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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • BREAKING: Buhari confers GCFR on Tinubu, GCON on Shettima

    BREAKING: Buhari confers GCFR on Tinubu, GCON on Shettima

    President Muhammadu Buhari has conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR) on President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu.

    Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, was also conferred with the national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger(GCON).

    The investiture, performed on Thursday at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, is in accordance with the tradition of honouring all Nigerian presidents and vice presidents respectively.

    The ceremony is in line with the National Honours Act Cap N43LFN 2004.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, First Lady Aisha Buhari, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker, House of Representative Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu were present at the event.

    The event featured the introduction of Transition Document and Presentation of the Scorecard of the Buhari Administration by Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Transition Council.

    There was also the Transfer of Baton of Service by President Buhari to the president-elect.

    Three key documents were handed over to the president-elect by the president—a briefing note on each of the nine priority areas; a compendium of projects and programmes implemented by the outgoing administration, major challenges and advisories; policy update.

    In his address at the event, Buhari congratulated Tinubu and said he had no doubt that Nigeria would continue to thrive and achieve new heights under his leadership.

    “I equally extend my congratulations to the vice president-elect; your wealth of experience in governance, your unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian people, and your exemplary leadership during challenging times as Governor of Borno, has made you a deserving candidate for this position.

    “ I have full confidence that you will serve our nation with utmost dedication and integrity.

    “Today, with the authority vested in me, as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have conferred the National Honour of GCFR on Bola Tinubu and that of the GCON on Kashim Shettima respectively.’’

    Buhari expressed belief in Tinubu’s abilities and tasked the incoming administration not to forget the immense responsibilities that came with leadership.

    According to him, the challenges facing Nigeria are significant, and it is the duty of the president and vice president to address them with courage, wisdom, and compassion.

    He said that there was need to remain committed to the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability, as these were the foundations on which Nigeria’s progress and development relied.

    “President-elect Tinubu, you have a long and illustrious track record of public service, marked by your exceptional achievements in various capacities.

    “ Your transformative leadership in Lagos State, where you left an indelible mark in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development, speaks volumes about your dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people.

    “Your commitment to fostering unity, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences, is a testament to your statesmanship and visionary leadership.

    “This administration from inception has faced security challenges such as insurgency, oil theft, kidnapping as well as corruption which has eaten deep into the system.

    “With political will and support of many Nigerians, especially our dogged Armed Forces, insurgency, terrorism and kidnapping have been reduced to their barest minimum while corruption has been tackled headlong.’’

    Buhari said that in spite of the aforementioned challenges, his administration had made economic gains over the years.

    He said that in spite of the turbulent times and global economic meltdown occasioned by world oil crisis and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigerian economy had remained afloat and strong.

    He said that the Second Niger Bridge, renamed Muhammadu Buhari Bridge, had been completed and commissioned.

    According to him, no administration in Nigeria’s modern history has given so much attention to roads like his administration has done in the last eight years.

    “In all, we have been able to construct and complete over 8,352 kilometres of roads across Nigeria.’’

    Buhari expressed gratitude to the Nigerian people for their unwavering support and trust throughout his tenure as president and congratulated Tinubu and Shettima for their well-deserved investiture.

    In his response, Tinubu described Buhari as “Mr Democrat’’ and thanked him for bestowing the nation’s highest honour on him and the vice president-elect.

    Tinubu said that the transition documents handed over to him enumerated the efforts of the past eight years.

    “The documents constitute an impressive and noteworthy scorecard.

    “You have made history and no one can deny your contributions to our national development; your devotion to progressive and democratic governance is unassailable.

    “I stand here today renewed in hope and dedication to our national greatness; I also feel full obliged that this moment is our moment and I know what it represents.

    “This occasion is a proof that Nigeria is a vibrant and true democracy,’’ he said.

    He applauded Buhari for having the courage to recognise the injustice of the annulment of the 1993 election by designating June 12 as democracy day and bestowing the nation’s highest honour on late MKO Abiola.

    State governors, members of Federal Executive Council, members of the diplomatic corps, party chieftains, members of the National Assembly, service chiefs, traditional rulers also attended the event.

