₦airaland Forum

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will lead the 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT in engaging youths across the country following the #EndSARS protests.

In furtherance of the resolution of an emergency meeting of the National Economic Council last week, the Ad-Hoc Committee set up to engage with youths, civil society organizations, and different strands of leadership across the nation in the wake of the recent protests have swung into action

At a meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, earlier today, the Committee decided to promptly embark on a two-pronged engagement process: Zonal and State-based respectively.

For the State-based engagements, each of the 36 State Governors and FCT Minister would meet with the leadership and representatives of the identified groups in their States. This would then be immediately followed by zonal interactions where the Vice President and members of the Committee would feature.

The engagements will not only include youth groups but also traditional, religious and political leaders. Civil society groups would also be involved as well as opinion moulders like the media.

The interactions would feature issues around employment, social safety nets and national unity and security of lives and properties among others.

Today’s meeting attended virtually by all Governors representing each of the 6 geopolitical zones in the country also formally adopted the following Terms of Reference:

i. To engage representatives of Youths, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and others, Political, Religious and Traditional leaders on employment and social safety net programmes among other issues.
ii. To engage with the Security Agencies and develop ways of delivering more control to State Governors who are the Chief Security Officers of their States;
iii. To recommend effective solutions to the rising divisiveness and propose ways of strengthening national unity;
iv. To develop a framework for the coordination of action steps to be taken by both the Federal and State Governments in response to the fundamental issues underlying the EndSARs Protests;
v. To co-opt and or invite any individual or Corporate body that may facilitate the work of the Committee; and
vi. Report to Council with such recommendations as may be considered appropriate.

It would be recalled that last Thursday after more than four hours of deliberations at an emergency meeting of the National Economic Council, it was resolved that the deeper reasons behind the EndSARS protests and its fallout should be addressed by both the Federal and State Governments.

Members of the NEC ADHOC COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS, all of whom attended today’s meeting are:

H.E., Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN – the Vice President – Chairman
H.E., Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR – Sokoto State Governor representing Northwest
H.E., Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum – Borno State Governor representing Northeast
H.E., Abubakar Sani Bello – Niger State Governor representing Northcentral
H.E., Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN – Ondo State Governor representing Southwest
H.E., Engr. Dave Umahi – Ebonyi State Governor representing Southeast
H.E., Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa – Delta State Governor representing Southsouth

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

PAYMENT OF N30,000 GRANTS TO 333,000 ARTISANS UNDER ESP BEGINS

*Beneficiaries nationwide to receive one-time grant, with Lagos, Kano, FCT & nine more States in first batch
*Enumeration, verification still ongoing for Payroll Support Scheme

*Free CAC Business Names’ Registration for 250,000 MSMEs also commences
As the implementation of the Economic Sustainability Plan progresses, the payment of N30,000 one-time grant to 330,000 artisans across the country is now in progress.

The payments are being made to sets of verified beneficiaries of the Artisan Support Scheme, a track under the MSMEs Survival Fund.

In the first stream of payments starting today, beneficiaries are being drawn from the FCT, Lagos, Ondo, Kaduna, Borno, Kano, Bauchi, Anambra, Abia, Rivers, Plateau and Delta States. They form the first batch of applications for the scheme submitted between October 1 and October 10.

The MSMEs Survival Fund scheme is a component of the Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan, NESP, which was developed by an Economic Sustainability Committee established by President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2020. The President asked his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, to head the committee which produced and is overseeing the implementation of the plan.

Under the ESP, the Survival Fund is generally designed to among other things, support vulnerable MSMEs in meeting their different obligations and safeguard jobs in the sector.

It would be recalled that applications for the Artisans’ Support Scheme under the MSMEs Survival Fund opened on October 1.

Meanwhile, the enumeration for the second stream of States under the Artisan Support Scheme has also commenced with enumerators in various States compiling the lists of artisans through their association leaders. All artisans are expected to liaise with their association leaders to document their details.

The registration of applicants for Stream 2 began on the 19th October 2020. States under Stream 2 are: Edo, Ogun, Ekiti, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Enugu, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Taraba, Bayelsa

In the same vein, enumeration and verification of the documents of applicants under the Survival Fund Payroll Support scheme is still ongoing. Dates for the commencement of payment would be announced in due course.

The application process for the payroll support scheme, which began on September 21, had ended on the 15th of October 2020. Accepted applications are categorized by industry sectors, including Education and Hospitality, among other sectors.

However, there may be an extension for applications for some States that have not met their quota on beneficiaries. The Artisan Support Scheme is to benefit about 9,000 Nigerians per State and FCT.

In addition, the formalization support under the MSME Survival Fund will also commence today. This involves free business names’ registration for 250,000 MSMEs nationwide by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

According to the CAC, 6,606 business names in each of the 34 states will be registered for free. In Abuja, there would be 7,906 free registrations, 9,084 in Lagos and 8,406 free business names from Kano.

Also, a date for the commencement of the Guaranteed Offtake Scheme under the Survival Fund will be announced soon. This scheme is designed to safeguard existing small businesses and save jobs, while ensuring continued local production by guaranteeing off-take of priority products

The Offtake Scheme is a track specifically for MSMEs that are into production of items approved by the Steering Committee of the Survival Fund coordinated under the leadership of the Industry, Trade and Investment Minister of State Ambassador Mariam Katagum. The basic requirements include CAC certificate, valid BVN, SON or NAFDAC certification.

The N2.3 Trillion Economic Sustainability Plan consists of fiscal, monetary and sectoral measures to enhance local production, support businesses, retain, create jobs and provide succour to Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
27th October 2020

Osinbajo should resign? Tueh

Tough times never last, but tough people do - Robert H. Schuller
I am going to be very frank in this write up. I am not going to suffer fools at all. Wait, what is wrong with us sef. How can anyone demand or even suggest that Osinbajo should resign? Is this how our values have completely dipped?

I don’t have time to talk plenty but the Bible says ‘My people perish for lack of knowledge and because they have rejected knowledge.’ Osinbajo is the voice of the people in this government. He is the one person that I see making any moves.

Let us look at how he ensured that this government met our #5for5 demand. We all know that President Buhari was not bothered about the protests, it was Osinbajo who took the IG of Police to meet him, then Buhari disbanded SARS.

Look at points 2 and 3 of the demand, it was Osinbajo who told governors to set up the Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate and prosecute ALL police brutality. He told them to set up special victims fund to compensate all the families of victims.

Points 4 and 5 is for the police. He is chairing a committee that will see to it that salaries of police officers are increased and evaluation tests carried out periodically.

I saw what he did as Attorney General of Lagos and how everything he set up has helped Lagos progress. We should immediately stop the nonsense of Osinbajo resign. We need him there to continue to help us achieve our demands.

