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Tag: FEC

  • Buhari bids farewell to outgoing FEC members, to replace Ministers without delay

    Buhari bids farewell to outgoing FEC members, to replace Ministers without delay

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja bade farewell to outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), saying the departing Ministers would be replaced without delay.

    The president affirmed that a significant number of them had been sufficiently equipped to aspire to higher elective offices, including the Office of the President.

    Speaking at a valedictory session for appointees leaving the cabinet to pursue political ambitions, the President said:

    ”I have no doubt that if the next President emerges from among former members of this cabinet, like any other aspirant, ample competence and outstanding service delivery would be on display. This will be part of our legacies to Nigerians.”

    The president commended them for serving the nation sacrificially, ”with dignity and honour”.

    President Buhari had at the last FEC meeting on May 11, directed that all Ministers and other political appointees who aspire to contest for elective offices in the 2023 General Elections should resign their current appointments.

    ”I note that some have complied while others are in the process of doing so.

    ”I would like to use this opportunity to commend your decision and courage to contest for elective offices and your compliance with my directive.

    ”I also wish to thank you for your invaluable services to this nation through your contributions as Cabinet members.

    ”I wish you success in the upcoming elections and in your future endeavours,” he said.

    Buhari told the ministers that looking back as the head of the team over the years, he had fond memories of incisive and robust discussions during cabinet meetings, rendering of performance reports during special sessions and presidential retreats.

    ”In 2015, citizens of this country overwhelmingly voted for me to become the President of this nation on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    ”Selecting members of the Cabinet went through a careful process so that the best and most competent could emerge. The performance of that class of 2015 proved me right.

    ”In 2019, Nigerians similarly re-elected me as President. Again the selection went through another meticulous process.

    ”That re-election was significant because it served as a referendum on our performance during the first term and it inspired me to bring back some of the members of the first cabinet either to their old Ministries or re-assigned to other sectors.

    ”New Members were also brought on board to inject fresh energies, skills and ideas to enhance the execution of government’s programs and policies.

    ”With these and much more, I am happy to note that a significant number of cabinet members have become sufficiently equipped to aspire to higher elective offices, including the Office of the President.

    “This shows the impact of the experience gathered while serving as members of the Federal Executive Council,” he said.

    The president acknowledged that prior to some of them joining his cabinet; they had made their marks in other areas as governors, legislators, entrepreneurs and core professionals.

    He added that the experience and expertise they brought on board had significantly resulted in enormous development in various sectors and the accomplishment of government programmes.

    ”These include infrastructure, agriculture, health systems, financial management, administration of justice, building social safety net systems,” he said.

    While noting that the departure of some cabinet members has undoubtedly created a vacuum that should be filled, the president said appointments would be made without delay so that the business of governance would not suffer.

    He urged the remaining members of the cabinet to show more diligence, resilience and commitment to serve Nigerians better, saying ‘‘the journey to the finish line is still very far ’’.

    The president said: “Like always, there will be challenges to address, programmes to deliver and policies to implement.

    ”You must therefore brace up for more work and target increased accomplishments.

    ”The determination to leave important legacies for Nigerians should never be compromised.”

    Those at the valedictory session include: ministers of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio; Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu, State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva; Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

    Others are the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah, the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen and the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Tayo Alasoadura.

    The Minister of State (Education), Emeka Nwajiuba, who had earlier tendered his resignation, was not present at the valedictory session.

    Speaking on behalf of the outgoing ministers, Akpabio thanked the President for giving them the opportunity to serve and contribute their quota to nation building.

    He described working with the President as a ‘‘fantastic and knowledgeable experience,’’ adding that as they step aside they will continue to be great disciples of Buhari.

    ”As we step aside from FEC, I want you to know that you have disciples in us. I want you to know that it is time for us to propagate Buharism.

    ”I want you to know that we are going to be working closely with the Minister of Information and Culture to take your message of transformation, love, patience, administrative sagacity to Nigerians, ” he said.

