Last week, we saw the enhanced collaboration of the Nigerian Law Enforcement Agencies, as they executed with great synchronization arrests of individuals who had inflicted pain and hardships on fellow citizens.

The subversive leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a group known for its murderous actions and virulent messaging was detained as a result of cross-border cooperation. This international operation was executed in a closely coordinated fashion following which he was handed over to our National Intelligence Agency, and then returned to Nigeria to face the Law.

The violence inspired by IPOB has led to hundreds of fatalities, particularly targeted at Government assets and Law Enforcement Agents. Additionally, there have been at last count, fifty (55) separate violent attacks, heavily concentrated in the South-East, which heaped further hardship on our honest and hardworking citizens, preventing them from earning their livelihood and going about their normal lives.

The Government had long been monitoring the activities of IPOB and had strong cause to believe that their funding sources include proceeds of suspected illicit criminal activities. By this singular action of our Security Forces, sanity, calm and peace has been returned to our communities who previously lived in constant fear of these misguided elements.

In furtherance of continued diligent work, the State Security Service on Thursday, 1st July raided the residence of a militant ethnic Secessionist, who has also been conducting acts of terror and disturbing the peace under the guise of protecting fellow “kinsmen”.

His seditious utterances and antics, which he is known to have publicly expressed, have overtime morphed into very hateful and vile laden speeches. It must be highlighted that the government respects fundamental rights of citizens to express their views and recognizes this as a democratic tenet. However, any attempt to build an Armoury coupled with plans either subtle or expressed to undermine our unity as a nation will not be condoned.

Mr. President’s directives to Security Services regarding anyone seen to be carrying arms, particularly AK-47 are clear and require no further illumination. Assault weapons are not tools of peace loving people and as such, regardless of who they are and where they are from, the Security Agencies should treat them all the same.

The successes of our Security Agencies must be commended as they have demonstrated significant deftness, guile and secrecy in carrying out these missions. This level of professionalism must be sustained and brought to bear as we focus on extracting from our society those who have found a new trade in targeting students, rural dwellers and our citizens in the North-West. The nation recognizes their efforts and sacrifice.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 6, 2021

Your Excellency Mr. President, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engineer Abubakar D. Aliyu, the serving and previous Permanent Secretaries, serving and previous directors and members of staff of the Ministry of Works and Housing, I am delighted to welcome you to this commissioning ceremony.

This project was approved by the Federal Executive Council on the 20th March 2019 at the time when the Ministry of Power was part of Works and Housing. I express our Ministry's appreciation to members of the Federal Executive Council who voted to entrust our Ministry with this project.
What we have delivered, based on the mandate of the Federal Executive Council, is a 1.52 MegaWatts Solar System that will provide uninterrupted power supply to 5 blocks housing the Ministry of Works and Housing and Ministry of Environment and Lands.

This project employed 382 artisans and 176 skilled workers throughout its duration, in fulfilment of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of creating jobs.

It would see to the reduction of average diesel consumption from 764,248 litres per annum to 166,825 litres per annum and cost saving of NGN270,945,000 over 20 years and contribute towards the reduction of government operational expenses and reduction of recurrent expenditure.

It has led to the upgrade and retrofitting of our electrical appliances by replacing 400 old Air-conditioning units with 400 new inverter-based energy efficient Air-conditioning units and replacing 2600 old light fittings with energy efficient LED ones all of which are energy saving because they consume 40% less energy.

In terms of local content...
Our contract engages 5 (Five) STEM candidates to work throughout the solar PV lifecycle of this project in the following roles:
a. Two (2) candidates got trained in engineering design;
b. Two (2) candidates got trained in project construction;
c. One candidate got trained in engineering project management.

With this investment we have built our own Mini-Grid, in consonance with our Administration’s policy to promote off grid option, thereby making more of the on-grid power available to ordinary Nigerians who cannot afford the cost of investing in off-grid power.
To our contractor, I express deep appreciation for the efficient execution and more importantly for the sacrifice to complete this project in spite of the wide disparity between the foreign exchange rates in 2019 when the project was awarded and now, notwithstanding high importation costs of the parts.

Permit me sir, to also acknowledge two young people who were part of this project at different stages from inception to completion.

Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi and Engr. Femi Akinyelure, whom your Excellency appointed to the Rural Electrification Agency both of whom, with their colleagues, were involved in the energy audit and design of this project.

They represent the positive impact of youth involvement in public service; and of course, I cannot forget Engr. Julius Olurinola, our Director of Engineering Services, whose role I liken to that of a midwife, supervising, monitoring and reporting the progress of this project from incubation to delivery.

All I need now say is that other government buildings can follow this path and our team will be most enthusiastic to provide the support, and share our experiences and lessons learned, working with the Ministry of Power.

Your Excellency Mr. President, I have the pleasure to now invite you sir, to perform the official commissioning of the 1.52 MegaWatts Solar Power project to provide uninterrupted power to your staff in the Ministry of Works and Housing and Environment to improve their working conditions.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister of Works and Housing

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

MILITARY COOPERATION: PRESIDENT BUHARI APPRECIATES PAKISTAN

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has remained faithful and consistent in assisting Nigeria, particularly in the training of members of the armed forces, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.

The President spoke Friday at State House, Abuja, while receiving General Nadeem Raza, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic.