This is how some people ignorantly push their wives away to marry their girlfriend. Please don’t be unfortunate. Take your ignorance elsewhere.

FALLOUTS OF ENDSARS PROTESTS:
 
NEC SETS UP COMMITTEE TO ENGAGE YOUTHS, OTHERS ON EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL SAFETY NETS & NATIONAL UNITY

*COMMENDS NIGERIAN POLICE, SECURITY AGENCIES ON HANDLING OF DISTURBANCES IN SOME STATES

After more than four hours of deliberations at an emergency meeting of the National Economic Council today, a resolution has been reached by the Council that the deeper issues behind the ENDSARS protests and its fallouts should be addressed by both the Federal and State Governments.

To this end, a Council committee to engage the youths, representatives of Civil Society Organizations, religious and traditional leaders on employment, social safety net programmes and national unity among other key issues of concern has been constituted. Members of the Committee are governors representing the six geopolitical zones. 

The Committee would be chaired by the Vice President who presided over the meeting attended by the Governors, FCT Minister, Central Bank Governor, Inspector General of Police, representatives from the Military, the Directorate of State Security, and the National Human Rights Commission.

Members of the committee are 
a. Governor of Sokoto State
b. Governor of Borno Statae
c. Governor of Niger State
d. Governor of Ondo State
e. Governor of Ebonyi State
f. Governor of Delta State

The Committee which is to commence work immediately will develop a comprehensive framework under the auspices of the Council that would coordinate joint actions and steps to be taken by both the Federal and State Governments to examine the fundamental issues underlining the protests and arrive at effective solutions, including how to enhance Nigeria’s national security.

While supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to a complete overhaul of the nation’s security services, NEC also commended the Nigerian Police and Security agencies for their handling of the disturbances in some States of the Federation while also noting its unequivocal belief that most members of the Nigerian security personnel are law abiding and are capable of restoring law and order in the country.

DETAILS....

Osinbajo remain the best joor

*When will the ignorance on Osinbajo end?*

Go through most of the comments on Twitter and you will wonder why there is so much ignorance growing among the Nigerian young population about the present Vice President of Nigeria. Since 1999, Nigeria has had four Vice Presidents but the attacks on one stands out.

Atiku Abubakar, Goodluck Jonathan and Namadi Sambo were Vice Presidents before incumbent Prof. Yemi Osinbajo but none of them have suffered the insults and negative comments the latter has suffered.

During the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, many atrocities were carried out but Atiku was never blamed for the actions of Obasanjo including the killings that happened in Odi, Bayelsa state. The President, Obasanjo, took all the fall for it.

Similarly, when Jonathan was VP, he did not speak or act when his boss, President Musa Yar’Adua was flown abroad for treatment. In fact, when it was confirmed that Yar’Adua had died, Jonathan could not succeed him until Nigerians like Pastor Tunde Bakare put pressure on the cabal.

Then Jonathan became President and Namadi Sambo was his VP. Sambo was not asked to speak or blamed for the kidnap of school girls in Chibok, or the killings in Bama or even the Immigration recruitment scam that killed hundreds of Nigerians.

But then came the Muhammadu Buhari administration and all of a sudden the constitutional role of the Vice President was changed in the heads of many Nigerians while it remained the same in the constitution.

Osinbajo was not only asked to speak on almost every issue from judiciary to legislature but was asked to speak even before his boss. For those who have read, the 48 Laws of Power, you will know that you should never outshine your boss but that aside, the constitution does not give him any powers.

I have seen many on social media condemn the VP for not speaking as if he is the spokesperson of the government.

Let me take us back for a bit. During Obasanjo administration, Atiku who was a former Customs officer was never asked to speak or react to the criminal activities of the Customs or on any other issue for that matter.

When Jonathan, a former education inspector and lecturer was VP, he was never asked why ASUU went on strike or why he allowed the Niger Delta militants to bomb pipeline installations neither was Sambo, a trained architect asked to comment on collapsed buildings across Nigeria but when Osinbajo became VP they changed the story.

All of a sudden, Nigerians expect him to match up to his boss. They expect him to comment on everything and anything. Please, how did this madness start? Why do we think Osinbajo has super powers? What has changed? Why are they targeting Osinbajo?

Maybe it is the availability of social media or just that this generation is very ignorant. It is unfortunate that they give Osinbajo so much power in their heads when in real life he is not even the President. He is not the spokesperson, he is just the VP like those before him.

I understand that his role as acting President plays a role. When President Buhari was away and he was acting President, he sacked the former DSS DG, Lawal Daura because his men blocked the entrance to the National Assembly. He also sent the nomination of Walter Onnoghen to the National Assembly for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria but all those powers are gone since his boss returned.

I think Nigerians home and abroad need to reset their thoughts and deal with reality. What is reality? Osinbajo is just the VP and the constitution says “the vice president may take an active role in establishing policy in the Executive Branch by serving on such committees and councils, the relative power of the Nigerian vice president's office depends upon the duties delegated by the president”.

Let us stop the ignorance but even worse, let us stop equating him to his boss. The President is the President and the VP is the VP until the constitution changes the VP especially Osinbajo does not have the powers you accord him.

A United States delegation has met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Aso Villa on Thursday over violence that trailed the #EndSARS protests across Nigeria.

The delegation led by Counselor T. Ulrich Brechbühl condemned the role of the military at the Lekki toll gate and the destruction that followed their actions.

A statement by spokesperson Morgan Ortagus noted that Counselor Brechbühl was joined by Assistant Secretary Robert Destro and Assistant Secretary Denise Natali.

The statement explained that the delegation raised US concerns about ongoing violence in Nigeria, human rights, religious freedom, and trafficking in persons, and to hear from senior Nigerian Government officials how they are addressing those issues.

The Counselor expressed the US condemnation of the use of excessive force by military forces who fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos.

He expressed condolences to the victims of these shootings and urged the government of Nigeria to abide by its commitment to hold those responsible accountable under the law.

The Vice President and the Counselor noted that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are essential human rights and core democratic principles.

Counselor Brechbühl and Vice President Osinbajo emphasized the importance of US and Nigerian collaboration on common goals of improving security cooperation and strengthening economic partnership to foster mutual prosperity.

There will be serious problem if he resigm

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has assured Nigerians that he would strive to get justice for all those who have lost their lives and property to the violence that marred the EndSARS protest.

He noted that he had spoken with some of the victims of the Lekki shooting on Tuesday. He said he hopes that the tragedies will be behind us soon.

“My heart goes out to all the victims of the Lekki shootings, and also the policemen and all other men and women who lost their lives in the past few days in different parts of Lagos and other states.

