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Nigeria’s GDP records highest growth since recession in 2016

Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has recorded a growth of 2.55% (year-on-year) in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2019, the highest since the recession in 2016.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports GDP of the country grew by 2.55% (year-on-year) in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2019, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Sunday.

Compared to the fourth quarter of 2018, which recorded a growth rate of 2.38%, this represents an increase of 0.17% points and an increase of 0.27% points when compared with the third quarter of 2019.

The strong fourth quarter 2019 growth rate represented the highest quarterly growth performance since the 2016 recession.

Overall, this resulted in annual 2019 real growth rate of 2.27%, compared to 1.91% in 2018. Quarter on quarter, real GDP growth was 5.59%.

In Q4 2019, aggregate GDP stood at N39,577,340.04 million in nominal terms. This was higher than the fourth quarter of 2018, which recorded an aggregate of N35,230,607.63 million, representing year on year nominal growth rate of 12.34%.

This rate was -0.31% points lower relative to the rate recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018 and -0.96% points lower than the rate recorded in the preceding quarter.

Contribution of oil sector to GDP

During the fourth quarter of 2019, average daily oil production of 2.00 million barrels per day (mbpd) was recorded, indicating a rise of 0.09mbpd over the daily average production of 1.91 mbpd recorded in the same quarter of 2018.

However, it was -0.04mbpd lower than the production volume of 2.04mbpd recorded in the third quarter of 2019.

The NBS noted that nevertheless oil production remained consistently at or above 2.0mbpd all through 2019.

According to the data released by NBS, real growth of the oil sector was 6.36% (year-on-year) in Q4 2019 indicating an increase of 7.98% points relative to the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2018. Growth decreased by -0.13% points when compared to Q3 2019 which was 6.49%. Quarter-on-Quarter, the oil sector recorded a growth rate of –20.87% in Q4 2019.

On an annual basis, oil recorded 4.59% growth in 2019, higher compared to 0.97% recorded in 2018. The Oil sector contributed 7.32% to total real GDP in Q4 2019, up from figures recorded in the corresponding period of 2018 but down compared to the preceding quarter, where it contributed 7.06% and 9.77% respectively. Oil contributed 8.78% to real GDP in 2019.

Contribution of non-oil sector to GDP

The non-oil sector, according to the NBS, grew by 2.26% in real terms during the reference quarter (Q4 2019). This was lower by –0.44% points compared to the rate recorded in the same quarter of 2018 but 0.42% point higher than the third quarter of 2019.

This sector was driven, during the fourth quarter of 2019, mainly by Information and Communication (Telecommunications), Agriculture (Crop Production), Financial and Insurance Services (Financial Institutions), and Manufacturing.

In real terms, the Non-Oil sector contributed 92.68% to the nation’s GDP in the fourth quarter of 2019, lower from shares recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018 (92.94%) but higher than the third quarter of 2019 (90.23%). The annual contribution of the non-oil sector stood at 91.22% in 2019.

February 24, 2020
Reps committee blows hot, vows to sanction NIMASA over unaudited accounts

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has summoned the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to appear before it on Feb. 25, to give reasons for its unaudited accounts.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Wole Oke, who made the announcement during an investigative public hearing into the presentation of audit reports, said the agency should state its failure to submit the audited accounts to the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

Oke said: “NIMASA has refused to cause appearance for six years and should appear unfailingly on Feb. 25, with the Minister of State for Transport and the Permanent Secretary.”

The lawmaker warned the agency’s management that the house would be forced to apply appropriate sanctions according to the law adding that the invitation would be the last.

Also, the committee chair directed that the committee interface with the Secretary-General of the Federation (SGF) to ensure the release of the audited accounts of Pension Commission (PENCOM) from 2014 to 2018.

“I saw that you have audited accounts but the issue now is that of rendition.

“We also need to engage the SGF on this; it is very big lacuna. Mr Clerk, please put it that the committee is to interface with the SGF and the management of PENCOM on this matter but for now, all accounts be remitted to the Auditor-General without further delay.”

Furthermore, according to the Auditor-General’s report, the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike submitted its audited accounts last in 2014.

Oke directed that the Mr Sabo Nanono, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the previous board members be summoned to a Status Inquiry.

This followed the claim of Prof. Ukpabi-Joseph Ukpabi, Executive Director NRCRI, who assumed duty in 2018, that the board had yet to approve the audited reports of 2015 and 2016.