    Akpabio told the president that from his interactions with colleagues leaving the cabinet was like the story of the Spanish play of ‘‘sadness and joy.’’

    ”Sadness in the sense that we are going to miss the continuous daily and weekly interaction with a Father and learning from him; joy because we now have an opportunity to go to the wider audience in Nigeria to speak more of your achievements for this country. ”

    While lauding the president’s deep patriotism, Akpabio said “he (Buhari) is the best president Nigeria could ever have had at a time of difficult circumstances.”

    He prayed God Almighty to grant the president a successful tenure and protect his family, adding:

    “May one of us succeed you in order to continue the good legacies you have laid on ground.

    “We have seen and know your vision. We know where you want the country to be.”

  • FEC approves N1.4bn to boost electricity supply

    FEC approves N1.4bn to boost electricity supply

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N1.4 billion for the supply of more equipment for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to boost electricity supply across the country.

    The Minister of Power, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, made this known when he briefed State House Correspondents on the outcome of the meeting of the council, presided by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said: “I presented two memos from the ministry of power for the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

    “The first one was a variation of the sum of a contract for 132/33 KV substation at Kafanchan, Kaduna State, with a KV line base extension at Jos substation, in Plateau State. This is in the sum of N132, 705, 861.42.”

    The minister said the second approval he got was for the supply of handling equipment and operational vehicles also for the Transmission Company of Nigeria at the cost of N1.3 billion.

    “The second memo was for the supply of handling equipment, haulage and operational vehicles for the TCN at N1,338,159,080.88.

    “They are heavy lifting equipment that the TCN requires for doing its work in the store and on the field, while changing equipment and moving transformers.

    “The council graciously approved,” he said.

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, announced that the council approved some fees for seeds production in the country.

    According to him, the council approved N400,000 per variety for private seed company and N100,000 per variety for research institutions.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also disclosed that the council approved an augmentation of N317.7 million for Pategi Water Supply project phase 11 in Kwara.

    He said the project was initially awarded in 2018 by the Buhari administration at the cost of N3.2 billion with a completion period of 74 months.

  • FEC approves N92.1bn to construct Abuja airport’s second runway

    FEC approves N92.1bn to construct Abuja airport’s second runway

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N92.1 billion for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The Council’s approval came barely 24 hours after the inauguration of the new terminal building at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    At inauguration of the terminal, the president directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to look for special funding for the construction of the Abuja second runway.

    The President also directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to conclude the documentation of the approved 12,000 hectares of land to accommodate the runway and other developmental projects.

    Addressing State House correspondents on the outcome of the Council’s meeting, presided over by President Buhari, on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said the administration would use same pattern it had used to raise funding for all of its other projects across sectors to achieve the new task.

    According to him, the Abuja runway project is expected to be completed within the next 12 months.

  • N-Power: FG approves N14 billion to train non-graduates

    N-Power: FG approves N14 billion to train non-graduates

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday in Abuja approved over N14 billion to train 50,000 non-graduates of N-power for a period of nine months.

    The meeting, which was presided by President Muhammadu Buhari, also approved Business, Facilitation and Miscellanceous Provision Bill.

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, made these known when they briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the council meeting.

    Umar-Farouq explained that the N14 billion would be used to engage four federal government agencies that will be involved in the training of the non-graduates for a period of nine months.

    She said: “Today, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development submitted a memo to Council, asking Council for approval for the engagement of four Federal Government Agencies that will train our N-Power non-graduate beneficiaries.

    “These non-graduate beneficiaries, 50,000 of them, will be trained in different skills, using four government agencies as mentioned.

    “The affected agencies included the National Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism and the Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute.

    She added that at the end of the training the beneficiaries of the programme would be handed starter packs to start up their businesses.

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, also told the correspondents that the council approved the Business, Facilitation and Miscellaneous Provision Bill to consolidate on the reforms and enhance productivity and value.