“I spoke to some of those in hospital. The pain of these terrible events is palpable in our towns and cities, and some losses are irreplaceable, but we can and will get justice for all of them. I stand with Lagos and all other affected states in these trying times.

“We pray we will never see a repeat of these tragedies in Jesus name. God bless you all,” Osinbajo added.

Nigerian governors have begun to inaugurate the Judicial Panel of Inquiry following a resolution at the last National Economic Council meeting chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Prof. Osinbajo also urged governors to set up special funds in their States to compensate victims of brutality and to also open communication lines that will enable them interface with citizens.

After the meeting which held on 15 October, many governors have swung into action setting Judicial Panel of Inquiry to ensure justice is delivered to victims and families of police brutality as well as prosecute erring Special Anti-Robbery Squad officers.

A leading voice in the #EndSARS protest, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz has explained how the Judicial Panel of Inquiry answers point two and three of the five point demand by the protesters.

On Monday, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state set up the Judicial Panel of Inquiry in his state, urging them to ensure accountability.

“In line with the resolution of the National Economic Council, the Delta State Government will soon establish a Special Security and Human Rights Committee, which I will chair,” Okowa said.

“This Committee, which will include youth representatives and members of civil society, will directly oversee all tactical units of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the fundamental human rights of citizens are respected and protected.

He added that, “This Committee will also set up a Human Rights Public Complaints Team of three people that will be tasked with receiving complaints about the activities of the police on an ongoing basis.

He noted that a dedicated phone line and social media channels will also be available to report any complaints — as we work to create more accountability within the Police Force.

Similarly, the acting Governor of Kaduna state, Hadiza Balarabe inaugurated the Kaduna State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into acts of police brutality. Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry, Hon. Justice David Shiri Wyom who spoke on behalf of the members, assured that the Commission will do its best in this most important assignment.

“Serious concerns about police accountability have been expressed with unmistakable clarity. While the youths of this country have been at the forefront of making the urgent resolution of this issue a national priority, on this matter they speak for more than their demographic.”

“The FG and the state governments have endorsed the demand for reforms to policing. Central to this is a firm signal that impunity will not be tolerated. Therefore, governors agreed to establish judicial commissions of inquiry into acts of police brutality in every state.”

In Ondo state, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu explained that the terms of reference of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry is as follows; (i.) to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra- judicial killings by the police in Ondo State; (ii.) to evaluate evidence and draw conclusion on validity of complains. (iii.) to recommend compensation and other remedial measures; and (iv.) to carry out any other assignment that may be deemed necessary pursuant to this purpose. The Judicial Panel of Inquiry has six months to conclude its assignment and submit its report.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu explained that he is on the side of young Nigerians and he urged protesters to bring their agitation to a halt.

He said, “As we move to end police brutality, by virtue of Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, I inaugurated an 8-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution which will receive and investigate complaints of police brutality in Lagos.

“I am on the side of the young people out there. I understand your pain and I know your concerns are legitimate. I must reiterate that while we were able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some will require time: we ask you to bear with us as we work on them.

“I will like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalized by the disbanded SARS including the families of those who have died to present their cases before this Panel.

Another state that has since inaugurated the Judicial Panel of Inquiry is Ogun state. Governor Dapo Abiodun noted that the Panel was in line with the resolutions of the the National Economic Council, NEC meeting of 15th October.

“The setting up of this Panel, as well as a support fund, committee, office, forensic lab, and online complaints portal, is a demonstration of our administration’s commitment to true democracy and fundamental human rights.

He added that the Judicial Panels will achieve the following, (i.) To receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality, human rights violation, or extra-judicial killings in Ogun State; (ii.) To evaluate evidence presented and other circumstantial details, towards drawing conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; (iii.) To recommend compensation and other remedies, where appropriate; (iv.) To determine all officers responsible in any way for the abuse of victims, and recommend their prosecution; and (v.) Recommend to the Ogun State Government, ways to bring a permanent end to abuse of citizens’ rights by security agencies.

Other States that have inaugurated the Judicial Panels of Inquiry are Anambra, Oyo, Ekiti, Edo, Kwara, Nasarawa, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Enugu and Benue State.

The VP has soro soke and I respect him for that

Osinbajo is indeed a great man

Myself and my household are craving for that seriously. Osinbajo is blessed

Apologies accepted

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday night apologised to Nigerians youths for all the police brutality they have suffered as well as government inaction on the issue.

Prof. Osinbajo also detailed some of the actions that has been taken in the last week, assuring Nigerians of swift police reforms across the country.

“Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry.

“I fully understand how many young people feel. Many feel that we have been too silent and have simply not done enough. These feelings of frustration are justified.

“There are far too many people who have been brutalised at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable. We must take responsibility for protecting young people, even sometimes from those who are paid to protect them.

He noted that, “Over the past week, we have been following the protests, and I have had a number of discussions with key people in the administration that you deserve to be informed about. Transparency, after all, is a key tenet of government.

Osinbajo said he has been working round the clock to Several meetings have been held with Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila; the Chief of Staff Ibrahim Gambari; Chairman of the Police Service Commission Musiliu Smith; the IG of Police, Mohammed Adamu; the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission,  Tony Ojukwu and governors.

“We understand that you want to see action from us and I’m here to tell you that work is ongoing. I chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT (NEC), where we resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry so we can see justice served, and fast,” Osinbajo said.

“The reason being that only state governors, by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their states. The hearings will be public.

“With Mr. President’s approval, SARS has been completely disestablished, and none of its former members will feature in any police tactical units.

“I am sending my deepest condolences to the families of Jimoh Isiaq, and all those who have lost their lives at the hands of wayward police officers. To those injured, I wish a full and speedy recovery.

Osinbajo noted that, “We have proposed that each state government set up a Victims’ Support Fund, which the Federal Government will support. This is the least that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.

“We also understand that the issues that you’re raising are bigger than just SARS. They’re deep and systemic and we’re undertaking comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions and training.

He explained that, “On Monday, Mr. President also reiterated his commitment to these extensive police reforms.

“We will continue to update and engage with you all on these action steps and the ones to come, in the spirit of transparency, so that you can hold us accountable. We are, after all, here to serve you and we owe you a duty to win back your trust,” he said signing off with his initials, YO.