Said the President: “We greatly appreciate your help in terms of training members of our armed forces, officers and men. Some of my colleagues trained in your country, and you have remained consistent in assisting us. We benefit a lot from Pakistani, and we are grateful.”

General Raza said Nigeria was the most important country in Africa, “and we value our collaboration. We learn and benefit a lot from each other.”

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 2, 2021

1. Good morning gentlemen and welcome to this press conference. As you are aware, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, has been rearrested and repatriated to Nigeria to resume his trial. This was made possible through the collaboration of Nigerian security and intelligence agencies.

2. Kanu, who is facing an 11-count charge of treason, treasonable felony, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms, among others, jumped bail in 2017 and left the country. On Tuesday, Kanu was re-arraigned in court and ordered to be remanded in the custody of the DSS, while the case was adjourned till July 26-27, 2021

3. Gentlemen, the Federal Government wishes to commend the Nigerian security and intelligence agencies, who collaborated to re-arrest the proscribed IPOB leader in one of the most classic operations of its type in the world. We commend the professionalism, diligence, patriotism and painstaking efforts of our security and intelligence agencies. We also thank the sister international agencies that collaborated with us to pull off this arrest.

4. It will interest Nigerians to know that for over two years, our security and intelligence agencies were on the trail of the proscribed IPOB leader as he lived a five-star life across several countries, travelling on chartered private jets, living in luxury apartments and turning out in designing clothes and shoes. Of course, as we all saw, he was wearing an attire made by Fendi, a luxury Italian fashion brand, when he was arrested.

5. We can tell you that the forensic investigation carried out so far has revealed a treasure trove of information on the proscribed IPOB leader and his collaborators. While the investigation continues, we assure you that none of the collaborators, irrespective of their standing in the society, will be spared. They will all face the full wrath of the law for their activities that challenge our nation's sovereignty and threaten its unity. No one, no matter how highly placed, is bigger than the country.

6. It is interesting that many are suddenly calling for a fair trial for Kanu as if he didn't get one before he decided to jump bail and flee. However, I can assure you that the fair deal that Kanu denied many of the victims of the violence which he willfully instigated through his broadcasts and tweets will not be denied him.

7. Finally, there have been speculations on how this re-arrest was pulled off and in which country the hitherto fugitive leader of the proscribed IPOB was nabbed. What we can tell you, once again, is that the re-arrest was made possible by the diligent efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, in collaboration with countries with which we have obligations. We continue to respect and honour the obligations.

8. Gentlemen, we thank you most sincerely for your kind attention.

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has received the sum of £26,505,862.97 (Twenty Six Million, Five Hundred and Five thousand, Eight hundred and Sixty-two Pounds, Ninety-Seven Pence) repatriated from the United Kingdom. These pension funds had hitherto been under investment with Crown Agents Investment Management Limited, United Kingdom.

According to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, the repatriation of this fund was made possible by the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari and series of meetings between PTAD Management, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Crown Agents Investment Management Limited, United Kingdom.

The ES said the funds will be used to settle part of the accrued arrears owed to its pensioners worth over N120B (One hundred and Twenty Billion Naira only). She said this development is indeed a very happy and welcome development for our Senior Citizens and it represents another demonstration of the importance that the Buhari led Federal Government places on the welfare of pensioners.

Signed
Management PTAD.

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has commenced the payment of the consequential adjustment to the pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

This is in fulfilment of the Executive Secretary, PTAD, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme’s promise made when she announced President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval for the implementation of the consequential adjustment to the pension benefits occasioned by the new minimum wage increase of 2019. She promised that the upward adjustment of Pensioner’s benefit will take effect from May 2021.

Consequently, Pensioners in the four operational departments of the Directorate namely: Civil Service Pension Department (CSPD), Parastatals Pension Department (PaPD), Police Pension Department (PPD), and Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Department (CIPPD), have begun to receive their accrued arrears.

While reacting to the messages of gratitude received from some pensioners, the Executive Secretary assured them of PTAD’s commitment to the welfare of the DBS Pensioners.

She cautioned them to beware of pension fraudsters who call pensioners pretending to be staff of PTAD, reminding them that no staff of the Directorate will request for gratification before processing their pension payment.

The PTAD boss further urged the pensioners to report such phone calls and other activities of the scammers to PTAD for adequate investigations and possible prosecution. Signed Management.

Signed
Management.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

HOW FG WILL TAX PROFITS MADE BY GLOBAL TECH, DIGITAL GIANTS IN NIGERIA, BY OSINBAJO

*VP explains enabling provisions in Finance Act

*Interacting with Chartered Institute of Taxation members, Osinbajo says no tax increases contemplated for now

*CITN to VP: We acknowledge your great zeal
Nigeria is set to utilize its legal provisions that empower the Federal Government to collect taxes on profits made in the country by global technology and digital firms not based in the country, but with significant economic presence here.

While the Federal Government will not be raising tax rates at this time, based on the Finance Act 2019, it is already empowered to widen the tax net, including by collecting taxes on the Nigerian income of global tech giants with significant economic presence here, even if they have not established an office or permanent establishment and are currently not paying taxes in Nigeria.

In this regard, Section 4 of the Finance Act 2019, provides that “the Minister (Finance) may by order (of the President) determine what constitutes the significant economic presence of a company other than a Nigerian company.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, hinted at these issues and others while interacting with a delegation of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, led by its President, Mr Adesina Adedayo who visited him at the Presidential Villa on Friday.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “we have had severe economic downturns which of course implies that we may not be able to collect taxes with the aggressiveness that would ordinarily be expected.