    He explained that the bill was part of government’s efforts to sustain the legacies achieved through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

    The minister revealed that the bill would be forwarded to National Assembly for consideration.

    On the ruling by a Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia, that ordered the attorney-general of the federation to delete Section 84 (12) of the amended Electoral Act, Malami said his ministry was yet to effect implementation of the ruling.

    The section reads: “No political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.”

    According to him, the process of implementing the ruling is still on.

    He said: “My clear response arising therefrom is the fact that truly there exists a court judgment.

    “By the judgment, the court directed the Office of the Attorney General to take the necessary steps to delete the provision, which in essence implies that the provision should not form part of our laws.

    “Whether it has been deleted, or has not been deleted, is indeed a function of agencies of government and associated relevant parastatals.

    “But the true position of it in that respect, is the fact that government printers, and indeed Law Reform Commission, among others, that are responsible for the codification and gazetting of our laws, are working naturally, hand-in-hand with the Office of the Attorney General for the purpose of ensuring that what goes into our laws are indeed in line with the provision of the law.

    “So, what I am saying in essence, it is indeed a work in progress against the background of the fact that the Law Reform Commission is involved statutorily, which is a parastatal under the Office of the Attorney General, is a party to the process of codification.

    “The government printers, which is saddled with the responsibility of gazetting our laws on the request of the Office of the Attorney General is equally involved. And above all, as you rightly stated, the possibility of an appeal is equally there.

    “So, what I am saying in effect is deletion of Section 84 Subsection 12 is a work in progress and is being considered as such.”

  • BREAKING: FG bans foreigners from buying farm produce directly from farmers

    BREAKING: FG bans foreigners from buying farm produce directly from farmers

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a memo banning foreigners or their agents from purchasing agricultural commodities at farm gates across the country.

    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, stated this when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the Council meeting, presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said the approval was necessitated by the need for government to establish an appropriate mechanism that would protect local farmers in terms of achieving the right prices for their goods and commodities.

    Adebayo added that the approval was also meant to ensure that the farmers have the appropriate incentives and the needed encouragement to guarantee their continued participation in the farming business.

    “I presented two memos to the Federal Executive Council. One of the memos was the promotion of agribusiness in Nigeria through right farm gate pricing and ban on foreigners or their representatives from purchasing agricultural commodities at the farm gates.

    “As you are all aware, this memo was necessitated by the need for government to establish an appropriate mechanism that would not only protect our farmers in terms of achieving the right prices for their goods and commodities, but also ensure that they have the appropriate incentives and the needed encouragement to guarantee their continued participation in the farming business.

    “Over the years, foreigners have been going to the farm gates and buy produce from the farmers at low prices, thus deincentivising the farmers from continuing with their trade.

    “So, we finally got approval from FEC today for only licensed local buying agents who must be registered by the relevant national commodity associations, they are the ones who now will be able to buy goods directly from the farmers and sell to the foreigners.

    “This way, the farmers will no longer be cheated by these foreigners who just throw money at them and are able to buy their goods,’’ he said.

    The minister also disclosed that the Council approved the Trade Policy Action Plan.

    According to him, the theme of the action plan is “Unleashing Nigeria’s Development Potentials through Trade and Investment”.

    “The whole idea is that because we’re not making as much money as we used to from sale of oil, and because of reduction in the money that comes from that aspect of Nigeria’s revenue generation, we want to utilize trade as a means of generating revenue for the country.

    “So, the action plan aims to utilise the existing national trade policy to facilitate an effective use of international trade and investment as tools for economic growth and poverty reduction in the country.

    “So, we’ve got approval from Council today to engage with all the ministries, departments and agencies involved in trade and revenue generation, and also the organised private sector and civil society organisations to ensure a successful implementation of the trade policy action plan.

    “One of the next steps that we will be taking now that we have this approval, we will be inaugurating a committee which will look into the update of the existing trade policy, which was last updated in 2002.

