It is my pleasure to be here with you all today. We are in an unprecedented time in the history of our nation. A time when global economies have been battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

​One of the significant impacts of the pandemic on economies was loss of jobs and opportunities, with the International Labour Organisation estimating the equivalent of an unprecedented 255 million jobs being lost around the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tuesday, 22nd June, 2021 I set-up the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) steering committee to coordinate our work to fulfil my promise to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years. This is building on the positive results from the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and the targeted response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with the Economic Sustainability Plan.

These efforts have yielded results with Nigeria recording its biggest economic growth in six years with a GDP growth of 5% in the second quarter of 2021. The sectors that drove this growth are trade, telecommunications, transportation, electricity, agriculture and manufacturing. Each of these sectors showed significant improvement and thus created more jobs for our populace.

An important part of our policies and strategies is the focus on employment and creating opportunities for our people. When this government was elected in 2015, we committed to increasing job opportunities for Nigerians and as part of our social investments programme we recruited 500,000 graduates into our N-power programme.

In 2019, I directed that the number be increased to 1 million. These graduates are recruited to work in agricultural, health and education institutions across the country. The N-power programme also has a non-graduate component that provides skills to tens of thousands of Nigerians in areas such as technology, masonry, auto repairs, and carpentry.

We estimate that about 2 million people join our labour force annually. We continue to work with our partners to provide more opportunities to create jobs and the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme in partnership with the United Nation’s Development Programme being one of such opportunities.

​To create more opportunities for our young population we have to provide avenues for them to gain relevant work experience.

The jubilee programme will provide a pathway for young Nigerians to gain work experience in top tier organisations, gaining relevant skills and building the right networks for the future in various sectors including information and communications technology, financial services, trade, manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing.

Other sectors include mining, telecommunications, creative industries and technology, education, health, research and development, and public sector institutions. We believe that building the right skills and experiences across these sectors are important to sustain the economic growth we are experiencing.

​The programme will build on other efforts of the government to support young Nigerians such as the N75 billion youth fund in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development which was created to support young Nigerians in business or with business ideas. The programme has kicked off and will run for three years with N25 billion released annually.

​The Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) which was our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have set-up a survival fund which has helped many businesses stay afloat in the worst economic periods of the last 5 years, more than one million Nigerians have benefitted from the fund, with more than 500,000 benefitting from the MSMEs Payroll support track, approximately 270,000 beneficiaries of the artisan support track, and about 50,000 beneficiaries of the MSME grant scheme.

The Economic Sustainability Plan also has a solar power component that will employ tens of thousands of Nigerians and ensure that they keep the lights on in their communities to support other activities within these communities.

The agricultural, housing, and digital economy projects under the Economic Sustainability Plan are also creating opportunities across many sectors for Nigerians, creating jobs, supporting livelihoods, and providing skills activities across sectors.

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, being a fully paid post-NYSC work placement programme for Nigerians will provide an opportunity for mentors who are already engaged in various industries and have gained relevant experience and built capacity over the years to provide mentorship and support for the young Nigerians that will be on the programme.

Beyond the skills and work experience, we will be building a new culture of mentorship and guidance that can chart a new course for skills development and work experience in our country.

​We believe that as this programme creates new opportunities for 20,000 recent graduates annually, the beneficiaries will maximise the opportunities presented to them and maximise their 12 months of engagement on the programme.

I will encourage all eligible Nigerians to apply for this programme, I also urge private sector organisations in Nigeria to join us on this programme to provide work placement opportunities, mentors, and funding to support the programme.

I would like to say thank you to the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union for their support on this vital initiative. And I hereby declare the program open.

​Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Watch the Presidential launch of the Jubilee Fellows Programme, live:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpYXjIzmS64

Big Announcement Coming to you from the State House, Abuja, tomorrow, Tuesday August 31, 2021:

Applications will open for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, which aims to place 20,000 skilled young Nigerian graduates (under the age of 30) into jobs in private and public sector organizations around the country. (Open to applicants from every part of Nigeria!)

The jobs will last for 12 months, will be fully-paid, and will seek to help prepare qualifying recent graduates for their future careers and work environments.

Goals include improving employability, building useful career and leadership skills in young graduates, and connecting employers and potential employees.

The programme is a Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme UNDP in Nigeria

20,000 young Nigerians will benefit.

Spread the word, and stay tuned for updates.

Big Announcement Coming to you from the State House, Abuja, tomorrow, Tuesday August 31, 2021:

Applications will open for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, which aims to place 20,000 skilled young Nigerian graduates (under the age of 30) into jobs in private and public sector organizations around the country. (Open to applicants from every part of Nigeria!)

The jobs will last for 12 months, will be fully-paid, and will seek to help prepare qualifying recent graduates for their future careers and work environments.

Goals include improving employability, building useful career and leadership skills in young graduates, and connecting employers and potential employees.

The programme is a Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme UNDP in Nigeria

20,000 young Nigerians will benefit.

Spread the word, and stay tuned for updates.

PRESIDENT BUHARI LAUDS GDP 5.01% GROWTH IN Q2 2021

President Buhari welcomes today’s Q2 2021 report by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, showing a third consecutive quarter of positive growth of Nigeria’s economy, as well as the highest quarterly growth in GDP since 2014.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.01% in Q2 2021 following 0.51% growth in Q1 2021. This growth, which continues the progress of the preceding two quarters, is a continuing trend reflecting Nigeria’s economic rebound following the COVID-19-induced contractions seen in Q1 and Q2 2020.

The non-oil sector is a significant contributor to the economic performance in Q2 2021 with growth of 6.74% in real terms, the fastest growth in the sector since the third quarter of 2014. The contribution of the non-oil sector to GDP increased from 91.07% in Q2 2020 to 92.58% in Q2 2021.

The President commends managers of the economy for hard work and commitment, urging them to keep at it till the positive development “touches the lives and pockets of the average Nigerian.”

The main drivers of the Q2 2021 economic growth include Trade, Information and Communication (mainly Telecommunications), Transportation, Electricity, Agriculture (Crop Production) and Manufacturing.

The service sector, specifically, recorded its strongest performance in more than a decade, growing at 9.27%.

These main growth drivers of this second quarter performance are reflective of the gains from easing restriction of movement locally and internationally, and the improvement in the business and economic environment compared to the same period in 2020.

The President notes the decline in real growth in the oil sector in Q2 2021, compared to a year ago. Oil production levels were at 1.62million barrels per day, compared to 1.67million barrels per day in Q2 2020. The lower production output as well as the volatility in oil prices since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, is responsible for the decline in performance of the oil sector.

President Buhari assures that recent reforms and efforts like the conclusion of the Marginal Fields Bid Round, the renewed focus on gas development (including the NLNG Train 7 project, and various pipeline construction projects) as well as the passage and assent to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), are certain to attract new investment to the oil and gas sector, and create conditions for more robust levels of growth in the future.

It is gratifying to note that the various policies of the administration, aimed at boosting agricultural production, improving the business environment, and investing massively in infrastructure, are beginning to yield fruit. Equally gratifying is the complementary news of the steady decline in the rate of inflation, over the last few months.

The positive effects of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), which helped fast-track the country’s exit from the COVID-induced recession of 2020, continue to be evident, as some of the sectors driving the Q2 2021 growth have benefited or are benefiting from government-led interventions.

The successful roll-out of vaccines and COVID-19 protocols has also helped to reduce pressures on the healthcare system and the need for a lockdown.

Looking to the future, the President assures Nigerians that there is much to be optimistic about. He assures that the investments in agriculture and infrastructure will continue, as will on-going efforts to achieve a significant improvement in the security situation across the country.

“There is no doubt that a more secure environment - which the security agencies are working hard to achieve - will spur and energize the shoots of economic progress being seen and felt in the country,” the President said.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 26, 2021

Nigeria has signed a Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement with the Russian Federation. The Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi MAGASHI (Rtd), who is on an official visit to Russia, signed on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while the Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugaev, signed for the Russian Federation.

