Transparency is the key! God bless Osinbajo

OSINBAJO is the best ever

OSINBAJO is very intelligent

HOW STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS AMONG STAKEHOLDERS CAN ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, BY OSINBAJO

*VP launches SDGs 3&4 independent evaluation document

*Says, goals align with FG’s desire to lift 100 million out of poverty in a decade

Determined to improve effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria, the Federal Government will leverage existing institutional framework to promote stronger partnerships and synergies among stakeholders, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in his remarks delivered virtually at the launch of the independent evaluation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 4 in Nigeria.

The SDG-3 prioritizes ‘Quality health and well-being for all’, while SDG-4 focuses on ‘Qualitative & inclusive education and life-long learning for all’.

The Vice President said Nigeria has a suitable institutional framework, and “the Federal Government will continue to promote strong partnerships and synergies among its Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and development partners for a coordinated implementation of the SDGs.”

According to him, “these strategic evaluations reinforce the evidence for improving health and education outcomes in Nigeria and highlight how all stakeholders – government, development partners and civil society can best address systemic gaps and challenges.

“This Official launch comes with a responsibility for us to intentionally use the key findings of the two evaluations to strengthen policies that support the achievement of the SDGs.”

Referencing government’s efforts in ensuring attainment of the goals, the VP noted that “achieving inclusive sustainable development is an objective that aligns closely with our government’s desire to bring 100 million people out of poverty in 10 years.

“It is for this reason that the Federal Government of Nigeria established a number of ambitious programmes to support the acceleration of the achievement of the SDGs.

“More positively, the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) helped increase school enrolment and slight improvement in learning outcomes.”

Speaking about the outcomes of the evaluation, the Vice President said “on SDG-3 ‘Quality Health and Well-being for all’, the report notes that Nigeria has a suitable institutional framework, key among them include the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the National Health Insurance Act – both of which address health financing as a means of improving access to care.

“On SDG-4 ‘Qualitative and Inclusive Education and lifelong learning for all’, the report noted that education sector policies and strategies, both at the Federal and State levels are aligned with SDG-4.1 target, particularly in the formulation of the plans.”

While noting some loopholes in the implementation of the SDG-3, Prof. Osinbajo said stakeholders must synergise to “create a self-sustaining financial architecture, universal health coverage, improved clinical governance and a harmonious health workforce – all which should prepare us for the challenges of the 21st century.

“This must be accompanied by strengthening accountability mechanisms at the level of the state governments to improve resource mobilization,” the VP added.

In resolving challenges in implementation of Goal 4, the VP said “transparency around education budgeting and spending needs to improve. Similarly, governance issues at the Federal, State and Local governments remain at the heart of education provisioning in Nigeria.”

In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, re-affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the successful implementation of the SDGs, noting that “effective implementation requires periodic evaluation to ensure progress measurement, generate knowledge and inform policy shift.”

Dignitaries present at the event included the representatives of State Governors, Federal Ministers, and the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Amina Mohammed who delivered her remarks virtually.

Other officials at the launch were the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale, the representative of UNICEF, and heads of government agencies and departments, among others.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
25th August 2022

APC made a mistake by not voting for Osinbajo

Welcome back sir

A leader at it peak

IT IS TIME FOR DECISIVE ACTION SAYS OSINBAJO, AS NIGERIA LAUNCHES FG'S ENERGY TRANSITION PLAN

Africa’s increasing energy gaps require collaboration to take ownership of the continent’s transition pathways and the action should be decisive and urgent, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in his remarks delivered at the global virtual launch of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, a roadmap to tackle the dual crises of energy poverty and climate change.

Speaking on the need to have a peculiar transition plan, the VP said “for Africa, the problem of energy poverty is as important as our climate ambitions. Energy use is crucial for almost every conceivable aspect of development. Wealth, health, nutrition, water, infrastructure, education, and life expectancy are significantly related to the consumption of energy per capita."

Making reference to the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, the VP said “the plan was designed to tackle climate change and deliver SDG7 by 2030 and net-zero by 2060, while centering the provision of energy for development, industrialization and economic growth.”

According to him, “we anchored the plan on key objectives including lifting 100 million people out of poverty in a decade, driving economic growth, bringing modern energy services to the full population and managing the expected long-term job losses in the oil sector due to global decarbonization.

“Given those objectives, the plan recognizes the role natural gas must play in the short term to facilitate the establishment of baseload energy capacity and address the nation’s clean cooking deficit in the form of LPG.

“The plan envisions vibrant industries powered by low-carbon technologies; streets lined with electric vehicles & livelihoods enabled by sufficient and clean energy.”