    “And also, we’ll be looking into coming up with an investment policy.’’

    On his part, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, revealed that the Council approved the introduction of another layer of quality assurance certificate in government digital services.

    According to him, before now, all federal public institutions have been mandated by law and also by government policies, that before they embark on any information technology project, they must obtain IT Project Clearance to embark on it.

    He said: “There are so many benefits of that, this is provided for in NITDA Act 2007, Section 6, under Article A and the federal government has re-emphasized that through a circular on Aug. 31, 2018.

    “So many federal public institutions have been complying with this and the report is very commendable.

    “We presented the report before the Federal Executive Council today. The report covers Jan. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2021.

    “This report captures all the IT projects in the country, particularly towards our government digital services for the whole year.

    “In that report, it is clearly mentioned that 282 major projects were submitted for clearance, out of this number 258 were cleared and 24 were rejected and the total amount submitted seeking for permission to implement the project was over N213 billion by many federal public institutions.

    “Out of this, NITDA cleared around N154 billion and if you compute the amount submitted and the amount approved, you will discover that we are able to save more than N24 billion for the federal government of Nigeria.’’

  • FEC approves revised National Gender Policy

    FEC approves revised National Gender Policy

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a revised National Gender Policy to promote gender equality, good governance and accountability across the three tiers of government in the country.

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, made the disclosure when she briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the Council meeting, presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to the minister, the policy represents a set of minimum standards expected of Nigerian government to meet its mandate for gender equality, good governance, accountability and being socially responsive to the needs of its vulnerable group.

    She said: “Today, the Ministry of Women Affairs presented a memo on the national gender policy to the Federal Executive Council. This memo is a revised national gender policy 2021 – 2026.

    “It represents a set of minimum standards expected of Nigerian government to meet its mandate for gender equality, good governance, accountability and being socially responsive to the needs of its vulnerable group.

    “Equity remains the foundation of the core principles of agenda 2030 which says ‘Leave no one behind’.

    “I want to put on record that Mr. President has done so much to support women through numerous pro-woman projects.

    “This memo today that has been approved by council has gone again to clearly state the fact that Mr. President is committed to make a difference as far as women issues are concerned.

    “This has also come at the right time. I’m sure you’re all aware that the whole month of March is set aside by the international community to United Nations to celebrate activities that concern women and women’s contribution towards national development.’’

    The minister used the opportunity to thank Mr President on behalf of all Nigerian women for ensuring the approval of the policy “at this time as we celebrate the International Women’s Day.’’

    On National Assembly’s rejection of the bill which sought extra legislative seats for women, and Affirmative Action for Women in Political Parties’ Administration, Tallen urged Nigerians to pray for the members of Parliament, describing their action as “show of shame”.

    She threatened to mobilise Nigerian women to strategise and make a point during the 2023 election.

    “I urge all Nigerians to help us pray for the men that killed this bill yesterday in the National Assembly,” she said.

    The bills failed to garner the required number of votes to scale through during the clause-by-clause consideration at the ongoing constitution amendment at both chambers in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

    The lawmakers had voted against the bill to create special seats for women in the national and state assemblies

    They also voted against a bill which seeks provision for affirmative action for women in political parties’ administration.

    Tallen maintained that the decision to turn down the proposed legislations was most unfortunate, and a big show of shame, and smacks of insensitivity by the male dominated parliament.

    She, however, expressed optimism that there would be light at the end of the tunnel.

    “It clearly shows that the men that were against the bill don’t have any respect for women, it’s clear.

    “But I am not generalizing, not all the men in the National Assembly. We have the figures. 72 men in the House of representative voted in support of the bill.

    “So, I’m not generalizing. We are saying that, for those that don’t believe in it, we will continue to intensify advocacy for them to believe in gender equality, and the role that women can play when they are on the decision table to make Nigeria better.

