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Tag: Yemi Osinbajo

  • Osinbajo calls for review of port dues on petrol

    Osinbajo calls for review of port dues on petrol

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called for a review of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) dues on the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol to reduce pressure on the price of the product in the country.

    Osinbajo made the call at the Valuechain Magazine 2021 fourth annual lecture and awards, in Abuja, on Monday

    The theme of the Lecture is “Enhancing effective synergy between oil and gas and maritime sectors for greater value creation.’’

    Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, he said that there was a need for a review of dues at the ports for ease of doing business.

    “You will agree with me that the maritime sector remains pivotal to the oil and gas sector in our country.

    “The issues bordering around regulation 2014 has been brought to my notice, the implementation of regulation, especially this time the country is coming out of the global oil crisis

    “I, therefore, urge that you keep the implementation in view to a more suitable time for our economy .

    “In the same vain, I call on the NAP to review as it relates to the price of the PMS, Mr President has given his approval for a downward review, this, we believe will further rejuvenate the pressure in the pump price of the white product,’’Osinbajo said

    He noted that insecurity was one major challenge with the maritime operations and commended NIMASA for facilities in place to check the situation.

    “I am very happy with the facilities NIMASA have in place to tackle insecurity in the maritime sector because if you want to really talk about reducing the cost of production in the oil and gas sector, you must touch security.

    “Security is one of the main cost drivers in the industry and that is what we have been discussing. So, if they are going to tackle security in the maritime sector, they must work with the oil and gas sector.

    “This is because today the oil and gas sector is bedeviled by a lot of security issues which have brought up the cost of production to levels that are too high,” he added.

    He commended the organisers for the lecture, noting that, the theme of the event was apt as there was the need for maritime and oil and gas sector to synergise for economic growth and value addition in the country.

    In his keynote address, the Group managing Director, the Nigerian National petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari, said the maritime and the oil and gas sector had many things in common.

    Represented by the NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power, Mr Yusuf Usman, said that available statistics showed that there were over 20,000 ships working for the oil and gas sector in the Nigerian waters with over 600 million dollars in service .

    “There are over 20,000 ships working for the oil and gas in the Nigerian waters with an annual expenditure of over 600 million dollars in the upstream sector.

    “The oil sector spend three billion dollars on marine vessels between 2014 and 2018 of which 73 per cent was spent on crude boat, security and power supply intervention.

    “This reflects the huge potential in the sector as we aspire to grow our production to three million barrels per day. Without doubt, the potential of the Nigeria blue economy is huge and remain largely untapped for the benefit of the country,” he added.

    Earlier in his welcome remark, the Publisher and Editor in Chief of Valuechain Magazine, Musa Bashir Usman, noted that maritime had always been of strategic importance to the oil and gas industry.

    “The importance of the two sectors is attested to the value they add to the Nigerian economy.

    “ The maritime as well as the oil and gas sector have greater potential contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, Usman added.

    He said that the lecture was expected to provide answers to some major problems that had been affecting the sector.

  • Microsoft initiatives will start in few months – VP Osinbajo

    Microsoft initiatives will start in few months – VP Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said the initiatives that the Nigerian government will be embarking on with Microsoft Corporation will start in the next few months.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Microsoft had on Monday made a big announcement for Nigeria, saying it has earmarked the six regions of the country for the development of cheaper high-speed internet infrastructure.

    Vice President Osinbajo explained that the initiatives, which cover areas of intersection between technology and governance will deliver value to Nigerians.

    He stated that the big announcement was the outcome of the discussions he had in January 2021 with Mr. Brad Smith, president of the American multinational technology firm.

    “I am very pleased to see that within a very short time, we have moved from ideas to implementation. Our government is committed to leveraging innovation and technology to bring better outcomes across a wide area of governance concerns.

    *Indeed, it is with this in mind that we have sought constructive partnerships that bridge the knowledge, skills and technology gap that exist in most of our communities.

    “Microsoft’s extensive experience in the utilization of technology as an enabler for the delivery of public and social good makes them an ideal partner,” Osinbajo stated.

    Meanwhile, in a joint announcement with the government of Nigeria, Microsoft has detailed several projects aimed at intensifying the nation’s move to become a more digital economy.

  • Osinbajo outlines FG’s support policies for development of ICT startups ecosystem

    Osinbajo outlines FG’s support policies for development of ICT startups ecosystem

    The Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said that the Federal Government is to reconvene the Technology and Creativity Advisory Council on policies that would support the ecosystem for ICT startups in the country.

    Osinbajo said this on Thursday, at the Startup and Developer event organised by Google , with the theme “ The African Start-up Ecosystem Opportunity’’.