On other aspirations of the roadmap, the VP explained that “the plan has the potential to create about 340,000 jobs by 2030, and 840,000 by 2060. It also presents a unique opportunity to deliver a true low-carbon & rapid development model in Africa’s largest economy.”

Speakers at the event commended Nigeria's leadership & pioneering role in the region. #energytransition

This is very commendable.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE


OSINBAJO LAUNCHES FG'S ENERGY TRANSITION PLAN AS NIGERIA SEEKS $10B INITIAL SUPPORT PACKAGE

*World Bank, US EXIM Bank pledge $3b implementation support

*VP says “it is time for decisive action, we cannot afford to delay”

Africa’s increasing energy gaps require collaboration to take ownership of the continent’s transition pathways and the action should be decisive and urgent, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in his remarks delivered at the global virtual launch of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, a roadmap to tackle the dual crises of energy poverty and climate change.

Speaking on the need to have a peculiar transition plan, the Vice President said “for Africa, the problem of energy poverty is as important as our climate ambitions. Energy use is crucial for almost every conceivable aspect of development. Wealth, health, nutrition, water, infrastructure, education, and life expectancy are significantly related to the consumption of energy per capita."

The VP highlighted the significant scale of resources required to attain both development and climate ambitions. Nigeria would need to spend $410 billion above business-as-usual spending to deliver our Transition Plan by 2060, which translates to about $10 billion per year.

“The average $3billion per year investments in renewable energy recorded for the whole of Africa between 2000 and 2020 will certainly not suffice,” he added.

Additionally, the Vice President noted that “we have an inter-ministerial Energy Transition Implementation Working Group, which I chair. We are currently engaging with partners to secure an initial $10 billion support package ahead of COP27 along the lines of the South African Just Energy Transition Partnership announced at COP26 in Glasgow.”

At the virtual event, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, Nigeria Country Director for World Bank said the bank plans “to commit over USD 1.5 billion towards the Energy Transition Plan on renewable energy, on power sector reforms, on clean cooking, and wherever opportunities arise.”

In a similar vein, Mr. Adam Cortese, CEO, Sun Africa stated that “the launch of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan has further accelerated our efforts, proving Nigeria to be fertile grounds for investments in the sector. We are in the final stages of discussion with US EXIM Bank on a USD 1.5 billion financing package.”

Speaking on the effects of Climate Change in Africa, Prof Osinbajo explained that “climate change threatens crop productivity in regions that are already food insecure, and since agriculture provides the largest number of jobs, reduced crop productivity will worsen unemployment.

“It is certainly time for decisive action, and we just cannot afford to delay. African nations are rising to the challenge. All African countries have signed the Paris Agreement and some countries, South Africa, Sudan, Angola, and Nigeria have also announced net-zero targets.”

Giving more details on energy poverty in Africa, the VP noted that “the current lack of power hurts livelihoods and destroys the dreams of hundreds of millions of young people.

“And although Africa’s current unmet energy needs are huge, future demand will be even greater due to expanding populations, urbanization, and movement into the middle class.

“It is clear that the continent must address its energy constraints and would require external support and policy flexibility to deliver this. Unfortunately, in the wider responses to the climate crisis, we are not seeing careful consideration and acknowledgement of Africa’s aspirations.”

Underscoring the importance of collaboration, the Vice President then noted that “we developed our Energy Transition Plan to engage with the rest of the world in a serious, thorough and data-backed manner.”

Prof. Osinbajo explained that “there is a clear need for African nations to engage more critically and vocally in conversations on our global climate future.

“More importantly, we need to take ownership of our transition pathways and design climate-sensitive strategies that address our growth objectives. This is what Nigeria has done with our Energy Transition Plan.”

Making reference to the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, the Vice President said “the plan was designed to tackle climate change and deliver SDG7 by 2030 and net-zero by 2060, while centering the provision of energy for development, industrialization and economic growth.”

According to him, “we anchored the plan on key objectives including lifting 100 million people out of poverty in a decade, driving economic growth, bringing modern energy services to the full population and managing the expected long-term job losses in the oil sector due to global decarbonization.

“Given those objectives, the plan recognizes the role natural gas must play in the short term to facilitate the establishment of baseload energy capacity and address the nation’s clean cooking deficit in the form of LPG.

“The plan envisions vibrant industries powered by low-carbon technologies; streets lined with electric vehicles and livelihoods enabled by sufficient and clean energy.”

On other aspirations of the roadmap, Prof. Osinbajo explained that “the plan has the potential to create about 340,000 jobs by 2030, and 840,000 by 2060. It also presents a unique opportunity to deliver a true low-carbon and rapid development model in Africa’s largest economy.”

“We are currently implementing power sector initiatives and reforms focused on expanding our grid, increasing generation capacity, and deploying renewable energy to rural and underserved populations.”