The signing ceremony, which took place on 23 August 2021, was witnessed by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, His Excellency (Prof.) Abdullahi Y. SHEHU, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Auwal Zubairu GAMBO, the Defence Attache in the Embassy of Nigeria in Moscow, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo ADESANYA, representatives of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force, other senior Military officers, and officials of the Nigerian Ministry of Defence. This Agreement terminates the earlier Agreement between the two countries signed on 6 March 2001.

In a brief statement after the signing ceremony, Ambassador SHEHU expressed appreciation to the Russian authorities and reiterated that Nigeria is not looking for alternative but for complementarity and mutual benefits.

In a related development, declaring open the 7th International Military- Technical Forum -Army 2021 on 23 August 2021, President Vladimir PUTIN of Russia stated that "Massive mutually beneficial portfolios of contracts for the supply of Russian military goods are concluded on the forum's sidelines every year". According to President PUTIN, "The forum has on display over 28,000 units of modern military arms and equipment ranging from small firearms to artillery, tanks, and military combat aircraft. Our army and navy are being modernised at a fast pace as they receive the latest­generation military assets. For example, the share of modern weapons.

The Agreement on Military-Technical Cooperation between both countries provides a legal framework for the supply of military equipment, provision of after sales services, training of personnel in respective educational establishments and technology transfer, among others. The signing of the Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement is a landmark development in the bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Russian Federation.

Source: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Moscow, The Russian Federation,
25August 2021.

*Shoemakers association grateful, says output will increase

*VP: Southeast is a strategic industrial, trade hub

Detailing some of the ongoing and completed Federal Government projects in the Southeast, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, affirms that the Buhari administration considers the zone a strategic industrial, trade hub, and a major player in Nigeria's economic growth.

The consideration and the projects would also help in lifting people out of poverty.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this earlier today at the inauguration of two completed projects in Anambra State: the MSMEs Shared Facility at the Ogbunike Leather Trading Cluster, and the Awka 120MVA 132/33kV Sub-Station.

The VP observed that the Second Niger Bridge Project which connects Asaba in Delta State and Onitsha in Anambra State has now achieved 65% completion and will be completed by October 2022.

Besides, he noted that the concession of the Onitsha Inland River Port is in its final stages, while both the draft Concession Agreement and the Full Business Case (FBC) have been transmitted to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for necessary action.

According to the Vice President, “let me also assure you of this administration’s commitment to seeing through the major infrastructural projects that will have a transformative impact on this zone. The Second Niger Bridge Project which connects Asaba in Delta State and Onitsha in Anambra State has now achieved 65% completion.

"By the time it is completed in October 2022, the Project will offer significant socio-economic benefits for the contiguous States and indeed the entire nation by easing traffic flow, improving road safety, and creating greater opportunities for residents and neighbouring States, thereby regenerating economic life.”

Continuing, the VP noted that the concession of the Onitsha Inland River Port is in its final stages, adding that once the Port becomes operational, it will effectively decongest the Apapa ports and ultimately translate into a reduction in the cost of imported goods.

"The cumulative effects of all these measures is to open up the Southeast and our resolve to pursue these projects to their completion is an indication that the administration sees the zone as a strategic industrial and trade hub. They also demonstrate our conviction that Anambra State and the Southeast at large, have a huge role to play in our drive to foster economic growth and lift our people out of poverty. The commissioning of this facility here today is a milestone in our nation’s economic adventure," he says.

On the Ogbunike Shared Facility project, the Vice President said the initiative would transform businesses within and around the cluster, hugely increasing their production capacity.

“I am told this leather cluster has about 2000 stores with almost 30,000 MSMEs operating here. So, I have no doubt that this facility will be of immediate value to all of them. When asked, some of MSMEs operating here said they are able to produce 200 to 400 shoes a month, using manual processes. With this facility, the MSMEs located here would now have a potential monthly production of 96,000 shoe soles, 44,000 slippers, 44,000 shoes and 22,000 boots.

“This project will also help provide relative succour to MSMEs by also housing a One-Stop Office for MSMEs. This arrangement brings all relevant regulatory agencies under one roof to enable MSMEs requiring services or facing difficulties to access them with ease.”

On the Awka Power Station, the VP said “the commitment of the Buhari administration to ensuring the completion of this Awka NIPP 132kV Grid Substation now provides a hitherto unavailable 70MW additional power capacity for driving industrial growth and boosting the economy of the State, with positive knock-on effects on employment and socio-economic upliftment for residents of the State.”

Prof. Osinbajo explained that beyond commerce, the power project “is also connected to the new ultra-modern airport at Umueri,” noting that “we are looking here at a substantial addition not just to power capacity, but more importantly at the capacity of the residents of this State, and businesses in this State to be more effective.”

While thanking the Vice President, Governor Willie Obiano, acknowledged the support the State has received from the Federal Government across different sectors including MSMEs, infrastructure projects, among many others.

He noted that thousands of small businesses have benefitted from schemes implemented by the Federal Government including direct disbursements to businesses in the State.

Speaking earlier, a representative of the Shoe Manufacturers Association of Anambra State, Chief Clement Okemefuna Emesim, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for fulfilling a promise made in 2018, while appealing to governments to patronise the products from the leather hub in the State.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
24th August 2021

NAF TO INDUCT A-29 SUPER TUCANO AIRCRAFT

The induction ceremony of the newly acquired A-29 Super Tucano aircraft into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Order of Battle is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 31 August 2021 at the 011 Presidential Air Fleet Apron, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by 10.00am. Expectedly, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, will preside over the induction ceremony as the Special Guest of Honour. As part of programmes lined up for the induction ceremony, a symbolic flypast will be performed by some of the newly acquired A-29 Super Tucano aircraft within the vicinity of the induction ceremony.

It would be recalled that the first batch of 6 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft arrived Kano, Nigeria on 22 July 2021. On arrival, the aircraft were received by the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), alongside the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao. The second batch of the remaining 6 A-29 Super Tucanos are expected in Nigeria before the end of 2021.

Edward Gabkwet
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
24 August 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday, August 17, 2021, confirmed and ratified International Coffee Agreement, 2007, following Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval of Nigeria’s membership of the International Coffee Organization (ICO).

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting had drawn a conclusion on the agreement on October 21, 2020, with emphasis on Conclusion 10 which approved the preparation of the Instrument of Ratification of Nigeria’s membership of the International Coffee Organization and International Coffee Agreement of 2007.

The 2007 Agreement will strengthen the ICO’s role as a forum for intergovernmental consultations, facilitate international trade through increased transparency and access to relevant information, and promote a sustainable coffee economy for the benefit of all stakeholders and particularly of small-scale farmers in coffee producing countries.

The agreement is an important instrument for development cooperation and will provide the legal framework for core activities undertaken by the Organization in the future.

The Instrument of Ratification was prepared by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 19, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI MEETS WITH SECURITY CHIEFS THURSDAY

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday confer with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President returned to Abuja last Friday after 18 days in London, during which he attended an education summit and did health checks.

The security forces have in the past few weeks taken the battle more robustly to insurgents, bandits, and all other criminals troubling the country, and they are now surrendering in droves. The President will be brought up to speed on developments at the Thursday meeting, while plans to bring a decisive end to the challenges will be formulated.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 17, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the Petroleum Industry Bill 2021 into law.

Working from home in five days quarantine as required by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 after returning from London on Friday August 13, the President assented to the Bill Monday August 16, in his determination to fulfill his constitutional duty.

The ceremonial part of the new legislation will be done on Wednesday, after the days of mandatory isolation would have been fulfilled.

The Petroleum Industry Act provides legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, the development of host communities, and related matters.

The Senate had passed the Bill on July 15, 2021, while the House of Representatives did same on July 16, thus ending a long wait since early 2000s, and notching another high for the Buhari administration.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

August 16, 2021

Former Governor of Anambra State and running mate to Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, flew into the eye of the storm some days ago, when he said on the breakfast show of a television station that the Nigerian economy couldn’t be driven on infrastructure development.

Mr Obi, my friend of many years, and member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) simply carried opposition politics too far, and got himself into a jumble. What did he spend eight years doing as Governor of Anambra State? Building and developing infrastructure to boost the economy of the state. If not infrastructure, then what? Why then did he say this? “You can’t use infrastructure to drive economic growth. You invest in education and the SME (Small, Medium Enterprises) sector instead to deal with poverty.”