  • President Buhari receives accolades for rail transport in Nigeria

    President Buhari receives accolades for rail transport in Nigeria

    The Nigeria Union of Railway Workers (NUR) has described the eight-year administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as a huge blessing to the rail transport sub-sector.

    The NUR Secretary-General, Mr Segun Esan, made this known in an interview on Thursday in Lagos.

    “Under Buhari’s regime, the infrastructural deficits the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suffered for a long time was significantly rolled back.

    “This was with the construction from scratch, the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway, which he diligently completed and even operated all within his tenure in office as the president.

    “He completed Abuja-Kaduna Railway and commenced its operation.

    “Also, he revolutionised Warri-Itakpe-Ajaokuta standard railway and today, these three rail lines or services are the flagship and epicentre of the operational efficiency of the corporation,” Esan said.

    The secretary-general also said that under Buhari’s watch, a railway technology university was established in Nigeria.

    According to him, the institution will ultimately serve as fountain of manpower and intellectual development for the growth and advancement of railway technology and business in Nigeria.

    “He built a wagon assembly plant in Kajola in collaboration with the Chinese, where all configurations of freight wagons will be assembled for Nigerian Railway use.

    “The plant will also supply wagons to some African States with prospects of inspiring railway development across Africa.

    “What he has achieved for the rail transport sub-sector in Nigeria is enormous and highly commendable.

    “No doubt, President Buhari has demonstrated his passion for a better and stronger rail transport mode in Nigeria with all these epochal achievements,” Esan said.

    The labour leader urged the incoming government of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to continue from where Buhari stopped by constructing at least 2,500 km standard gauge of rail track across the country.

    “By so doing, infrastructural base of the industry will be further entrenched and consolidated,” he added.

    Esan also urged the incoming administration to give priority to the welfare and wellbeing of railway workers by approving a special salary regime for the railway industry.

    “The administration should endeavour to give the railway workers a living wage through the creation of a special salary structure for the railway.

    “This is because, railway is a specialised field, just like medicine and air transport.”

    Esan said that the NRC should be upgraded to either a commission or authority with independent budget line.

    According to him, living rail transport under the purview of Federal Ministry of Transportation had over the years truncated its growth.

    “More importantly, all the training schools of the Nigerian Railway Corporation should be upgraded to ND and HND awarding institutions to complement the University in Daura, in serving as the intellectual bedrock of the corporation,” he added.

    The scribe advised the Tinubu administration to work closely with labour unions in the sub-sector to enhance the development of rail transportation in the country.

    “This inclusivity has worked across the world in bringing about a sustainable rail transport sub-economy and it cannot fail in Nigeria if applied,” Esan said.

  • Buhari seeks Senate approval to pay N226bn, $556.8m, £98.5m judgement debts

    Buhari seeks Senate approval to pay N226bn, $556.8m, £98.5m judgement debts

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sought the approval Senate to issue a promissory note for the payment of 566,754,584.31 dollars, 98,526,012.00 Pounds and N226,281,801,881.64 judgment debt owed by the Federal Government.

    Buhari’s request was contained in a letter addressed to President of Senate Ahmed, Lawan and read at plenary on Wednesday.

    Buhari in the letter said:”Distinguished Senate President, you may wish to be informed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting of March 29, 2023 approved the liquidations of top priority judgment debts and general debts owed by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) through the issuance of promissory notes.

    “The judgment debts are to be settled through the issuance of promissory notes which will then be redeemed over time through provisions in the budgets of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    ” Thus debt securities have been issued for the settlement of the judgment debts and approval of the National Assembly is required for this purpose.

    “In view of the foregoing, I wish to request the Senate to kindly consider and approve through its resolution the settlement of the top priority debts incurred by Federal MDAs in the sum of 566,754,584.31 dollars, 98,526,012.00 Pounds and N226,281,801,881.64 through the issuance of promissory notes.

    “The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning shall provide any information that may be required by the Senate for the consideration of this request.”

    Senate also at plenary passed for first reading five bills.

    The bills include: Federal Medical Centres Act Amendment Bill 2023 sponsored by Sen.Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto), Federal Teaching Hospital, Markurdi, Benue State Establishment Bill,2023 by Sen.Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto),

    Others are Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) Act Amendment Bill,2023 by Sen.Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto),and Federal University of Petroleum Technology ,Ohaji -Egbema Establishment Bill ,2023 by Sen.Rochas Okorocha.