    “I want to assure you, that all hope is not lost. I have reassured Nigerian women that we should not be daunted, we should remain resilient. And we have already put in place strategies.

    “Last night we all met the key civil society organizations and other women activists.

    “We are strategizing with the female members in both houses of national assembly. And I want to assure you, that Nigeria women will not give up, we’ll keep pushing until we achieve the affirmative action.’’

    The Minister of Humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, disclosed that the Council approved the National Policy for the Protection and Assistance of Trafficked Persons and the Protocol for Identification, Safe Return and Rehabilitation of Traffic Persons in Nigeria.

    “These memos are very essential to what the NAPTIP does, that is the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and they will help to guide our work and action as regards to the protection and assistance of trafficked persons,’’ she said.

    Mr Laolu Akande, the media aide to the Vice-President, also told the correspondents that the Council approved N1.19billion for the supply and installation of two sets of complete high-capacity passenger security screening systems for the Murtala Mohammed International Airports, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

    “There was also approval gotten by the Aviation Minister for the supply and installation of airfield ground lightning materials for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and also the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano at the sum of N2,329,961,099.60,’’ he added.

  • FEC approves $2.8m for Ibadan-Lagos, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail projects

    FEC approves $2.8m for Ibadan-Lagos, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail projects

    The Federal Executive Council has approved $2.8million for the procurement of rolling stocks operational maintenance equipment for Ibadan to Kano standard gauge and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow gauge railway projects.

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, made the disclosure when he addressed State House correspondents at the end of the Council meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to him, rolling stocks are consumables meant for the maintenance and operation of the railway.

    “I have an approval of the cabinet to procure rolling stocks operational maintenance equipment for the new railway projects corridors in Ibadan to Kano standard gauge and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow gauge rail lines to the tune of $2, 810, 574, 064.92 including 7.5 per cent tax.

    “Rolling stocks are consumables for the maintenance and operation of the railway.

    “So with this, we will replace all the rolling stock. They are essentially the consumables we use to maintain the trains coaches and locomotives,’’ he said.

    On the reported attack on train passengers in Kogi, Amaechi said the attack was not carried out at the train station, saying report reaching him indicated that the victims were attacked outside the station while heading to their destinations.

    He said: “The report I got wasn’t at the rail station, it was on their way out of the station.

    “Our responsibility is inside the station. But again, you’re right. I really have to go and find out the level of armed security in the station.

    “We’ve never been attacked inside the station. Well, that does not mean we should not find out.

    “So, I thank you for reminding me to cross check. Policemen are supposed to be at every station because we have railway police.

    “So let me not just assume that they are there because we have never been attacked in the station.’’

    Amaechi also confirmed that nobody was killed as a result of the attack as being reported in some quarters.

    “The report I got from them was that on their way home, the road from the station to the community that they were attacked.

    “But I didn’t hear that they were killed. I will find out from the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation,’’ he added.

  • ‘You’ll soon witness massive shift from insurgency to peace, stability’ – Buhari to Nigerians

    ‘You’ll soon witness massive shift from insurgency to peace, stability’ – Buhari to Nigerians

    President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigerians in the North East will, in the coming months, witness a change from the protracted insurgency to peace and development in their respective communities.

    The president stated this at the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Return and Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East, which preceded the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    According to him, the administration is embarking on a revised approach to addressing the 13-year conflict and insurgency in the region and will not relent in efforts towards a return to peace and normalcy.

    He said: ‘`At the advent of this administration in 2015, I pledged to Nigerians that I will restore peace in the North East and return it to the path of development and growth. I remain committed to this promise.

    ”To the people of the North-East, particularly the children and future of the North-East, we will never forget you. Your courage, sacrifice and endurance have been exemplary.

    ”I pledge to you that in the coming months you will begin to witness a shift away from a protracted insurgency to peace building, stabilization, and ultimately development in your respective communities as we embark on a revised approach to addressing this conflict- A Return to Normalcy.’’

