August 22, 2016

Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo with the World Council of Churches members worshipped at AsoVilla Chapel, Abuja, Sun. 21 Aug

NIGERIA WILL STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH ISLAMIC BANK FOR DEVELOPMENTAL PURPOSES – PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja said the Federal Government will deepen its partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to fund critical projects in health, water and the infrastructure sector.
Receiving, Dr. Ali Madani, the President of the IDB Group at the State House on Monday, President Buhari commended the bank for supporting several developmental projects across the country.
The President acknowledged that the bank has funded several people-oriented projects in Osun, Kaduna, Jigawa, Niger, Katsina, Kano and Ebonyi states, demonstrating its "soft spot and robust support" for Nigeria.
"We can’t thank you enough for the height you have achieved for the bank in 41 years. Now that you are about to retire, we thank you for the quality leadership which the world has recognized," the President said.
President Buhari also expressed appreciation to the IDB Group and other countries for extending their assistance to Internally Displaced Persons in the North-East.
The President assured the visiting IDB chief that Nigeria, a major financier of the bank, will meet all its obligations to the development institution within the shortest time possible.
The President highlighted efforts of the current administration at diversifying the economy with emphasis on agriculture and expressed strong optimism that Nigeria will achieve self-sufficiency in rice and sugar; and export both commodities in the next three years.
In his remarks, Dr Madani congratulated President Buhari on the positive outcomes of the war against corruption and terrorism.
He said the bank is ready to mobilize resources from Arab fund for developmental initiatives of the Nigerian government and the private sector, particularly on agriculture.
GARBU SHEHU
Senior Special Assistant to the President
Media and Publicity
August 22, 2016

Kuwaiti Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-sharrah on a courtesy visit to Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in his office Presidential Villa, State House Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari receives former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar at the State House in Abuja.

PRESIDENT BUHARI ATTENDS ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN CENTRAL BANKS GOVERNORS SYMPOSIUM

WE'RE READY FOR INVESTMENTS FROM ALL QUARTERS TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OUR PEOPLE — PRESIDENT BUHARI
Nigeria as a country recognized her problems early enough, but remained potential for too long, and so did not achieve much results, President Muhammadu Buhari has declared.
The President spoke Tuesday at State House, Abuja, while receiving Executive Members of Association of Africa Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), led by the chairman, Mr Jeff Nemeth.
President Buhari said that to reverse the trend, "We must avoid the mistakes made in the past by both government and manufacturers, and we are ready to get investment from all quarters, so that we can improve the lives of our people."
The President lamented that Nigeria failed to develop on automobile initiatives started in Bauchi, Kaduna and Ibadan, and depended too much on oil as mainstay of her economy.
"We are making efforts to start our steel industry all over again. I see vast opportunities for both the country and those who invest here," the President said.
Nemeth said the Association comprised potential investors who were ready to unlock investment potentials on the African continent.
"We are ready to offer strategic partnership with Nigeria. We want to promote investor-friendly regulatory frameworks and sustainable manufacturing.
"We will equally promote infrastructure development, job creation, and skills transfer," he said.
The AAAM chairman sought the support of the Presidency in the realization of the vision and mission of the association.
FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 16, 2016

JUDICIAL INQUIRY ON ARMY/SHITTES CLASH: PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS OF APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured international and local human rights groups of appropriate response over the report of the judicial inquiry into the clashes between soldiers and members of the Shiite movement in Nigeria, led by Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
The President is studying the details of the report before announcing appropriate response in due course.
The President's commitment to human rights remains unchanged because it is a cardinal component of the democratic order.
It would be recalled that when the clashes occurred in December, President Buhari had told the nation during the Presidential Media Chat that he was awaiting the outcome of the report of inquiry into the incident before making appropriate response.
The present administration believes in due process and the rule of law; therefore any response to the report would follow this principle.
The Federal Government will continue to act in the larger interest of the public to prevent such violent incidents.