    Represented by Mr Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Osinbajo identified startups as tools for addressing the enormous challenges confronting Africa.

    He said the Federal Government was working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that startups received every support they required to take their ideas from inception to impact.

    “As part of our Ease of Doing Business Reforms, we instituted the Visa on Arrival Policy which allows any person outside ECOWAS to get a visa on arrival in Nigeria.

    “This policy means that all African startups and entrepreneurs seeking to expand their business into Nigeria will have a more straightforward process.

    “We are also re-convening the Technology and Creativity Advisory Council, made up of public and private sector stakeholders, to advise government on policies and programmes to support the ecosystem,’’ he said.

    He further said that through the work of the council, the Federal Government was also currently engaging with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to setup a $500 Million Innovation Fund.

    According to him, the fund will provide support for the ecosystem, across four pillars, including Infrastructure support, Finance, Skills Development and Technical Assistance.

    He explained that the African startup ecosystem opportunity was dependent on innovation capacity and entrepreneurial capacity, all anchored on the 4th industrial revolution and driven primarily by digital technologies.

    Both capacities, in turn, depend on four key indicators, which are human capital, infrastructure, funding and demand.

    Osinbajo added that human capital was the first indicator, by which African startups needed to realise that they were strong on the value of the human resources they have.

    He described the 3rd industrial revolution as pivotal to unprecedented global economic growth going on in the 21st century, as it disrupted traditional service delivery channels, accelerated the automation of factories and manufacturing processes, while using electronics and information technologies to expand the reach and create prosperity.

    The vice president decried Africa’s missing out on these developments, but expressed the hope that the 4th industrial revolution was another opportunity for Africa to leverage and develop its ICT startups ecosystem.

    “The 4th industrial revolution is shaping and creating economic activities. It is proving to be the catalyst for future economic activities that will bridge the divide between the rich and developing countries.

    “It will remove physical borders and barriers, while maximising the utilisation of digital technologies as a source of inspiration across economic sectors,’’ he said.

    Osinbajo noted that based on the startup Genome report, a global startup ecosystem report, Lagos was the most valuable startup ecosystem on the continent.

    He recalled the report saying that Lagos had between 400 to 700 active startups, valued at over $2 billon, with Fintech being the most prominent in the Lagos technology startups ecosystem.

    The vice president equally noted that other industries were emerging and opportunities for investment and disruption remained very high in the continent.

    He recalled that in 2019, the Federal Government launched the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria, as a sustainable roadmap to accelerate the development of a Digital Economy.

    The policy was designed to catalyse the digital ecosystem development in Nigeria and deepen innovation quality to promote innovation-driven enterprises that target the global market, he said,

    He added that by creating the enabling environment for startups to thrive, and through NITDA, the government was initiating programmes to ensure the deepening of digital economy agenda.

  • Nigeria cannot afford another civil war – Osinbajo

    Nigeria cannot afford another civil war – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said Nigeria cannot afford another civil war because it will not augur well for the country.

    Osinbajo said this at an interactive forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) Anambra governorship aspirants, organised by the State chapter of APC Patriots in Abuja.

    “The thing about the kind of conflict in this part of the world, developing countries, is that it is usually a war without end.

    “Everyone who thinks he has some monies stored up somewhere will eventually run out of money.

    “Everyone who think he can go and hide somewhere, won`t even find a place to hide, at the end, everyone will suffer.

    “Even if you don’t suffer, parents, children, young and old people and relations will suffer. We cannot afford a war in this country, we can`t afford it,’’ he said.

    Osinbajo said the political elite must rise up to the challenge by speaking the truth and taking actions to address the situation in the country.

    “I pray that our country will never know conflict, but I know that every conflict is as a result of elite failure to speak up the truth and tell the truth to their communities.

    “At the end of the day, it is the political elite that determine what happens in every society, keeping quite could lead to a more dangerous situation,” he said.

    The Vice President said that the elite could make a great difference just by the words they speak.

    “If we don`t speak up against disunity, if we keep quiet and remain under the radar, the enemies of peace and those who want to promote disunity will have their ways.

    “And when this happens, we will find ourselves running helter skelter,’’ Osinbajo said.

    He, therefore, urged political elites in the country to always speak up and stand for the interest of the country and the general public.

    Osinbajo assured the APC aspirants that the leadership of the party would ensure a level playing field for them at the primary election slated for June to ensure that the best aspirant emerged as the candidate.

    He, however, charged them to work in unity and commitment to the party.

    “No one politician can win an election all by himself. I also want to advise you against the winner takes all syndrome,” he said.