Aside from the transition plan, the Vice President announced the launch of the Universal Energy Facility “an innovative, results-based, finance programme that focuses specifically on scaling up electricity access for productive uses.”

He explained that “the Universal Energy Facility will provide grant payments to enable solar companies to expand their operations to small and medium-sized enterprises across Nigeria, while crowding-in additional private capital.”

“Projects supported by the Universal Energy Facility will help grow businesses and create jobs, making them key contributors to our Energy Transition Plan.

“I’d like to encourage solar companies in attendance today to engage with this innovative financing opportunity, which is being managed by Sustainable Energy for All,” he added.

Speakers at the event commended Nigeria's leadership and pioneering role in the region, emphasizing the need for data-driven country-level energy transition plans that recognise the unique pathways each country would need to take in order to achieve a just, inclusive and equitable energy transition for all.

The launch also featured remarks from Nigerian Ministers and officials, including, Ministers of Environment, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi; Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu; Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs, (Dr.) Zainab Ahmed; and Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo.

Other speakers included the Minister of Petroleum and Energies from Senegal, Dr. Aissatou Sophie Gladima; Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy from Egypt, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi as well as representatives of the United Nations, Sustainable Energy for All, The World Bank, African Development Bank, IRENA, The Rockefeller Foundation and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
24th of August 2022

Our star boy is back

Good to have you back sir

This administration really tried on infrastructure

OSINBAJO NOTES PROGRESS IN INFRASTRUCTURE, INAUGURATES NEW COUNCIL WITH PUBLIC-PRIVATE COLLABORATION

*Lists plans to further reduce deficit, attaining 70% stock

Collaboration between the Federal Government and the private sector will not only ensure effective coordination of the infrastructure development across the nation, and all sectors of the economy, it will also bridge the nation’s infrastructural gaps, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

This is a major reason why the Buhari administration has set up the National Council on Infrastructure, the Vice President added.

Prof. Osinbajo, who formally inaugurated the Council during a virtual meeting which he presided over today, stated that “for efficient and effective implementation of infrastructure projects, the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan recommended the establishment of the National Council on Infrastructure and its Technical Working Group (TWG).”

The Vice President further stated that the Buhari administration’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan was developed to provide “an integrated view of infrastructure development in Nigeria with clear linkages across key sectors and identifies enablers for successful implementation in line with the current economic realities.”

The National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan takes stock of existing infrastructure and specifically sets out the goal of raising Nigeria’s infrastructure stock to at least 70 percent by the year 2043, the VP said.

Speaking further, the Vice President said, “the success of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan will depend, to a large extent, on the establishment of a strong implementation mechanism and framework that promotes performance and accountability.”

Specifically, Prof. Osinbajo added that the National Council on Infrastructure “is to provide policy direction on infrastructure matters and drive the creation and sustenance of the expected synergy and linkages between the public and the private sector to enhance the implementation of the Infrastructure Master Plan, while the Technical Working Group is to provide guidance to the Council and advise on all infrastructure related matters.”

Noting that the governance structure conforms with global best practice, Prof. Osinbajo further stated that “a well-coordinated and strategic approach will be required to harness private resources to increase the stock of Nigeria’s infrastructure to the desired level by the year 2043.’

Despite substantial infrastructure deficits across the country, Prof. Osinbajo emphasized the deliberate and massive investment in road, rail and power infrastructure for rapid economic development by the Buhari administration.

“A fundamental feature of our Administration’s plan for the rapid development of the economy is a deliberate and massive investment in Infrastructure,” the VP stated.

They include the second Niger bridge, the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road (funded through the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund); the construction and upgrading of about 5,000 km of major road projects across the country through the Sukuk bond.

Continuing, the VP said, “Rail sector investments include the Lagos Kano standard gauge lines, the Warri-Itakpe rail, In the Energy sector, this Administration has green lit NLNG Train 7, invested in the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline and is on track to complete an incremental 4,000MW of generating assets (such as Zungeru Hydro and Kashimbilla Hydro) to complement systemic reforms and investments in the Distribution and Transmission segments of the electricity value chain.”

Prof. Osinbajo further said, “the Administration is investing more than $2 billion in Distribution and Transmission through the Siemens Presidential Power Initiative, the Transmission, Rehabilitation and Expansion Plan, the CBN financed Transmission-Distribution Interface Programme and the recently approved $500 million World Bank DISREP program for the Distribution segment.”

Similarly, the VP noted that the Federal Government launched the N15 trillion Infrastructure Corporation (InfraCorp Nigeria) last year and the President also signed Executive Order 7, which has informed right policy framework and created some opportunities for Public Private Partnership (PPP) in infrastructure development.