Garba Shehu
SSA to the President (Media & Publicity)
August 16, 2016

Press briefing by Prof Isaac .F Adewole FAS, FSPSP, DSc. (Hon) Honourable Minister of Health on the situation report on the recent Wild polio Virus outbreak in Nigeria on Wednesday, 17th August 2016 at 4.00pm on the 6th Floor Federal Ministry of Health Conference Room.

Last week, Nigeria reported two (2) WPV1 cases in Gwoza and Jere Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno state after two (2) years without a single case.
Following the confirmation of the outbreak of Wild Polio-Virus (WPV) in Borno State, to ensure the containment of all the cases and prevent further spread of Wild Polio-Virus (WPV) to other states, I have approved the revision of the robust Wild Polio Virus (WPV) outbreak response plan developed by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and its partners. The response plan includes five (5) rounds of polio campaigns, two (2) of which are focused on eighteen (18) Northern States and two (2) to be conducted nationwide, one to be conducted in 5 states. These campaigns will be synchronized with the affected regions and provinces in Chad, Niger, Cameroun and Central African Republic
For the sub-national campaigns, 31,540,054 children are targeted to be vaccinated each round with oral polio vaccines across States in the North-East, North-West and North-Central zones of the country. For the nationwide response, 56,363,618 children will be vaccinated between in October and November 2016.
The revised plan was informed by factors such as historical data on WPV affected areas, pattern of transmission over the last five years, population displacements due to insecurity in the North-East, likelihood of spread of the virus to other neighbouring countries and population immunity.
Furthermore, the justification for the expansion of the initial schedule includes the fact that, given previous history of exportation to other countries and the suboptimal routine immunization coverage in several countries in the African region, the response requires that adequate protection be provided to vulnerable children at risk of infection.
Report from the detailed investigation carried out by our team revealed that both cases came from security compromised areas of Borno State, which have had limited access to any form of health services including immunization since 2011.
The case reported in Jere LGA was from a child who had arrived at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Maiduguri (Muna camp in Jere LGA), after trekking for two days following the provision of an escape corridor by the military authorities. The second case was detected in Gwoza LGA. Both LGAs have had their health facilities destroyed by insurgents and accessibility was a barrier to service provision. Both cases have been linked to the polio cases detected in Bama in 2011.
For Nigeria, while the timely response in the affected local government areas and environs is critical, the country needs to be proactive to ensure all eligible children are vaccinated within the shortest time feasible so as to limit the spread of the virus beyond the affected areas and borders of the country. There remains a high risk of further spread of the virus due to population movement within and around the State. This spread is not limited to surrounding States but could also affect neighboring countries around the Lake Chad region.
So far we have, commenced vaccination of children in accessible areas of Gwoza, Jere, Maiduguri Municipal Council (MMC), Bama, Mafa (1 ward) LGAs concurrently with active case search. Relatedly, we are working closely with the Ministry of Defence to provide security for the Health Workers during the house to house immunization and also to provide timely information on security and accessibility situations in Borno State and its environs. Also, plans are underway to reinforce and intensify immunization of intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. To this end, adequate supplies of vaccines have been provided at different International Port Health locations and airports. This is consistent with the international Health Regulations (IHR).
Mindful of the malnutrition amongst recently liberated populations, the outbreak response will be an integrated one. Therefore, I assure that the Nutrition Department in the Federal Ministry of Health, the NPHCDA as well as Development Partners in the Nutrition programme will work closely with the Response Team in Borno State to provide nutritious meals alongside Oral Polio Vaccines to the targeted children.
Consequently, I have directed that food materials at Community Management Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) sites be redirected to support immunization services.
Children who have symptoms of malnutrition, seen at health camps will be referred to CMAM sites for food packages after receiving polio vaccination.
I thank you all for your attention.

President Muhammadu Buhari receives Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Guinea-Bissau, H.E Modibo Toure.

