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Tag: NEC

  • Labour Party NEC confirms Nenadi Usman as interim National Chairman

    Labour Party NEC confirms Nenadi Usman as interim National Chairman

    The Labour Party (LP) National Executive Council (NEC) has ratified and inaugurated the interim National Working Committee (NWC) led by Sen. Nenadi Usman as Chairman and Sen. Darlington Nwokocha as Secretary.

    The ratification is contained in a communique issued at the end of its NEC meeting in Abuja on Friday.

    The communique was signed by Gov. Alex Otti of Abia and the Chairman of Board of Trustees (BOT) Chief Sylvester Ejiofoh.

    Other signatories include the BOT Secretary, Alhaji Salisu Mohammed, President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero, President Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifor among others.

    The communique explained that the meeting was duly convened by statutory NEC members, in line with the party’s Constitution and pursuant to the decisions of the Supreme Court which confirmed that the tenure of Mr Julius Abure had ended.

    “The NEC unanimously ratified and inaugurated the Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Labour Party under the leadership of Sen. Nenadi Usman as the Interim National Chairman and Sen. Darlington Nwokocha as the interim National Secretary among other persons.

    “The NEC approved the detailed schedule for the conduct of Ward Congresses, Local Government Area Congresses, State Congresses, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention of the Labour Party.

    “The National Secretariat is mandated to publish the guidelines and timelines to ensure transparent and democratic elections at all levels.

    “The NEC approved the constitution of statutory committees to supervise Membership Revalidation and New Member Registration across the country.

    “These committees shall work with the National Secretariat, State Chairmen, and relevant stakeholders to ensure credibility and inclusiveness.

    “The National Secretariat is mandated to publish the list and membership of the Committees,” it said.

    According to the communique, the NEC reviewed the status of the party’s participation in the forthcoming Anambra Gubernatorial Election and various scheduled by-elections in senatorial districts and federal constituencies across the country.

    The party organ reaffirmed the commitment of the party to fielding credible candidates and directed the interim NWC to conclude necessary preparations with INEC in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

    The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, rule of law, and the supremacy of the party Constitution while cautioning against any parallel structures or activities inconsistent with its resolutions.

    The NEC urged all stakeholders, members, and supporters of the party to close ranks, eschew divisive tendencies, and work together in unity to build a strong, people-oriented, and ideologically driven political movement capable of rescuing Nigeria.

    The party organ called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all security agencies to discharge their statutory responsibilities impartially and professionally to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the forthcoming elections.

    Earlier in the meeting, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha expressed gratitude to the NEC for the confidence reposed in the interim NWC and for the opportunity to work for the party and the country.

    He said that the interim NWC accepted the task and would work in line with its mandate and relevant Acts and guidelines.

  • BREAKING: PDP reels out agenda as party’s heavyweights gather for NEC meeting

    BREAKING: PDP reels out agenda as party’s heavyweights gather for NEC meeting

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has reeled out an agenda for its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting announced to hold today Tuesday.

    According to a statement released by the PDP, the NEC meeting will be held at the party’s presidential campaign office, Legacy House, located in the Maitama District, Abuja.

    “The meeting aims to address critical issues affecting the party, including strategies for upcoming political engagements,” the statement reads.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NEC, one of the highest decision-making organs of the PDP, comprises party national chairman and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

    It also comprises State governors, serving and former presidents, former vice-presidents, the chairman and secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT).

    Others are principal officers of the National Assembly, state chairpersons, former governors, and founding members, among others.

     

    More details later…

  • Abure’s election as LP National Chairman was illegitimate – NEC

    Abure’s election as LP National Chairman was illegitimate – NEC

    The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) has said that the elections that brought in Mr Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman did not follow due process.

    The Labour party NEC disclosed this at stakeholders interactive town hall meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The meeting had in attendance the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi and the only state governor  of the Labour party, Dr Alex Otti, in attendance.

    The meeting which included Labour Party stakeholders was converged two days after a factional national chairman of the party, Mr Abure, threatened to sanction Otti and Obi for anti-party activities and the planned parallel NEC that was scheduled for Wednesday.