Source: https://www.chronicle.ng/2020/10/osinbajo-apologises-to-endsars-protesters-assures-of-swift-reforms/

This news gladden my heart

I really want Osinbajo to rule this country. Dude is a good man

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE | OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

*NEC TO GOVS: TAKE CHARGE OF POLICE TACTICAL UNITS*

*JUDICIAL PANELS OF INQUIRY FORMED TO INVESTIGATE POLICE BRUTALITY IN ALL STATES, FCT
*PANELS HAVE 6 MONTHS TO COMPLETE ASSIGNMENT
*COUNCIL ALSO DIRECTS SPECIAL FUND IN ALL STATES TO COMPENSATE VICTIMS OF BRUTALITY

Rising from its monthly meeting, the National Economic Council has directed the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry across the country to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra judicial killings with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved SARS and other police units.

The Council specifically resolved that State Governors and the FCT Minister should take charge of interface and contact with the protesters in their respective domains.

At a meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and attended by State Governors, the Judicial Panels which would be set up in all the States would include representatives of Youths, Students, Civil Society Organizations and would be chaired by a respected retired State High Court Judge.

The Council also directed that State Governors should immediately establish a State-based Special Security and Human Rights Committee to be chaired by the Governors in their States, to supervise the newly formed police tactical units and all other security agencies located in the State.

The idea of the Special Security and Human Rights Committee in all States of the Federation and the FCT is to ensure that police formations and other security agencies in the State consistently protect the Human Rights of citizens.

Members of the Special Committee would also include Representatives of Youths, and Civil Society. The head of Police tactical units in each of the States would also be a member of the Committee.

Regarding the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, each State Government is to set up the Panel, chaired by a retired High Court Judge, with other members selected by the State Governor as follows:
*Two representatives of Civil Society groups
*One Retired Police Officer of high repute
*One Youth Representative
*One Student Representative
*One Representative of the State Attorney-General and a representative from the National Human Rights Commission.

The terms of reference for the Judicial Panel is to -
*receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra judicial killings;
*evaluate evidence presented/other surrounding circumstances, and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; and
*recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.

The Panel’s assignment should be concluded within a maximum of six (6) months, unless it shows convincing reasons why the State Governor should allow an extension.
There would also be Human Rights Public Complaints Team of between 2 to 3 persons to receive complaints on an ongoing basis. That team would be established by the Special Committee on Security and Human Rights.

It was resolved that each State Government shall also set up such a Complaints Office to which members of the public can relate by telephone or social media channels.

It shall be the duty of the officers of the Complaints Office to liaise with the leadership of security agencies, attempt resolution of complaints or otherwise guide the complainants.

Also NEC directs all State Governors to immediately establish a Victims Fund to enable the payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.

*OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF TODAY'S NEC MEETING*

Council also received update on Nigeria’s COVID-19 response efforts from the Director General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu.

According to the report, States performance in testing in the last month showed that States testing in September compared to August recorded decline in 18 States and improved testing in 19 others.

The NCDC DG also listed priority intervention areas as, strengthening States’ Health Security Architecture (Strong State Epidemiology team, Functional EOC, Functional Molecular Lab, Defined Treatment Centre, Response Vehicles, Communication equipment, Resources to deploy) and the establishment and sustenance of sample collection sites.

*UPDATE ON ACCOUNT BALANCES*

The Honourable Minister of State for Budget and National Planning reported to Council that the under listed accounts as at 14th October, 2020 are as follows:

a. Excess Crude Account -$72,409,346.76

b. Stabilization Account -N47,193,630,556.96

c. Development of Natural Resources Account -N154,330,148,020.34

*PRESENTATION ON STRATEGY FOR GROWTH OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSMEs) AND JOB CREATION BY MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, TRADE AND INVESTMENT*

Council received a presentation from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment titled Strategy for Growth of Micro, small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Job Creation.

• The objective of the presentation is to bring NEC up to speed on the Ministry’s Term Goals and Projects and seek NEC’s support in the resolution of key challenges to achieving our goals.

• The presentation noted that part of the mandate of FMITI is to accelerate the growth of the industrial sector and enhance productivity and boost the development of MSMEs as engine of economic growth, etc.

*Council was invited to:*
Establish land banks in each state earmarked for investment in agriculture and agro –processing;

Ensure fair compensation for land, standardize and ensure clarity in compensation rates in each state;
Adapt the 2015 approved list of taxes and levies;
Set up an investment promotion agency/one stop shop for investment-related issues including facilitating investment linkages
MSMEs Council should be set up in each State. These Councils should build a database of the resident MSMEs which can be used to facilitate the integration of local MSMEs into the supply chains of large resident corporate.

*PRESENTATION ON THE 2021-2023 MEDIUM-TERM EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND 2021 FGN BUDGET PROPOSAL BY THE HONORABLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR BUDGET & NATIONAL PLANNING*

According to the presentation, disruptions in the macroeconomic environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitated Mr. President’s presentation of a revised 2020 budget on 28th May, 2020, which was signed into law on 10th July, 2020.

▪ The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the revised 2021-23 Medium Term Expenditure Framework & Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP), as well as the 2021 FGN Budget, on the 30th of September, 2020.

▪ In response to the developments affecting the supply of foreign exchange to the economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) adjusted the official exchange rate to N360/US$1, and more recently to N379/US$1.

▪ The projected aggregate revenue inflow into the Federation Account (Main Pool) is N6.77 trillion, while N1.70 trillion is the projected inflow in the VAT Pool Account.

▪ Out of the Main Pool Account, FGN is projected to get N3.54 trillion while States and Local Governments are projected to get N1.80 trillion and N1.39 trillion, respectively.

▪ From the VAT Pool Account, FGN is projected to get N255.46 billion while States and Local Governments are projected to get N851.52 billion and N596.07 billion, respectively.

*CONCLUSION*

▪ Several measures are being instituted to improve government revenue and entrench a regime of prudence with emphasis on achieving value for money. The goal of fiscal interventions will be to keep the economy active through carefully calibrated regulatory/policy measures designed to boost domestic value-addition, de-risk the enterprise environment, attract external investment and sources of funding, etc.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
15th October, 2020

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT*

*HOW BUHARI ADMINISTRATION IS MAKING PROGRESS IN ROAD PROJECTS THROUGH PPP– OSINBAJO*

*Projects in progress include Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki-Ojota in Lagos; Obajana-Kabba in Kogi; & Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges across Opobo Channel in Rivers

By adopting Public Private Partnership’s (PPP) cost-effective measures, the Buhari administration is now delivering 19 road projects across the six geo-political zones in the country totaling 780.15 km, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The road projects being undertaken by private companies and now advancing to completion include:

a.The reconstruction of Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki-Ojota Road in Lagos State (34 km) by Dangote Industries Limited.

b.The reconstruction of Obajana-Kabba Road in Kogi State (43km) by Dangote Industries Limited.

c.The construction of Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges across Opobo Channel in Rivers State (38km) by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited.