  • What President Buhari said in valedictory FEC meeting

    What President Buhari said in valedictory FEC meeting

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja participated in a valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and met with staff of the State House.

    The president’s engagement was part of a countdown on his eight years of administration, expressing appreciation for all the support and loyalty of the cabinet members and the staff.

    In his remark at the valedictory session held at the State House Council Chamber, Buhari thanked all the ministers for their steadfastness in pursuing the goals of the administration.

    The president however urged support for the incoming President, Sen. Bola Tinubu, even from outside government.

    Buhari appreciated the ministers for working closely together, despite many odds and challenges, and sustaining the synergy that translated into many achievements.

    “I am proud to say we gave our best,’’ he added.

    The president directed the ministers to tidy up their work and avoid last-minute rush that could compromise the good deeds they had done over the years.

    “In the cause of our years together, ranging from our newest addition to the oldest members of the team for the past seven and half years, we have differed on many issues.

    ”I urge that we understand that those positions were for the collective good, and no one should keep grievances, or carry these differences forward.

    “For those of us that will not directly be in government, I know that I am one of such, I ask that we continue to provide our support, in whatever way we can, if called upon by our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), that gave us the platform to stand and we must continue to support it in every way we can,’’ he said.

    The president attributed all the good work and goodwill received by the administration to God’s intervention, adding: “I also thank God for the strength and for keeping us together.’’

    “I look forward to a  great many of you, disproving that Daura has not become too distant because I am no longer Mr President.

    “I will also be happy to do the many things that I have not been able to since May 29, 2015, one of such is my favourite pastime of taking care of my cattle.

    “I wish all of us the best and hope to hear good news whenever any of our names are mentioned. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ he stated.

    Buhari also met with members of Staff of the State House, lauding both the senior and junior workers for supporting his administration for eight years.

    He noted that the administration had stretched to accommodate the views of workers and to meet some of their needs within available resources.

  • Festus Keyamo knocks Buhari hard over Minister of State appointment

    Festus Keyamo knocks Buhari hard over Minister of State appointment

    In what is a valedictory punch, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo has knocked outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari very hard over the office of Minister of State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Keyamo to have said “the concept or designation of “Minister of State” is a constitutional aberration and is practically not working for many so appointed”.

    Recall President Buhari first appointed Keyamo as Minister of State in the Ministry Niger Delta Affairs in August, 2019 and was later redeployed as Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    “What I am about to say, therefore, is not and should not be construed as an indication of ingratitude. Far from it. What I am about to say is just my own little contribution to our constitutional development as a relatively young democracy and to aid future governments to optimize the performance of those they appoint as Ministers.

    “Mr. President, the concept or designation of “Minister of State” is a constitutional aberration and is practically not working for many so appointed. Successive governments have come and gone and many who were appointed as Ministers of State have not spoken out at a forum such as this because of the risk of sounding ungrateful to the Presidents who appointed them. However, like I said earlier, this is not ingratitude,” Keyamo wrote in his valedictory speech as Minister of State for Labour and Employment.

    Read the full valedictory speech by Festus Keyamo below:

    1. Mr. President, you first appointed me as Minister of State in the Ministry Niger Delta Affairs in August, 2019 and you later redeployed me as Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    2. Today, I cannot find the words to express the depth of my gratitude to you for finding me worthy, out of over two hundred million Nigerians, to be nominated and subsequently appointed to serve as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. My curriculum vitae has been greatly enhanced – forever.

    3. From my very humble beginnings in a small dusty town in Delta State where I was born and raised by my struggling parents, all the way to the Council Chambers at the Presidential Villa where I had the honour and privilege to participate weekly in decision-making for my country in the last four years, it has been like a fairy tale. I give God all the glory.

    4. What I am about to say, therefore, is not and should not be construed as an indication of ingratitude. Far from it. What I am about to say is just my own little contribution to our constitutional development as a relatively young democracy and to aid future governments to optimize the performance of those they appoint as Ministers.