“I think the most important thing is that we must widen our tax net so that more people who are eligible to pay tax are paying. Several efforts have been made, and I am sure you are aware of the initiatives including the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) which was also an attempt to bring more people into the tax net, including those who have foreign assets.”

Continuing, the VP said “we have also recently taken a step with respect to a lot of the technology companies that are not represented here but who do huge volumes of business here.

“The Finance Act has shown that we are very prepared to ensure that these big technology companies do not escape without paying their fair share of taxation in Nigeria. Many of them do incredible volumes here in Nigeria and in several other parts of the region.

“We have drawn up the regulations and we are prepared to go, and I think that we are at least in a good place to tap into some of the tax resources we can get from some of these companies.”

Indeed, besides the FG, a recent Bloomberg news article reported that "Governments around the world are grappling with how to modernize their legal frameworks to account for the global reach of the digital economy, reshaping how policymakers think about issues as varied as monopoly power, taxation and workers’ rights."

Also, international talks are currently ongoing in Paris on global standard rules for governments to receive taxes from such digital and technology firms with significant economic presence in foreign countries.

In Nigeria, according to the Finance Act 2019, a company will pay taxes if it “transmits, emits or receives signals, sounds, messages, images or data of any kind by cable, radio, electromagnetic systems, or any other electronic or wireless apparatus to Nigeria in respect of any activity, including electronic commerce, application store, high-frequency trading, electronic data storage, online adverts, participative network platform, online payments and so on, to the extent that the company has significant economic presence in Nigeria and profit can be attributable to such activity.

“If the trade or business comprises the furnishing of technical, management, consultancy or professional services outside of Nigeria to a person resident in Nigeria to the extent that the company has significant economic presence in Nigeria”

Speaking further, Prof. Osinbajo noted that while the Federal Government has no plans to raise taxes now, there are those who argue that “our tax rates are too low, comparing us to other places in the region where the rates are much higher.”

“So we have had to balance all of these issues because clearly, higher tax rates can be a disincentive to businesses and investments. In terms of domestic resource mobilization, we are trying to do the best we can given the present circumstances and I believe that there is room for improvement.”

Actually, under the Finance Act 2019, the Buhari administration has reduced taxes for small companies – companies with less than N25 million in annual turnover are charged Zero Company Income Tax, CIT. Also CIT for Companies with revenues between N25 and N100m (described in the Act as “medium-sized” companies) has been reduced from 30% to 20%. Besides, Nigerians making minimum wage income are not to pay tax at all.

Under the 2020 Finance Act there is also an exemption of small companies from payment of education tax under the Tertiary Education Trust fund (TETFUND)-meaning companies with less than N25m turnover are eligible

Similarly, there is a 50% per cent reduction in minimum tax; from 0.5 per cent to 0.25 per cent for gross turnover for financial years ending between January 1st, 2020 and December 31st, 2021

INTERACTION ON OTHER ISSUES
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice President emphasized the need for regular interaction between the council and government to address issues bothering on tax legislation, noting that “there is need for continuous engagement with the National Assembly because engagement with government cannot be a one-off thing.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that the Federal Government has over the past few years, initiated programmes aimed at improving the growth of small businesses including the formalization of many of them. Under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), there is a formalization of 250,000 businesses.

He said the ongoing MSME Week has encouraged many businesses to register with regulatory authorities in order for them to benefit from the numerous programmes earmarked by the government for their growth.

Earlier in his remarks, the President of CITN, Mr Adesina Adedayo, commended the leadership of the Vice President in the implementation of key government interventions in the economy, stating that “we acknowledge your great zeal and commitment to Nigeria project.”

He said the visit became necessary given the enormous work the Buhari administration has done towards addressing the huge fiscal challenges in the polity, public financing reforms, and sustained efforts towards addressing infrastructural deficit across the country.

His words: “the Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) and other measures implemented was a right response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic and were largely instrumental to creating buffers for the government at all levels in withstanding the pressures and waves created during the peak period and the aftermath of COVID-19.

“It is important that we sustain measures already being implemented to improve tax collection at all levels.”

Other members of the delegation included the Vice President of the Institute, Barrister Samuel Olushola Agbeluyi, past Presidents of the institute, Dame Gladys Simplice, and Dr. James Naiyeju, and Council members Prof. Muhammad Mainoma and Hon. Babangida Ibrahim. Mr. Adefisayo Awogbade, CITN Registrar/Chief Executive was also in attendance.

Laolu Akande,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
27th June 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUHARI POSTPONES LONDON TRIP

The medical follow-up visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to United Kingdom earlier scheduled for today, Friday, June 25, 2021, has been postponed.

A new date will be announced in due course.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
June 25, 2021

Today in Abuja President Buhari welcomed Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi to the All Progressives Congress (APC), after he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Sen. Nwaoboshi, representing Delta North District, Delta State, was presented to President Buhari and the National Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) at the State House by Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.

2013 vs 2021

I am pleased to announce that I have approved the allocation of 3-bedroom houses to the 1994 African Cup of Nations-winning Super Eagles Team (Tunisia ‘94)! Another historical promise fulfilled by our administration. These heroes did our nation proud, and the least we can do is honour the Federal Government’s promise to them. They will be allocated the houses in their States of preference.

https://www.facebook.com/1528952840718244/posts/3058014247812088/

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

NIGERIA’S UNITY: PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMENDS IJAW LEADERS, PLEDGES ACTION ON ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday commended the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) on their recent affirmation of belief in a United Nigeria and supporting the fight against insecurity by developing internal control mechanisms.