The Vice President disclosed this on Tuesday at a webinar on Public-Private Partnerships, organized by the Law firm of Yusuf O. Ali & Co in collaboration with the Business Law Department of the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “In 2017, we introduced the Road Trust Fund (RTF). The fund is a tax credit scheme to incentivize private sector participation in the development of federal road infrastructure. The relief is enjoyed by a deduction of 50% of the amount spent on the project from the income tax that would have been payable by the company.”

The VP also referred to the Executive Order No. 007 of 2019, the Companies Income Tax (Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme).

“The objective of the Scheme is to accelerate public road infrastructure development by incentivizing private sector entities to construct and refurbish eligible roads across the country in exchange for tax credits, which could then be applied against company income tax payable,” he stated.

Continuing, the Vice President disclosed that “nineteen roads have been approved so far by Mr. President under the Scheme, totaling, 780.15 km. These roads, in eleven (11) States across the six geo-political zones, are being executed by six (6) private sector players in the manufacturing and construction industries.”

Emphasizing the importance of PPPs in funding critical infrastructure projects, the Vice President said “there can hardly be a better time to explore the use of PPPs especially in the delivery of public infrastructure.”

His words: “First, public revenue both for States and the Federal government have fallen precipitously in the wake of the disruptions of the COVID 19 pandemic.

“For the Federal Government, barely 30% of the budget is available for capital expenditure, besides a national infrastructure deficit. So, clearly there is a need to bring in the considerably larger size of private capital to participate in public infrastructure projects.”

Further justifying the need for strong PPP initiatives, Prof. Osinbajo said “Dangote’s Lekki project comprising a refinery, fertilizer factory, and a subsea pipeline is estimated to cost USD15 billion. (About N6 trillion almost half of the entire federal budget of N13 trillion).”

He added that access to capital from international commercial lenders is cheaper for private companies with a good reputation.

Besides access to cheaper capital, the Vice President said “private sector partnership with the public sector also brings in the discipline of execution and expenditure which is often missing in government projects.”

“Even with PPPs, you will sometimes find that the inefficiencies and bureaucracy of the public sector hold down the execution. So, here you find that the PPP is an attempt to bring in private sector credit into execution of contracts and I think this is helpful because it helps discipline the public sector implementation process which is usually bucked down by bureaucracy.

“These factors have largely informed our government’s clear preference for PPPs. We have also sought to create a conducive policy and legal environment for PPPs to thrive,” the Vice President explained.

Prof. Osinbajo however advised that “in thinking through the PPP framework, we must also think through some of its challenges, especially in PPP’s where the private partner’s compensation is from user-based payments such as tolls on roads, or charges or fees in an airport concession, for example.”

Citing an example with the Lekki-Epe road concessioning, the Vice President said “it was perhaps one of the best models that you could find. A number of foreign banks and infrastructure companies were involved in it.”

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President

13th October 2020

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO ADDRESS DAILY CHALLENGES CONFRONTING OUR PEOPLE, SAYS OSINBAJO AT CLOSE OF 2-DAY EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATURE RETREAT

*VP adds: “Procedural niceties is a luxury we can’t afford”
As leaders of the executive and legislative arms of government discuss how to interact better as co-equal arms of government, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has said collaborating to serve the people at all times must be put above what he described as “procedural niceties”.

Prof. Osinbajo spoke after several sessions at the two-day retreat which reviewed the challenges of the relationship and interdependence between both arms of government.

According to the Vice President while closing the Executive-Legislature Retreat at the Presidential Villa, “…every generation of leadership must understand context. Law itself must be interpreted and implemented in context. What is the reality of the context that we operate in today? We all know, our nation has millions of extremely poor people, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened unemployment and poverty.

“We have huge deficits in infrastructure, many children are out of school. If that is our context, we will be callous and irresponsible if we don't come together, work together to sort out these grave life threatening problems our people have to confront every day. The dogmatic emphasis on procedural niceties is a luxury we cannot afford.”

Emphasizing the need to always uphold service to the people above procedures that could hinder progress and the delivery of the people’s welfare, the Vice President said “...it is time to focus on what we have been elected or appointed to do. This is the welfare of our people.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that “the law and practice as between parliament and executive is a means to an end not an end to itself. The means must not jeopardize the end. Our people just want food on their table, shelter over their heads, clothing on their bodies, healthcare and education for their children & themselves.”

Making reference to practices in other climes to which Nigeria’s system is often compared to, the Vice President said “…there is no pure practice of the doctrine of separation of powers.”

Said he: “The Anglo American traditions that we hold on to in support of the separation of powers are not pure. For example, the US Vice President serves as the president of the Senate and presides over the Senate's daily proceedings. In the absence of the Vice President, the Senate's president pro tempore (and others designated by him) presides. As one of the Senate's constitutional officers, only the Vice President has the authority to cast a tie-breaking vote.

“So, even in the country that has the most advanced jurisprudence on separation of powers, they are wise enough to provide for a concrete bridge between the executive and the legislature.

“In the UK, the convention is that every Minister must be a member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords and every Minister must be a Legislator. So, if that were in Nigeria, all the Ministers would be either Senators or members of the House of Representatives. So, these countries we look up to, recognize that any strict separation of powers will impede development, impede governance and shortchange the people.”

He said an effective system is one where “the good legislator or good minister is not the one who is waving the law, and procedure, and doctrines, it is the one who says the spirit of our Constitution is that we secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.”

Continuing, the Vice President said “the good legislator and minister is the one who will do all in his or her power to serve the needs of our people, even if it means walking the fine lines between the law and reality.”

President Muhammadu Buhari had at the opening of the retreat called for an effective synergy between the various arms of government especially between the executive and legislative arms of governments, in order to deliver good governance, in the interest of the people.

The two-day retreat featured a number of panel discussions with participants drawn from both the private and public sectors, including former federal legislators, serving State governors, and members of the Executive and Legislative arms of the Federal Government.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
6th October 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari understands the pains and burdens Nigerians are going through because of the economic aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic and that is why the Federal Government is considering palliatives that can offer succour to the people.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this yesterday when he was accosted by State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa.

According to him, “we fully understand that we must have a way of ensuring that the pain that people feel, the economic difficulty that people are going through, that we are able to address those as much as possible.

“Which is why even in our current discussions with Labour, one of the issues we are looking at include, what sort of palliatives are possible for the Nigerian people. In what ways can we reduce the burden and how quickly can we do so.”

Giving further insights to government’s plan for the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Prof. Osinbajo said “one of those issues we have looked at is how to reduce the cost of gas and petrol. How do we ensure that people are able to go about their businesses buying cheaper energy?”