    5. Mr. President, the concept or designation of “Minister of State” is a constitutional aberration and is practically not working for many so appointed. Successive governments have come and gone and many who were appointed as Ministers of State have not spoken out at a forum such as this because of the risk of sounding ungrateful to the Presidents who appointed them. However, like I said earlier, this is not ingratitude.

    6. As a private citizen, I am on record to have gone to court a number of times to challenge unconstitutional acts of governments for the sake of advancing our constitutional democracy, so it will be out of character for me to have gone through government and be carried away by the pomp of public office and forget my role as a member of the Inner Bar and my self-imposed role over the years as a crusader for democracy and constitutionalism.

    7. Mr. President, I crave your indulgence to explain this constitutional conundrum of “Minister of State”. Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), deal with the appointments and responsibilities of Ministers of the Federation. The said sections state as follows:

    Section 147

    “(1) There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation as may be established by the President.

    (2) Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President.

    (3) Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of section 14(3) of this Constitution:- provided that in giving effect to the provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene of such State.”

    Section 148

    “(1) The President may, in his discretion, assign to the Vice-President or any Minister of the Government of the Federation responsibility for any business of the Government of the Federation, including the administration of any department of government.”

    8. Furthermore, the 7th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution provides for the Oath of Office to which each Minister must subscribe. There are no different Oaths for “Minister” and “Ministers of State”. They all take the same Oath of Office.

    9. In addition to the above, the Ministers-designate appear before the Senate and are grilled and cleared AS MINISTERS, not as Ministers in some instances and Ministers of State in some other instances. It is at the point of assignment of portfolios that successive Presidents then reclassified some as “Ministers of State”.

    10. Some may want to justify this by saying the President is given the discretion by the Constitution to assign whatever responsibility(ies) he likes to Ministers. Yes, I concede Mr. President can do that, but not by a designation different from that prescribed by the Constitution. Simply put, it is akin to the President assigning responsibilities to the office of the Vice-President and re-designating that office as “Deputy President” under our present Constitution. That is clearly impossible. Why then should that of the Ministers be different?

    11. What is more, Ministers are appointed pursuant to Section 147(3) of the 1999 Constitution to represent each State of the Federation. Therefore, Ministers sit in Cabinet as the eye of Mr. President in each State of the Federation. It is therefore against the intendment of the drafters of our Constitution for a representative of a State to be reclassified as against another representative of another State.

    12. The Schedules of Duties of Ministers and Ministers of State that intend to cure some of these anomalies hardly help the issues. Firstly, the Schedules of Duties are observed more in breach by the Permanent Secretaries and Directors who really cannot be expected to serve two masters. And in any case, many of the roles of both Ministers are so ambiguous that the bureaucrats would always interpret them to satisfy the ones they see as the “Senior Ministers” or “main Ministers” for fear of being persecuted by them.

    13. Secondly, parts of the Schedules of Duties seem to suggest that the Ministers can delegate functions to the Ministers of State. This is a constitutional impossibility. It is only Mr. President that can delegate Presidential powers as one cannot delegate what he does not have (delegatus non potest delegare). In any case, how can someone who took the same Oath of Office with another delegate functions to that other?

    14. Thirdly, the Schedules of Duties leave so many gaping holes that bring conflicts between the Ministers and Ministers of State. In addition, the provision that “Ministers of State” cannot present Memos in Council, except with the permission of the Minister, is another anomaly. It means the discretion of the Minister of State is subsumed in the discretion of the Minister, yet both of them represent different States in Cabinet.

    15. It also follows that it would be difficult to assess the individual performances of the Ministers of State since their discretion is shackled under the discretion of the Ministers. Original ideas developed by a Minister of State are subject to clearance by another colleague in Cabinet before they can sail through for consideration by Council. The drafters of our Constitution obviously did not intend this.

    16. As a result, many Ministers of State are largely redundant, with many going to the office for symbolic purpose and just to while away the time. Files are passed to them to treat only at the discretion of the other Minister and the Permanent Secretary. Yet, the Ministers of State will receive either praise or condemnation for the successes or failures of such Ministries.