The President gave the commendation while receiving the National Executive of INC led by Professor Benjamin Okaba.

He implored the leadership of the association to use its influence ‘‘in making sure that we keep working together to keep this country a united, indivisible entity, so that we can tackle our problems together and overcome our challenges together.’’

The President also used the occasion to address some demands of the association on several issues including environmental degradation, restructuring, creation of states, allocation of operational licenses for marginal fields to Ijaw people, inauguration of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), among others.

On the Hydrocarbon Remediation Project, President Buhari said he had directed the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that the remediation efforts in Ogoni are implemented with a high percentage of local content and inclusion of the surrounding communities.

Similarly, the President said the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, under the same ministry of Environment, is working to ensure that oil spills are reduced and new ones prevented while all relevant agencies of government have been directed to ensure that they enforce compliance by the International Oil Companies to international best practices.

Addressing their call for immediate restructuring, the President noted that the National Assembly whose responsibility it is to ensure that the constitution responds to the call for a restructured Nigeria has already concluded regional consultations.

‘‘As soon as they finalise the process, necessary action would not be delayed on my part,’’ he said.

On the creation of two additional states and more local government areas for the Ijaw people, the President said it is a legislative matter, which should naturally be handled by the National Assembly with concurrence at the state levels.

On the allocation of operational licenses for marginal fields to Ijaw people, the President said while he completely agrees with the demand,‘‘the process of granting licenses is guided by laid down rules and regulations, most of which even favour local content and local contractors. I see no reason why they should not be granted such licenses if they qualify.’’

On NDDC, the President pledged that the Board would be inaugurated as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted.

‘‘A contentious issue that has been a subject of discourse amongst the Ijaw people of recent has been the need for the Niger Delta Development Commission to live up to its billing by delivering the required succor to the people of the region.

‘‘Based on the mismanagement that had previously bedeviled the NDDC, a forensic audit was set up and the result is expected by the end of July, 2021.

‘‘I want to assure you that as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted, the NDDC Board will be inaugurated.

‘‘However, I would like to implore you that the Ijaw National Congress should play a more active role in making sure that the mismanagement that occurred in the past is not repeated,’’ he said.

The President also assured the leadership of INC that the completion of the East-West Road remains top on his infrastructure agenda, adding that the occasional disturbances by youths in some communities along the route of construction work would require the close attention and guidance of leaders in the region.

‘‘Furthermore, we have made considerable progress with the construction of the Bonny to Port Harcourt Bridge,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Professor Okaba urged the President to mandate the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to direct the relocation of the headquarters of all oil companies to their operational bases in Ijaw land and the Niger Delta region.

‘‘The excuse of insecurity is no longer tenable for it is common knowledge that nowhere in Nigeria is safer than the other. Secondly, the revamping of the major ports at Onne, Warri, Port Harcourt, Bonny will accelerate economic growth, reduce joblessness, youth criminality and contribute to national unity and stability,’’ he said.

Reaffirming strong faith in the ‘‘overall and mutual benefits of true federalism and resource control to the prosperity and stability of Nigeria,’’ Okaba assured the President that the Ijaws ‘‘have no secessionist agenda.’’

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 24, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved allocation of 3-bedroom houses to the Super Eagles Squad that won the African Cup of Nations in Tunis, Tunisia, in 1994, making real a promise by the Federal Government.

Following a memo by Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the President approved the allocations in their states of preference, noting that six players and three technical crews received their houses already.

The players are: Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen and Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased).

Others are: Uche Okafor (Deceased), Thompson Oliha (Deceased), Stephen Keshi (Deceased), Christian Chukwu, Dr Akin Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue and B. Aromasodun.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 24, 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUHARI OFF TO LONDON FRIDAY FOR MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP

President Muhammadu Buhari will proceed to London, the United Kingdom on Friday, June 25, 2021, for a scheduled medical follow-up.

He is due back in the country during the second week of July, 2021.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
June 24, 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

WE WILL CONTINUE IMPROVING BUSINESS CLIMATE, OSINBAJO ASSURES ORGANIZED PRIVATE SECTOR IN RENEWED ENGAGEMENT

AFCTA implementation in focus
Business leaders commend VP's personal devotion to MSMEs

The Federal Government will continue to interact and engage with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in the country, while improving the country’s business climate, in the full knowledge that the sector is the real engine room of growth and development, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo made this observation during a virtual interaction this afternoon with representatives and business leaders from the OPS, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA), Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NACCI) and the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).

The OPS delegation led by its Chairman, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, made a presentation on the progress of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, with suggestions and proposals about its future.

Responding, the Vice President while welcoming the presentation, noted that "the private sector is the engine of growth, there is no way the Federal Government can do anything in the economy without the private sector. Our role is to make it easy for the sector to operate, and we are committed to that."

He told the delegation that with the relationship already established between the FG and the OPS, "we shall follow up with all the issues raised and look forward to other engagements with you all."

Members of the OPS delegation commended the Buhari administration for the continued interaction with the body over time.

According to Adeniyi, there has been a general optimism especially among medium-scale businesses that the AfCFTA will generate positive effects on the Nigerian economy.