Also, Auditor-General’s report on Lake Chad Research Institute showed that the institute last submitted its report for the year 2012 and submitted its 2013 till 2018 reports in Feb. 2020.

The chairman of the committee directed that a day be fixed for agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development that have appeared to reappear with the minister.

“Agencies that have appeared, fix a day for the minister to appear with them and let people know what is happening to these agencies.

“We cannot continue to run the nation like this. We have get to the root of the matter. All the stakeholders must be invited,” he said.

The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission also had a backlog of unremitted audit reports from 2013 to 2018, according to the Auditor-General’s records.

However, the Director-General of the council, Mrs Yewande Sadiku disagreed with the OAGF on the submission of its audited reports, stating evidence that all reports up to 2017 had been submitted but returned by the Auditor-General.

Sadiku explained that the audited report was submitted via a letter dated September 2019, but was returned by the Auditor-General who demanded that a soft copy of the report accompanied the submission.

According to the NIPC boss, the total income as per the audited accounts in 2014 was N5 billion; in 2013 was N2.5 billion; in 2015 was N1 billion; in 2016 was N1 billion; and in 2017 was over N900 million.

Oke, however, directed that a status inquiry be done for the previous managers of the council that were before Sadiku, who assumed in 2016.

“An agency could generate over N10 billion under the period in review. I do not want a situation where our children will round all of us up and start to shoot.

“A Status Inquiry order for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; the previous managers before Sadiku assumed office; the Director of Finance; Chief Accountant; Deputy Director of Finance; and Procurement officers should come.

“We will dedicate a day for public hearing on this; full scale investigation. We must bring those people who are responsible.”

Moreover, the Auditor-General’s report for the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, Lagos showed that it had outstanding reports from 2015 to 2018.

According to the agency’s Director of Finance, Mr Omotayo Ojo, the bill we get for commissioning external auditors ranges between N2 million and N2.5 million to audit a year book of account.

However, Oke said the agency failed to properly plan in line with the Procurement Act.

“Engagement of external auditors is part of your Needs Assessment which you would have captured under Section 18 of the Procurement Act.

“You ought to have conducted market survey and then determine what method of procurement you want to use to get an auditor. Your defence fails in the face of law.

“We need to really engage your agency. Our laws are very clear. You have violated the Procurement Act, the Financial Management Control Act; your agency has raped the constitution. Status Inquiry ordered,” he said.

February 24, 2020
Bauchi Governor suspends another LG caretaker committee chairman

Governor Bala Mohammad of Bauchi State has approved the suspension of Alhaji Baffa Bara, the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Kirfi Local Government.

The suspension is contained in a statement signed by Mr Muktar Gidado, Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media, to the state governor in Bauchi on Monday.

Gidado said the chairman’s suspension is with immediate effect.

“These issues of financial impropriety had culminated to Bara’s invitation by the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which the state government viewed as a very serious embarrassment that can not be tolerated.

“Gov. Bala Mohammad has approved the suspension of Baffa Bara, the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Kirfi LGA of the State.

“The suspension was due to his nonchalant attitude in running the affairs of the local government and other issues of financial impropriety which culminated to his invitation by EFCC which the state government viewed as a very serious embarrassment that can not be tolerated.

“Government also observed that the suspended chairman had not been engaging stakeholders from the LGA as directed by the state governor.

“This act violates the principle of fair representation and participatory democracy as envisaged by the present administration in the state,” said Gidado.

The suspended chairman was directed to hand over the mantle of administration of the council to the Deputy Chairman along with all government property in his possession.

On Jan. 9, Gov. Bala Mohammad of Bauchi State suspended Mr Nura Dan-Maishari’a as Chairman Caretaker Committee, Ningi Local Government Council, of the state.

Maishari’a’s suspension was as a result of his alleged frequent abscondment from meetings of Local Government Chairmen, non-engagement of local government stakeholders in managing the local government affairs and nonchalant attitude toward indiscriminate felling of trees under his watch.

On Jan. 10, the state governor also approved the suspension of Mr Gara’u Adamu as the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Darazo Local Government Area of the state.

Adamu was suspended as a result of his persistent absenteeism from office, which contravened the ethics of his oath of office.

February 24, 2020
Gov. Umahi sacks 2 aides over murder case, orders arrest

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has sacked two of his aides allegedly involved in a murder during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) councillorship primaries on February 21.