Noting further the importance of private sector participation, the VP said, “the Reviewed National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (2020-2043) and the National Development Plan 2021-2025 also estimated the current nation’s infrastructure stock to be between 30-35 percent of the GDP in 2020 against 20 per cent of the GDP recorded at the inception of this administration in 2015. This is still a far cry from the estimated target of 70 per cent envisaged in 2043.

To buttress this point, Prof. Osinbajo noted that the USD$2.3 Trillion estimated resource requirement for the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan implementation was too large to be provided from public resources alone.

Further emphasizing collaboration between government and the private sector in closing these infrastructure deficits, the VP noted that ‘a well-coordinated and strategic approach will be required to harness private resources to increase the stock of Nigeria’s infrastructure to the desired level by the year 2043.”

The private sector, he added, “is expected to play an increasingly important role either directly or in collaboration with the government through Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Government providing a supportive environment with stable and transparent policies, rules and regulations.”

In his remarks, the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, thanked the Vice President for his leadership and selfless service to the nation.

Private sector members of the new Council, include the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr. Mansur Ahmed; and a representative of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Tasiu Wudil, both of whom were in attendance, also welcomed the inauguration of the Council, to which they are also members.

The Vice President is Chair of the National Council on Infrastructure, and members include representative of the State Governors; Federal Ministers, heads of government agencies and members of the private sector.

They include the Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. (Mrs.) Zainab Ahmed; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Works, Babatunde Fashola, SAN; Power, Engr Abubakar Aliyu; Transportation, Mu'azu Jaji Sambo; Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami; Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu; Aviation, Hadi Sirika; Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba; and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

Others include the President of MAN, Engr. Mansur Ahmed; National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), John Udeagbala; the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera; Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Uche Orji; among others.

The Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, through its Infrastructure Delivery Coordinating Unit, has been strengthened further to function as the Secretariat for the Council, Prof. Osinbajo said.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
23rd August, 2022

For more information about the Vice President's activities, please visit www.yemiosinbajo.ng

#Osinbajo #VPOsinbajo #akandeoj #LaoluAkande

Well done our star boy

Go and ask Sadiya Faruq, shebi you're stupid ni

FG MOVES TO RESOLVE TARIFF SHORTFALLS IN POWER SECTOR AS OSINBAJO INAUGURATES NIGERIA ELECTRICITY LIABILITY MANAGEMENT COMPANY’S BOARD

*VP mandates board composed of Ministers of Finance, Power, others: Protect interests of our society, particularly ordinary citizens

*National Council on Privatisation gets update on takeover of Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Ibadan, Benin DISCOs

The inauguration of a board for the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO) will enhance ongoing efforts to resolve liabilities relating to tariff shortfalls for distribution companies, among other challenges plaguing Nigeria’s power sector, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo gave the assurance in his remarks delivered virtually on Friday at the inauguration of the new board of NELMCO.

The company has been running without a duly constituted board since the first one was inaugurated in 2013 and dissolved shortly after.

According to the Vice President, “today’s inauguration marks an important milestone in the bid to resolve the liabilities relating to tariff shortfalls in the power sector (specifically for Distribution Companies), and to provide a veritable mechanism for managing the very dynamic nature of the liquidity challenges of the power sector in Nigeria.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said “this ceremony formally brings on board the invaluable skills and experience of notable and highly respected personalities as members of the Board of NELMCO.”

On the expectations for the new board, the Vice President told the members that, “as a board, you are expected to make conscious and deliberate efforts to develop appropriate strategies to facilitate the successful conclusion of the outstanding pre-privatisation issues of the defunct PHCN, and ensure an effective implementation of NELMCO’s additional mandate to resolve the tariff shortfall problems of the Electricity Distribution Companies.”

“In view of the challenges ahead, you are expected to draw extensively on our experience over the years, to continue to give credence to the Federal Government of Nigeria’s economic development programme in a transparent, sustainable, credible and acceptable manner.

“The Board is required to take appropriate steps to also ensure that the interests of the various segments of our society, particularly the ordinary citizens, are protected in the implementation of NELMCO’s mandate,” the VP added.

On the board’s mandate, Prof. Osinbajo charged members “to diligently carry out the responsibilities assigned to the board in accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMART) of the Company.”

Some of the provisions of the MEMART of the Company include:

*To assume and administer the stranded debts of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Plc pursuant to the provisions of Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005.

*To manage post-privatisation liabilities in the power sector as may be directed by the National Council on Privatisation, or any authorized agency of the Federal Government from time to time in line with the power sector reform act 2005.

Responding on behalf of the members, the Board Chairperson and Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. (Dr.) Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, assured the Vice President of the board’s preparedness to ensure quick resolution of tariff shortfalls and related issues in the power sector in the most efficient manner.

