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Tag: George Akume

  • Leak official documents, go to jail – FG warns

    Leak official documents, go to jail – FG warns

    The Federal Government has warned that unauthorised disclosure or leakage of official documents, capable of impacting the country negatively, is a punishable offence.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja, at a workshop organised by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in collaboration with the Office of the Government of the Federation (OSGF)

    The workshop is themed:“Renewing hope and strengthening of national unity through effective communication and the role of the Official Secret Acts in maintaining confidentiality and national security.’’

    Represented by Dr Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SGF, Akume said unauthorized leakage of sensitive official document constitutes felony and there is no defence for such, either in the Constitution  or Freedom of Information Act.

    Section 97 (2) of the Criminal Code Act of Nigeria, provides: “Any person who, being employed in the public service, without proper authority abstracts, or makes a copy of, any document the property of his employer is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year”.

    Akume recalled that government had devised measures in the past to contain the leakage of sensitive official information in MDAs through the issuance of service-wide circulars by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in August 2021.

    “This was reinforced by the issuance of another service-wide circular in February 2024 on the unauthorised circulation of official documents with information on social media.

    “This was done to re-emphasise other extant regulations prohibiting unauthorised disclosure or leakage of official documents

    “There is the need to regulate the activities of the civil society organisations who use the Freedom of Information Act to harass, intimidate and siphon resources from public officers through the dissemination of fake and unfounded information.

    “This should be properly addressed by all the practitioners in the communication and related industries,’’ he said.

    Akume commended the BPSR for organising the workshop, saying its underlines the importance government places on the dissemination of correct and truthful information.

    The Director-General of Bureau, Dr Dasuki Arabi, urged participants to equip themselves with the Official Secrets Act and effectively communicate government policies and programmes to the public.

    “Your role as communication managers in MDAs is crucial, especially in our increasingly complex information ecosystem.

    “In today’s environment, communications and platforms are highly fragmented. The government cannot afford to be reactive.

    “It must lead the communication landscape to prevent misinformation and ensure that citizens are all informed about the activities, objectives of government and benefits of its policies and programmes to the citizens of the country.

    “Accurate and prompt information delivery is essential and cannot be compromised as its impact on service delivery and governance is profound,” he said.

    Arabi tasked the communication managers to take advantage of the training to use the traditional and social media platforms to ensure the public is well informed about government initiatives, programmes and services.

  • Tripartite committee submits report on new minimum wage to FG

    Tripartite committee submits report on new minimum wage to FG

    The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage has finally submitted its report to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    The development which was announced in a statement on Monday paves the way for the announcement of a new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    Imohiosen said a formal presentation of the report will also be made to representatives of organised labour and the private sector, who are currently at the ongoing International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

    The SGF commended Bukar Goni Aji, chairman of the committee, for his commitment to the assignment.

    In January, the federal government inaugurated a 37-member tripartite committee on the national minimum wage.

    The committee was tasked with the responsibility of recommending a new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    Over the past few months, the federal and state governments, organised labour and representatives of the private sector have been deliberating on a new minimum wage for workers.

    However, the demand by organised labour regarding the minimum wage is yet to be met.

    On June 3, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike to protest against the federal government’s inability to meet their minimum wage demand.

    Twenty-four hours later, the labour unions “relaxed” the strike by one week.

    The unions had repeatedly proposed N615,500 and N494,000 as the new minimum wage, which the federal government said was unrealistic.

    On June 7, the federal government increased its offer for the new minimum wage from N60,000 to N62,000, while the labour unions insisted on N250,000.

     

  • Minimum wage: I can’t afford to pay my four drivers N100,000 per month, Akume shamelessly says

    Minimum wage: I can’t afford to pay my four drivers N100,000 per month, Akume shamelessly says

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF) George Akume, has lamented that the wage increase demands being made by organized labour are not realistic.

    Akume said this in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with the National Executive Council, NEC, of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.

    The former Benue State Governor appealed to the Christian community for support as the tripartite Committee on minimum wage continues with negotiations.

    According to him, paying a minimum wage of N100,000 to his drivers will be a difficult responsibility.

    “I can’t afford to pay my driver one hundred thousand because they are four,” Akume lamented.

    He decried the demands made by the organised labour, adding, “Where do we get that money from?”

  • Hardship: Why Nigerians should be calm with Tinubu – SGF

    Hardship: Why Nigerians should be calm with Tinubu – SGF

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has urged Nigerians to remain calm in spite of the current economic challenges.