    17. I understand that when this practice first surfaced in the First Republic, it was used as a contraption to give a semblance of “Government of National Unity”, when in actual fact no “real power” was ceded to the opposition members co-opted into government who were mostly designated as the Ministers of State, so as to keep them in check under the leadership of the ruling Party’s Ministers. But, over time the custom has come to stay and now it has been established as a norm, even regarding Ministers from the same ruling Party. In fact, one political absurdity that has emerged from this is that some Ministers of State won more votes from their States for the party in power than the “main Minister”.

    THE WAY FORWARD

    18. Many Ministerial Retreats have been held to try and resolve the issues between Ministers and Ministers of State. President Obasanjo held four of such Retreats, with the last one holding at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, from 23rd to 25th February, 2001. Yet, the problems persisted.

    19. Mr. President, unknown to many successive Presidents and the general public, these conflicts gravely affect the optimal performance of Governments. What is the way forward?

    20. Obviously, the argument that two Ministers are cramped into some Ministries in order not to unnecessarily proliferate Ministries and therefore save Government’s money is no longer tenable. This is because Government does not need any extra infrastructure or more money to maintain all Senior 36 Ministers or even a bit more appointed as is now the custom. This is because the present Ministers and Ministers of State have their separate offices, cars, security personnel and personal aides. So, what is the point?

    21. There are enough Permanent Secretaries within the system to be assigned to each Minister, or in the least, one Permanent Secretary can serve two Ministers. Since the Schedules of Duties of both Ministers already reflect the broad Mandates of the Ministries, the Ministers can be named in line with those Schedules of Duties, instead of continuing with this unconstitutional arrangement. For instance, there is no reason why we cannot have a Minister of Labour and another Minister of Employment.

    22. In my case, whilst the Schedule of my colleague had to do more with Labour and Productivity, mine had to do more with Employment. The Directorates in my Ministry that were under my office would then be fully under the Minister of Employment, without any double loyalty to the Minister of Labour and Productivity.

    23. We can also have a Minister of Trade and another Minister of Investment. We can have a Minister of Education (Tertiary) and another Minister of Education (Primary and Secondary); we can have a Minister of Mines and another Minister of Steel; we can have a Minister of Works and another Minister of Housing and so on and so forth.

    24. In all of these, no extra infrastructure is needed to sustain this suggested arrangement. The present infrastructure and present personnel in the Ministries can very well sustain it. It will be at no extra cost to government. This is preferable than successive governments continuing with this present unconstitutional arrangement.

    25. Finally, I want to place it on record again that Mr. Present gave me maximum support as his Minister to function optimally. So, this treatise is not a personal complaint. This is just a respectful recommendation for record purposes and for the sake of posterity. It is also intended to correct an anomaly that has existed for ages.

  • Buhari seeks approval for N16.7bn promissory note for Borno

    Buhari seeks approval for N16.7bn promissory note for Borno

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sought the National Assembly’s approval for the issuance of N16.7 billion promissory note to Borno Government as refund for reconstructed federal roads in the state.

    The request is contained in a letter addressed to President of Senate, Ahmad Lawan and read at plenary on Tuesday.

    “Distinguished Senate President may wish to be informed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting of May 3, approved the reimbursement of N16,772,486,002.19 to the Borno Government through the issuance of promissory notes in respect of federal road projects executed by the state.

    “Distinguished Senate President may wish to note that the FEC had earlier approved the reimbursement of N3,084,769,393.63 to Borno State at its meeting of Feb. 1, along with the approval of N6,601,769,470.99 for reimbursement to the Plateau Government.

    “My request for the resolution of National Assembly for the issuance of promisory notes to the two states has already been forwarded to the National Assembly.

    “Distinguished Senate President may wish to note that this approval by FEC for the reimbursement of the additional N16, 772,486,002.19 to the Borno Government was based on an appeal by the state and my directive to the Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure that sufficient funds are provided for the completion of the Damboa/Chibok road based on the current cost of completion of the project,” he said.

    Buhari added: “The FEC’s approval was also subsequent to the recommendation of a cabinet committee which reviewed documents submitted by the state and carried out physical inspection and verification of the projects executed by the state government.

    “In view of the foregoing, I wish to request the senate to kindly consider and approve through its resolution, the reimbursement of N16,772,486,002.19 through the issuance of promissory notes to Borno Government in respect of the road projects executed by the state on behalf of the federal government.

    “The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing would provide any information that may be required by the National Assembly for the consideration of this request.”