    According to them, the convention that brought Abure in did not follow due process of conducting elections from the grassroots through to the national and therefore was not legitimate.

    Abia Governor, Dr Alex Otti, who read excerpts from the document of the judgement by the supreme court announced that the court affirmed the leadership of Sen. Nenadi Usman.

    Otti said that the Supreme Court has affirmed that the plaintiff (Usman and others) were right in their appeal.

    The governor admonished politicians to respect the tenures of office as stipulated in their respective political party constitutions.

    He also faulted Abure for insisting on staying as the LP national chairman, even when his tenure had expired and the party members also did not want him again.

    “I had a meeting with him (Abure) and asked him, what he wanted, he said he did not want anything; we offered him the Chairmanship of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT).

    “He went ahead to stay when his tenure and those of the NWC (National Working Committee) had expired.

    “The correct procedure if you still want to be national chairman is to start from the ward congress, state congress, zonal congress, where the delegates would emerge for the national convention and everyone member is free to contest,” Otti said.

    Also speaking, Mr Peter Obi, the former presidential flag bearer of the party, said the court had done the right thing by vacating the judgement of the Appeal court insisting that the right thing be done.

    “Our Governor has said it. Let’s do the right thing. Let’s go and do it from the ward to local government, to state, to zone, and then come and do it nationally. Everybody is free to contest.

    “Everybody is free to contest.  Nobody is excluded. I will ensure fairness.

    “We want to build a party that will be fair, a party that will be just, a party that people can look at and say, this is how this party is.

    “We want to go into the next election knowing fully well that we are offering Nigeria the best of people and competent people for House of Assembly, House of Rep,  Senate, or for Governor, for any level of election.”

    Obi stressed that contrary to speculations he had not discussed with anybody about leaving the labour party adding that labour party must stand as one united family and act in love.

    The former Anambra State Governor stated that he had not entered into any discussions with any individual or group regarding his departure from the Labour Party and that any decisions about the party’s future would be made in consultation with its stakeholders.

    “I have not told anybody that I am leaving the Labour Party,” Obi said.

    Senator Nenadi Usman, on her part, said that the judgement of the Supreme Court showed that the interest of the people remained uppermost.

    She said that in spite of the ruling in their favour, she would rather have Abure and others at the other side of the party on reconciliation mode in the interest of the party.

    The stakeholders resolved to go immediately  from the town hall meetings to INEC to present to them the Certified True Copy (CTC) judgment by the Supreme Court.

    They insisted that INEC must do the right thing by not recognising Abure as the party’s national chairman.

  • APC NEC: I inherited N8.98bn legal liabilities – Ganduje

    APC NEC: I inherited N8.98bn legal liabilities – Ganduje

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday said he inherited N8.98 billion debt in legal liabilities.

    He said this in Abuja at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held at its national secretariat.

    President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, some APC governors and other critical stakeholders of the party attended the meeting.

    Ganduje said the outstanding liabilities were for legal engagements during pre-election matters, election cases as well as appeals for legislative, governorship and presidential elections.

    The chairman also requested for a new national secretariat to accommodate its national officers.

    He said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), under his leadership, had applied to the Federal Capital Territory Administration for land.

    Ganduje solicited the president’s intervention to ensure that the secretariat project materialised.

    He said in fulfilment of his promise to take the party to the grassroots, the NWC had introduced a new people-centred approach to campaign administration.

    Ganduje said instead of inaugurating national campaign governorship councils for states in Abuja, they are now inaugurated in affected states.

    This, he said, was to allow for greater participation by party members and other stakeholders in the respective states.

    According to Ganduje, the innovation has helped to engage the right people to organise and manage campaigns in their states.

    He also said the party’s focus was now on regaining power in Anambra and Osun.

    The chairman added that in compliance with INEC’s election time-table, the party had begun preparations for the conduct of its primary in Anambra scheduled for April.

    He also said the party had embarked on reconciliation of aggrieved members, adding that the move was gradually yielding the desired results.

    “Through dialogue, we initiated high level discussions among party leaders and other stakeholders with a view to resolving lingering differences among our members.

    “The Conflict Reconciliation Committee, which you are about to approve, will build on this,” he said.

    NAN reports that members of NEC passed a vote of confidence on the president.