Other members of the board include the

• Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu
• Director General of Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex Okoh
• Director General of Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha
• Managing Director of NELMCO, Mr. Bayo Fagbemi
• Mr. Muhammad Aliyu Jumma’a
• Mr. Olufunso Olutola Olukoga
• Dr. Chinedum Orisakwe.
• Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas and
• Dr. Nurain Hassan Ibrahim.

In a related development, the BPE Director General, Mr. Alex Okoh, has said the take-over of 4 electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) namely; Kaduna, Kano, Ibadan and Port Harcourt DISCOs has been concluded successfully.

Mr. Okoh, who disclosed this in a presentation made at a virtual meeting of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) held earlier last week Tuesday, added that the challenge in the takeover of the Benin DISCO is being addressed.

The NCP is chaired by the Vice President who was represented at the meeting by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, who is the Vice Chair of Council.

In his report to the Council, the BPE DG also made a presentation on the concession of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant, inviting NCP to note steps taken by the Bureau to fast track the process.

Mr. Okoh then presented for approval a proposal to amend the Procedures Manual of the BPE, especially in the areas of legal framework; reform activities; pre-transaction activities; project advisory and delivery team; receipt of technical and financial transaction strategies, and opening and evaluation of technical proposals, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
21st August, 2022

Osinbajo is always after the betterment of this Country

He deserves many accolades, the man is very hardworking and loyal to our Vice president Yemi Osinbajo

Interesting

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*NEC COMMENDS NIGERIA SOVEREIGN INVESTMENT AUTHORITY’S PERFORMANCE AT ANNUAL GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING*
 
**Receives briefing on crude oil production & security*
 
**Council sub-committee to consider Governors’ concerns over ownership of new NNPC Ltd*
 

The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed a report on the 2021 financial performance of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), commending the board and management for a credible performance despite the challenging economic atmosphere.
 
 
The commendation was part of resolutions reached by NEC at its meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, virtually on Thursday. This month’s meeting was also the Governing Council of the NSIA.


The Council adopted the report and commended the NSIA. 
 
 
According to the presentation by the MD/CEO of NSIA, Mr Uche Orji, “the NSIA delivered impressive financial results, underscoring the resilience of its strategy. 
 
 
“For the 9th year in a row, the NSIA has consistently remained profitable, closing the 2021 financial year with a profit after tax of N153.8 billion, slightly down 1.9% from 2020. (2020: N156.5 billion). Total comprehensive income declined marginally in 2021 by 8.2% to close the year at N147.0 billion (2020: N160.1 billion)
 
 
“The NSIA has reached major milestones across domestic infrastructure in the year under review in terms of projects such as motorways, agriculture, healthcare, technology, gas industrialization and others.”
 
 
In consideration of other matters, the Group CEO of NNPC Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari, made a presentation to the Council on “Crude Oil Production, PMS Supply Situation and Security Intervention against Oil Theft”. 
 
 
In it, he raised several issues including oil production and market updates. He also gave updates on the PMS supply and distribution, assuring of sufficiency.
 
 
After his presentation, State governors raised a number of issues regarding the ownership of the new NNPC Limited, its assets and liabilities.
 
 
NEC therefore resolved, and the Vice President directed that a sub-committee of the Council be set up to liaise with the Federal Government on all the issues.
 

*Below are some of the highlights of Thursday’s NEC meeting:*
 

*NEC (5TH IN 2022)   126TH MEETING*
 
*THURSDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2022*
 
*BRIEF ON THE NIGERIA SOVERIGN INVESTMENT AUTHORITY (NSIA) TO THE GOVERNING COUNCIL BY UCHE ORJI, MANAGING DIRECTOR  & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER*
 

The Managing Director of NSIA briefed the NEC today on the activities of the Authority. The NSIA team briefed council on the complete financial performance of the Agency for the year 2021 as follows:
 
 
*PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW; FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE*
 
NSIA delivered impressive financial results, underscoring the resilience of its strategy. For the 9th year in a row, the NSIA has consistently remained profitable, closing the 2021 financial year with a profit after tax of N153.8 billion, slightly down 1.9% from 2020. (2020: N156.5 billion).  Total comprehensive income declined marginally in 2021 by 8.2% to close the year at N147.0 billion (2020: N160.1 billion)
 
The NSIA has reached major milestones across domestic infrastructure in the year under review in terms of projects such as motorways, agriculture, healthcare, technology, gas industrialization and others.
 
*Council Resolution:*
 
Council endorsed the report and commended the NSIA board and management for a credible performance despite the challenging economic atmosphere.
 