    On the terms of Reference of the Committee, the president emphasized that it entailed a shift from managing the situation to activating a permanent solution for effective and practicable restoration.

    According to the president, the Committee, among other things, is expected to develop a concise three-year action plan by the end of March 2022 that incorporates national and state-level plans, providing a clear pathway for the restoration of peace and development in the North East.

    The Committee, he said, would also develop and implement a phased plan for the repatriation, return, resettlement of IDPs and restoration of livelihoods, incorporating global best practices that give dignity to the affected populations.

    He said they would also be responsible for the development and implementation of a coordinated peace building and reconciliation programme that is culturally appropriate and community driven.

    “The Committee is also saddled with the responsibility of strengthening collaboration with key donors, development partners and private sector organisations that are critical to the mobilisation of resources and implementation of programmes,’’ he added.

    Buhari charged the Committee members to adopt the guiding principles of accountability, delineation of duty and community-driven methods to address issues.

    ”Members will dedicate more time to the conduct of field visits to regularly engage with state government, communities and key stakeholders.

    ”Due to prevailing fiscal constraints, Ministries, Departments and Agencies will utilise existing budgetary resources and repurpose funds to programmes approved under this initiative,” he said.

    The president directed the committee to submit monthly progress report whilst the first progress review meeting would be held in the first week of March 2022.

    While underscoring the enormous task ahead of the Committee, the president said:

    ”History beckons and Nigeria calls on you to be the team that finally charts this new path to the restoration of sustainable progress in the North East and I strongly believe this could lead to the birthing of a template for addressing insurgency and instability in other parts of our country and across the world.

    ”Failure to deliver on this task you have been assigned is not an option.”

    The President also used the occasion to commend Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who was present at the inauguration with his Gombe counterpart, Inuwa Yahaya, for his unparalleled commitment to his people and exemplary leadership.

    He also expressed appreciation to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) for support in the area of coordination of humanitarian actors and UNDP regional stabilisation facility, which is providing support in the area of security and the rule of law.

    Members of the Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Return and Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East include the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development; Interior; Foreign Affairs and Defence.

    Others are the National Security Adviser, Inspector- General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, Director General, State Security, Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, the Director-General, North-East Development Commission, the Federal Commissioner, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants & Internally Displaced Persons, Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency and Chief of Defence Intelligence.

  • Subsidy: FEC approves 2022 Appropriation Amendment Bill for transmission to NASS

    Subsidy: FEC approves 2022 Appropriation Amendment Bill for transmission to NASS

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved request for amendment of the 2022 appropriation batch to be transmitted to the National Assembly.

    The meeting of the council, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday in Abuja, also approved N52.8 billion for the completion of three roads across the country.

    The Minister of Finance, Dr Zainab Ahmed, who alongside the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, revealed these when they briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the council meeting.

    According to Ahmed, part of the requests of the executive in the proposed 2022 appropriation amendment is for clauses 10 and 11 to be repealed because they contravene provisions of the fiscal responsibility and finance Act 2021.

    She said: “The memo we presented to council today has to do with a request for approval of the 2022 Appropriation Amendment.

    “If you recall, when the President signed the 2022 Appropriation into law on the Dec. 31, he had raised some concerns in some of the provisions in the budget and had indicated that he will be submitting an amendment proposal to the national assembly for them to effect improvements in what has been done to the budget.

    “So today, council took that amendment proposal and I just want to report that part of the requests that council has approved today is for the national assembly to repeal clauses 10 and 11.

    “Clause 10 is referring to a provision that has been made that will enable the EFCC and NFIU be able to take 10 per cent of whatever collections that they recover.

    “We’re asking for that to be repealed because this is in direct contrast to the Acts of these two agencies and also, it is in contravention of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Finance Act 2021.