    This, they said, was in recognition of his bold economic reforms that were beginning to bear positive fruits.

    Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo moved the motion and it was seconded by Mr Adams Oshiomhole, a former national chairman of the party.

    NAN further reports that the NEC members passed a vote of confidence on Ganduje and the party’s NWC.

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were among chieftains of the party who attended the meeting.

    Governors in attendance included those of Edo, Monday Okpebholo, Ondo; Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Benue, Hyacinth Alia and Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji.

    Others were those of Kaduna, Uba Sani; Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule; Yobe, Mai Mala Buni; Kogi, Usman Ododo, and Ogun, Dapo Abiodun.

    Former governors who attended included those of Zamfara, Abdulaziz Yari; Kogi, Yahaya Bello and Zamfara, Bello Mattawalle.

    The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, was also at the meeting.

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were, however, absent at the meeting.

    Ganduje was appointed as chairman on Aug. 3, 2023, by the party’s NEC following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu.

     

  • PDP: Nat’l Chairmanship aspirant hails NEC resolution to convene convention in February

    PDP: Nat’l Chairmanship aspirant hails NEC resolution to convene convention in February

    An aspirant for the National Chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Conrad Terhide Utaan has emphasized the importance of unity as the party prepares for a critical National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for February 2025.

    In a heartfelt letter addressed to party members, Utaan acknowledged the overwhelming support he has received since announcing his candidacy, attributing his passion for service to the encouragement from fellow party members. He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the values that define the PDP.

    Following a significant meeting of party leaders in Plateau State, Utaan fully endorsed the resolutions made at the meeting, particularly the decision that the party’s NEC meeting be convened in February next year. He described the move as a step towards fostering a stronger, more united PDP, and highlighted the importance of engaging in meaningful consultations with all stakeholders.

    Utaan extended his appreciation to key figures within the party, and commended their leadership and dedication to the party’s mission.

    “I want to take a moment to appreciate the invaluable contributions of the National Working Committee of our great party led by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees, the National Assembly Forum of the party, the Former Governors Forum, the Former Ministers’ Forum, and the State Chairmen from the 36 states. Your leadership and selfless service to the party are commendable”, Utaan stated.

    In his message to PDP members across Nigeria, Engr Utaan urged them to remain steadfast and united as the party navigates challenges on its transformative journey. He called for patience and calm during the ongoing process of selecting the next National Chairman, assuring members that decisions will be made with careful consideration for the party’s future.

    “This is a critical time for the PDP, and only unity and collaboration can take us to our destination,” Utaan concluded, expressing optimism for the party’s prospects as it moves forward.

    The full text of the letter reads as follows:

    “My dear esteemed members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,

    “I address you with immense gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. I am genuinely grateful for the overwhelming love and support that many of  you, our dear party members, have shown me since I declared my aspiration to lead the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as its National Chairman. Your encouragement has fueled my passion to serve, and I am committed to upholding the values and principles that define our great party.

    “As a loyal and committed party member, I feel compelled to address you following the recent important meeting held in Plateau State, where our leaders, representing key organs of the party, convened to chart the path forward.

    “I wish to express my maximum support for the resolutions made by our leaders during the pivotal meeting in Plateau.

    The resolution that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party be convened in February 2025 is a step in the right direction, as it also affirms our collective commitment to engaging in meaningful consultations with all critical stakeholders in the party. This also underscores our shared vision for a stronger, more united PDP, and I wholeheartedly endorse the resolution.

    “I want to take a moment to appreciate the invaluable contributions of the National Working Committee of our great party led by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees, the National Assembly Forum of the party, the Former Governors Forum, the Former Ministers’ Forum, and the State Chairmen from the 36 states. Your leadership and selfless service to the party are commendable.

    “To all PDP members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, I urge you to remain steadfast in your faith and trust in the party and its leadership. We are on a transformative journey, and it is crucial that we stand united and confront the challenges facing the party for a greater future. Our commitment and resilience are what will propel us forward, and together, we can overcome any challenges that lie before us as a party.