The Vice President explained that “one of the ways is by using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). And government has committed to do the conversion. First of all, we are starting with commercial vehicles. Most commercial transporters will have the capacity to use both gas and petrol. That is already being done, experimentally in Edo State.

“Dangote, for instance, has converted all his trucks to the use of CNG, and that is 4000 or even more of those trucks. It is not a particularly difficult thing to do for the commercial transporters, it may be expensive for the individual but that is also part of the commitment of government, to be able to do the conversion, and the price of gas comes at about almost half the price of petrol.”

The Vice President also noted that “there are other creative ways that we are involved in at the moment, in reducing the burden on Nigerians, because we all accept that nobody expected a downturn in the economic fortunes of the country,” occasioned by the fallouts of COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had 12 consecutive quarters of growth before the pandemic, we were all expecting that 2020 will be the best year, since the beginning of the administration, but here we are, faced with challenges, global challenges, we also have our own peculiar problems.

‘But the important thing is that the President and the government are committed completely in ensuring that Nigerians do not suffer needlessly and in whatever way it is possible, we will reduce the burden on Nigerians.”

POLICE VIOLATIONS OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S RIGHTS UNACCEPTABLE, ANNOYING-VP OSINBAJO

*Adds: Those involved would be investigated, prosecuted & exposed

*Commends Civil Society activists and those who call attention to the problem


"I AM very concerned, in fact, very angry about what I see, happening to young men and women who are arrested, in some cases maimed or killed by men of the police force."

Those were the words of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, when State House Correspondents approached him at the Presidential Villa on his way going out of the residence this afternoon.

Prof Osinbajo was asked mainly about the economic challenges facing the country and Nigerians, and also the reported recent upsurge in the activities of FSARS regarding harassment of people alongside different violations of the rights of especially young Nigerians by some police officers.

In his response, the VP who had earlier held a meeting with the Inspector General of Police today at his residence said the President and himself had discussed the matter on a number of occasions noting the President's displeasure about such reports and his resolve to ensure reforms.

According to him, such violations are "completely unacceptable because these are individuals who are meant to protect Nigerians. The arrest, maiming or killing of young people or anyone at all, is completely wrong. It is unlawful and illegal, and anyone involved in this act ought to be investigated and prosecuted."

The VP said, "today, I had a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, we reviewed several of these issues. The President and I have had discussions on this, he is very concerned about it. He wants to see a reform.

"You are probably aware that the IGP has issued a statement looking at all these issues, in particular, the warning against the use of these tactical units such as SARS for purposes of doing anything other than anti-robbery.

"For example, and I think in his statement, he specifically said that you cannot have a situation where SARS says, they are investigating Cybercrime by arresting young men and women carrying their laptops and phones. Cybercrime is an electronic crime. I don’t see how you can investigate that by seizing people’s phones in a taxi or in their cars.

"It is very obvious that this is a major concern, a few bad eggs in the police force are causing all of these problems because it is all over the place, in different states. There is a need to take serious action.

"The IG’s statement today, is a good first step. He has said clearly that police men must wear police uniforms. You cannot say that because you belong to a tactical unit, you can dress in your casual clothing and be armed, because people can’t even tell the difference between robbers and the police, if you are not properly dressed in police uniform. So, clearly, a reform is in the offing.

"So, I will like to encourage civil society activists, young men and women, who bring this regularly, by the way, to the attention of government and the police. And I think that activism is important because they have been able to bring a lot of these issues to the attention of the police and government, and that is an important part of the process of the reform.

Continuing, he said “It is very obvious that this is a major concern. A few bad eggs in the police force are causing all of these problems. It is all over the place, in different states. There is a need to take serious action. The IG’s statement today, is a good first step.

“He has said clearly that officers have to dress properly. You cannot say that because you belong to a tactical unit, you can dress in your casual clothing, armed in a car. People can’t even tell the difference between robbers and the police, if you are not properly dressed in police uniform.”

Urging that all hands be on deck to effect reforms, the VP said “I think that we all have to work together to ensure that the police and law enforcement agents, do what their duty is and their duty is to protect us, protect our society and livelihoods and homes.

“By the way, many of them are doing their duties excellently well, but there are some of them who are engaged in these activities. So, we must see this as something we all must work together to achieve, as individuals, to bring to the attention of the police and government, where there have been violations.

"And on the part of government and the police: to ensure that every one of those allegations is properly investigated and those found responsible are prosecuted and publicized so that people know that prosecution has taken place and this is the consequence. I am very confident that we will have a reformed police force and that process has already begun.”

Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who represented Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the at an interdenominational church service to commemorate Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary in Abuja has stated that he was quoted out of context by the media.

In a statement on Tuesday, the SGF noted that the Prof. Osinbajo never suggested that Nigeria will break up, instead the Vice President is committed to a united Nigeria.

“I have observed with concern the apparent sensationalisation of the remarks I made at the 60th Independence Anniversary Church Service, where I stood in for His Excellency, the Vice President,” he said in the statement.

Adding that, “For the avoidance of doubt, I want to affirm that His Excellency, the Vice President and I remain very firmly and irrevocably committed to the ideal of one indivisible Nigerian nation.

“We are also deeply appreciative of President Muhammadu Buhari’s consistent efforts to strengthen the unity of the Nigerian nation.

“Any suggestion to the contrary is a clear misrepresentation of our common position as a government.

The media had wrongly quoted the SGF out of context, claiming that he had said that Nigeria had cracks and may break up sparking commentaries from sectional groups in Nigeria.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for an overhaul of the international tax system in order to tackle the scourge of Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) and related vices, which is negatively impacting progress in developing countries especially in Africa.

The Vice President made the call on Monday at the virtual press launch of a publication by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on the impact of illicit financial flows (IFFs) on African Development.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “the enormity of efforts required to tackle illicit financial flows is evident in the many dimensions the scourge presents itself. It manifests through harmful tax policies and practices, abusive transfer pricing, trade mis-pricing and mis-invoicing illegal exploitation of natural resources as well as official corruption, and organized crimes. We have to pay particular attention to efforts to reform the international tax system.”

Continuing on the need for an effective reform of the system, the Vice President said “…the commercial form of illicit financial flows especially tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance accounts for up to 65% of illicit financial flows.

“This means that we must pay particular attention to these issues which are aided by things such as tax treaties, tax havens, and financial secrecy jurisdictions and indeed tax competition which leads to a ‘race to the bottom’ in terms of tax rates amongst developing countries.”

Calling for an urgent global action, the Vice President said leaders of destination countries of illicit funds and their proceeds must demonstrate the will to tackle the menace.