    “Nigerians must remain calm. President Bola Tinubu is working to improve the economy,” Akume said in Abuja on Thursday, while addressing the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    He said that the current administration took over power when the economy was in a turbulent state, noting, however, that massive reforms were being undertaken.

    “One of them, which appears to be a little bit tough for people to understand, is the removal of subsidy on fuel. People should stop shouting; they need to know the actual truth,” Akume stated.

    He said that government had taken several measures to address current hardships, including swift actions in implementing palliatives to cushion the effects of the reforms.

    “We are all aware of the N35,000 wage award for workers, which means a N30,000 minimum wage with 35,000 on top of that.

    “Additionally, 100 billion naira for CNG fuel buses will help reduce transportation costs and food prices,” he added.

    He said that government also took some measures to support various sectors.

    “These include the allocation of N125 billion in conditional grants and financial inclusion for medium and small enterprises, and 150 billion naira in palliative loans to states to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

    “We are providing 200 billion naira to support the cultivation of hectares of land, which is even more now,” Akume said.

    He added that there were buses ready to be distributed soon, while rice and other essentials would also be made available.

    On the recent industrial strike by labour union leaders, Akume condemned the shutdown of the national grid, describing it as a “treasonable offense”.

    He said that there was nowhere in the world where labour ever interrupted the national grid, and advised labour against actions that could jeopardise government efforts.

    “It is treason! Treasonable felony is economic sabotage, you don’t do that.

    “We are trying to rebuild the economy. The nation is picking up, and they want to destroy it. Of what use is that to all of us? That is not the way,” he said.

    Akume said that the federal government was not only committed to paying new minimum wage, stressing that it was also focusing on productivity and economic stability.

    “Our people must rise up and have something in their pockets. It is not about demanding N100,000 without productivity.

    “We are looking at controlling inflation and ensuring a balanced economy,” he asserted.

    Akume urged religious institutions to provide essential services.

    “The Church must collaborate with the government in providing facilities for people whether it is on education, health or agriculture.

    “We don’t separate; we combine. There is a symbiotic relationship that can never be destroyed,” he said.

  • BREAKING: FG inaugurates commitee on implementation of Oronsaye report ( SEE FULL LIST)

    BREAKING: FG inaugurates commitee on implementation of Oronsaye report ( SEE FULL LIST)

    The Federal Government has inaugurated the Committee on the implementation of the recommendations on the review of reports and White Papers on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, while inaugurating the Committee on behalf of President Bola Tinubu stressed that the implementation of the White Papers on the report which would involve the merger, relocation, subsuming or scrapping of some Parastatals, Agencies, and Commissions is aimed at reducing cost of governance and streamlining efficiency across the governance value chain.

    President Tinubu’s approval for the implementation of the Oronsaye report is coming twelve years after the panel submitted its report and multiple attempts made at implementing its recommendations.

    Members of the Committee are:
    – SEN. GEORGE AKUME, FNIM, CON – Secretary to the Government the Federation

    – LATEEF OLASUNKANMI FAGBEMI, SAN – Attorney General of the Federation/ Minister of Justice

    – SEN. ABUBAKAR ATIKU BAGUDU, CON – Minister of Budget & Economic Planning

    – DR. FOLASHADE YEMI-ESAN, CFR – Head of the Civil Service of the Federation

    – USMAN HADIZA BALA – Special Adviser to the President, Policy & Coordination

    – DR. DASUKI IBRAHIM ARABI – Director-General Bureau of Public Service Reform

    – SEN. ABDULLAHI ABUBAKAR GUMEL – Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate)

    – HON. IBRAHIM KUNLE OLAREWAJU – Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (House of Representatives)

    – HAKEEM MURI OKUNOLA – Principal Secretary to the President

    – RICHARD P. PHEELANGWAH – Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office.

    Sen. George Akume outlined the general guidelines of the Committee as follows:

    – Review current mandates to understand the existing functions, responsibilities, and objectives outlined in the mandates of the Agencies.

    – Identify redundancies and overlaps or conflicting objectives among the mandates of different organisational units.

    – Define strategic objectives to ensure the revised mandates align with the strategic objectives and priorities of the government.

    – Engage key stakeholders and gather input and feedback on the proposed revisions to the mandates.

    – Draft clear, concise, and actionable revised mandates for the organisations involved in the restructuring.

    – Ensure the revised mandates comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies governing government operations.

    – Obtain necessary approvals from relevant authorities for the revised mandates.

    – Effectively communicate the revised mandates to employees and stakeholders.

    – Implement the revised mandates effectively and monitor their implementation to identify any issues or challenges.

    President Tinubu has given the committee a 12 week deadline to submit its report.