    “I also wish to appeal to each and every one of you, my dear supporters and friends, to remain calm and patient as we work through the process of choosing the next National Chairman of our party. I am optimistic that every decision will be made by our leaders with the utmost care and consideration for the future of the PDP.
    This is a critical time for the PDP, and only UNITY and collaboration can take us to our destination. This, I believe, is possible!

    “Let us continue to celebrate and reflect on the ideals and aspirations of the Peoples Democracy Party, a beacon of hope and a pillar of our democratic journey. The PDP, formed in the crucible of our nation’s struggle for unity, equity, and progress, stands as a manifestation of the enduring spirit of our people.

    “From its inception, the PDP has been more than just a political party; it has been a movement—a movement that champions the voices of the marginalized, the dreams of the youth, and the aspirations of every citizen who yearns for a brighter future. PDP represents the collective will of a diverse nation, weaving together the rich tapestry of our cultures, languages, and traditions, affirming that in our diversity lies our strength.

    “It is an undeniable truth that at the heart of the PDP’s mission is the commitment to democracy. In a world where the values of freedom, justice, and equality are often under siege, the PDP has, for over decades, stood resolute, defending the rights of every citizen of this country. The party has been a strong proponent of the rule of law, ensuring that governance is not just for the few, but for the many. Our party has championed policies that promote social justice, economic growth, and sustainable development. Those are policies that resonate with the hopes and dreams of our people.

    “As we look back on our journey, we must also recognize the challenges we have faced. The road has not always been smooth; there have been trials that tested our resolve and moments that have continued seeking to divide us. Yet, through every storm, the PDP has emerged with renewed vigour, driven by the unflinching belief that our democracy is worth fighting for. It is this resilience that fuels our determination to build a nation where every voice is heard, and every citizen is empowered.

    “Let us also acknowledge the role of leadership within the PDP. Visionary leaders have risen from the party’s ranks, embodying the values of integrity, courage, and compassion. Such leaders of repute have over the years, led with a commitment to transparency and accountability, inspiring trust among the Nigerian people. It is through their efforts that the PDP has fostered a culture of inclusivity, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of background or belief, has a seat at the table.

    “As we stand at the crossroads of the future of our dear party, we must harness the lessons of the past. We must engage our youth, for they are the architects of tomorrow. Their energy, innovation, and passion are essential to shaping a society that reflects our highest ideals. The PDP must continue to be a platform where young voices are amplified, where their potential is nurtured, and where their dreams are transformed into reality. This, we must do while also showing immense respect for elders and other stakeholders in the party.

    “Together, let us renew our commitment to this vision, working hand in hand to build a future filled with hope, justice, and prosperity for all.

    “Once again, I extend my deepest appreciation to you all.”

  • Tinubu rejects NEC’s recommendation to withdraw tax reform bills

    Tinubu rejects NEC’s recommendation to withdraw tax reform bills

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rejected the recommendation of the National Economic Council (NEC) to withdraw the tax reform bills, currently before the National Assembly (NASS).

    President Tinubu to NASS to go ahead with the tax reforms bills, stressing that the proposed tax reform bills should go through the legislative process and inputs could be made at public hearings.

    Recall that NEC had advised that the tax reform bill, currently before NASS be withdrawn. The recommendation was made on Thursday, following the council’s 145th meeting in Abuja.

    However, in a statement on Friday, President Tinubu commended the NEC members, especially Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 State Governors for their advice.

    He believes that the legislative process, which has already begun, provides an opportunity for inputs and necessary changes without withdrawing the bills from the National Assembly.

    While urging the NEC to allow the process to take its full course, President Tinubu welcomes further consultations and engagement with key stakeholders to address any reservations about the bills while the National Assembly considers them for passage.

    The statement reads: “When President Tinubu set up the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform in August 2023, he had only one objective: to reposition the economy for better productivity and efficiency and make the operating environment for investment and businesses more conducive. This objective remains more critical even today than ever before.

    “The Committee worked for over a year and received inputs from various segments of society across the geopolitical zones, including trade associations, professional bodies, different Ministries and Government Agencies, Governors, traders, students, business owners, and the organised private sector.

    “The tax reform bills that emerged were distilled from the extensive work of the Presidential Committee. The tax bills before the National Assembly aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration processes, completely overhaul the nation’s tax operations, and align them with global best practices.