He said “another important issue that we must pay attention to is the identification and return of proceeds of illicit financial flows back to countries of origin as an effective deterrent to the scourge of illicit financial flows. Certainly, exposing those involved in practices that facilitate illicit financial flows, and retrieving proceeds of illicit funds are efficacious in deterring perpetrators, rebuilding the confidence of the citizenry, and compensating for the damage caused by such crimes.

“I encourage all leaders, whose countries are considered absolute outliers for illicit financial flows, to join forces and take the responsibility of combating the scourge by insisting on the repatriation of illicit funds and their proceeds.

“Let me also avail myself of this opportunity to call on leaders, whose countries are the main destinations for illicit financial flows, to take concrete steps to prevent and stop the receipt of illicit funds into their countries, and to assist in freezing, seizing, and returning such funds and its proceeds already in their countries”.

On the way forward, the Vice President called for cooperation and synergy among “the private sector, civil society, trade unions and professional groups to work with governments in tackling illicit financial flows.”

His words: “The private sector must support our efforts by adhering to international best practices in their operations and by ensuring that their tax and trade practices comply with local laws while professional bodies, including those for lawyers, accountants, auditors, and bankers must observe ethical professional standards and hold their members to account if they abet tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance.”

Read more: https://www.chronicle.ng/2020/09/tax-reform-curb-money-laundering-osinbajo/

*1.7m to 2m MSMEs to benefit overall from Survival Fund & other schemes
*Half a million to benefit from Payroll Support alone
*333, 000 Artisans & Transport workers to get grants
*250,000 free Business Name Registration
*Over 300,000 MSMEs to get another 15B in Guaranteed Off-take

As more Nigerians and small businesses register for the recently launched Survival Fund scheme of the Federal Government, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described progress recorded in the first three days of the registration of applicants as massive and impressive, reiterating the commitment of the Buhari administration to ensure effective implementation of all the schemes.

The Vice President stated this yesterday during a virtual interactive session by the Africa Report magazine which focused on Nigeria’s post-pandemic recovery plan also referred to as ‘Bouncing Back’.

Responding to a question on the implementation of the various schemes under the ESP for small and medium businesses, the Vice President said the response by Nigerians to the recently launched Survival Fund was massive and assured that the government remained committed to effective implementation of the scheme.
More and more potential beneficiaries are going online to access the N60 billion Survival Fund whose registration started on Monday.

According to him, “a couple of days ago, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment launched the Survival Fund. The Fund includes a Payroll Support for about 500, 000 beneficiaries and the plan is to take qualifying businesses who have a minimum of 10 employees and pay salaries of those staff for three months.

“The portal was opened about three days ago and there has been massive response to it. Payroll Support is one important way that we intend to support small scale businesses. We are also giving artisans and transporters, grants to support their businesses and it will cover about 333, 000 of such artisans and transporters.”

Continuing, the Vice President said “there is also a free business name registration that we are doing for 250, 000 persons who wish to register their businesses.”

Referring specifically to the expected impact of the schemes on MSMEs, the Vice President said “we are looking at 1.3 million beneficiaries under the Survival Fund and under the artisans and transporters grants. Then we have a Guaranteed Off-take Scheme. Under this programme, basically, if you manufacture certain items and food products, we will buy them from you. Our target is about 300, 000 of such producers of foods. Both schemes will benefit about 1.7 million individuals and small businesses.”

Speaking further about the effective implementation of the schemes, the Vice President said measures are being put in place to ensure that the target beneficiaries are impacted positively.

Read more: https://www.chronicle.ng/2020/09/n60bn-survival-fund-registration-osinbajo/

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*
*OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT*

*WE WILL FOCUS ON AUTO GAS AS ALTERNATIVE TO PETROL- OSINBAJO*

*Use of Compressed Natural Gas part of ESP
*VP says no plan to increase taxes

In a determined effort to offer Nigerians an effective option to petrol, the Federal Government will focus on developing Compressed Natural Gas otherwise known as auto gas, which is priced significantly lower than PMS.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this during a virtual interactive session hosted by the Africa Report magazine on Thursday.

Answering a participant’s questions regarding the removal of petrol subsidy, the Vice President said “we have experienced a severe downturn in our finances over the years, so at 60 percent less revenue, we are in a position where sustaining fuel subsidies is practically impossible simply because we do not have the resources.”

According to him, “what we have decided to do is to focus on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) which is about half the price of petrol today. So, if we use CNG for our cars and for our buses, it will cost between N78 and N80 or so per liter.”

Under the Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP), the Federal Government’s objective is to promote domestic use of CNG and support the creation of 1 million jobs by maximizing the domestic use of CNG while reducing reliance on refined petroleum products like kerosene and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Responding to a question regarding increase in taxes, the Vice President noted that the administration has no plans of increasing taxes, stating that “our position really is that, this is hardly the time to raise taxes”.

According to him, “It is even more difficult for people to pay taxes now than ever before, I mean, given the state of affairs, but this is why we're doing everything now.

"We are trying to ensure that businesses survive this period by providing as much support as we can, and by relieving them of as much burden as possible and ensuring that they are able to get some moratorium so that they can at least continue to run their businesses and by all the other interventions and support that we are giving, we hope that those interventions will help businesses.

“Our approach is first to ensure that we save jobs. If we save jobs and save businesses, and then do the best we can in agriculture, the housing scheme and all of that, we will actually be able to improve spending and if we are able to improve spending, taxes will definitely improve, and if businesses survive, taxes will improve. So, those are the sort of projections that we are looking at.”

It would be recalled that the 2020 Finance Act exempts businesses generating less than N25 million in annual turnover from Companies Income Tax. Also, businesses with a turnover of between N25m and N100m will only pay 20% Companies Income Tax instead of the 30% which was the former applicable rate.

The Vice President had recently said it is the plan of the Buhari administration to put money in the hands of Nigerians.

Addressing concerns raised about electricity tariffs, the Vice President said the era of subsidizing petrol and electricity was over, noting that government has adopted measures of addressing the situation.

His words: “What we are trying to do is to ensure that we are able to reform the electricity industry. The industry is privatized except for the transmission sector. But what we have seen is that the distribution companies (DisCos) are just not able to meet their targets or to even provide electricity on any kind of stable basis now.

“The DisCos have been hankering all these years for a cost-reflective tariff and government has been paying the subsidy. In fact, in the past few years, we have spent about N1.3 trillion on subsidies for electricity. Again, here is a situation where that is completely unaffordable.

“We want to ensure that new companies come into the market. So, that will be decentralized completely. This way, in several parts of our country, we can have micro-grids, small grids, and all of that. We are doing 5 million solar connections as part of the Economic Sustainability Plan. We think that, with all these, we can electrify our country within a short period of time.”