I think the successful businessman and former Governor got completely flummoxed, perplexed, bewildered and bemused, all in the process of trying to run down the Muhammadu Buhari administration, which has been doing great things in infrastructural development in the past six years.

Obi said the thing was to invest in education and the SME. By Jove, where would education or SME be, without infrastructure? And by the way, what is infrastructure? The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities like buildings, roads, power supply, bridges, airports, and others, needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. How does education function without all these? And how do SMEs succeed without them? Our dear friend, Peter Obi got trapped in a labyrinth, became confused and confounded, all in the name of opposition politics.

President Buhari had always lamented the decay and collapse of infrastructure this administration inherited in 2015. No roads, no rail, no power (where is the power?), rickety airports, no bridges, nothing. And he said there couldn’t be development without infrastructure. So he set his sights on reversing the trend. Today, only cynics, skeptics and naysayers would deny the strides made in infrastructure: roads, bridges, rail, airports, pipelines, and many others. By 2022, when most of the massive infrastructural projects are commissioned, even the blind would see it, and the deaf would hear.

While Peter Obi tries in vain to run down infrastructure (we forgive him; he got confused by petty politics), the American government under President Joe Biden has enunciated what it calls The American Jobs Plan. And what is it anchored upon? Fix highways, rebuild bridges, upgrade ports, airports, and transit systems. In fact, Kamala Harris, the American Vice President says; “Infrastructure is the foundation of a good economy. And when we invest in infrastructure, we create good jobs. That’s exactly what the American Jobs Plan will do.”

Heck! I say heck again! What then was our Peter talking about? The Okute missed it, and missed it big time. That is what unbridled and virulent opposition does to an otherwise good man.

Let’s look at the shape of things to come, particularly in 2022 and 2023 in terms of infrastructure development in our country.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway had been under one form of rehabilitation or the other in the 16 years of the PDP. No rhythm, no rhyme. No progress. Just the macabre dance of one step forward, and two steps backwards. Now, the estimated completion date of that road is July 2022, and it is being jointly handled by Julius Berger and Reynolds Construction Company. The multi-billion naira project is being heavily financed by the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF). It takes a government committed to the welfare of the people to undertake such. If it was merely interested in stealing, it would simply pocket the funds, as many past administrations had done.

The Second Niger Bridge. Built by PDP with mouth for 16 years. The Buhari administration has pumped in N133.7 billion so far, out of the N206.2 billion contract sum. The bridge is about 70% per cent completed, and estimated commissioning time is last quarter of 2022.

The Abuja-Kano road. Original contract sum was N155.72 billion, out of which N111.1 billion has been disbursed. Work is going on at frenetic pace, and the original 92.5km of the dual carriage way was almost ready, before the scope of the project was changed to total reconstruction of 375km. Estimated time of completion is 2025, and commissioning will be done by the successor to the Buhari administration. A good government transcends its time.

What of the Bodo-Bonny road, in Rivers State? Built under special contractual arrangement with the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Project (NLNG), the 39km project over muddy and swampy soil conditions, cross culverts and 17 large and mini bridges, is due for completion next year. And the people of Bonny will for the first time ever commute on road to the mainland, and not over water. Give me more infrastructure, please.

What of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline project? Massive. Colossal. Mammoth. And estimated completion date is 2023. Yet, those who institutionalized corruption in this country, and those who perpetuated it for 16 years, are trying to tell us stories about the current level of graft. They should tell it to the marines. Corruption is being robustly fought, and we see remarkable things being done. What did they do in their time, despite huge earnings from oil? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. They only ran the country into a hole.

Monumental rail projects have been awarded, to run round the country. Some are up and running already. Roads neglected for upward of four decades are being rebuilt. Airports have been commissioned. Infrastructure everywhere. And somebody says it should rather be education and SMEs. I hear. Where would those end up without infrastructure?

I remember a meeting we held early last year, at the outset of COVID-19, when it had become apparent that the economy would be shut down, and the country would suffer immensely. President Buhari had told Mrs Zaynab Usman, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning: “No matter what happens, ensure that salaries of government workers do not fail. Pensions must be paid. And funding of infrastructure projects must not stop.”

Now, we are at the threshold of reaping the benefits. Yet, some people want to downplay infrastructure, and play up insecurity, all in an attempt to vitiate the achievements of the Buhari administration. Will they succeed? Never! Insecurity will end, and soon too, and infrastructure will hugely decorate the landscape.

I am glad Buhari came our way when he did, otherwise, what would we be talking about today? Hard to contemplate.

*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

On Nigeria’s Participation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
 
Not wanting to add to the public distraction, I have deliberately waited until the end of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games before making any observations regarding the various reports on Nigeria’s participation in the quadrennial games.
 
2. This was out of respect for our athletes who had committed so much effort and made such considerable personal sacrifice in order to represent our nation as best as they could.  Overall, we should be proud of Team Nigeria and the effort they made. The bottom line is that these games should always be about the athletes and the spirit of friendly competition and excellence the Olympics are meant to engender.
 
3. Sadly, some people seem not to have embraced either the good cause of our national athletic pursuits or the collegial and noble spirit that the Olympics promote.
 
4. The rancour and confusion some people seem intent on sowing are terribly out of place given the impressive performance of our team and good spirit with which they performed. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are now over, which means we can begin to honestly and objectively assess what was accomplished as well as what we must do to improve performance for future contests.
 
5. Nigeria succeeded with two (2) medals - a silver in wrestling won by Blessing Oborodudu and a bronze in long jump won by Ese Brume. Their performances were inspiring for they affirmed we can and should compete at the highest levels across the full range of sports events. Yes, we had wished and worked for more medals. But we must also put things in perspective. The medal outcome at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics stands as Nigeria’s best result in the last 13 years.
 
6. Moreover, the athletes of Team Nigeria did their nation proud. Many of them reached the finals of their respective sports and, competing with all they had, were in contention for medals until the final moment. Any one who saw their efforts would have nothing but the utmost respect for them, their coaches and all the technical staff that made Tokyo possible.
 
7. I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his unrelenting support for Sports and Youth development and indeed for the opportunity to serve and lead our participation at these games. Team Nigeria placed 74th position on the final  Olympic medal table among 205 participating countries, despite our small contingent to the games. We were 8th among 52 African countries that participated. Team Nigeria excelled in many areas that engender hope for greater success in the future.
 
8. Nigeria had five Olympic finalists in 100 meters Hurdles Women, Short Put, Long jump, Wrestling and 100 meters men. Team Nigeria broke the 13 year old jinx of no medal in Long jump and 25 years of no finalist in the men’s 100 meters,  and secured a medal in wrestling for the very first time. Overall, our performance was good and more importantly it is headed in the right direction.
 
9. While the general trends and  overall performance was positive, I must mention two unfortunate incidents that occurred.
 
10. First is the mishap resulting in 10 Team Nigeria athletes being ruled ineligible to compete for missing their mandatory Out of Competition Test, OTC. When notice of this ruling got to me, I immediately mobilized my team and the AFN leadership to see how the situation could be salvaged. We mounted a vigorous appeal process with Athletics Integrity Unit, AIU and had the team members complete the tests.  However,  timing became the critical issue . Despite our energetic appeal, the deciding committee made its announcement which gave no latitude to our team members for what was only an inadvertent lapse.
 
11. The adverse decision was painful to accept. We had prepared carefully and eagerly for the Olympics with the expectation that each person, federation, coach and athlete would also complete the necessary preparations required of them. As Minister, I ensured that all necessary approvals were done so that all requisite tests and exams could be timely completed. For me this unfortunate incident is most painful because these athletes had prepared long and hard and also in view of the challenging circumstances due to COVID-19.
 