Speaking later on behalf of the delegation the President of NASME, Mr. Orimadegun Agboade, praised the Vice President for his “personal attention to MSMEs Clinics, describing the VP’s support as “more than what we can express.” He added, “We are very grateful. God will continue to empower you."

The virtual interaction has also attended the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, among other senior government officials.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
21st June 2021

PRESS RELEASE

President Buhari Approves FG's Team To Engage With Twitter Over Suspension

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the composition of the Federal Government's Team to engage with Twitter over the recent suspension of the operations of the microblogging and social networking service in Nigeria.

The approval was announced in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who will chair the team.

The Federal Government's team also comprises the Attorney General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice, Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment as well as other relevant
government agencies.

Following the indefinite suspension of its operations in Nigeria, for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate
existence, Twitter wrote to President Buhari seeking to engage with the Federal Government over the suspension, with a view to charting a path forward.

Segun Adeyemi
Special Assistant To The President (Media)
Office of the Minister of Information and Culture
Abuja
22 June 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has appointed George Abang Ekpungu as the Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The appointment is for a fresh tenure of five years.

Also appointed as Board Members of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are Luqman Muhammad (South South), Anumba Adaeze (South East), Alhaji Kola Raheem Adesina (North Central) and Alhaji Yahya Muhammad (North East).

This appointment was in line with Section 2 (1) and Section 4 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004.

According to the statement EFCC has been operating without Board Members since 2015.
President Buhari has already directed the forwarding the names for confirmation of the Senate.

*Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu*
(Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice).
Monday 21st June, 2021.

President Buhari directs RCC to intervene on damaged Aleto Bridge on East-West road

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) to undertake immediate intervention on the damaged Aleto Bridge at KM 6+500 on the East-West road Section III(A) by Eleme, Onne Junction to alleviate the plight of motorists and reduce the sufferings of the people.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio made this statement during an emergency meeting held with contractors handling the various sections of the East-West road on Thursday 17th June, 2021, in his office in Abuja.

Sen. Akpabio assured the people of the Niger Delta region that remedial solution would be provided to assist the people to move freely and other concerns raised will be addressed to fast track the completion of the road as scheduled.

The Permanent Secretary, MNDA, Dr. Babayo Ardo also reaffirmed that the Ministry have been working on the East-West road for the past 2 years and all efforts have been geared towards the completion and commissioning of the road before the end of the first quarter of 2022 as directed by the President.

Federal Government Interventions In Borno State Under President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari approved and funded the construction of 10,000 resettlement homes for IDPs and refugees. First phase of the housing project was commissioned with 4,000 completed homes in June 2021.

Federal government through NNPC announced the establishment of a gas power plant to address electricity problems in Maiduguri and environs in April 2021. The power plant is expected to be ready in four months.

President Muhammadu Buhari approved the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in Monguno, Borno state in Jan. 2021 after 45 years of the creation of the state (1976)

President Muhammadu Buhari directed the constant release of food intervention by the Nigeria Customs Service and the North East Development Commission to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Construction and expansion of the Kano – Maiduguri road project. The project was at 75% completion as at Jan. 2021 and expected to be completed by June 2021.

Construction of Portharcourt - Maiduguri Rail line; project expected to kick start in June 2021.

President Buhari approved the construction of Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Maidiuguri. The then Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai performed the groundbreaking in June 2020.

FEC in April 2018 approved the establishment of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno state with a take-off grant of N2 billion.

President Buhari Inaugurates 4,000 Resettlement Homes For IDPs

President Muhammadu Buhari on his one-day official visit to Borno state on Thursday, June 17, 2021 paid courtesy visit to Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn El-Kanemi and inaugurated Resettlement Homes for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri.

The President had given approval for the construction of 10,000 resettlement homes in Borno state, out of which 4,000 of the homes were completed and commissioned by the President yesterday. Furthermore, the President also directed constant release of food intervention by the Nigeria Customs Service and the North East Development Commission in order to support the displaced persons.

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA DURING HIS OFFICIAL VISIT TO PERSONNEL OF THE ARMED FORCES AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES IN OPERATION HADIN KAI, 17 JUNE 2021

I am delighted to be with you this afternoon, to address you on this special occasion of my official visit to Borno State. I want to seize this opportunity to put it on record that our nation will forever be indebted to you, for your patriotic commitment to the defence of our fatherland against insurgency and criminality.

2. I therefore commend you and remember all the personnel who have paid the supreme sacrifice in ensuring that Nigeria remains an indivisible and secure entity.

3. As I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of our fallen heroes and pray for the souls of the departed, I want to assure you that this administration will spare no effort or resources to ensure that the widows and children of our fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of our beloved country, are well cared for.

4. Furthermore, we will continue to ensure that our wounded comrades get the best medical attention towards their full recovery.

5. While acknowledging your collective efforts at decimating and degrading the terrorists and reaffirming the inviolable sovereignty of our nation, I also wish to extol your steadfastness and untiring efforts in the face of the difficulties you experience in the Theatres of Operation.

6. Your collective efforts have resulted in the relative peace being enjoyed in the region today. Under my watch, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been provided a firm strategy and clear sense of direction to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

7. We should not allow our adversaries the opportunity or breathing space to challenge or undermine our national interests and core values. The defence and security agencies should rest assured of the Federal Government's unalloyed commitment to winning the battle against terror and criminality.