    Segun Imohiosen
    Director, Information
    7th March, 2024

  • Leaked memo reveals 37-member Tripartite Committee on minimum wage demanded N1.8bn for Inauguration

    Leaked memo reveals 37-member Tripartite Committee on minimum wage demanded N1.8bn for Inauguration

    Despite economy hardship in the country,  37-member tripartite committee on national minimum wage demanded the sum of N1.8 billion for its inauguration.

    The leaked memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume dated 18th January requested for approval of  the funds.

    The memo was addressed to President Bola Tinubu, whose approval was sought for the release of the said sum.

    According to the leaked memo “This memorandum seeks your approval for the following in respect of the above subject matter.

    “The release of the sun of N1 billion for the purpose of the exercise. The 26th January 2024 for the inauguration of the committee. All relevant documents are thereby attached.

    “The new minimum wage is expected to be ready by 1st April, 2923 according to law. Respectfully submitted for Mr. President’s consideration and approval.”

    Responding to memo, President Tinubu opted to allocate N500 million for the inauguration of a 37-member tripartite committee on the national minimum wage, rejecting a proposed budget of N1.8 billion.

    “While acknowledging the importance of the committee’s work, it is imperative that we exercise fiscal responsibility,” Tinubu stated.“Therefore, I have approved N500 million for the inauguration.

    The Committee chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Bukar Aji, is made up of members of the organised labour, the private sector and the federal and state governments.

    Membership of the committee cuts across the Federal Government, state government, private sector, and organised labour.

    Members of the committee from the Federal Government include Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Hon. Minister of State, Labour and Employment (Representing Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment); Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Hon. Minister of Budget Economic Planning; Dr. (Mrs) Yemi Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, GSO. OSGF and Ekpo Nta, Esq, Chairman/CEO, NSIWC – Member/Secretary.

    From the states, Alh. Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor, Niger State- representative from North Central; Sen. Bala Mohammed, Governor Bauchi State- representative from North East; Alh. Umar Dikko Radda, Governor Katsina State- representative from North West; Prof. Charles Soludo, Governor, Anambra State- representative from the South East; Sen. Ademola Adeleke, Governor, Osun State- representative from South West; Mr. Otu Bassey Edet, Governor, Cross River State- representative from South West are part of the committee.

    From the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) – Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, NECA; Mr. Chuma Nwankwo; Mr. Thompson Akpabio with also members from the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) include Asiwaju (Dr) Michael Olawale-Cole, National President; Hon. (Dr) Ahmed Rabiu, National Vice President and Chief Humphrey Ngonadi (NPOM), National Life President.

    The members from the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (NASME) are Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, President & Chairman of the Council; Hon. Theophilus Nnorom Okwuchukwu, Private Sector representative; Dr. Muhammed Nura Bello, Zonal Vice President, North West and also from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) are Mrs. Grace Omo-Lamai, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries; Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, Director-General, MAN; Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Managing Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited.

    From the organised labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero, President, NLC; Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni; Comrade Prince Adeyanju Adewale; Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji; Comrade Benjamin Anthony and Prof. Theophilus Ndukuba.

  • SGF Akume raises alarm of fake appointments

    SGF Akume raises alarm of fake appointments

    Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has warned against the use of his office to issue fake appointments to members of the public.

    Akume gave the warning in a statement on Sunday by Mr Segun Imohiosen, Head of Information, Office of the SGF, in Abuja.

    He said that the warning was because of the purported fake appointments emanating from the SGF office by unscrupulous elements to swindle unsuspecting individuals.

    Akume debunked the information circulating on the social media, emails, text messages, and other outlets luring members of the public to submit their Curriculum Vitae at a fee, to a non-existing desk in his office.

    “The culprit has been using the name of the former Director Information, Willie Bassey, and these fraudulent contacts; Aliyu Isah; +234 9168487156, +234 8035557865 and email; draliyu95@gmail.com, among others to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

    “The general public is by this notice advised to be wary of the perpetrators of these dubious activities and their cohorts; and disregard such information being peddled around.

    “Any official enquiry and clarification should follow the official communication channels of the OSGF via www.osgf.gov.ng and info@osgf.gov.ng,” he said.

    In view of the above, the SGF warns peddlers of such fraudulent requests to desist forthwith from using the Office to fleece unsuspecting members of the public or face the full wrath of the law.

    The SGF had earlier in the month given the same warning to unsuspecting members of the public.

  • Probe report will expose rot in CBN – SGF

    Probe report will expose rot in CBN – SGF

    The federal government will soon make public the audit report of the probe of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), according to Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Akume said the impending release of the report will expose how poor governance brought Nigeria to its current economic challenges.