12. As the Minister I must bear some institutional responsibility for this lapse.  I also had to depend and expect that each person in the long and often technical chain will perform their role expeditiously and with precision. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line someone failed in their responsibility and  as Minister I bear the responsibility and brunt of criticsm.  But that is not enough. I must move to ensure that Nigeria never experiences another such moment. I have ordered a full investigation that will not only uncover what happened, but will also, recommend a process where such lapses can never occur in the future and initiate leveraging compliance monitoring technology to guardrail this.
 
13. I have personally apologized to the affected athletes. Here and now, I personally apologize to all Nigerians for this ineligibility episode. The AFN has also taken responsibility and apologized to the athletes and to Nigerians.
 
14. Already, a new Medical and Anti-Doping Commission has been set up to establish a fool proof system of testing and ensure Nigeria exits the A Categorization by WADA.
Also,Blessing Okagbare remains one of our best athletes who has served Nigeria well. We emphatize with her. Nigeria will monitor closely developments around her temporary suspension and appeal.  
 
15. The second issue had to do with the apparel provided for the team.
 
16. The Ministry’s responsibility and that of the 38 National Sporting Federations, NSFs of kitting are well spelt out. The production of general wears for Team Nigeria is always the responsibility of the Ministry of Youth and Sport Development. Procurement for the Competition Wear is the responsibility of the respective federations because of the fact that each sport requires specialized outfits. Boxing, Wrestling, Atheletics and each of the  federations need different gears. The Ministry provides budgetary support to the federations.
 
17. The quantity of competition wears given to each athlete is the decision of the particular federation. No complaints came to my notice until the Tik Tok Video posted by one of the athletes went viral. We Immediately stepped in to manage the situation. The Federation involved has been directed to provide a detailed explanation about the kit.
 
18. Team Nigeria was properly kitted for the games with a 9-item back pack using a local manufacturer in harmony with President Buhari’s policy on local content.
 
19. Before any federation which is a component of Team Nigeria however wears any brand, it must refer to the Ministry and the NOC for clearance and approval. The Ministry and NOC must be fully aware of the contract details by the Federation to protect the rights and freedoms of the athletes and ensure Nigeria’s interests are protected. In this situation, the Ministry wishes to state that the contractual arrangement between AFN and Puma prior to the Olympic Games has generated a lot of controversy between the former President of the Federation and the former Board members. I will not want to go into too much details on this issue because it is sub judice. Suffice it to say that the Ministry was not part of the agreement. The Tik Tok video on the issue was an attempt to create a media frenzy to embarrass Nigeria.  
 
20. Following from the above, the issue relating to the competition wears vis a vis the alleged arrangement with Puma is most unfortunate. I have demanded a proper investigation into this matter. Such an inquiry will unearth the truth about how some people tried to sabotage Nigeria’s participation and undermine the country and our Olympic athletes.
 
21. On assumption of office as Minister of Youth and Sports 2 years ago, I began a gradual reformation of the National Sports Federations, NSFs.  For years, a few of these federations were very badly run. These reforms will take time. There already is and will be stiff resistance from some quarters, which is what we are witnessing now. But we are resolute to establish better sport’s management, a legacy President Muhammadu Buhari is desirous of bequeathing to our sports development.  
 
22. There is much to hope for the future. In Tokyo, Most of our athletes were young and debutants – first time Olympians. They gave their all. If only we can support them in a sustained manner, they will give us future Olympic medals  and raise high the flag of Nigeria at all venues of international sports competition. We have started building a new generation of Young Nigerian athletes who will benefit immensely from the Nigerian Sports Industry Policy which will be placed before the Federal Executive Council for approval shortly. This policy will unleash the economic potential of our sports sector following President Buhari’s reclassification of sports as a business, away from recreation. This will be  the foundation for sustained sector growth and maximization of our human resources.
 
23. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics experience will move and challenge me to push our sports  to a higher level and seek a better condition for all our athletes.
 
24. Team Nigeria went to Tokyo 2020 and competed against the best in the world. Two Olympics medals and a statistical performance that has a place in the history of our Olympic participation despite being one of  our smallest contingents. We can perform even much better if we alI hold onto the lessons learnt.
 
25. I  remain grateful to all the athletes that so represented Nigeria well.
 
 
Sunday Dare
Minister of Youth and Sports Development
Abuja, August 9, 2021

1. I welcome you to the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC) National briefing for today, Monday, 2nd August, 2021 after a long break.

2.​ During this long break, the PSC have been meeting to deliberate on the rising number of COVID-19 cases and proffer ways to curtain a huge impact on our lives and livelihood.

3.​ The world has added about 4 million cases and under 100,000 deaths in the last one week. All countries in the West African region are beginning to see the 3rd Wave while Nigeria is recording about 500 cases daily in the last 7 days. Our Test Positivity Ratio has increased to about 6%. This is worrisome and shows that we are not out of the woods yet.

4.​ It is no more news that the Delta variant has made its way into Nigeria. The PSC is particularly concerned about the situation in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Rivers, Ekiti and Kwara States as this variant has made way into these states and accounts for the rising cases in these states and across the nation. Lagos alone accounts for over 50% of the number of cases. The DG NCDC will elaborate on this development.

5.​ This development calls for great caution because the virus is very virulent and raging in so many other countries. We must therefore keep observing the NPIs and also ensure that we get vaccinated. Vaccination prevents severe cases and reduces hospitalization and deaths but does not eliminate contacting it, hence the need to religiously observe the NPIs.

6.​ We need to test more and detect early enough so that people who have contacted this virus can be treated early. I am pleased to announce that we currently have 143 molecular laboratories in the country (54 private and 89 public) where we can go and test. Please make yourself available for testing and please, test regularly.

7.​ The PSC is ready to publish over 500 travellers who violated the travel protocol and those who evaded quarantine this week. Similarly, those who had their passports barred for 6 months will be lifted in the coming days. The CG Immigration will be directed to lift the suspension and to also activate the new sanctions. Travellers who did not go for their Day-7 test will restriction placed on their international passports for 6 months while those who evaded quarantine will similarly have restrictions on their international passports for one year.

8.​ I also want to announce that the National International Travel Portal is being reviewed to better enhance a hitch free experience for travellers. This review will be completed in the next two weeks. The Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu is ready for reopening. A date will be announced in due course after few logistics issues are cleared.

9.​ The PSC has also reviewed the travel protocols for diplomatic travellers and the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs will brief on this.

10.​ Today, we are privileged to have a Representative of the United States of America who are graciously donating over 4 million doses of Moderna Vaccines. We thank the Government and people of the USA for this gift and we promise that it will be utilized judiciously. Also, important to note is that every State of this country now has at least one U701 Ultra Cold Chain equipment to store ultra-cold vaccines. The ED NPHCDA will elaborate on the vaccines coming into the country.

11.​ I now call on the Hon. Minister of Health followed by the DG-NCDC, ED-NPHCDA and the Head of Technical Secretariat to provide you with technical updates.

12.​ I thank you for listening.

OPENING REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE AT THE INUAGURATION CEREMONY OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, THIS 2ND DAY OF AUGUST 2021 AT THE HAGF CONFERENCE CHAMBERS ABUJA

The Chairperson, Governing Council of the NHRC,
The Executive Secretary, NHRC,
Members of the Governing Council NHRC,
Directors of the Ministry of Justice,
Members of the press,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am indeed delighted to be here today to inaugurate the 5TH Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission. This is pursuant to the directive of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for me to inaugurate the Council on behalf of the President, Commander- in- Chief.

As you are aware, the Commission was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1995 in fulfilment of its international obligation pursuant to 20th Dec 1993 Resolution 48/134 of the United Nations General Assembly that enjoined all member States to establish National Human Rights Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. This followed the adoption of the Paris Principles of 1993 for the Establishment of National Human Rights Institutions at the 2nd World Conference on Human Rights in Paris 1993. The first world conference on human rights had been held in Vienna Austria in 1991.

The Government amended the NHRC Act in 2010 for its operational independence by entrenching the tenure of members and ensuring adequate funding and effectiveness of the Commission. Since the 2010 Amendment of the NHRC Act, members are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate before appointment letters are issued. Again the funds of the Commission are now under the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. This means that funds appropriated for the Commission are released one hundred percent to perform its functions.