    “Clause 11, on the other hand, is a provision that has been made that says that the Nigeria embassies and missions are now authorised by this Appropriation Act to expend funds allocated to them under Capital Components without the need to seek approval of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    “This again, in a view, and council agreed, is inconsistent with financial regulations and also inconsistent with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. So, we are asking for this to be repealed. ”

    On the much debated removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the minister said about N3 trillion would be required to continue paying for subsidy.

    She, however, stated that government was looking at ways of scaling down the amount.

    “The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) had required that all petroleum products should be deregulated within six months of signing the PIB into law. And the six months would have meant from August to February. But when we were doing the budget we stretched that to June.

    “But having to step back and take into account the realities of today, what it means is we have to go back and amend the PIA. So, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources will be leading on that.

    “They had indicated that they will be asking for amendment to extend it to 18 months from six months. And then it means we can now also amend the budget. So the two processes will go side by side,’’ she said.

    The minister revealed that the council agreed with the view of the State Governors, that there was need to scale down on the (N3 trillion) size.

    She added: “So even as government is not immediately removing the fuel subsidy, we have to make sure that what the nation is incurring is efficient, and that it is real cost that has been consumed by the country.

    “How we fund it? So we’ll have to reduce it from that N3 trillion and that is one. Secondly, also we have been running reconciliations with NNPC to reduce the cost.

    “But also we have several reconciliations with NNPC and NNPC itself owes in some cases, government.

    “So, we want to be able to settle some of the subsidy costs through this reconciliation process.

    “So, when we’re done with that, whatever is left that we’re not able to apply to what an NNPC is owing the Federation will not be increasing the deficit. And that means increased domestic borrowing.”

    Ahmed also disclosed that the council approved the ratification of Customs Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement between South Africa and Nigeria.

    “That memo has to do with the confirmation of ratification of Customs Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement between South Africa and Nigeria.

    “The importance of this for us is, cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, as it has become even more important now with the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement.

    “It will also help to increase trade relations between the two countries and facilitate exchange of information as well as strengthen our bi-national cooperation,” she maintained.

    The senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, told the correspondents that the council approved the N52.8 billion for the completion of three road projects across the country

    Shehu who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, listed the benefiting states to include Akwa Ibom, Abia, Imo, Kwara and Cross River.

    He disclosed that 11 other contracts were also approved, across the six geo-political zones of the country.

    “He (Fashola) presented a request for the 15 highway projects, including roads and bridges all of which were approved but I will just give details of two or three of the roads that he got approval for.

    “One of which was the award of contract for the construction of phase II of Ikot-Ekpene border, Aba to Owerri dualisation road project at the cost of N40, 157,000 000, with a completion period of 30 months.

    “Another project for which he got approval is for the construction of the Offa bypass road in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara , for N4, 335, 000, 000 and is due for completion in 12 months.

    “Another one is the revised estimated cost for the rehabilitation of the Alesi-Ugep road section in Cross River. The initial cost was N11.221 billion but the cost has now gone up to N14.740 billion with an additional completion period of six months. Eleven other roads are spread across various geo-political regions of the country,” he said.

    On his part, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, said the council approved N5.4 billion for the construction of a road in Bwari Area Council of the FCT.

    “Today, I presented one memo at the Federal Executive Council meeting in respect of the contract for the completion of the road called; Mpape-Galuyi-Shere within the Federal Capital Territory, in Bwari Area Council at a total cost of N5, 454, 536, 230.67 only, to be completed within 18 months.”

    The minister further stated that the road had been under construction for some time but the contract was terminated when it was realised that the contractor could not perform and it was re-awarded to a new contractor.

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, said the council approved the Nigerian Communication Commission for the deployment of Revenue Assurance Solution (RAS) to block leakages in the telecommunication industry particularly as it applied to annual operative levies.

  • Buhari inaugurates National Policy on 5G Technology

    Buhari inaugurates National Policy on 5G Technology

    President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated National Policy on 5G for Nigeria’s Digital Economy, directing all the security institutions to immediately leverage Fifth Generation (5G) technology, when deployed, to enhance security in the country.