    President Bola Tinubu had in July appointed a former Financial Reporting Council CEO, Jim Obazee, as Special Investigator to probe the CBN and key government business entities.

    Akume disclosed that Obazee has submitted an interim report directly to the Presidency over a week ago.

    The SGF said the preliminary findings aim to guide the President in taking decisive actions to move the country forward.

    Sources suggest the interim report has already informed leadership changes at the CBN last week.

    Akume noted the final report will enable Nigerians to understand what went wrong and the root causes of the present economic situation.

    Tinubu’s directive in July asked Obazee to uncover any government funds in private hands through the CBN probe.

    The investigation is reportedly faulting CBN’s recently released audited accounts from 2016 to 2022.

    Consequently, the CBN may be directed to withdraw the financial reports deemed compromised by the probe.

    The disclosure of an impending release of the audit report signals accountability for past financial mismanagement.

    According to the SGF, the report will expose lapses that led Nigeria into its current economic woes.

  • Presidency unveils 20 nuggets of Tinubu’s transformative vision for Nigeria

    Presidency unveils 20 nuggets of Tinubu’s transformative vision for Nigeria

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, has unveiled 20 key points outlining President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious vision for transforming Nigeria.

    Akume praised Tinubu’s preparedness and determination to bring about positive change in the nation, noting that he had “a well-prepared plan to transform Nigeria”.

    The SGF emphasized that the government was committed to addressing citizens’ concerns about fuel price increases and is working assiduously to normalize market forces and implement policies that improve the living conditions of citizens.

    He urged the public to understand the need for cooperation and support in harnessing the energy sector’s potential to drive economic growth, stressing that diversifying the economy and overcoming perennial challenges in the oil and gas industry are top priorities.

    Tinubu’s decisive action put an end to the regressive subsidy regime, which had cost the country billions of dollars.

    The government aims to unify exchange rates, deregulate PMS pricing, and enhance security in oil-producing states to secure Nigeria’s future.

    Aiming for a minimum daily crude production of 1.8 million barrels per day and 3.5b cubic feet gas by 2024, the administration is ambitious in revitalizing the oil sector.

    Additionally, plans for monetizing national oil assets by involving private investors are expected to boost revenue for national development.

    Akume reiterated the government is committed to restoring lost revenues, growing production and export capacity, and expanding power generation to drive economic growth and job creation.

    He said President Tinubu’s Plan for Nigeria, which is part of the part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, encompasses a holistic approach to tackle challenges and drive progress in various sectors.

    Below are the 20 nuggets released by the SGF outlining President Tinubu’s transformative vision for Nigeria:

    Nugget 1: As a Government, we have heard your cries about fuel price increases, and be rest assured, we are working round the clock to normalize and bring solutions that ease the pain. Our job is to give you the quality of life you deserve when you wake up. So far, we are on course.

    Nugget 2: To this end, we are already working out modalities to ensure market forces normalize pricing while we drive policies that better your lives and boost your earning power. We have a clear economic restoration plan, so I urge you to trust the process. #EconomicRestoration

    Nugget 3: We need your understanding, cooperation and buy-in to properly harness our energy sector potential to fuel economic growth. Because we intend to diversify our economy to improve your living conditions, we cannot continue to operate as we always did in the past.

    Nugget 4: At a mere 7%, Nigeria’s Revenue to GDP ratio (when we took over) was among the five lowest in the world. To reset this bleak reality, we must diversify our economy and address our perennial oil and gas challenges, else we will just be moving round and round in circles.

    Nugget 5: We needed a strong man to take charge and give direction. We have a course now. The President is determined to restore, grow, and sustain our oil production levels to deliver economic growth as our #RenewedHope Agenda envisioned. Despite a few challenges, we are on course

    Nugget 6: It’s very easy to ignore the fact that $70b worth of investments have been lost in the Oil sector since 2011. Insecurity has bedeviled us, with over $46b lost to crude oil theft between 2010 and 2020. These were issues no one was bold enough to address- till Asiwaju.

    Nugget 7: For this regressive subsidy regime, just ended, know that annual subsidy payments due to inefficiencies in the oil and gas value chain stood at a colossal $11b. It was not sustainable and someone had to act. The President was decisive in doing so & he told us from day one.

    Nugget 8: For our first 100 days in office, we had already decided to unify exchange rates, deregulate PMS pricing, and move to end insecurity in our oil-producing states by rejigging our entire security architecture. We’re taking strong measures to secure our nation’s future.