Furthermore, the 2010 amendment provided that in the discharge of its functions and exercise of its powers, the Commission shall not be under the control of any authority or person. All these measures have been taken to ensure that the Commission is able to advise the Government properly in the fulfilment of its international human rights obligations and protect and promote the human rights of Nigerians and persons living in Nigeria without fear or favor in line with the Paris Principles. It is known fact that the present government had complied with the award of damages for victims of the 2012 Apo killings of Okada riders by security agents, as well complied with the 2018 White paper recommendations on Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police. The disbandment of SARS and the setting up of Various panels of Inquiry investigating and awarding damages for human rights violations by SARS is a clear testimony to the fact that this government is fulfilling its international obligation to set up an independent National Human Rights Commission for the Promotion and protection of the rights of Nigerians.

I am happy to note that in recognition of the compliance of the Commission with the Paris Principles, the Commission has been graded with ‘A Status’ in the comity of national Human Rights Institutions by the Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). The Commission has affiliate status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights. These give the Commission access to all necessary meetings at the UN and AU Levels. This is indeed gratifying and it beholds on the Governing Council to uphold and improve on the standard achieved by the previous Councils and the Management of the Commission before now.

Council Members should be guided by the Act, and relevant Government Circulars on tenure, the part-time mandate of members except the Executive Secretary, emoluments etc. Furthermore, in discharging your duties, you are bound by the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and you are expected to take an oath of office before the resumption of your duties.

I want to use this opportunity to commend the Executive Secretary, staff and Management of the National Human Rights Commission who have managed the affairs of the Commission pending the appointment and inauguration of this Council for holding the forth without blemish. I look forward to a cordial working relationship between the Management and the Council to ensure steady progress and achievement of greater heights for the Commission in the near future.

At this Juncture, I wish to congratulate the Chairperson and Members and hereby inaugurate your Council.

Abubakar Malami SAN
Honorable Attorney General of the Federation
And Minister of Justice.

Optimizing the Economic Development Capacity of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano “AKK” Gas Pipeline Project

By

Timipre Sylva
Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

KEYNOTE ADDRESS AND AKK FORUM REMARKS TO THE 2021 GAS SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM

1. On behalf of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, I am happy to welcome you all to this event, the 2021 Gas Sector Stakeholders’ Forum themed: Optimizing the Economic Development Capacity of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano “AKK” Gas Pipeline Project.

2. This Forum is yet another demonstration of the Federal Government’s total commitment to the realization of the objectives underpinning the “Decade of Gas” declaration.

3. You may recall that GACN in 2020 organized a similar engagement in Owerri, Imo State aimed at market sensitization and harnessing of gas utilization/ commercialization opportunities within the South Eastern region. That event brought much awakening to the region, leading to increased collaboration between the private sector, respective state governments and relevant agencies for gas commercialization towards meeting identified energy demands in the area.

4. The lens is today focused at facilitating increased gas penetration in the northern part of this great country, especially the AKK pipeline corridor of FCT, Kano, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa and other neighbouring states. Therefore, this Gas Sector Opportunities’ Forum is geared towards sensitizing the entire northern part of Nigeria of the upcoming opportunities to bring both new and hitherto moribund companies to life.

5. Kano State alone is dotted with several industrial parks such as:
a) Challawa Industrial Estate that houses - Rice Mills, Beverages, Jute Bags Manufacturing, Plastic Products manufacturing, etc.
b) Sharada Industrial Estate, Phases 1, 2 and 3 dealing with Hides and Skin, Textile mills, Foundry and steel rolling mills, Vegetable oil Mills, Plastic pipe extruding plants, Afro sacks plants, etc.
c) Bompai Industrial Estate accommodating Flour mills, Mattress production, Animal feeds plant, etc.

6. These parks and others that dot the Kano, Kaduna and other AKK corridor states justify the need to optimise value creation from these industries. Experts estimate that it would take at least 2-3 years to rehabilitate and position these industries for optimal performance. Thus, today’s collaboration with all stakeholders is geared towards kick-starting the required activities that would guarantee full usage of the delivered gas through the AKK pipeline when completed.

7. Today’s event reinforces our commitment to realising the inherent potentials of gas usage as a national catalyst for achieving economic diversification from crude oil and as transition fuel from fossil of today to the renewable energy of tomorrow. It is this commitment that informed our support and eventual commissioning of two (2) gas-powered plants (virtual pipeline operated) in Kano City in December 2020, achieving the uninterrupted delivery of over 30 Mega Watts power supply to the industrial hubs.

8. Our successful collaboration and the completion of the AKK in 2023 will significantly enhance Mr. President’s vision and current drive for increased domestic gas utilization as the mainstay for national industrialization, increased foreign investment, government revenue growth and ultimately provide more job opportunities for Nigerians. The National Gas Expansion Programme which was launched in January 2020 is the flagship programme that is focused on ensuring that all these objectives are achieved and that the gains emanating therefrom are sustained.

9. Let me use this medium to announce to this gathering that following the successful negotiation between the FGN and the Organized Labour Unions, and the detailed review of the gas pricing framework in Nigeria, the price of gas-to-power has been reduced from $2.50/mmbtu to $2.18/mmbtu (domestic supply obligation - DSO) with immediate effect. The outcome of the negotiations and review have been communicated to the relevant stakeholders.

10. On behalf of Mr. President, who is committed to completing the AKK project by 2023, I thank you all for participating in this Northern Forum. I must also appreciate the Management of NNPC, DPR and GACN for their consistent support to gas development in Nigeria. Our sincere appreciation also goes to our host - the Governor of Kano State - for ensuring that this event is a success even amidst the current COVID-19 challenges.

11. My charge to all participants and stakeholders is that you ensure active engagement and cooperation that will guarantee the realisation of the objectives of this laudable Forum, leading to practical solutions that enable the success of the National Gas Expansion Programme.

12. On this note, it is my pleasure to declare the Northern Gas Sector Stakeholders’ Forum open.

13. Thank you and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

How did you feel watching Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, inspecting the just completed multi-million dollars bridge at Ikom, Cross River State, early this week? Any person of goodwill, not overtaken by bile and ill will, would feel proud to be a Nigerian. Such people would be proud of not just the dynamic Minister, but also of his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Yes, President Buhari is doing great things in the area of infrastructure in the country. Roads, bridges, rail, airports, and the half has never yet been told.

The new Ikom bridge replaces the old steel truss bridge built 50 years ago, in 1971. Located at Eko-Mfum, in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, construction began in April 2017, and the project was completed in March, this year.

As Minister Fashola said, that bridge would facilitate business and transportation between Nigeria and Cameroon, and generate employment for people. Money truly well spent, even at times of scarcity.

The new Ikom Bridge, coming after 50 years, is reflective of what President Buhari is doing for the country. He is cracking stubborn projects, initiating some, completing others, and bringing relief and succor to the country.

Just as in Ikom, you have it for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Built in the 1970s and commissioned for use on August 8, 1978, the road became decrepit and degraded over the years. The daily toll in terms of loss of lives on the country’s busiest expressway can only be imagined.

Attempts had been made to refurbish the road in 2007, and 2009 through Public Private Partnership (PPP), but nothing came of it. In 2013, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan awarded the contract, and work began. It didn’t go far till the government exited from power.

Under Buhari, the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) was energized, and it began to fund critical projects round the country. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was one of them. The project was augmented to include upgrades like interchanges and underpasses, and expected completion date is 2022.

As someone that hails from the western part of the country, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is my natural terrain. From Lagos to my homestead of Ipetumodu in Osun State used to take me two hours of steady driving. But as the road deteriorated, it became three, four, five, six hours. At a point, you only knew when the journey started, and not when it would end. I’d slept on that road a couple of times, after crashes and gridlocks ensued in the middle of nowhere, with the attendant security challenges. I also lost a sister on the road, a Professor of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The tears have not dried six years after.

Now, a completely refurbished Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is due for commissioning in months, rebuilt by a Fulani man from Daura, in Katsina State. Are some people not trying to sell the narrative that ALL Fulanis are herdsmen and criminals? What other Presidents from South-west, North-west, and South-south could not do, the so-called cattle rearer from Daura has accomplished. Holy Moses!