The Governor also directed the police command in the state to arrest the two aides for possible prosecution.

The directive was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr Kenneth Ugbala, in Abakaliki on Sunday.

Ugbala said the affected aides were Uche Ibiam, the Coordinator of Ubeyi Development Centre of Afikpo North Local Government Area and Mr Ibiam Ogbonnaya, a Technical Assistant (TA) on security.

“The governor further directs security agencies to carry out investigations and prosecute all those found guilty in the crime in accordance with extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The governor assures Ebonyi people of their safety and his readiness to sustain the peace and tranquility reigning in the state,” he said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Loveth Odah, who confirmed the incident, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the matter had been reported to the command.

She said that the command had already commenced investigation into the incident.

“We can confirm the death of Mr Enyinnaya Ibiam during the primaries at Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state and the recovery of a vehicle belonging to the coordinator of Ubeyi Development Centre, abandoned at the area.

“Information reaching us indicates that the coordinator allegedly hired and stormed the scene of the primaries with thugs who shot sporadically, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to several people.

“When the vehicle was searched, we recovered a bag containing a locally made pistol and six live ammunition,” she said.

She said that the coordinator had not been arrested and promised that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and the culprits brought to book.

February 24, 2020
Controversial Naira Marley secures U.S. visa amid restrictions

Amid new visa restrictions slammed on Nigeria by the United States (U.S.) recently, controversial Nigerian musician, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley has secured P2 visa to enter the U.S. for a music tour.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the P2 visa issued Naira Marley by the U.S. is for artists and entertainers who wish to participate in government permitted programs in the country.

It is a temporary work visa for non immigrants to perform in the U.S. through the government reciprocal program between an organization in their own country and the U.S.

Recall U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed a presidential proclamation that imposed an immigrant visa ban on Nigeria and five other countries in an expanded version of his travel ban list, sparking outrage from many of the countries, including Nigeria.

The development meant that citizens from Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar are now blocked from obtaining an immigrant visa.

U.S. officials have said the six countries failed to meet U.S. security and information-sharing standards, necessitating the new restrictions.

However, the option of P2 visa is available for artists and entertainers to exploit.

The artist or entertainer, who must possess skills that are equal to those of artists of U.S. performing outside the U.S., must enter U.S. through the government recognized reciprocal exchange program.

A US organization or employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker, and the individual artist, entertainer or group should be invited through reciprocal program. The applicants must meet the health and character requirements as well.

Also, a P2 visa holder can participate in any exchange program in the U.S. The visa is granted for the duration of the program but can also be extended. A P2 visa holder can apply for green card and remain in the U.S. permanently. The spouse and dependent children can apply for P4 visa and stay in U.S. with the P1 visa holder. The spouse and children are entitled to study in the U.S. but not employment.

Naira Marley, who at various times has been arrested by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for sundry financial related crimes, has secured this visa option as he is billed for a performance tour in the U.S. in March. All the crisis seems to be far behind him now.

The controversial musician, who his American fans refer to as ‘Africa’s snoop Dogg’, will perform in Dallas and other cities, with his show titled ‘Marlays Yankee’.

TNG learnt Naira Marley is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. on or before March 4. He will be performing to a crowded fan base in Swayz Ballroom in Dallas on March 6.

After a successful performance in Dallas, Naira Marley will proceed to Chicago, Maryland, Washington DC and North Carolina.

February 23, 2020
Why you should expose your children to multiple languages

A Professor of French Language and Linguistics, Oluremi Sonaiya, has called on parents to encourage children to learn two or more languages to build their intellects.

Sonaiya, a former Lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

She spoke to NAN following the celebration of the 2020 International Mother Language Day.

The International Mother Language Day is celebrated on Feb. 21 annually to create awareness of language and cultural diversity across the world.

It was first announced by UNESCO on Nov. 17, 1999.

According to her, children are able to learn many languages as they grow.

Sonaiya, however, said that it was important to preserve indigenous languages, while learning international languages.

“Children are able to learn two or more languages as they grow, and this has been shown to be beneficial to them intellectually.

”It is a known fact that children who speak many languages do well in school.

”They are knowledgeable, articulate and curious about things,” she added.

Sonaiya expressed satisfaction with the growing awareness on the need to preserve linguistic heritage.

She hailed efforts by some parents, especially living abroad, to encourage their children to learn Nigerian languages.