  • Buhari, 5 African Presidents to commission Dangote Refinery today

    Buhari, 5 African Presidents to commission Dangote Refinery today

    In an epoch-making event that will positively transform Nigeria’s oil and gas sectoral landscape, President Muhammadu Buhari will today commission Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single train refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, alongside his counterparts from Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Niger, and Chad.

    Promoted by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, the petroleum refinery with a capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) is sitting on 2,635 hectares of land located in Dangote Industries Free Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, and will provide employment to over 100,000 persons. The coming on stream of the gigantic project is expected to mark Nigeria’s exit from the league of oil rich nations but which are heavy importers of the petroleum products.

    Expected at the historic event apart from international dignitaries are Presidents of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé; Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo; President of Senegal, Macky Sall; President of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum, President of Chad, Mahamat Déby and a host of ambassadors

    President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who will not be physically present will however present his goodwill message virtually.

    As at the time of filing this report, all the 36 state governors and most of the governors-elect, ministers, senators, and captains of industries in Nigeria and others from outside the country, global oil traders, top international bankers, international multilateral agencies have indicated their readiness to grace the ceremony.

    Nigeria’s President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose administration as the governor of Lagos in 2002 floated the Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki where the Refinery is located, is expected to be at the event.

    The commissioning of Dangote Petroleum Refinery is significant given that it is the first time that a refinery of such magnitude built by an individual is being commissioned.

    Dangote’s petroleum refinery is expected to meet the needs of Nigerian consumers and those in neighbouring countries, while allowing for exports beyond the African continent. The refinery will drive the promotion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as over 50 countries in the trade bloc depend on imported refined petroleum products.

    According to the Facts Sheet on Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the new Refinery can meet 100% of the Nigerian requirement of all refined products (Gasoline, 53 million litres per day; Diesel, 34 million litres per day; Kerosene, 10 million litres per day, and Aviation Jet, 2 million litres per day) and also have surplus of each of these products for export.

    “The refinery is designed for 100% Nigerian Crude with flexibility to process other crudes. It has self-sufficient marine facility with ability for freight optimisation, and the largest single order of 5 SPMs anywhere in the world. Diesel and Gasoline Products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.

    “The refinery design complies with World Bank, US EPA, European emission norms and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms. State-of-the-art technology. Designed to process large variety of crudes including many of the African Crudes, some of the Middle Eastern Crudes and the US Light Tight Oil,” the Facts sheet added.

    It also stated: “65 Million Cubic Metres of sand dredged costing approximately Euros 300 million, using the world’s largest, the second largest and the tenth largest dredgers to elevate the height by 1.5 metres, to insure against any potential impact of increase in mean sea level due to global warming. Bought over 1,209 units of various equipment to enhance the local capacity for site works.

    “332 cranes to build up equipment installation capacity. Built the world’s largest granite quarry to supply coarse aggregate, stone column material, stone base, stone dust & material for break water. (10 million tonnes per year production capacity).

    “Developed a port and constructed two quays with a load bearing capacity of 25 tonnes/ sq metres to bring Over Dimensional Cargoes close to the site directly. The company also constructed two more quays in the port with a capacity to handle up to Panamax vessels to export fertiliser and the petrochemicals and two quays to handle liquid cargoes. The port will thus have 6 quays, including a Roll-on/Roll-off quay”, the sheet added.

  • Buhari grants 65 ex-Corps members automatic employment

    Buhari grants 65 ex-Corps members automatic employment

    President Muhammadu Buhari has granted automatic employments in the Federal Civil Service to 65 former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    Speaking at the NYSC 50th Anniversary Honours Award held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, the Nigerian leader also highlighted numerous achievements of the scheme since its establishment 50 years ago.

    The president said out of the 65 recipients, 52 individuals received the Presidential Honours Awards, while the remaining 13 were physically challenged ex-Corps Members recognised under the NYSC Hope Alive programme.

    In addition to the employment, Buhari also disclosed that both groups would be awarded scholarships to pursue their education up to the doctorate degree level at any university of their choice within the country.

    He also announced a cash prize of N250,000.00 for each of the top award winners, N200,000.00 for other award recipients, including the physically challenged ex-Corps members under the NYSC Hope Alive Programme.