    The event was the first interactive forum of the Anambra APC governorship aspirants aimed at preparing ground for the Nov. 6 governorship poll.

  • BREAKING: You can’t prohibit cryptocurrencies – Osinbajo tells CBN

    BREAKING: You can’t prohibit cryptocurrencies – Osinbajo tells CBN

    Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said cryptocurrencies should not be prohibited in the country, but regulated.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Vice President’s comment is coming after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) placed a ban on cryptocurrencies in the country.

    Speaking at a CBN Bankers’ Forum on Friday, VP Osinbajo stated that sooner than later blockchain technology generally, and cryptocurrencies in particular will challenge traditional banking, including reserve banking, in ways that cannot be imagined.

    He further stated that decentralized finance, using smart contracts to create financial instruments, in place of central financial intermediaries such as banks or brokerages are set to challenge traditional finance.

    He, therefore, urged the CBN to prepare for that seismic shift and figure how to regulate the system rather than try to prohibit it.

    “There is need for regulation and not prohibition of Cryptocurrency. On the very topical issue of blockchain technology, digital assets, and cryptocurrencies let me say two things.

    “First is that there is no question that blockchain technology generally and cryptocurrencies, in particular, will in the coming years challenge traditional banking, including reserve banking, in ways that we cannot yet imagine so we need to be prepared for that seismic shift.

    “And it may come sooner than later. Already remittance systems are being challenged. Blockchain technology will provide far cheaper options for the kind of fees being paid today for cross-border transfers.

    “I am sure you are all aware of the challenge that the traditional SWIFT system is facing from new systems like Ripple which is based on the blockchain distributed ledger technology with its own crypto tokens. There are, of course, a whole range of digital assets spawned daily from blockchain technology.

    “Decentralized finance, using smart contracts to create financial instruments, in place of central financial intermediaries such as banks or brokerages are set to challenge traditional finance.

    “The likes of Nexo finance offer instant loans using cryptocurrency as collateral. Some reserve banks are investigating issuing their own digital currencies. Clearly, the future of money and finance, especially for traditional banking, must be as exciting as it is frightening.

    “But as we have seen in many other sectors disruption makes room for efficiency and progress.

    “Secondly, I fully appreciate the strong position of the CBN, SEC, and some of the anti-corruption agencies on the possible abuses of cryptocurrencies and their other well-articulated concerns. but I believe that their position should be the subject of further reflection.

    “There is a role for regulation here. And it is in the place of both our monetary authorities and SEC to provide a robust regulatory regime that addresses these serious concerns without killing the goose that might lay the golden eggs.

    “So, it should be thoughtful and knowledge-based regulation, not prohibition. The point I am making is that some of d exciting developments we see the call for prudence & care in adopting them, but we must act with knowledge and not fear,” Osinbajo said.

    Recall the CBN on Feb. 5 prohibited the trade of cryptocurrency and facilitating payment of cryptocurrencies in banks and other financial institutions.

    Speaking at a joint Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, ICT and Cybercrimes, and Capital Market, CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele said the CBN acted in the nation’s best interest.

  • Osinbajo to supervise formation of N1trn coy to tackle infrastructure deficit

    Osinbajo to supervise formation of N1trn coy to tackle infrastructure deficit

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) styled Infrastructure company named Infra-Co with an initial seed capital of one trillion naira.

    Buhari has also asked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to chair a Steering Committee tasked with setting up the company.

    Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said it was envisaged that over time, the entity would grow up to N15 trillion in assets and capital.

    Infra-Co will be one of the premier infrastructure finance entities in Africa and will be wholly dedicated to Nigeria’s infrastructure development.

    The entity has been developed with concept designs from the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The initial seed capital for the entity will come from the CBN, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and the Africa Finance Corporation.

    The board of Infra-Co will be chaired by the Central Bank Governor and include the Managing Director of NSIA, and President of the Africa Finance Corporation.

    Others in the board are representatives of the Nigerian Governors Forum, and the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

    The Board will also have three independent directors from the private sector.

    To address infrastructure deficit, the Federal Government continues to explore innovative options, including through financing initiatives such as the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) designed to cater for the 2nd Niger Bridge, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, among others.

    There is also the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme which is being used for the funding of the Bodo-Bonny Bridges and Road (with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG).

    The scheme is also used for funding of the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway (with Dangote Group), among others.

    Infra-Co will finance public asset development, rehabilitation and reconstruction as well as invest in cutting edge infrastructure projects for roads, rail, power and other key sectors.