    “Below are the major highlights of the four Bills.

    “1. The Nigeria Tax Bill: This Bill seeks to eliminate multiple taxation and make Nigeria’s economy more competitive by simplifying tax obligations for businesses and individuals nationwide.

    “2. The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB): This Bill proposes new rules governing the administration of all taxes in the country. Its objective is to harmonise tax administrative processes across federal, state and local jurisdictions to ease taxpayers’ compliance and enhance the revenue for all tiers of government.

    “3. The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill: The Bill seeks to re-establish the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to better reflect its mandate as the revenue agency for the entire federation, not just the Federal Government.

    “4. The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill: This Bill proposes creating a Joint Revenue Board to replace the Joint Tax Board, covering federal and all state tax authorities. The fourth bill will also establish the Office of Tax Ombudsman under the Joint Revenue Board, protecting taxpayers’ interests and facilitating dispute resolution.

    “The bills’ overarching objective is to effectively coordinate federal, state, and local tax authorities, thereby eliminating the overlapping responsibilities, confusion, and inefficiency that have plagued tax administration in Nigeria for decades.

    “Under existing laws, taxes like Company Income Tax (CIT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), Tertiary Education Tax (TET), Value-Added Tax (VAT), and other taxing provisions in numerous laws are administered separately, with individual legislative frameworks.

    “The proposed reforms seek to consolidate these numerous taxes, integrating CIT, PIT, CGT, VAT, PPT, and excise duties into a unified structure to reduce administrative fragmentation”.

  • NEC recommends withdrawal of tax reforms bill

    NEC recommends withdrawal of tax reforms bill

    The National Economic Council (NEC) has advised that the Tax Reforms Bill, currently before the National Assembly, be withdrawn.

    This recommendation was made on Thursday, following the council’s 145th meeting in Abuja.

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State explained that the NEC noted the need for sufficient alignment among stakeholders regarding the proposed tax reforms.

    He cited the prevalence of miscommunication and misinformation surrounding the bill, emphasising the need for wider consultation and consensus building.

    Makinde stated that the council acknowledged the country’s underperformance in major revenue sources.

    He said that council also considered the Presidential Committee on Physical Policy and Tax Reforms presentation of a report focusing on fair taxation, responsible borrowing, and sustainable spending.

    Gov. Umara Zulum of Borno, also affirmed the council’s advice to withdraw the bill to allow for consensus building.

    The Tax Reforms Bill, endorsed by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, aimed to enhance Nigeria’s tax administration efficiency and eliminate redundancies.

  • Why we postponed nationwide strike – ASUP

    Why we postponed nationwide strike – ASUP

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) says it has decided to defer its planned nationwide strike to the Dec. 2, to allow the Federal Government meet its demands.

    Mr Kpanja Shammah, National President of ASUP said this in a statement at the end of the union’s emergency National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja.

    ASUP had on Oct. 7 issued a 15-days ultimatum to the federal government to meet its demands.

    The demands included the alleged interference of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in the statutory duties of Academic Boards regarding the admission of HND students,.

    Others were the need for infrastructure revitalisation through the NEEDS ASSESSMENT intervention, implementation of promotions in state institutions, the payment of all outstanding promotion arrears.

    There was also the settlement of pending arrears from 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary review for the period of Jan. 2023 to Dec. 2023 in Federal Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology.

    According to Shammah, following the ultimatum, a resolution meeting of all stakeholders in the sector was convened by the Federal Ministry of Education.

    He said that the meeting was convened with a view to resolving the contentious issues on Oct 23.

    “Resolutions and an action plan were developed during the meeting to resolve the issues.

    “The union’s NEC, therefore, met again on an emergency note on the Oct. 24 to review the action plan as proposed in the meeting with the stakeholders.

    “After exhaustive deliberations, the union resolved to defer its proposed industrial action to the Dec. 2.

    “The decision was taken to gauge the government’s commitment to implementing the action plan as agreed at the meeting of Oct. 23,”he said.

    He said that it was the expectation of ASUP that government would take advantage of the period to show commitment by diligently executing the action plan on each of the eleven items in dispute.