    Consequently, the president issued a directive to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the Minister of Education to ensure adherence to the employment offers and the granting of scholarships.

    Buhari also used the occasion to pay tribute to corps members from the batches being honoured, who lost their lives under various circumstances while serving the nation.

    ‘‘But for their transitioning, some of them might have been here today as part of the honourees. May God grant their souls peaceful repose. They remain our heroes and heroines.

    ”The nation shall continue to remember their sacrifices towards building a strong, indivisible and egalitarian entity,’’ he said.

    The president also sympathised with those  sustained varying degrees of disability during the service year, acknowledging their significant sacrifices for the progress of the country and assuring them that the nation stands in solidarity with them.

    ‘‘Your labour shall not be in vain,’’ he said.

    He also congratulated the founding fathers, past and present managers of the NYSC on its Golden Jubilee, commending their enduring faith, which has maintained NYSC as a vital platform for mobilising the youth towards national unity and development.

    Buhari praised all Nigerians who have answered the call for National Service in the past fifty years for their patriotic zeal and commitment to the NYSC mandate.

    According to him, it has justified its establishment as an interventionist agency, with a core mandate to foster national unity across the country, thereby breaking down ethnic suspicions and divisions.

    ‘‘The multiplicity of marriages contracted over the years by Corps Members, cutting across the boundaries of ethnicity and religion in no small measure, justifies my assertion,’’ he said.

    Buhari also expressed his deep appreciation to retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, the founding father of the scheme, who conceived the idea of the  corps and brought it to fruition on May 22, 1973.

    ‘‘The NYSC has continued to afford successive batches of Corps Members as the veritable platform to make meaningful contributions, in the various spheres of our national life,’’ he said.

    The president specifically commended the corps members for their role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic by producing and distributing essential items such as face masks, hand sanitizers, liquid soap, and providing food and other relief materials to the needy people across the country.

    He also applauded their discipline and neutrality when serving as adhoc personnel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including during the 2023 General Elections, which contributed to enhancing the credibility of the electoral system.

    The president acknowledged their contributions to the successful implementation of Social Intervention Programme,s such as N-Power and the School Feeding program through beneficiary enumeration.

    ‘‘I hasten to state without equivocation that with the quality of youths such as these, the future of this country, which rests upon their shoulders, is guaranteed.

    ”I give kudos to my dear diligent, patriotic and virile youths. You have done very well; and the Nation is very proud of you.

    ‘‘The success story of the fifty-year-old noble scheme will be incomplete without conspicuous mention of your outstanding contributions,’’ he said.

    While recognising the crucial role of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program in diversifying the national economy towards a more production-oriented model, Buhari assured continued government support for youth initiatives.

    He highlighted the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), with a budget of N75 billion, as an example of empowerment initiatives aimed at promoting youth-related activities and fostering a better Nigeria.

    The president commended the NYSC Management for its efforts in revenue generation and encouraged them to sustain its commitment.

    He also appreciated the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers implemented by the NYSC and recognised the support of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, who donated a well-equipped ambulance for the operation of the NYSC Mobile Clinic.

    Buhari called on individuals and corporate bodies to emulate this gesture to enhance access to quality healthcare, especially in rural communities.

    On the need to reinvent the NYSC through the establishment of a Trust Fund, Buhari said he had been ‘‘briefed adequately’’ on the matter and commended the Management for the initiative.

    He pledged his support for any genuine effort aimed at assisting the scheme in achieving its time-tested objectives.

    The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, while commending the former corps members chosen for the presidential honour, said their sacrifices and commendable contributions, reflected the positive values they embodied during their service year.

    “By distinguishing yourselves among hundreds of thousands of Corps members, you embody the nation’s pride and serve as a source of inspiration for other young people in Nigeria.

    ”Your strong sense of discipline, selflessness, dedication to work, exceptional community service, innovation, and leadership qualities enhance our hope for the country’s future.

    ”I am confident that this award will motivate you to render even greater service to our homeland.

    “To the current corps members and other young individuals, it is my sincere hope that you will emulate these awardees by embracing higher ideals of patriotism.

    ”In everything you do, always prioritise Nigeria and let it manifest through sacrifice and dedicated service to our beloved nation,” he said.