 
*PRESENTATION ON STATE ACTION ON BUSINESS ENABLING REFORMS (SABER) PROGRAM BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, TRADE AND INVESTMENT AND THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE PRESIDENT ON EASE OF DOING BUSINESS*
 
 
The presentation was to inform the National Executive Council that the PEBEC-NEC EoDB intervention would deepen sub national business-enabling reforms through SABER program incentives, using results-based financing targeted at improving the business environment.
 

• The Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) mandate was articulated in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017-2020, and subsequently retained in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025 which is aimed at generating 21 million full-time jobs and lifting 35 million people out of poverty by 2025.

 
• In November 2019, the PEBEC Secretariat and World Bank began discussions on incentives to sub nationals for the deepening of EoDB reforms implementation through the SABER program - potentially the first Program-for-Results (PforR) on EoDB at a national scale in the World.


• On October 29, 2021, the Honorable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning (HMFBNP) made a request to the World Bank to commence preparation with government partners for the SABER Program.


• This was sequel to an earlier request in March 2020 from the PEBEC through its Vice Chair, the Honorable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to the HMFBNP requesting for World Bank support to deepen EoDB reforms at the sub national level.
 

• Several advanced preparatory actions have since been delivered to accelerate the design of the Program.
 

• The SABER Program is a 3-year performance-based intervention jointly designed by the World Bank

 

• Technical team and the PEBEC Secretariat with support from the FMFBNP Home Finance Department, HFD and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat, to incentivise and strengthen the implementation of business enabling reforms across Nigeria.

 
  Council approved:
 

•  The SABER program

• The setup of proposed SABER National Steering Committee, comprising PEBEC and the NG SABER Adhoc Committee to be chaired by the Vice President

 
Council also received briefings from both the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
 
 
 
 
*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*18th August 2022*

Say no to open Defecation

OSINBAJO WANTS MORE DONE TO END OPEN DEFECATION IN NIGERIA

*Approves measures to boost Water, Sanitation, Hygiene

*Urges improved private sector collaboration

Ongoing efforts to end open defecation in Nigeria by 2025 has received a boost with the approval of measures to accelerate access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) by the Clean Nigeria Steering Committee chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

A meeting of the committee presided over by Prof. Osinbajo virtually, on Wednesday approved prayers contained in the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign”, 2022 mid-year report.

The Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu had earlier in a presentation on the ongoing Clean Nigeria campaign, noted slow advancement in the finalization and roll out of the Tax Credit Scheme and Blue Bond Programme as part of challenges affecting the country-wide campaign.

The prayers to the steering committee approved during the meeting:

1. Support strong advocacy to policy makers at sub national level for prioritization and funding of campaign implementation

2. Support strong advocacy on public private partnership for sanitation services improvement in public places

3. Support of Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning on the finalization of the issuance of the Blue Bond

4. Support of Federal Ministry of Justice, Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Inland Revenue Service on the finalization of Tax Credit Scheme under the Executive Order 009

5. Federal Ministries of Education, Environment and Health to accelerate the initiative of Schools WASH and Health WASH program towards improving access to Sanitation and Hygiene facilities in schools and Healthcare centres

6. Members of Steering Committee to champion the delivery of their respective LGAs as Open Defecation Free in collaboration with the Clean Nigeria Campaign Secretariat.

Speaking while approving the prayers contained in the report, Prof. Osinbajo said the recommendations “capture where the gaps are and the sort of support required.”

The Vice President said “I think that we are making steady progress but there is need for us to do a bit more because only 18% of our people have access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in public places,” noting that performances in schools and public places must improve.

He called on stakeholders “to do more with our sub-nationals. The states hold the aces to make the required efforts to make substantial progress. The fact that more states have Open Defecation Free (ODF) status means we are on course.”

The Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu will be making the presentation at today’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, seeking the council’s endorsement.

Other officials present at the meeting included the Minister of Environment, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Esan; representatives of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON); UNICEF, the Organised Private Sector Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS WASH), and the Diaspora Commission.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
18th August 2022

To read more on the Vice President's activities, please visit www.yemiosinbajo.ng

Dr Damages does not have sense now....no be today

Mr Damages should be cautioned or better still arrested, he's getting annoying lately.

OSINBAJO TO STATE GOVTS:
YOUR HARDWORK CRITICAL FOR BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT REFORMS TO SUCCEED

*PEBEC proposes $750m World Bank-backed program for sub-nationals starting next year

State Governments and their agencies have a significant role to play in ensuring an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made this assertion at a virtual meeting of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) where a presentation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Program coordinated by the secretariat and the World Bank was discussed.

The SABER Program is a 3-year (Jan 2023 – Dec 2025) performance-based intervention jointly designed by the World Bank and the PEBEC Secretariat with support from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat.

The purpose is to incentivize and strengthen the implementation of business enabling reforms in Nigeria specifically across the participating States of the Federation and the FCT.