The people of Bonny never had a road across the Opobo Channel in Rivers State since the beginning of time, when Adam and Eve lived. The Bodo-Bonny road had been conceived for decades, and many administrations, military and civilian, had come. None was able to build the road. Unsuccessful attempts were made in 1997, 1999, and 2002, to kick off the project, but all failed. Now, the cattle rearer is set to deliver the multi-million dollars road in 2022.

Work began in 2015 under a financing cooperation between government and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), and massive construction challenges are being surmounted. The 39 kilometers long road is being built over swampy terrain and water, with many cross culverts, mini bridges, and creek bridges. Only a leader with the heart of lion could dare the project. Buhari did, and he would deliver next year, by the grace of God.

The big elephant. Second Niger Bridge. We know the story, after the existing bridge was built in 1965. Many governments had attempted to build a second one. For 16 years, three administrations of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) built it with their mouths. Whenever it was time for elections, they would go to the site with cutlasses and hoes (as if that was what you needed to build a bridge of such magnitude), but after collecting the votes of the people, they retrieved their hoes and cutlasses. Till the next election.

The second Niger Bridge was conceptualized in 2005, an attempt was made to start work in 2014, but it was not successful. In 2016, under Buhari, the project roared to life. Funded under PIDF, the project is expected to be delivered in 2022, that year of massive projects commissioning. A Fulani man has made a difference, where all the others before him failed.

Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano. Another famished road, where scores of lives are lost on regular basis. The Abuja-Kaduna section was completed in 1996, the Kaduna-Zaria section in 1991, and Zaria-Kano portion, also in 1991. Since then, only minor repairs were done over the years. But under Buhari, rebuilding work commenced in 2018, funded by PIDF, and the main carriageway is expected to be delivered in 2023, and the ancillary components completed in 2025. Only a President who doesn’t pocket the country’s resources attempts huge projects like this.

Over 800 contracts have been awarded for projects by the Works and Housing Ministry round the country, but let’s look at one more stubborn project being cracked. The Apapa-Wharf road, and construction of Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota Expressway.

Hmmmm. Those of us that used that road for more than a decade, going to work daily in Apapa area of Lagos have stories to tell. Getting to the office was horror, getting home at night was close to hell. Three hours after leaving the office, you were still stuck in craters and ravines, trying to meander your way. How many times were we robbed in the traffic gridlock? In January 2003, robbers fired into my car, the bullet ripped through my clothe, nicked my shoulder, and buried itself in the chest of my co-worker, whom I had given a ride. The life of Bashiru Adeyemi, retired soldier and computer operator in our office, was never the same again, till he died some years later. Due to a bad road, neglected over the years by successive governments.

Now, all the way from Daura, succor has come for Lagosians. After three failed attempts at rehabilitation in 2009, 2012, and 2016, full reconstruction of the road began in 2018. Rigid pavement is being used due to traffic volume and haulage activities to and from the ports. The Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota Expressway is expected to be delivered later this year. What a relief it would give.

Amidst all these great works by the self-effacing man from Daura, evil hearts are engaged in war of tongues, saying they do not see what the government is doing. Yes, there are serious security challenges in the country, which are being tackled, but they want to make it seem that only insecurity is the thing happening. The PDP shouts itself hoarse daily, trying to knock off the party that removed its snout from the honeypot in 2015. But why do the heathens rage, and the people imagine vain things? He that sits in Heaven is laughing at them.

As Works and Housing Minister, Fashola is doing great things for Nigeria, under the inspiration and leadership of President Buhari. Many are the projects considered stubborn over the years, which President Buhari has cracked. I am glad the cattle rearer came our way. We will never forget his good works.

*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja signed a supplementary budget of N982.7bn for 2021 to address urgent security and COVID-19 needs of the nation.

The President signed the Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2021 in his office at the State House in the presence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze and Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House), Hon. Umar el-Yakub.

Of the amount, N123.3 million is for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure while the sum of the N859.3bn is for contribution to the Development Fund for the capital expenditure for the year ending on the 31st day of December, 2021.

President Buhari commended the National Assembly for the expeditious consideration and approval of the supplementary budget, assuring that the executive arm of government would ensure the timely delivery of capital projects to achieve the laudable objectives of the Budget.

Meanwhile, the President has also, at an earlier date, signed the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board (Amendment) Act, 2021.

The Act amends the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act Cap. O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for the establishment of the Orthopedic Hospital Jos, Plateau State under the control of the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board affiliated to the Jos Teaching Hospital to provide specialised orthopedic treatment and medical services.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

July 26, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari will today Monday July 26, 2021, travel to the United Kingdom to participate in the Global Education Summit on Financing Global Partnership for Education (GPE) 2021-2025.

The Summit, which will be co-hosted by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, and the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, will bring together Heads of State and Government as well as stakeholders and youth leaders, and provide a platform for partners to chart a way forward towards transforming education systems in partner countries, through exchange of best practices.

It will also offer the opportunity for leaders to make 5-year pledges to support GPE's work to help transform education systems in up to 90 countries and territories.

Deliberations at the Summit will focus on: The Power of Education –A Conversation between Global Champions; Transforming Education for Girls; Financing for Impact and Recovery and; What Now? Priorities for Transforming Education in the Coming Five Years, among others.

President Buhari will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

After the Summit, the President will spend a few days for an earlier scheduled medical check-up. He is due back by second week of August, 2021.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of State Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) and Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

July 26, 2021

In a major victory for Nigeria's new anti-piracy law, a Nigerian Federal High Court has sentenced 10 pirates involved in the 2020 hijack of a merchant vessel FV HAILUFENG II to 12 years imprisonment each with a N250,000.00 fine on each count.

Delivering judgement today, Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi submitted that piracy has been an embarrassment to the nation and has impacted the economy negatively.

Hence, Justice Faji stated that punishment for this act must be proportionate to the offence committed by the convicts to serve as deterrence to others.

In his submission, the lead prosecution counsel, Mr Labaran Magaji averred that the verdict would send strong warning to other criminal elements that Nigeria has zero tolerance for maritime criminals and that Nigerian institutions, both Nigerian Navy, prosecuting agencies and security agencies are ready to counter criminal activities.

The defence counsel has promised to appeal the judgment.

It could be recalled that the Nigerian Navy (NN) rescued 18 crew members on board a Chinese vessel, FV HAILUFENG II from pirates' attack on 15 May 2020.

Subsequently, 10 suspects were charged before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi.

The suspects were charged to 3 counts on piracy with the offence contravening the provisions of Section 3, 10 and 12 of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019.

The defendants included Frank Abaka, Jude Ebaragha, Shina Alolo, Joshua Iwiki, David Akinseye, Ahmed Toyin, Shobajo Saheed, Adekole Philip, Matthew Masi, and Bright Agbedeyi.

SULEMAN DAHUN
Commodore
for Chief of the Naval Staff

SUPER TUCANO AIRCRAFT ARRIVES NIGERIA

The first batch of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft have arrived Kano, today 22 July 2021 at about 12.34pm. On hand to receive the aircraft were the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.

Edward Gabkwet
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
22 July 2021

PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. Honourable Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Magashi unveils the Nigerian flag on one of the Super Tucano aircraft.

2. Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd) inspects the Super Tucano aircraft.

3. Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd) flanked by Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya (Left) and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, with a Super Tucano aircraft at the background.

It is unfortunate, and disappointing, for citizens of Nigeria to bear witness to one of their Churchmen castigating their country in front of representatives of a foreign parliament.

We are all too familiar with these overseas political tours that opposition politicians take - visiting foreign leaders and legislators in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe. So, the argument goes, if they are heard seriously abroad, then Nigerian citizens back home should surely listen to them too.

But in order to be heard at all, and to maximise media coverage back home for their activities, inevitably these visits involve painting the worst possible picture of our country before their chosen foreign audience.

Soon enough we inescapably hear an identical list of racist tropes against northerners, how one religion dominates governance above all others, how the government is doing nothing to address herder-farmer disturbances, and how the government spends money on infrastructure to benefit everyone but the group and religion of the speaker. Of course, in order not to disappoint their western audience, regardless of fact, the list is always the same-and always slanted for whoever wishes to cross-check.