8. I am particularly happy to note the increasing understanding and cooperation within the military, as well as the inter-agency cooperation in the fight against the terrorists and other criminal elements in the North East.

9. The outcome of this synergy is evidenced by the successes recorded in the ongoing Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO which has so far degraded the insurgents’ capabilities in the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad Region. I am therefore pleased to acknowledge that the military and other security agencies including civilian stakeholders are adhering to the true spirit of Operation HADIN KAI which implies “jointness, synergy and cooperation.”

10. By pooling together, the collective resources and comparative advantages of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, we hope the enemy will now feel the ferocity of our firepower and the weight of our resolve.

11. Side by side with the efforts of the Armed Forces and security agencies, this Administration is developing a strategy for post-war reconstruction and peace-building. Concerted efforts are being made to fast-track re-construction and development programmes in the affected communities in the North East.

12. I am hopeful that this will lead to the speedy resettlement of displaced persons, as well as the restoration of bubbling community life as the people return to their homes.

13. Alongside investment in development and reconstruction, we will sustain our investment in the Armed Forces in a manner that balances the "carrot and stick".

14. Several interventions by this government have led to the procurement and delivery of large consignments of critical combat enablers, including high calibre weapons and ammunition.

15. Many have been injected into the Theatre and soon other equipment that have just arrived the country would also be deployed to the Theatre of operations. Much more equipment will be procured for the Armed Forces to cater for both the short and long-term requirements.

16. I would like, at this point to also commend the hierarchy of our Armed Forces for their strategic foresight in ensuring that some of our critical military equipment are fabricated locally.

17. The repairs and maintenance of some of these vital weapons are now being carried out in the country thereby saving the nation a lot of foreign exchange and also creating jobs for our teeming population.

18. As personnel of our Armed Forces and security agencies, you must understand that these items of equipment must be put to good use against the terrorists and other criminal elements. There is no room for complacency, and no need to be less than 100 per cent alert at all times.

19. As your Commander-in-Chief, I want to assure you that this government will continue to work towards the provision of timely funding and procurement of equipment for the Armed Forces and other security agencies. This is intended to boost the prosecution of the ongoing war to a logical conclusion and also to serve our collective interests and well-being.

20. In addition, your welfare is of utmost importance and concern to this government. I am glad that the gradual rotation of the troops in the field has commenced, as I directed. I am sure that this will minimize and possibly eliminate battle fatigue, as well as enhance troops’ morale.

21. I now wish to thank you for your unalloyed loyalty and selfless sacrifices towards the defence of our country. Your courage and gallantry will continue to inspire others, as they echo into the future.

22. While I commend your resilience, let me remind you that there is still a lot of work to be done, to completely restore peace to the North East, stem the activities of armed bandits in the North West and North Central, as well as deal with other security challenges across the country.

23. You must therefore remain steadfast and see this war to a conclusive end. In doing so, you must rely on interagency cooperation, strengthen your cohesion with the troops of neighboring Republics of Cameroon, Chad and Niger in our collective fight against the terrorists, under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force. This will consolidate our efforts and facilitate the speedy return of peace and stability to the region.

24.​Once again I salute your courage and wish you the best, as you continue to make Nigeria proud.

God bless you all and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo presided over the National Economic Council Meeting and inaugurated the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC) and publicly presented the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy NRSS II 2021- 2030 for Implementation.

#GovtAtWorkNG

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY OF NLNG TRAIN 7 PROJECT

15th JUNE 2021

Today represents yet another very important milestone in the history of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The story of Nigeria LNG is one I have been passionately associated with during the formative years of the LNG project.

2. As minister of Petroleum Resources, I kicked off our first foray in LNG Business in 1978. At the time it was already apparent that Nigeria was mainly a Gas-Rich country with a little oil!

3. It therefore gives me great joy to see the organization transform from just a project in the early 90s to a very successful company with over 20 years of responsible operations and steady supply of Liquefied Natural Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Natural Gas Liquids into the global market. This is proof that Nigeria has great capacity to deliver value to the world by harnessing our natural resources.

4. This ground-breaking ceremony to herald the Train 7 project construction, affords me the opportunity to congratulate Nigeria LNG and its shareholders – NNPC, Shell, Total and Eni for proving that a Nigerian company can operate a world class business;
a. Safely,
b. Profitably and
c. Responsibly.


5. Clearly, you have set the stage upon which Nigeria’s vast gas resources will continue to grow well into the future.

6. The focus of this administration is to boost the development of Nigeria’s abundant gas resources, strengthen the gas value chain, develop the much-needed infrastructure and enhance safe operations in the sector as outlined in the National Gas Policy of 2017.

7. Through the Decade of Gas initiative, which I recently launched, we will transform Nigeria into a major gas and industrialised nation with gas playing the key role as revenue earner, fuel for industries and necessary feed for petrochemicals and fertiliser plants.


8. I am proud that NLNG as the pioneer LNG company in Nigeria, has conscientiously proven the viability of the gas sector over the years, currently contributing about one percent to our country’s GDP; NLNG has generated $114 billion in revenues over the years, paid $9 billion in taxes; $18 billion in dividends to the Federal Government and $15 billion in feed gas purchase. These are commendable accomplishments by the company’s 100 percent Nigerian Management Team.

9. With this level of performance, I can only hope that the company continues to grow starting with this Train 7 project but also positioning Nigeria to thrive through the energy transition.