  • Osinbajo welcomes report on COVID-19 treatment drug

    Osinbajo welcomes report on COVID-19 treatment drug

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has welcomed efforts by a team of Nigerian professors and scientists investigating the effectiveness of, and roles that Ivermectin drug can play in the treatment of the Coronavirus disease.

    The team, which is composed of Nigerian scholars at home and abroad, has also submitted their report on the usefulness of the drug to the World Health Organisation which has already appointed a Peer Review expert from the United Kingdom.

    Speaking yesterday while being briefed on the report by a team of scientists led by Prof. Femi Babalola, the Principal investigator, and Prof. Chris Bode, the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, the Vice President expressed excitement that Nigeria and Nigerians “are at the cutting edge of scientific research into the COVID-19 treatment.”

    According to him, “we have an opportunity here and I am so fascinated to hear this drug has been used in the treatment of River Blindness in this country.”

    While commending the efforts of the team, Prof. Osinbajo added that with the report, Nigeria is at an advantage both in knowledge and availability of the drug, especially since Ivermectin has been found useful not only in the treatment of COVID-19, but also as a prophylactic medication.

    He disclosed that the Federal Government will explore further ways to support the research for the benefit of Nigerians and humanity generally, while also advancing the effective funding of scientific research in the country.

    Members of the group named IVERCOVID Research Group are the Principal Investigator, Prof. Femi Babalola, an Ophthalmologist and surgeon; the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Chris Bode; the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council at LUTH, Prof. Lanre Adeyemo; a US-based Clinical Pharmacologist, Prof. Adesuyi Ajayi; two project virologists: Prof. S.A Omilabu and Dr. Olumuyiwa Salu; and also the Project Coordinator, Dr. Felix Alakaloko.

    Both Prof. Babalola and the CMD, LUTH commended the Buhari Presidency for encouraging the research and thanked the Vice President for his personal role and support.

    The report is titled, “A randomised controlled trial for the repurposing of Ivermectin in the management of COVID-19,” and highlights are discussed below:

    The research, carried out in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) was undertaken following the report of a 5,000-fold reduction in viral load by Australian workers with in-vitro use of Ivermectin on COVID-19 in culture.

    The PI has worked extensively with Ivermectin on the Onchocerciasis-River Blindness control programme, through which many Nigerians have used Ivermectin.

    FINDINGS

    The study revealed that the mechanism of action of Ivermectin, include “Inhibiting viral entry into cells nucleus; and “Direct suppression of viral RNA load of SARS CoV 2,” among others.

    Ivermectin is orally absorbed with higher absorption as a solution better than tablets, and “The Mean Residence Time” (MRT) is 3.4 days. This informs the suggested frequency of dosing, i.e. twice a week.

    The research’s Null hypothesis noted that: “Safe doses of Ivermectin are not useful in the treatment of patients with virology proven COVD-19 disease, does not lower viral load, and does not shorten time to negativity, neither does it cause improvement in clinical parameters when compared to Lopinavir/Ritonavir/Placebo.”

    But its Alternative Hypothesis revealed that, “Safe doses of Ivermectin are useful in the treatment of patients with virology proven COVID-19 disease, lowering viral load, shortening time to negativity, and causing improvement in clinical parameters when compared with Lopinavir/Ritonavir/Placebo.”

    RESULTS

    In its results so far, the Study noted that the randomisation was effective based on distribution of age, sex and some clinical presentation at baseline such as cough and fever.

    The overall results showed that the “Days-To-Negative (DTN) reduced by 3.8 days overall. While a few patients are negative by day two, 50 per cent are negative by day 5.”

    The study indicated that Clinical trials of Ivermectin have been carried out in at least 21 countries worldwide, including Nigeria. It referenced the “Meta-analysis of clinical trials of Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 infection” by Dr. Andrew Hill, Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, UK.

    Highlighting the practical applications, the Study proposed that “Ivermectin should be considered for adoption into the uniform treatment guidelines of COVID- 19 in Nigeria,” noting the “potential use of ivermectin as prophylaxis Pending the rollout of vaccination programs or alongside it.”

    However, the Study emphasized that Ivermectin “is not meant to replace other COVID-19 measures such as social distancing, face masking and hygiene, or vaccinations,” adding that, “It is possibly an additional tool which can be deployed to fight the pandemic.”

    The group stated that it has forwarded a report of its findings to NAFDAC.

  • FG secures first batch of COVID-19 vaccines for health workers

    FG secures first batch of COVID-19 vaccines for health workers

    The federal government has secured the first batch of 100,000 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines for frontline healthcare workers in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) made this known on Friday.

    Dr Shuaib said the 100,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are expected in the country by the end of January, 2021.