Nigerians expect this from their unimaginative opposition - but it is troubling when a so-called man of the Church copies the worst excesses of those seeking personal advancement in public office.

Only this government has put forward the first and singular plan in nearly a century to address herder-farmer challenges - a fact recognised by international NGOs, including the International Crisis Group. To declare to a foreign audience that this government does nothing is an incredible falsehood.

To suggest that investment in infrastructure between Nigeria and Niger is wasteful and biased – when a similar infrastructure project between Lagos and Benin has revolutionised the two neighbouring economies to the advantage of both our countries - is quite disturbing.

There is no bias in this government when the president is northern and Muslim, the vice president southern and Christian, and the cabinet equally balanced between the two religions. But neither is there anything in our Constitution to state that political posts must be apportioned according to ethnicity or faith. It takes a warped frame of mind for a critic to believe ethnicity is of primary importance in public appointments. It is yet more troubling to hear a Churchman isolating one group for criticism purely on ethnic lines.

With due respect to the esteemed position he holds, the Bishop’s assertion that only Christian schools are being targeted by bandits or terrorists is not supported by the facts on the ground. It is sad to say but also true that victims of crime, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism cut across all strata of the society. Sad but true that Kankara students in Katsina State were stolen by bandits of the same Islamic faith as those they took away. The same may be true of those who are still holding the 134 students of the Islamic School at Tegina in Niger State. The nation witnessed the sad incident of the female students abducted by bandits at Jangebe in Zamfara State and the over 100 predominantly Muslim students of the Federal Government Girls College Birnin Yauri in Kebbi State who are currently in captivity- and the nation’s security agencies are hard at work to release them unharmed.

The attack on Christian students is sad and unacceptable; so also is the abduction of students of other faiths. The claim that only Christian schools are being targeted is totally untrue.

As a nation and a people, we must together define evil as evil. We must not allow our religious differences to divide us. No one gains but the evil doers when we divide our ranks according to ethnicity and religion in confronting them. The bandit, kidnapper and terrorist are the enemies of the people who should be confronted in unison.

To be clear, The Bible is definitive on matters of ethnicity and racialism: In Romans 2:9-10, it says: “There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honour and peace for everyone who does good”; And in Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Whether Christian or Muslim, we stand by these beliefs and are steadfastly committed to them in governance.

There is no place in mainstream civil discourse for those who actively, negatively, and publicly label an individual ethnic group, especially before a foreign audience. These are not the views expressed or opinions held by the vast majority of the citizens of Nigeria. For all our challenges as a nation, nearly all of us seek to live together in harmony, celebrating differences, and finding common ground as Nigerians above all. But people like Kukah are doing their best to sow discord and strife among Nigerians.

More than any other set of people, leaders - in politics or religion who preach respect for truth have a duty to practice it. It is a moral and practical responsibility.

Going by the history of the Church as is well known, it will stand up publicly for the truth.

It is time others did the same.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 18, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari lauds Executive Director/Chef Executive Officer of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr Olusegun Awolowo, on his election as President of National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from ECOWAS member States.

The President says Awolowo’s unanimous election is testament to the confidence reposed in him, and in Nigeria, by Chief Executive Officers of trade promotion organizations in West Africa, and urges him to serve to the best of his ability, and do the country proud.

President Buhari notes that an ECOWAS TPO Network holds great possibilities for Nigeria and the sub-region in the areas of exchange of commercial information and business opportunities, adding that the domiciling of the Secretariat in Abuja would open vistas of opportunities for Nigeria.

The President wishes Mr Awolowo well in his new assignment, expressing confidence that Nigeria and ECOWAS would benefit a lot from his expertise in trade promotions.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 16, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Kano pledged that his administration will continue to accord railway infrastructure development the greatest priority, describing rail transportation as a potent economic driver.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of Kaduna– Kano segment of the Lagos– Kano railway modernization project, the President said the take-off of construction activities on this segment of the Lagos– Kano vividly represents the commitment of the Federal Government in the revival of the country’s railway system.

''The ground breaking ceremony for Kano - Kaduna segment of the Lagos – Kano railway modernization project signifies an important milestone of the construction of the third segment, having completed and commenced commercial operation on the first segment Abuja–Kaduna and recently the second segment Lagos-Ibadan.

''This project is crucial to the establishment of a supply chain in railway transport within its corridor, Kano –Kaduna-Abuja, as it links the major commercial cities of Kano and Kaduna to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

''Upon completion, Kaduna-Kano railway project is to link the Lagos–Ibadan Railway project via Abuja, Minna, Ilorin, Oshogbo, Ibadan to Lagos on one end, and Maradi, Niger Republic on the other.

''This railway connection when completed will establish the ports in Lagos, as the choice for import and export business of the people of landlocked Niger Republic.

''This would positively drive our economies through employment from new business opportunities and wealth creation,'' he said.

On financing for the project, the President expressed confidence that the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Finance were working to engage co-financiers to conclude financial agreements for the development of the Ibadan–Kano line and to further increase the bankability of the project.

He further explained that the railway line would be linked to the second Port in Lagos, the Tin Can Island Port.

He added that it is also expected that the Inland Dry Port on these routes will be activated with the ports receiving imports directly from the international market as ports of destination such as the Ibadan, Kaduna and Kano Inland Dry Ports.

The President commended the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, the Ministry and other project implementation partners that are contributing to this national effort of railway infrastructure development.

He noted that under this administration several landmarks have been achieved, beginning from the flag-off for commercial operation of Abuja – Kaduna railway in 2016 to the recent commissioning of the Lagos – Ibadan railway project on June 10 2021, thereby maintaining the pace for the actualization of this vital thoroughfare.

In his remarks, Amaechi thanked the President for the strong will in driving the overhaul of Nigeria’s moribund railway transport subsector.

He assured the President that the Transport ministry would remain committed to his vision for a strong and sustainable railway transportation backbone to engender and facilitate a new path to positive economic transformation of the country.

Highlighting some features of the project, the Minister explained the rail line is also provided with accessories and special installations including power and water supply schemes, signalling system and communication in GSM-R, freight yards, rolling stock depots and maintenance workshops. 

He announced that the Ministry has finalized plans to commence construction of the remaining addendum of Ibadan-Abuja to complete the entire stretch of the Lagos-Kano Railway modernization project.

 

At the ground breaking ceremony at Zawaciki, Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State, President Buhari was joined by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State and Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State.

While in Kano, the President also commissioned Dangi Underpass built by the Kano State Government.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

July 15, 2021

The first batch of 6 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft have departed the United States of America on Wednesday, 14 July 2021 enroute Nigeria. The 6 aircraft will be leapfrogged through 5 countries including Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Algeria before arriving their final destination in Nigeria towards the end of July 2021. An official induction ceremony of the aircraft into the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force is already being planned at a later date in August 2021 to be announced in due course. The Office of the Director of Public Relations and Information remains open to any inquiry regarding the arrival and induction of the aircraft.

Thank you.

Edward Gabkwet
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

15 July 2021

We are live



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Watch the #StateHouseBriefing Livestream, July 15, 2021 - 10am


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By Garba Shehu,
Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity.
Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday lay the foundation stone of the Kano-Abuja sector of the Lagos-Kano railway modernization project.

The Lagos-Kano rail project is part of the 25-year vision approved by the Federal Government for the rail transportation in 2002. The contract for it was signed on 30th October, 2002 and assigned to a Chinese Company, China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC.
On October 22,2009 CCECC and the Federal Ministry of Transportation signed a supplementary agreement for the implementation of the Abuja-Kaduna segment, which was completed, commissioned and put to use by the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

On 28th August 2012, the government signed another supplementary agreement for Lagos-Ibadan, the second segment of the corridor for the construction of double track railway of 156.8 kilometers.

In addition to this, the CCECC and the government of Nigeria agreed on December 26, 2016 for the extension of this rail line to Apapa port, adding a distance of 8.57 kilometers.
Given the seriousness attached to the provision of super critical infrastructure projects the Buhari administration dusted off these agreements and commended actual execution.