The Vice President added that the overall target of government in the Economic Sustainability Plan is to save existing jobs and revamp businesses by improving the spending capability of Nigerians through the various initiatives in industry, agriculture, mass housing, and the solar connectivity projects.

Over 1, 200 persons on different platforms across the world, participated in the virtual event tagged by Africa Report, the organisers as Digital Dialogues.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
26th September 2020

Ahmad Zakare, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure has said that Nigerians would remember President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo would be remembered for their infrastructural strides.

Speaking on Radio Nigeria weekly program, Have Your Say, he said that the country has a lot to be proud of at 60years.

“Sixty might seem like a long time but in the committee of nations we are rightfully in our toddler years. Most importantly, we have continued to stay together despite many doomsday predictions. There is much left to be done but even more to be thankful for.”

When asked about the state of the nation’s infrastructure he said, “This Buhari/Osinbajo administration will be remembered as the infrastructure revolutionists.

“The track record of President Buhari while he was military head of state and when he was head of the PTF are clear for all to see.

“It would have been alarming if we did not have the Abuja – Kaduna rail line in the period of increased security risks along that stretch of road.

“The Kashim Billa project in Benue state is another classic example of this government taking on long abandoned projects and completing them.”

“The administration has had to be very ingenious in sourcing for funds to execute these projects, one of which was the $600m seed capital that was used to finance the second Niger Bridge, Lagos – Ibadan express way, Abuja – Kano expressway.

“Rail lines such as the Lagos – Ibadan that would soon be commissioned, the already commissioned Warri–Itapke line as well as that of the Kano – Marabi that is intended to take care of the ECOWAS corridor. Finally there is also the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano pipeline amongst various other projects.”

When queried on the power sector, Zakare stated that “in the power sector, upon transition to democracy rule, the country rushed into huge investments in power generation; we built 10 NIPP plants, to the point where we have the line of sight of 15, 000 – 20, 000 MW.

“The fall out of this lopsidedness is that the lack of investment in transmission and distribution means that we still are only able to distribute a third of what we can generate.”

“This dearth in provision of funds for transmission is aptly shown in the fact that only $30m was earmarked for it prior to this administration, a figure that has gone up now to $1.6b through funding from the World Bank, AfDB etc.

“Now with the country’s deal with Siemens of Germany, we are looking to take our transmission and distribution to an equitable quantity to what we can generate.”

Explaining further as relates to the recent hike in electricity tariff, the SSA said that; “One of the major problems is that the people are hardly carried along. It is good to talk to the citizens. What we used to have was a situation where power was priced irrespective of service.

“Imagine paying the same amount for power at my residence in Maitama where I get 20 – 24hrs of power as my people back home in Jigawa who get less than 8 – 12hrs of energy on the average.

“As such it was based on the consultations that NERC had with customers at the start of the year as well as the imploration of the President that we are now shifting to a serviced based tariff plan. Where everyone is metered and what you get is what you pay.”

“It should be noted that majority of those making all the noise regarding the hike are not paying attention to the facts, as currently more than 70% of Nigerians aren’t even on the National grid and those are the people that the government is looking to provide solar power for via Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s ESP plus those who are currently getting less than 12hrs of energy that would not witness any increase in their tariffs.”

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Senator Abubakar Girei says he sees Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as a potential presidential material, stressing that, the North will support the South West to produce the next President in the 2023 general election.

He also advised northern interest groups to keep off the race because it is a done deal for the South West.

In an interview with select journalists, the former lawmaker said since South West helped in bringing President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, to power in 2015, “it is going to be payback time as Northerners would help in bringing to power a man from South West to be our president in 2023.”

Girei’s submission

He advised Northern politicians to forget 2023 presidential race, adding that, he saw potential presidential material in the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

“APC and the entire North must support South West to produce the next president for this country because the South West supported the North to bring Buhari to power in 2015.

“And I can see in the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo as a good material for the presidency. He is a professor, well educated and younger than any other person that may want to take a shot at the presidency from that zone.

“Well, for PDP, it will also have no alternative than to continue with Atiku Abubakar as its Presidential candidate in 2023.

“So, I can tell you categorically that the 2023 presidency is already settled, a done deal. It is for the South West and the North will support them to produce the President.’

Speaking on insecurity in the country, Senator Girei said President Buhari should yield to calls by Nigerians to sack the Service Chiefs because they may be responsible for increased insecurity in across the country.

Read more: https://www.chronicle.ng/2020/09/senator-girei-osinbajo-to-succeed-buhari/

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the Nigerian government should not be managing the country’s crude oil refineries.

Speaking at a virtual meeting organised for the All Progressives Congress (APC) social media bloggers and influencers in Abuja on Monday, Osinbajo said the government will rather open up opportunities for private investors to establish refineries in the country.

Osinbajo said: “If the refinery is left in the hands of the government, it will continue to experience the same problem it is experiencing now.

“I do not think that it is the business of the government to run the refinery. It should be the business of the private sector, which is why we are trying to focus on assisting the private sector to develop modular refineries.

“There is a 100,000 barrel capacity refinery about to come on stream and we hope it will by the next year.

“It is completely private and closely located near the Port Harcourt refinery so that it can share the facilities of the Port Harcourt refinery. We are hopeful it will come on stream in the first quarter of next year.

“There are also six modular refineries that are almost ready. There is a Niger Delta Petroleum Refinery in Delta state, there is another one in Imo, there is also another modular refinery in Edo State.

“We engaged the oil-producing communities to find a new vision for the Niger Delta and we tried to encourage modular refinery that will give the people in the oil-producing states a stake so that the modular refinery is not just private but the people there have some stake and equity.

“The whole idea is to support as many private refineries as possible. We are also waiting for the Dangote Refinery with 250,000 barrels capacity which is bigger than all of the government refineries put together.

“In the next two or three months, we will see the private sector playing a bigger role and things will quickly improve.

“We hope that this particular effort will complete the refurbishment of the refineries which will be completed soon but I am more hopeful of the private effort been the key to the future.

Read more: https://www.chronicle.ng/2020/09/fg-no-business-oil-refineries-osinbajo/

*BONANZA!!!*

*FREE CAC BUSINESS REGISTRATION BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT*

Do you have a small business? Do you know any new or existing business owners who are yet to register their business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), inform them to come and register the business for *free*������

The Federal Government of Nigeria will pay the CAC business registration fee of 250,000 new businesses nationwide through the Survival Fund scheme for MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises).

This initiative is part of the National Economic Sustainability Plan designed by the Economic Sustainability Committee chaired by VP Osinbajo to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on Nigerian businesses.

Go to *www.survivalfund.ng* for more information.

*Please share this information, someone on your contact might need it*.

Congratulations