    5G technology was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Sept. 8, 2021, following a robust debate.

    Inaugurating the technology, the president said the Federal Government would take full advantage of the opportunities that 5G provides for the economy, security and well-being of the nation.

    He also allayed fears over health safety of 5G, affirming that such issues had been ”effectively addressed” in developing a Policy that suits the country.

    On the benefits of 5G technologies, the president noted it could support virtually every sector of the economy, including enhanced connectivity, improved healthcare, support for education while fostering smart cities, and boosting agriculture, among other advantages.

    “It will also support security institutions with real time communication.

    ”5G technology is significantly faster than earlier digital technologies and it provides near real-time communication. This can play a key role in boosting our efforts towards enhancing security across the nation.

    ”It will enable our security institutions to effectively deploy robotics, autonomous vehicles, augmented and virtual reality to address any security challenges that we face,” he said.

    He said the National 5G Policy included a deployment plan to ensure that major cities across the country benefit from the technologies.

    According to him, the policy is in line with the commitment of this administration to supporting the digital economy as an enabler for the diversification of the national economy.

    “It also seeks to make 5G a major driver of the economy, a catalyst for smart cities in the country and a platform for the creation of jobs that support digital economy.’’

    He, therefore, assured investors that the federal government would continue to provide an enabling environment for their businesses to be very successful as Nigeria begins the roll-out of the technology.

    Buhari directed the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, to supervise the implementation of the Policy, being done by the Nigerian Communications Commission with the support of other government institutions.

    The president also used the occasion to provide a rundown of how his administration had created an enabling environment for investments to thrive in Nigeria’s digital economy.

    He recounted that the journey to the launch of the 5G National policy started with the launch of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy in Nov. 2019 as well as the launch of a number of policies to strengthen the digital economy.

    He said these included the Nigerian National Broadband Plan and the National Policy for the Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector.

    The president noted that under his watch the agreement of the National Economic Council to peg the cost of the Right of Way at N145 per linear metre which was made in 2013, was only implemented in late 2019, after the intervention of the Federal Government.

    He observed that the Information and Communications Technology sector played a prime role in enabling Nigeria’s economy to swiftly exit the recession that was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    ”The GDP Report of the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the ICT sector was the fastest growing sector in the fourth quarter of 2020 and entire year 2020, recording double-digit growth rates of 14.70 per cent and 12.90 per cent respectively.

    ”The sector also recorded a 17.92 per cent contribution to our GDP in the second quarter of last year- this was its highest ever contribution. All these impressive and significant achievements have justified our efforts to support the growth of our digital economy. ”

    While describing the process of developing the National 5G Policy as ”painstaking, inclusive and focused”, Buhari recalled that 5G trials commenced in some selected locations in Nov. 2019.

    ”Multi-sectoral stakeholders then deliberated on the report of the trials to ensure that health, security and other concerns were effectively addressed in developing a policy that suits our country.

    ”The National 5G Policy will position Nigeria to harness the potentials of 5G technologies to further develop the economy and improve the indices of well-being in the nation,” he said.

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy affirmed the sector had recorded unprecedented achievements with increased remittances to the Federation Account, resolution of lingering issues in the industry and successful auctioning of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum for the deployment of 5G technology.

    He thanked the president for the consistent support to the sector, announcing that within two years the federal government completed 1,667 ICT related projects.

    ”As at August 2021, the sector remitted over N1 trillion to the Federation Account and this is unprecedented because the usual remittances is around 200 billion annually and this has been increased substantially,” he said.

    On the spectrum auction for the 5G, Pantami explained that from the reserve price of N75 billion per spectrum, each spectrum was assigned to the winners at the price of over N250 billion per spectrum.

    The Minister expressed confidence that given the experiences from other countries and available research, Nigeria would derive maximum benefits from the deployment of 5G technology.