February 23, 2020
Notorious burglar arrested in Ikorodu, stolen items recovered

The Ikorodu Police Station had arrested a serial burglar, Ganiu Solomon, 37; of No. 5,Okuku St, Ota-Ono Ikorodu and recovered some stolen items from him.

DSP Bala Elkana, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, said this on Sunday.

Elkana in a statement said that the suspect was arrested in connection with a series of complaints received from residents of Ota Ono area of Ikorodu bothering on incidents of burglary and stealing.

“All the complains received indicate the same ‘modus operandi’, suggesting the fact that the crime was perpetrated by the same syndicate.

“One of such cases was reported earlier by one Ms Nkiruka Ezeokobe of Mojisola Sari Street Ota-Ono, Ikorodu, where the suspect passed through the ceiling to gain entrance into her home.

“Items recovered from the suspect include: one Samsung phone valued N235, 000 and one gold necklace valued N150, 000 among other items,” the police official said.

Elkana said that the suspect confessed to the crime and investigation was ongoing to ensure that other members of his gang were arrested.

Also, detectives from the station had arrested one Ojo Adeyinka, 33, for forging riders identity cards of Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) of the Lagos State Government.

Elkana said that the arrest was effected following a complaint received from one Mr Ibrahim Audu, the Station Manager of Riders Card, Ikorodu Division.

“The suspect sells the said forged Identification cards which serve as permit to unsuspecting motorcycle owners for between N2, 500 and N3,400.

“The suspect who started forging riders permit documents in January has confessed to the commission of the crime.

“He uses the advantage of the proximity of his shop to the licensing office at Odogunyan area to lure his victims, under the guise of being an agent of the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO),” the police officer said.

According to Elkana, items recovered from the suspect include: machines used in printing fake documents and large quantities of printed materials.

Elkana said that the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, had ordered the transfer of the cases to the State Criminal Investigation Department for an indepth investigation and diligent prosecution.

February 23, 2020
Certificate forgery suit for 7th time malicious – Rep Idirisu

The member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency of Kogi state, Lawal Idirisu has described as “pure blackmail” and “malicious” publication on a fresh certificate forgery suit against him.

Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Aloysius Adeiza, who contested for the seat, had on the 6th February, 2020, filed a fresh suit at the FCT High Court, Abuja, challenging the lawmaker’s education qualification.

The suit is challenging the National Diploma Certificate issued to Idirisu by the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

Reacting to the publication on the suit, Hon. Idrisu through his Counsel, Tawada Adams Esq, told newsmen that it was the 7th time the case of alleged certificate forgery was being filed, adding that all previous judgments on the matter had been in his favour.

He said that several courts of competent jurisdiction including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had ruled in his favour on the matter.

He, therefore, wondered how new reports in an online medium published on February 20, noted that a fresh suit, which would be the 7th, had been filed on the same matter.

He said the publication was intended to mislead the Nigeria Police and the general public.

He said the media publication was politically motivated, stressing that having been decided at different courts of law, the fresh suit was tantamount to abuse of court process.

“The said online publication is purely politically motivated as the issue of the alleged forgery against Hon. Lawal Muhammadu Idirisu has since been settled by superior courts of the land.

“Therefore, consider the said publication as a pure blackmail coming from people whom have tried through the courts without success and have now resorted to cheap blackmail, despite the clear position of the courts on this issue,” he said.

He, therefore, enjoined the general public to disregard the latest publication on the fresh suit, as it is “highly subjudice”.

“We therefore contend that any other criminal allegation instituted on same facts of forgery against Hon. Lawal Muhammadu Idirisu amounts to an abuse of court process, in which the complainant, Hon. Aloysius Okino Adeiza has been stopped from raising similar complaints.

“We consider the said publication as unfounded, malicious and highly subjudice, since the issue of a pending criminal charge against Hon. Lawal Muhammadu Idirisu is being challenged in court at the moment in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/200/2020”, the statement further added.

It would be recalled that, Adeiza of the PDP, had in 2015, challenged the qualification of Idirisu to contest the House of Representatives election, but lost the suit at both the Tribunal sitting in Lokoja and the appellate court.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria had also dismissed the allegation of certificate forgery against Idirisu.

February 23, 2020
Supreme Court judgment: Kanu Agabi still Ihedioha’s lawyer – Onwubiko

Mr Kingsley Onwubiko, Convener, Imo Concerned Citizens Forum (ICCF) says Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN is still the lead counsel to former Gov. Emeka Ihedioha in the foregoing Supreme Court review of Imo gubernatorial election judgment.