According to Prof Osinbajo, “for all who are charged with responsibilities at the State level, you have your work cut out for you.

“If we are going to have the kind of business environment that our country deserves and that can make a difference for our economy, it is the hard work at the sub-national level that would really move the needle.”

He added that “the States’ process is a very important one and I hope that we will be able to spend individually, especially in the States, a fair amount of time trying to work out how this will work in actual practice in our various States.”

Prof Osinbajo then noted that at the Federal level, it has been a major challenge “just trying to coordinate agencies and parastatals.”

In her own remarks, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Special Adviser on Ease of Doing Business and Secretary of PEBEC, stated that “we have been collaborating for over two years in conceptualizing the SABER Program,” adding that “it is the first programme of this size that the World Bank is embarking on at this scale globally.”

The program is a $750million operation comprising two main areas - $730million Program-for-Results Financing (PforR) component and $20million technical assistance for investment project financing.”

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs (Dr.) Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed had made a formal request to the World Bank for the preparation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Program with Government Partners.

This was after a request came from PEBEC, through its Vice Chairman, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, asking for the World Bank’s support for deepening ease of doing business reforms at the sub-national level.

The four main objectives of this PEBEC–NEC Ease of Doing Business intervention are:
1. Deepen subnational business-enabling reforms through SABER program incentives, using result-based financing targeted at improving the business environment.

2. Deliver technical assistance to all states to support gaps in reform implementation and provide opportunities for structural development and institutionalization of reforms across the country leveraging the PEBEC-NEC implementation structure.

3. Ride on the back of State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme, which has created a mutual accountability platform between the Federal Government and the States. The SABER will further consolidate and deepen gains from EoDB reforms implemented across the country.

4. Facilitate crowding-in private investments at scale, a key requirement for the achievement of Nigeria’s development priorities

Present at the virtual PEBEC meeting were some of the Chairpersons of the Ease of Doing Business Council in various States across the country including Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State; Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State; Deputy Governors of Abia, Cross River and Kaduna; Secretary to the State Government, Anambra; Federal Ministers who are members of the commission including the Industry, Trade and Investment Minister, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Information & Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama.

Other present were the Commissioners of Finance and Economic Development in Ekiti and Ogun, representatives of Governors, other Senior Government Officials as well as the World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, Mr. Shubaham Chaudhuri.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
16th August 2022

For more information on the Vice President's activities, please visit www.yemiosinbajo.ng

Keep the good work going sir

Nonsense piece

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

*WHEN WE GIVE IT OUR BEST, A COUNTRY FREE OF PAST, PRESENT CHALLENGES IS ACHIEVABLE, SAYS OSINBAJO*

_*VP represents President at launch of IMAGINE NIGERIA_

A Nigeria freed of its past, current challenges and able to engage the future with the best possible tools in human and material capital is within reach. And this, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is achievable by a strong collaboration between young Nigerians, private and public sector stakeholders.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Wednesday at the global virtual launch of Imagine Nigeria, a Federal Government initiative implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at answering the question, "what it would take to transform Nigeria?" and detailing the thoughts in a report.

According to the Vice President who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the launch, “it is a process of reflection and discussion by all Nigerians, especially young Nigerians on what the future of our country should look like. Imagine Nigeria hopes to stimulate interest and attention around issues of innovation, green economy, trust, leadership and framing a more positive national narrative."

The initiative is “a bold, unblinkered, exploration of the great possibilities of our nation,” he observed.

Prof. Osinbajo added that “perhaps one of the silver linings in the dark clouds of COVID-19 was the opportunity it gave us to reflect on a future for our nation and world, seeing how massive public health and economic challenges could so easily upend global dynamics. For Nigeria, the context is even more nuanced.


“There is the imminence of a zero-oil scenario, a large youth population in search of opportunities, the urgent imperatives of climate change, threats to the peace, stability and unity of the country. But on the other end of the scale are the evident opportunities. The possibilities of a demographic dividend, being the largest economy in Africa, having perhaps the fastest growing economies in entertainment and technology in Africa; and the list goes on.”

The Vice President then spoke on the content of the work done by the Imagine Nigeria project team, noting that “the report itself identifies five pillars as the basis for building forward and transformation. These are ambitiously described as the five pillars of change: Build a Culture of Innovation; Catalyze a Green Economy; Build trust; Facilitate a National Narrative; and Lead Africa.”


“The pillars of change and the entire report are only the beginning of the imagining process. The pillars provide some of the big ideas around which we hope the dialogues and conversations will develop. From here on it will now be up to us all - civil society groups, public and private sector think-tanks, professional and vocational associations, socio-cultural and political groups, to open up dialogues and conversations,” Prof. Osinbajo stated.