  • State Police: NEC gives States deadline to make submissions

    State Police: NEC gives States deadline to make submissions

    Following the calls for the establishment of state Police, the National Economic Council (NEC) has given all states until September 9, 2024, to make their positions known.

    NEC gave the deadline on Wednesday at its meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

    Briefing State House Correspondents shortly after the meeting held at the Council Chamber of the State House Abuja, the Acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, said out of the 36 states, 4 states were yet to make submissions to NEC on their stands.

    According to Lawal, NEC directed that the four states must make their stance on the issue known by Monday.

    While the four states were not mentioned during the briefing, NEC insisted that after Monday, any stated which failed to make submission would have no option than to accept whatever decision is reached eventually.

    The last few years have been dominated with talks about state police, with some leaders, including governors and regional socio-political groups like Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, saying it would curb the menacing trend of kidnapping, banditry, and sundry crimes.

    The calls for the creation of state police prompted President Bola Tinubu and governors of the 36 states to reach an agreement in mid-February 2024.

    They agreed on state police as a method to curb the escalating security challenges in the country.

  • The world is changing, but Nigeria’s economy is stagnant – Bill Gates

    The world is changing, but Nigeria’s economy is stagnant – Bill Gates

    Bill Gates, Co-chair of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has said since his last visit to Nigeria six (6) years ago, the world has changed tremendously in those six years, but that Nigeria’s economy has stagnated.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Gates said this during a meeting with members of the National Economic Council (NEC), attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, State Governors and Ministers, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    While appealing to Nigerian leaders to put citizens first, saying this will enable leaders build a better future for all, Gates noted that he had been visiting Nigeria for over 20 years, and has forged friendships with leaders across sectors and met with innovators who, he said are transforming the world.

    “I’m also proud to support their work. To date, our foundation has invested over $2.8 billion in Nigeria. It’s our largest commitment in all of Africa. To be known as a friend to Nigeria is a great honor. But being a friend means telling the truth, even when it’s difficult.

    “That’s what I aimed to do six years ago, when I shared my thoughts with the NEC about the urgent need to invest in Nigeria’s greatest resource: its people. I said then that I will always bet on the incredible potential of the Nigerian people. And that’s still true today,” Gates said.

    According to the philanthropist, the world has changed tremendously in those six years, however,  Nigeria’s economy has stagnated. He said that early this year, Nigeria’s debt exceeded 50 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) for the first time since 2001.

    “And, while your revenue-to-GDP ratio has grown, it’s still lower than what it was 15 years ago. The result is that Nigeria spends less per-capita on its people than other African countries with a fraction of your wealth,” he said.

    Gates said that the country’s economic leaders had taken some difficult, but necessary steps, including unifying the exchange rate. According to him, the next great hurdle is raising revenue.

    “I understand this is a politically sensitive area. Nigerians are struggling. Incomes have fallen. Prices have soared. And like in many other countries, people are protesting. Taxes are never popular. That’s true in America too. But they’re part of a social compact.

    “People are more likely to pay them when they see the government spending that money to give Nigerians a better life,” he said.

    He added that there were many Nigerian leaders committed to investing in the people and many promising solutions in the pipeline.

    “President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda is ambitious. And he’s assembled a cabinet ready to meet the challenge. But with limited resources, the key is putting the funds you do have to the best possible use,” he said.

    According to him, priorities without funding are only words, saying it’s impossible to give every priority the funding it requires. Gates advised the government to focus on the areas that would make the greatest difference on its citizens.

    He stressed the need to prioritise health and agriculture, especially improved funding for nutrition at all levels of government.

    “I’m an optimist by nature. I’ve seen how much good can be done by smart investments, innovative thinking, and dedicated leaders who put their people first.  But I’m also a realist.  I know as well as you do that turning things around won’t be easy.

    “But by putting the Nigerian people first, Nigeria’s leaders can build a better future. In 2018, I closed my remarks to the NEC by telling you I believed in the grand vision of Nigeria’s future. Well, I’m here today to say I still do,” he said.

    According to him, for over two decades, the foundation’s grantees have helped solve some of the most intractable problems in all priority areas. Gates reiterated his commitments to continued support for Nigeria’s development.