    Dare listed the N75 billion NYIF, the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES) and the National Young Farmers’ Scheme (NYFS) as enduring legacies of the Buhari administration’s deep commitment to the well-being and development of the Nigerian youth.

    He said the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development had actively pursued initiatives such as Digital Skills Acquisition, Employability, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership (DEEL), as well as the Work Experience Programme (WEP), among others for the benefit of the youths.

    According to the minister, the progress achieved through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program of NYSC is being consolidated by the current management.

    He urged corps members and other young people to participate in these programmes, which would enable them to become self-employed and contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.

  • Buhari approves new governing board for FERMA

    Buhari approves new governing board for FERMA

    President Muhammadu Buhari approved the dissolution of the board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Buhari’s media aide, Mr Femi Adesina, stated that the president approved the appointment of Mr James Akintola as the new board chairman to succeed Mr Tunde Lemo.

    Lemo had earlier voluntarily stepped down from the position as FERMA board chairman.

    “Other members of the old board have their terms renewed,’’ Adesina stated.

    He quoted Lemo as conveying his appreciation to President Buhari for the opportunity given him to serve the country.

    Akintola, the new FERMA chairman had occupied corresponding position in many states before his new appointment.

    A multi-skilled construction professional, Akinola had been Senior Special Assistant, Infrastructure in Ogun, and Consultant to Kwara government on infrastructure.

    He was Special Adviser, Infrastructure in Oyo State and Executive Chairman, Lagos State Public Works Corporation, among others.

    Akinola holds a B.Sc. Architecture degree from the University of Lagos, and an M.Sc. in the same field from the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.

  • Buhari recounts how he felt when Goodluck Jonathan called to concede defeat

    Buhari recounts how he felt when Goodluck Jonathan called to concede defeat

    As Muhammadu Buhari prepares to exit office as the president of Nigeria, he has recounted how he felt when former president Goodluck Jonathan called him to concede defeat in the 2015 presidential election.

    Speaking at a farewell meeting with his media support group, the Buhari Media Organization (BMO) on Thursday in Abuja, the outgoing President recalled how elated he felt.

    Buhari said Jonathan, “called me at 5:25 that evening to say congratulations. I said pardon me Mr President? He said yes, I called to concede and congratulate you,” adding That was equally very un-Nigerian.

    Speaking during the meeting, Buhari also recalled how during the civil war, he walked the way on his two feet from Makurdi in today’s Benue to the shorelines of the sea.

    He called on Nigerians to walk on the path of duty ”if we really want to see the country achieve new heights.”

    The president showered praises on the members of the BMO for volunteering their time and energy throughout the eight years of his administration “without salary, letter of appointment or any formal rewards.”

    Buhari described their sacrifices as ‘very un-Nigerian.’”

    By this, the president said the BMO had given him inspiration and hope for a better Nigeria in the future.

    “I am so happy for all that you have done to support my administration. I don’t have enough words to thank you individually and collectively.

    ”I occasionally read your outbursts and often wondered what type of Nigerians are these? The sacrifices you have made for our success are beyond measure,” he said.

    The president likened the sacrifices of the BMO members to those of the past leaders, citing in particular, retired Generals Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and himself.

    The president described Nigeria as being a lucky country given the natural resources available to it and its vast population, saying:

    “We don’t even know how much resources we have. A major part of Africa’s natural resources are domiciled in this country.”

    He spoke of these endowments, making comparisons with countries he had been to on military training.

    Buhari cited a particular one where people who died of hunger overnight were cleared off the streets by refuse collectors and, in his words, “people just moved on with their daily lives even in the face of these cultural shocks.”

    Meanwhile, in his speech, the Chairman and Coordinator of BMO, Niyi Akinsiju, said “as your administration ends on May 29, 2023 we wish to state unequivocally that you have made the country proud and posterity will judge you favourably.”

    The Senior Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, informed him that the group was the same media committee that worked for him in the 2015 elections.

    On behalf of the group, the presidential spokesman thanked the president for the opportunity he gave them to serve during the period of his eight-year leadership of the country.

    He noted that throughout this period, the BMO sustained itself through voluntary assistance by non-governmental organisations.