Communique
Issued at the end of the 8th monthly meeting of the Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing with operators of the Power Sector, Held on Monday, August 8 2016 at Baga Road Transmission Work Centre, Maiduguri, Borno State

The Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) supported by the Honourable Minister of State, Power, Works and Housing, Honourable Mustapha Baba Shehuri, chaired the eighth monthly meeting of operators in the electricity industry. The meeting focused on identifying, discussing and finding practical solutions to critical issues facing the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. The meeting was hosted by Yola Electricity Distribution Company.
The operators were fully represented at the highest executive management levels, including Managing Directors and CEOs of Generating Companies (GenCos), Distribution Companies (DisCos), and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), as well as various government agencies such as the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) responsible for the regulation and development of the electricity industry.
The meeting deliberated on various issues and resolved as follows:-
i. Acknowledged and appreciated reports by Yola DisCo and Borno State Commissioner for Energy that power supply to Maiduguri has improved.
ii. Acknowledged the work that still lies ahead to restore full service to Maiduguri and all parts of Borno State.
iii. Acknowledged the recent appointments made by Mr. President of NERC Commissioners awaiting Senate confirmation and substantive CEO of NBET which are consistent with the Federal Government’s drive to incremental power supply.
iv. Encouraged State Governments to assist in improving energy supply:-
(a) By helping to conduct energy audits of their residents needs to be submitted through a template which would be designed for onward circulation and guidance
(b) By educating residents about conservation of energy by switching off bulbs and appliances that are not in use.
v. The regulator of the industry published fact based ranking of all distribution, transmission and generation companies.
vi. Emphasized the need for the Operators of the industry especially the distribution companies to improve their operations and in particular their collections, by reducing losses, supplying meters and improving Customer relations.
vii. Noted that, the right of ways issues being experienced by NDPHC along Itu-Calabar axis have now been resolved

SIGNIFICANT LOCAL & FOREIGN INVESTMENTS ARE COMING TO NIGERIA—-VP OSINBAJO

LISTS GENERAL ELECTRIC

BIGGEST MEXICAN AGRIC FIRM

DANGOTE REFINERY

INDORAMA

HONEYWELL SORGHUM PLANT

OTHERS AMONG FORTHCOMING MAJOR VENTURES IN NIGERIA

Nigeria’s investment projections both foreign and local are very promising, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo spoke during a press interview in Lagos after participating in the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Presidential Policy Dialogue on Thursday.

Below are excerpts from the interview in Q & A format:

Question: Are you seeing any early signs of investments coming anytime soon?

Vice President: Oh yes! For example, General Electric is about to make a very very significant investment in the country.

There are investments that are already coming in for railing stock for railways and obviously the reason why this is the case is because we’re doing two rail lines; the Calabar-Lagos rail line and the Lagos-Kano rail line.

So investments are coming in for railing stock, there are many such investments that people are looking at, because really, when you look at it, this is a country of 170 million people and a very very vibrant economy for that matter.

So investments people certainly are looking at investing in the country. And this is so even in agriculture, there’s an initiative, a major Mexican company, in fact possibly their leading farmers, producers of agricultural produce from Mexico who has come in to Nigeria is already investing in 10 states, especially pineapples and bananas, vegetables and fruits.

I think the scope for investments is there, the appetite is there and I believe that what everyone is looking forward to is just signs that things are stabilizing, that the environment is one where there is governance and that there is consistency in the policy.

Q: How does foreign investments fit into the fiscal mix?

Vice President: Well let me say that first, both local and foreign investment is crucial in the turn around that we expect, we expect that deregulation and the flexible exchange rate would lead to an increase in the inflow of not just foreign direct investment but also portfolio investment.

We expect that that will happen, of course we’re not necessarily overly excited and enthusiastic about portfolio investment that we want to see, this is hot money and it will go and come.

But we are focused on ensuring that enduring investments, in the form of FDI(foreign direct investment) are coming.

But we are also focusing on local investment, some of the investments that we’re seeing, to mention a few: the Dangote Refinery, 650,000 barrel refinery, there’s the fertilizer plants, the Indorama one, the sorghum plant that is being done by Honeywell, there’s the 500-kilometre subsea pipeline that’s also a Dangote project, the gas pipeline.