    Nugget 9: After this, by the end of 2024, we are targeting minimum daily production of 1.8mb/d of crude & 3.5bcfg, up from present levels. We’re ambitious and committed to sanitizing the oil sector and turning around our economy., building on the success of the PMB administration.

    Nugget 10: Our wider plan for the Oil & Gas Sector involves building 7 core development pillars to spur growth in the industry while driving industrialization and transiting to a Green Economy by 2060. @offcialabat is building a sustainable future for us & our children yet unborn.

    Nugget 11: First Pillar is to conserve our revenues and drive development. We already decided to eliminate the ₦8 trillion/yr payments in PMS subsidies and use that money to drive social investments, spur real sector and build infrastructure in our cities and rural areas.

    Nugget 12: Secondly, we intend to monetize our national oil assets by offering our stake in these assets to private investors. This will mean we have more revenues to drive growth and development in Nigeria. This is when our comatose refineries and @NNPC will take center stage.

    Nugget 13: We will restore lost revenues by boosting oil production to 2.5mmb/d and 5bcf/d for export & domestic use while ensuring we run @Nigerialng at full capacity. We’re working towards building a more prosperous Nigeria and repositioning ourselves as a global energy giant.

    Nugget 14: After we shore up revenues, we will grow production & export capacity to 4mb/d & 12bcf/d for domestic use and export by 2030. We will boost our power generation capacity to 25-30GW of output simultaneously, adding 12GW of stranded Gas-fired power.

    Nugget 15: Next will be the Industrialization phase- the 6th pillar, where we will set about diversifying revenue sources & boosting job creation. We will begin converting our Oil & Gas output into industrial products, feedstocks, & aggregate demanded in industrial clusters.

    Nugget 16: We’ll prioritize export-oriented projects to improve bankability and drive growth, to create a strong economy that benefits us all, increasing the earning power of Nigerians such that issues like fuel availability or the price no longer occupy national discourse

    Nugget 17: Our transition to a Green Economy will reduce Carbon emissions and incorporate Carbon Capture, Usage & storage (CCuS), and utilization in LNG projects to drive energy efficiency. We’re committed to a sustainable future. #GreenEconomy #SustainableFuture

    Nugget 18: The judiciary/legislature will lead the anti-corruption fight to ensure this is done, while freedom of information, security, and right of association will be enshrined in this dispensation. Together, we’ll create a better Nigeria. #BetterNigeria #StrongInstitutions

    Nugget 19: This is the Asiwaju Plan for Nigeria, as envisioned in our #RenewedHope Agenda. Deregulation is only the first part of this process/plan. Other health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and more measures will come on stream soon. #HolisticSolution #NigeriaISBack

    Nugget 20: As we go about our lawful businesses this weekend, let us all mull over this message & pass it across to our neighbors, family & friends. I am a listening public servant, so please drop your observations & suggestions here- I am reading. Have a great weekend ahead.

  • June 12: FG reels out activities for Democracy Day 2023

    June 12: FG reels out activities for Democracy Day 2023

    The federal government has reeled out activities to mark Democracy Day 2023, which the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has said would be celebrated in low key with just two major events.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Akume revealed the activities on Friday in Abuja at a World Press Conference on the programme of activities to mark the 2023 Democracy Day Celebration.

    Akume said the significance of the celebration as reviewed from May 29 to June 12 was to honour the heroes who championed the struggle and made sacrifices for the success of democracy in Nigeria.

    He assured Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment to ensure a brighter future of the country in spite of several challenges the citizens are going through.

    “The former president, Muhammadu Buhari decided in his wisdom as a patriotic Nigerian to right the wrong that has visited on this country with disastrous consequences by the military administration at that time.

    “Some Nigerians paid the supreme sacrifice and may be continued to be remembered by all of us for planting the seed of democracy that has germinated that today, we are celebrating 22 years of uninterrupted democracy.

    “May 29 remains the date for anniversary of handing over of power according to the constitution, but June 12 remains the date that gives us the opportunity to reflect on important and relevant of democracy. ”

    The SGF asked Nigerians both at home and in diaspora to assess where the nation has done well in its democratic dividends and suggest other ways for improvement.

    He expressed optimism that Nigeria would be better than its current position.

    “It is in the light of this that the theme of this year’s democratic celebration is ‘Hope Reassured’.

    “And, all of you know that societies are great, nations are great because the citizens have hope that tomorrow will be better than today.”

    He explained that the 2023 Democracy Day Celebration would be celebrated in low key with two major events of the World Press Conference and the presidential broadcast by President Bola Tinubu on Monday by 7 a. m.