In June this year, the President was in Lagos to commission this project and officially place it at the service of Nigerians.

In the same vein, the proposed Kano-Ibadan was signed in April 2019, and the segment traverses Oyo, Osun, Kwara , Niger, Abuja, Kaduna and Kano states. This segment, it was agreed, will be implemented in three addendums: Ibadan-Minna, 460 kilometers, Minna-Abuja, 127 kilometers and the now to be commenced, Kano-Kaduna segment covering a distance of 203 kilometers.

This is an important passenger transportation corridor to connect the northern and the southern parts of Nigeria. The kano-Kaduna segment of this project passes through important cities and towns in the north like Kaduna, Jaji, Zaria and Kano, and there is a dense population along the line. This line will undertake passenger exchange in various cities and towns between the capital of Nigeria and the largest city in the North, Kano. Therefore, this project is an important passenger transportation corridor to connect the main cities in the northern Nigeria, and in due course, the major towns down south.

This project is going to form an important part of the West African railway network. The 15 ECOWAS states are committed to a subregional railway network. It is hoped that it will connect to the Niger Republic railway through the Kano-Maradi rail standard gauge rail line which construction the President kick-started a few months ago. This project will be a trunk railway line in Nigeria and also an important part of the West African railway network. Upon completion, this project will promote development in the north and rest of the country, and will create a condition for economic cooperation, material and personnel exchange with the surrounding countries. The completion of this line is therefore significant to Nigeria and the Western African subregion.

As stated above, this project is a trunk line of the national railway of Nigeria, an important part of regional network backbone system, a convenient channel and important passenger transportation corridor for passenger and freight exchange between cities in the country and an important part of the West African railway network.

When completed, this line is expected to meet the demands for the development of national economy, and it will open an efficient and convenient railway channel for import and export of goods in Nigeria and passenger exchange along the line. It will provide an efficient and high-quality traffic means for the sustainable and rapid development of regional and the national economy, strengthen the cooperation and exchange between regions and further drive the development of traditional industry and domestic industrialization process, so as to promote the sustainable development of economy along the whole line and even in the whole nation.

This line connects Kano, the important industrial city in the north of Nigeria and passes through Zaria and connects to the capital Abuja and the coastal city Lagos via the modern railway. At present, there is an existing narrow gauge railway in the channel of Lagos-Kano, but it has a poor line condition and limited transportation capacity. The passenger and freight transportations between the South and the North are mainly undertaken by highway. The economic contact between cities in the North and all other parts of the country is restricted by unwanted conditions, forming a situation of limiting transportation. The south of Nigeria has relatively developed economy and high urbanization rate, while the north is dominated by agriculture and animal husbandry, with a weak economic foundation.

This line will strengthen the contact and exchange between the areas with backward economy and the external economic environment, drive the economic development in the backward area and play an extremely important role to make up for the unevenness of economic and social development between regions. Therefore, the construction of this line should hopefully strengthen the economic contact between the north and south of Nigeria and realize the exchange of materials and personnel, and strengthen the coordinative development of regional economy in the north.

Another important aspect of the new railway which the construction starts today is that it meets the demand for the formation of a green transportation channel in Nigeria.There is a relatively fragile ecological environment along the line in this project, and highway transportation does not only have low transportation capacity and high transportation cost, but also high energy consumption and emission of environment-polluting waste gases.

The existing narrow gauge railway has low traveling speed of trains and low transportation capacity, which mars the railway transportation efficiency. With this project, it is expected that the standard gauge railway technology, in comparison with the expressway, will offer with a large-capacity, convenient, land saving, energy saving, environment-friendly, safe and green way of transportation. This should improve the atmospheric quality substantially, improve water quality and reduce pollution greatly along the line.

Lastly, it is to be noted that completed Abuja-Kaduna Railway is only 186km long, which seriously restricts the transportation capacity. The Kaduna-Kano Railway will provide the northward extension of Abuja-Kaduna Railway, and after completion, the length of Abuja-Kano will be 390km, which will greatly improve the transportation efficiency of Abuja-Kano Railway, and meet the demand for medium to long-distance and large-density transportation service.

The Kano-Kaduna Standard Gauge railway will improve mobility in the country as well as ensure seamless movement of passenger and freight trains on the Lagos-Kano rail link.

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja pledged that Nigeria will continue to support the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) process in the country because of its benefits to good governance and democracy.

The President gave the assurance at the launch of Nigeria Second Review Country Self-Assessment Report and Flag–off of the Validation of the Report at the six geo-political zones of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Describing the review as ‘‘timely and handy’’, President Buhari explained that the present administration with its change mantra agenda, has overhauled, revitalized and institutionalised its machinery for a successful conduct of the second peer review of the country.

The President recalled that Nigeria was first peer reviewed in 2008 and since then has recorded tremendous success in the implementation of the National Programme of Action as recommended.

He reiterated the commitment of his administration to the implementation of the new National Programme of Action that will come up after the review process.

‘‘Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the African continent over the next 50 years with a strong mandate on NEPAD and APRM.

‘‘This is in an attempt to build on and seek the acceleration of the implementation of past and present continental initiatives for the growth and sustainable development of the African Continent.

‘‘This exercise will be a strong reference point in the nation’s history, a source of courage and positive drive for this initiative that is aimed at consolidating the strides of this present administration.

‘‘In addition, this administration has been very supportive and will continue to support the APRM Process in Nigeria knowing the importance of the process which enhances transparency and good governance, strengthens our democracy, identifies and addresses critical challenges as well as promotes all-inclusiveness,’’ he said.

The President therefore urged all stakeholders to come up with more vital strategies, mechanisms and measures that would enable diligent implementation of the new National Programme of Action for accelerated Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Nigeria and Africa.

In her remarks, the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Hon. Gloria Akobundu thanked President Buhari for his transparency, courageous leadership and consenting to the conduct of the Second Peer Review of Nigeria and his consistency in achieving the desired goal. 

‘‘African   Peer Review Mechanism is a mirror for Member States to encourage each other and build resilience to challenges and foster solutions to under development and promote good governance in the continent,’’ she said.

Akobdundu explained that after the Validation of the Country Self-Assessment Report, there are other activities to be effectively accomplished to ensure effectual completion of the Second Peer Review Process.

She listed them as follows:

‘‘The Issue Paper, New National Programme of Action,  Presentation of the Report and Peer Review  of Nigeria at the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government, Institutionalization of the Country Review Report (CRR), Launch of the Country Review Report (CRR) and Continuous Assessment of the Progress and Presentation of Progress Report to the AU-APRM.”

She pledged that the agency will leave no stone unturned to ensure that a smooth process is attained.

The event was attended by the Country Self-Assessment Mission led by Dr. Abdoulie Janneh of Gambia, a former Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the Chief Executive Officer of AU-APRM Secretariat, Prof. Eddy Maloka, among others.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

July 13, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the Fasasi family on the death of renowned singer and songwriter, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, aged 44.

The President notes that Sound Sultan’s demise is not only a loss to the Nigerian music industry, but to the country as a whole. As a celebrated rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, he lived an exemplary life, achieved several milestones in his career and contributed greatly to the development of the Nigerian music and entertainment industry through his artistic genius, creativity and talent, which has inspired many young Nigerians in the industry.

The deceased, President Buhari affirms, was kind, generous, and deeply passionate about issues in the country, which reflected in his music and art, and as an avid basketball fan, he made telling contributions to the development of local basketball in the country.

The President prays for the eternal repose of the soul of the departed and divine peace and comfort for the family, friends and associates.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

July 12, 2021

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika reiterates Federal Government orders on airline flight delays

Local & international airlines must

- provide refreshment and communicate to passengers via call/SMS for flight delays within one hour;

- reimburse full ticket fares to customers for more than two hours delay; and

- provide hotel accommodation, refreshment, meal, to-and-fro hotel transportation, and communicate to passengers via calls, SMS and email for delays between 10pm and 4am.

#StateHousePressBriefing

Watch the ongoing #StateHouseBriefing at the State House - 10am, July 8, 2021.


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