Earlier in her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Usman, said the launch of the project was timely as the task of transforming Nigeria for the future was no longer a prerogative of government or “a select few”, noting that the entirety of the society must join in planning for the future and finding ways to address contemporary challenges.

While urging Nigerians to key into the project, the Minister said “the launch of the project as a collective reflection is an excellent opportunity for Nigerians to come together to define the national agenda.”

On his part, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, said the Buhari administration was working hard to entrench a culture of innovation, highlighted the ongoing broadband expansion using data to provide social safety nets and the development of a $500 million innovation fund under the Digital and Creative Enterprise programme.

Also speaking at the event, the former Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, a member of the Imagine Nigeria High Level Panel, said “given where the world was at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, and the many challenges the nation is facing today, the importance of getting all Nigerians to think constructively about Nigeria, and to explore what the future holds for us, cannot be over-emphasised.”

He noted that “we must have a serious conversation as to what sort of Nigeria we want. And that conversation must involve all Nigerians, particularly the youth, who are easily the most dynamic and innovative demography in any nation.”

There were also remarks from the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Matthias Schmale, and the Resident Representative of the UNDP in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Yahya, among others.

*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*11th August, 2022*

The writer is a fool

Osinbajo always make us proud

WHEN WE GIVE IT OUR BEST, A COUNTRY FREE OF PAST, PRESENT CHALLENGES IS ACHIEVABLE, SAYS OSINBAJO

*VP represents President at launch of IMAGINE NIGERIA

A Nigeria freed of its past, current challenges and able to engage the future with the best possible tools in human and material capital is within reach. And this, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is achievable by a strong collaboration between young Nigerians, private and public sector stakeholders.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Wednesday at the global virtual launch of Imagine Nigeria, a Federal Government initiative implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at answering the question, "what it would take to transform Nigeria?" and detailing the thoughts in a report.

According to the Vice President who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the launch, “it is a process of reflection and discussion by all Nigerians, especially young Nigerians on what the future of our country should look like. Imagine Nigeria hopes to stimulate interest and attention around issues of innovation, green economy, trust, leadership and framing a more positive national narrative."

The initiative is “a bold, unblinkered, exploration of the great possibilities of our nation,” he observed.

Prof. Osinbajo added that “perhaps one of the silver linings in the dark clouds of COVID-19 was the opportunity it gave us to reflect on a future for our nation and world, seeing how massive public health and economic challenges could so easily upend global dynamics. For Nigeria, the context is even more nuanced.

“There is the imminence of a zero-oil scenario, a large youth population in search of opportunities, the urgent imperatives of climate change, threats to the peace, stability and unity of the country. But on the other end of the scale are the evident opportunities. The possibilities of a demographic dividend, being the largest economy in Africa, having perhaps the fastest growing economies in entertainment and technology in Africa; and the list goes on.”

The Vice President then spoke on the content of the work done by the Imagine Nigeria project team, noting that “the report itself identifies five pillars as the basis for building forward and transformation. These are ambitiously described as the five pillars of change: Build a Culture of Innovation; Catalyze a Green Economy; Build trust; Facilitate a National Narrative; and Lead Africa.”

“The pillars of change and the entire report are only the beginning of the imagining process. The pillars provide some of the big ideas around which we hope the dialogues and conversations will develop. From here on it will now be up to us all - civil society groups, public and private sector think-tanks, professional and vocational associations, socio-cultural and political groups, to open up dialogues and conversations,” Prof. Osinbajo stated.

Earlier in her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Usman, said the launch of the project was timely as the task of transforming Nigeria for the future was no longer a prerogative of government or “a select few”, noting that the entirety of the society must join in planning for the future and finding ways to address contemporary challenges.

While urging Nigerians to key into the project, the Minister said “the launch of the project as a collective reflection is an excellent opportunity for Nigerians to come together to define the national agenda.”

On his part, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, said the Buhari administration was working hard to entrench a culture of innovation, highlighted the ongoing broadband expansion using data to provide social safety nets and the development of a $500 million innovation fund under the Digital and Creative Enterprise programme.

Also speaking at the event, the former Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, a member of the Imagine Nigeria High Level Panel, said “given where the world was at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, and the many challenges the nation is facing today, the importance of getting all Nigerians to think constructively about Nigeria, and to explore what the future holds for us, cannot be over-emphasised.”

He noted that “we must have a serious conversation as to what sort of Nigeria we want. And that conversation must involve all Nigerians, particularly the youth, who are easily the most dynamic and innovative demography in any nation.”

There were also remarks from the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Matthias Schmale, and the Resident Representative of the UNDP in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Yahya, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
11th August, 2022

To read more about the Vice President's activities, please visit www.yemiosinbajo.ng