Now these are very significant local investments and we expect that if these local investments are encouraged and we are encouraging them, and they come on stream in the timelines that they have specified most of them should come on stream between now and 2019, most of them.

All of these that i’ve mentioned should come on stream, we expect that this will be very very significant in terms of even changing the fiscal landscape.

For example refining capacity of 650,000 barrels means that domestic refining has come to be and it means that the impact of importation of refined petroleum products on our foreign exchange reserves will significantly diminish because we will then obviously just be doing practically everything locally, refining practically everything locally.

The same as fertilizer which requires import, sorghum, and the various other things. So we think local investment is absolutely important and we’re supporting local investments with everything that is possible giving necessary incentives and all of that. Now, we also expect that with the flexible exchange rate just as I’ve said, obviously this will encourage foreign investments. Everyone knows that Nigeria is the next frontier for investment, there may be difficulties and complications here and there now, but I don’t doubt at all, I mean even going by what we see today many foreign investors are keenly interested in investing in the Nigerian market.

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity

In the Office of the Vice President

August 15, 2016

Personnel of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC working on various sections of the Apapa-Ijora bridge linking the Apapa Central Business District with Lagos Island in Lagos on Saturday 13, August 2016 following an earlier inspection visit and meeting with stakeholders on the need for the Federal Government to shut the bridge for emergency repair works by the Hon Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN.

VP OSINBAJO INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON CONCESSION OF NIGERIA RAILWAY

Determined to spur a transformation of the railway infrastructure in the country, the Federal Government is proceeding with the concessioning of the eastern and western lines of the Nigeria Railways with the inauguration of a Steering Committee today at the Presidency to get the job done promptly.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated that the purpose of the committee is to create a one-stop shop for the concession, fast track the process and beat the redtape & bureaucratic bottlenecks.

He said the steering committee on the concession of the nation’s railway headed by the Transportation Minister, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, should be innovative, urging the members to remove whatever obstacles that stand in the way of a smooth concessioning process, hoping that the committee will meet its deadlines and end up "to be an example of how it should be done."

Observing the challenges of bureacratic bottlenecks in the public service delivery system, he said the Buhari administration is determined to overcome it.

Explaining the importance of the committee, the Vice President added “I think this steering committee is extremely important, because we have tried to bring together everybody that should be involved in this (concessioning) project in order to see to it that we deliver quickly and efficiently in a manner that justifies Federal Government’s expense in the project.”

Continuing he said, “the whole idea of the steering committee raises the issue we are trying to address, to have a one-stop shop for all approvals, objections or problems so that we can realize our target.”

Speaking after the inauguration, the Minister of Transportation said that the committee was set up to ensure the concession of the nation’s railway and is expected to submit its report in six months time.

The 20-Member Committee is composed of officials and individuals from relevant public and private sector agencies & firms.

The Terms of Reference for the committee are as follows:

- To advise the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) on policy issues that impact on stakeholders interest;

- To advise the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) on efforts at improving stakeholders relations;

- To advise BPE and Federal Ministry of Transportation on planning, coordination and implementation of Nigeria Railway Corporation;

- To review existing legislations, reports, studies and any other relevant information on the railway sector and provide guidance on policy issues;

- To review economic and financial viability of the project and recommend the level of Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) investment;

- To review the concession framework developed by the Project Delivery Team;
- To review the technical, financial and legal framework for the successful preparation and concession of the project;

- To review the activities of the Project Delivery Team that would facilitate the concession, guide the project delivery team in the concession process, assist the concessionaire to obtain all clearances, approvals and permit as may be necessary;

- To assist in organisation of workshops, and public awareness campaigns on the concession process;

- To brief the NCP and Federal Executive Council (FEC) from time to time on the activities of the Steering Committee; and to carry out any other function that will facilitate the delivery

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity)
In the Office of the Vice President
12th August, 2016