10. I hereby urge the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Nigeria LNG, the Host Communities, the Rivers State Government and Agencies of the Federal Government to continue to collaborate to ensure completion and eventual commissioning of the Train 7 project safely and on time, so that Train 8 can then start.


11. As we flag off the Train 7 project today, I look forward to the development and execution of more Gas Projects by the IOCs and Indigenous operators, and more Trains from Nigeria LNG to harness the over 600 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves we are endowed with .

12. Let me use this opportunity to commend the Shareholders of NLNG, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum, NNPC and the NCDMB and other stakeholders for very exemplary collaboration which has culminated in this great opportunity for Train 7.

13. I want to thank the foreign investors for the confidence reposed in Nigeria, and assure all Nigerians and potential investors in the Oil and Gas sector that the Federal Government will continue to create the enabling environment in order to develop the sector and bring the full benefits of Gas closer to our people.

14. On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I hereby flag-off the commencement of construction work on Train 7 and wish you great success with the project.

15. Thank you for your attention and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

PHOTOS: New Infectious Disease Treatment Center by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), commissioned today at the Federal Medical Center, Katsina. New Infectious Disease Centers of this kind are under construction in 16 States across the country.

The Federal Government is also building 38 Oxygen Production Plants nationwide: 1 in each State and the FCT, and 2 in Lagos.

#GovtAtWorkNG

NCAA CAUTIONS PILOTS OVER HAZARDOUS WEATHER DURING THIS RAINY SEASON

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned all Pilots over severe thunderstorms and other hazardous weather which hamper flight operations especially now that raining is here.

This warning is a follow up to the Advisory Circular (AC) with reference no AC: NCAA-AEROMET – 31 addressed to all Pilots and Airline Operators and signed by the Director General, Capt. Musa Nuhu.

This is coming on the advent of the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for the year 2021.

NIMET has predicted early/late March as the commencement of rainy season in the Southern states while late April/June 2021 is the commencement of rainy season in Central and Northern parts of Nigeria.

Consequently, this weather advisory circular is necessary to bring forth the evolving weather information associated with commencement of rainy season and the effects on safety and efficiency of flight operations; and to elicit cooperation of the following stakeholders to ensure safety air transport at all times.

Therefore, Pilots, Operators and Air Traffic Controllers Pilots are directed to observe series of responsibilities enumerated below forthwith:

Ø Air Traffic Controllers may temporarily close the airspace when any of the conditions in (1) are observed or forecast by NIMET;

Ø Flight Crews/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) to ensure adherence to published aerodrome weather minima;

Ø Pilots to exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by NIMET; and

Ø Pilots/Flight Crew members to obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET Aerodrome Meteorological Offices prior to flight operations.

While the Authority enjoins all passengers to exercise patience and understanding during this period of heavy downpour, strict compliance to this warning is expected from all stakeholders as maximum sanction shall be imposed for non-compliance.

Signed:
Capt. Musa Nuhu
DG, NCAA

Vice President Osinbajo yesterday June 15, 2021 in Abuja test-drove the 1st electric car assembled in Nigeria, the Hyundai Kona Electric. “It was a very good drive, fantastic. It just shows what is possible. I am glad to see that this is an assembled-in-Nigeria electric car. You can literally charge it anywhere. I think it is a very fantastic innovation; fantastic product, and I can tell because I just drove it.”

“Through the Decade of Gas initiative, which I recently launched, we will transform Nigeria into a major gas and industrialised nation with gas playing the key role as revenue earner, fuel for industries and necessary feed for petrochemicals and fertiliser plants”- President Muhammadu Buhari

“I boldly say that the ground breaking of Train 7 is a guarantee to every stakeholder of more dividends in terms of further reduction in gas flaring, more revenue to the nation and shareholders, more job opportunities especially at the construction phase and more social investments for the society”- Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

“Nigeria has ridden on the back of oil for over 50 years, but with this Train 7 project Nigeria is now set and I believe it is now time to fly on the wings of gas”- Anthony Attah, MD/CEO NLNG

#DecadeOfGas
#GovtAtWorkNG

July 2018:

Search for an EPC contractor for Train 7 begins, with the signing of Front End Engineering Design (FEED) with two consortia, B7 JV Consortium and SCD JV Consortium, in a Dual FEED Process. Guaranty Trust Bank of Nigeria and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) are appointed as Financial Advisers for the Project.

March 2019:

NLNG and Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) sign off an approved plan for Nigeria Content (NC) for NLNG’s Train 7 Project.

September 2019:

NLNG issues Letter of Intent for the EPC Contracts of the Train 7 Project to SCD JV Consortium, comprising affiliates of Saipem, Chiyoda and Daewoo

27th December 2019:

NLNG takes the Final Investment Decision (FID) on Train 7, at a ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria

April 2020:

Approval of the Nigerian Content Compliance Certificate (NCCC) and Approved Vendors Lists (AVLs) by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

13th May 2020:

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) awards the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contracts for the Train 7 Project to SCD JV Consortium, comprising affiliates of Saipem (Italy), Chiyoda (Japan) and Daewoo (South Korea)

June 15th, 2021:

President Buhari performs NLNG Train 7 Groundbreaking Ceremony, to formally mark the commencement of construction.

Train 7 will increase the capacity of NLNG's current six-Train plant by 35% from the current 22 Million Tonnes Per Annum (mtpa) to 30mtpa. The Project is anticipated to create more than 12,000 new direct jobs (and as many as 40,000 new indirect jobs) during the construction stage, and will attract $12 billion in new investment into Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday charged that the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 be delivered on time so that the Train 8 project can commence.