Onwubiko made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He dismissed insinuations in some quarters that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) had withdrawn from the pending case.

“The rumour that Agabi has withdrawn from the Supreme Court review is not only baseless but concocted to misinform the unsuspecting public and in a bid to distort the fact,” he said.

The ICCF convener who described Agabi as a conscientious lawyer, called on media practitioners to always investigate facts for better and qualitative dissemination of information.

“Chief Agabi, by his attainment as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a former Attorney General of the country and the lead counsel to Emeka Ihedioha, his withdrawal, if true, would have made headlines in national dailies.”

Onwubiko therefore, described the rumour as not just a wishful thinking of enemies of Imo people but a figment of their own imagination.

”Kanu Agabi, SAN, has reassured that he is emotionally committed to getting justice in the matter for review between Uzodinma and Ihedioha, at the Supreme Court Of Nigeria,” he said.

Onwubiko however, expressed optimism in the competence of Ihedioha’s legal team ably led by Chief Agabi in restoring the former governor’s mandate.

He restated Imo people’s support for Ihedioha saying that “the good people of Imo are solidly behind the man they voted for in 2019.”

February 23, 2020
What Osinbajo, Lawan, Okowa said about Omo-Agege in Warri

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Sunday spoke glowingly of Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

The trio was among notable Nigerians that attended the Thanksgiving Mass for Senator Omo-Agege at Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun, Delta State.

Osinbajo, in a remark, said that Omo-Agege was a well educated and distinguished lawyer, who had practiced at home and abroad.

According to the Vice President, it is not just Omo-Agege’s brilliance that is propelling him, but that his courage, loyalty and reliability moved him first as a politician and then to the exalted position of Deputy Senate President.

“I think that both Omo-Agege and Senator Lawan were the unanimous choice of most of us in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the leadership of the APC.

“There was very little doubt that these two individuals were the ones that we wanted and everybody worked very hard indeed to make sure that came to be.

“And the reasons are very simple: Lawan has always proved to be very reliable and always a party person and so is Omo-Agege.

“In most of the things people were shy or afraid to do, Omo-Agege stood up and was ready to be counted at the right time.

“I think that for his courage and for his steadfastness and for his reliability, not only was he rewarded by his constituents who he loves very much but also by our great party, and by the 9th Senate by his election to the position of Deputy Senate President,’’ he said.

He said that with the qualities Omo-Agege possessed, he would still achieve more politically in Nigeria.

The Vice President prayed God to continue to bless the Deputy Senate President.

On his part, Lawan said he was in the church to thank God for his blessings on his Deputy.

Lawan said that the more God is appreciated for his blessings, the more blessings he would bestow.

He said that the Senate would continue to work hand in hand with the Executive in solving the security concerns in the nation.

On his part, Okowa congratulated Omo-Agege who he described as his brother for attaining such a political height.

He said that the feat was not just for the Omo-Agege’s constituents in Delta Central but for the entire state.

“We rejoice with you as a State; your position is a call to service not just to your nation but to Deltans,’’ he said.

In his comment, Omo-Agege said he was immensely grateful to God for what he had achieved as it would not have been possible without God.

He expressed his appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, Osinbajo, APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, APC governors and all party faithful, who were instrumental to his emergence as Deputy Senate President.

He said he would continue to strive to promote national unity and attract the dividends of democracy to his constituency.

Earlier in a sermon, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Ozele, President, Warri Diocesan Priests Association, said that it was wise to appreciate God for His goodness.

He said that the celebration was not just for Omo-Agege and his family but for the entire Urhobo nation.

Ozele said that the rate of killings, kidnapping, cultism, immorality and other crimes in Nigeria was worrisome.

He said most crimes were brewed by hatred and called on Nigerians to love one another.

According to the priest, Nigeria has a bright and prosperous future as God has plans for the nation.

“Nigeria will rise; there is hope; I charge each and every one of us, let stand up for Nigeria.

“Let us stand up for hope; all foes and enemies of Nigeria will be vanquished; Nigeria will survive,’’ he said.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe and other principal officers of the Senate also attended the event.

The Thanksgiving also attracted some serving governors, APC National Chairman, members of the National Assembly, political class, traditional rulers and the clergy.

February 23, 2020