The President gave the charge at the virtual groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Bonny Island, Rivers State,

He urged the Board of Directors, management and staff of NLNG, the host communities, the Rivers State Government and other Agencies of the Federal Government to continue to collaborate to ensure completion and eventual commissioning of the Train 7 project "safely and on time."

''As we flag off the Train 7 project today, I look forward to the development and execution of more gas projects by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and indigenous operators, and more Trains from Nigeria LNG to harness the over 600 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves we are endowed with.

''Let me use this opportunity to commend the shareholders of NLNG, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum, NNPC and the NCDMB and other stakeholders for very exemplary collaboration which has culminated in this great opportunity for Train 7.

''I want to thank the foreign investors for the confidence reposed in Nigeria, and assure all Nigerians and potential investors in the Oil and Gas sector that the Federal Government will continue to create the enabling environment in order to develop the sector and bring the full benefits of Gas closer to our people,'' he said.

Going down memory lane, President Buhari recounted that the story of Nigeria LNG was one he had been ''passionately associated with during the formative years of the project.''

He said: ''As Minister of Petroleum Resources, I kicked off our first foray in LNG Business in 1978. At the time it was already apparent that Nigeria was mainly a gas-rich country with a little oil!

''It therefore gives me great joy to see the organization transform from just a project in the early 90s to a very successful company with over 20 years of responsible operations and steady supply of Liquefied Natural Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Natural Gas Liquids into the global market

''This is proof that Nigeria has great capacity to deliver value to the world by harnessing our natural resources''.

The President, therefore, congratulated NLNG and its shareholders – NNPC, Shell, Total and Eni for proving that a Nigerian company can operate a world class business safely, profitably and responsibly.

Praising the consortium for clearly setting the stage upon which Nigeria’s vast gas resources will continue to grow well into the future, the President added that the focus of his administration is to boost the development of Nigeria’s abundant gas resources, strengthen the gas value chain, develop the much-needed infrastructure and enhance safe operations in the sector as outlined in the National Gas Policy of 2017.

''Through the Decade of Gas initiative, which I recently launched, we will transform Nigeria into a major gas and industrialised nation with gas playing the key role as revenue earner, fuel for industries and necessary feed for petrochemicals and fertiliser plants,'' he said.

The President also expressed delight that the NLNG as the pioneer LNG company in Nigeria, has conscientiously proven the viability of the gas sector over the years, currently contributing about one percent to Nigeria's GDP.

''NLNG has generated $114 billion in revenues over the years, paid $9 billion in taxes; $18 billion in dividends to the Federal Government and $15 billion in feed gas purchase.

''These are commendable accomplishments by the company’s 100 percent Nigerian Management Team.

''With this level of performance, I can only hope that the company continues to grow starting with this Train 7 project but also positioning Nigeria to thrive through the energy transition,'' he said.

In his address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva described NLNG as a ''blessing to the nation'', noting that it has positively complemented crude oil exploration by monetising flared gas and yielding huge revenue to the nation and investors.

Sylva added that since NLNG became operational in 1999, the nation has recorded a drastic reduction in operational flare status from 65 per cent to 12 per cent.

''I boldly say that the ground breaking of Train 7 is a guarantee to every stakeholder of more dividends in terms of further reduction in gas flaring, more revenue to the nation and shareholders, more job opportunities especially at the construction phase and more social investments for the society, '' he said.

Also speaking, Anthony Attah, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, said the Train 7 will increase NLNG’s overall capacity to 30 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) from the current 22 million mtpa, while further adding immense value to the nation and the people.

Attah noted that the project would stimulate inflow of about 10 billion dollars FDI into Nigeria, create 12,000 direct jobs in Bonny Island and additional 40,000 indirect construction jobs.

He said the project would also further the development of local capacity and businesses through the 100 per cent in-country execution of construction works, fabrications and major procurement.

‘‘Nigeria has ridden on the back of oil for over 50 years, but with this Train 7 project Nigeria is now set and I believe it is now time to fly on the wings of gas,’’ he said.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

June 15, 2021

‘‘This vital line establishes an end-to-end logistic supply chain in railway transport within its short corridor, Lagos – Ibadan, as goods to the hinterland would now be transported by rail directly from the Apapa port Quayside straight to the Inland Container Depot located in Ibadan from where it can be distributed to other parts of the country. In clear recognition of the challenges posed to our economic growth by absence of strong and effective infrastructure, we have in the rail sector, further to other ongoing railway infrastructure projects, embarked on the completion of the outstanding segment of the Lagos – Kano railway, which is Ibadan – Kano.“

— President Muhammadu Buhari, June 10, 2021

Contrary to the misinformation being circulated on social media, the Lagos—Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Line is the first Standard Gauge Rail line in Nigeria to be started (2017) and completed (2020) by the same administration- the Buhari Administration.

The GEEP WhatsApp platform is a self-service option for GEEP beneficiaries and the general public to get quick information, make inquiries and learn more about the programme.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEqZn91owD0

The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) is an initiative by the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide financial inclusion and access to interest and collateral free micro-credit for SMEs.

Currently GEEP has reached 2.4 million people of commercial potential in poor and vulnerable communities and hopes to reach 25 million people.

Watch the video below to learn more about the GEEP Initiative.


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