    He also said millions of other doses that will cover 20% of the Nigerian population will come in March.

    Speaking live on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Good Morning Nigeria show, the ED of the NPHCDA also said the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will, irrespective of other foreign certifications, carry out due diligence and certify the vaccines good enough before they would be used.

    “100,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are expected in the country by the end of January, 2021.

    “We are prioritising our health workers. When the vaccine arrives, 100,000 will go to the front line workers.

    “The first batch of 100,000 will be here in January. Millions of other doses that will cover 20% of the population will come in March.

    “Our focus is to get vaccines that our cold chain can manage. We have the ultra cold chain to keep them potent.

    “We have invested in cold chain equipments. We are aware the Covac Facility will bring additional vaccines that will work more in our environment.

    “We are also generating a more comprehensive database of such workers. There is a comprehensive deployment plan. We are identifying priorities especially those that work directly with patients and we have a list of these individuals that work across the country.

    “For us in the health sector, we must put in the effort and push the drive for vaccine. We must also listen to people and empathise with their concerns with continuous sensitization.

    “We are working with a regulatory agency — NAFDAC, irrespective of other foreign certification of the vaccine. There must be due diligence.

    “When the vaccines come, NAFDAC has to go through the assessment and processes to certify it good enough for Nigerians.

    “The leadership of NAFDAC is very important. They will work with WHO to certify the vaccines. We have competent Nigerians that can do the job,” Dr Shuaib said.

    Meanwhile, in a bid to encourage Nigerians to get inoculated, the ED had said President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will receive their COVID-19 vaccine doses on live television.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha will also receive the vaccine on live telecast in a move the government hopes will help drive awareness.

  • Our police reform agenda will end impunity – Osinbajo

    Our police reform agenda will end impunity – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the plan of both the federal and state governments on police reform will be a game-changer in ensuring an end to impunity.

    The plan include investigating police brutality as well as providing compensation to victims of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units.

    Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the Vice President made the pledge on Thursday when he received at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, an American government delegation.

    The delegation comprised the US Assistant Secretary, Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Bob Destro; US Assistant Secretary, Bureau for Conflict Stabilization Operations, Denise Natali; the Counselor of the US Department of State, Thomas Brechbuhl.

    The Charge d’Affairs, US Embassy, Kathleen FitzGibbon and Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, were also at the meeting.

    According to the Vice President, no fewer than 13 states including Lagos, have established Judicial Panels “to seek justice and to compensate those whose rights have been breached.”

    He said that the President had already supported the decisions of the National Economic Council (NEC).

    NEC on Oct. 12 resolved on the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra-judicial killings to deliver justice for all victims of the dissolved SARS and other police units.

    Osinbajo said that NEC also agreed on the provision of monetary compensation to victims and prosecution of erring officers.

    While responding to the concerns of the US government on instances of impunity in the country, the Vice President noted that the efforts were part of the Nigerian government’s commitment to implement extensive police reforms.

    He added that the establishment of Judicial Panels of Inquiry nationwide would further ensure that the Police and other security agencies ensured the protection of human rights of citizens.

    “The concerns around impunity are some of the concerns that informed the establishment of Judicial Panels of Inquiry across states. Each state is now required to establish judicial inquiry that will look into cases of impunity, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings especially by law enforcement agents.

    “Aside from two representatives of Civil Society groups, these Judicial Panels will have youth representatives and a representative from the National Human Rights Commission, among others.

    “Each State is also required to have what is called the Special Security and Human Rights Committee to ensure that law enforcement and security agencies protect the Human Rights of citizens.”

    “Government is paying attention; the point we are making is that protests are a means to an end, but they cannot be the end; we are very optimistic that what we have put in place would eventually yield the best possible results for us,” he said.

    The Vice President also highlighted what he termed false narratives about Nigeria, including the herder-farmer crisis, especially in North Central states and the politics behind the allegations.

    Osinbajo said the herder-farmer crisis was exacerbated mainly because of land and resources struggle than from the misinterpreted Christians-versus-Muslim narrative.

    Members of the US delegation from Washington DC offered to collaborate with the Federal Government on the issues, a suggestion welcomed by the Vice President hoping that such cooperation would create better understanding of the issues.

  • #EndSARS: We are sorry – Osinbajo apologizes to Nigerians

    #EndSARS: We are sorry – Osinbajo apologizes to Nigerians

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday night apologized for the brutality Nigerians have suffered at the hands of some police officers, and said the government could have moved faster.

    Vice President Osinbajo in a series of tweets acknowledged that there are far too many people who have been brutalised at the hands of the police.

    He revealed that he has had a number of discussions with key people in the administration, including the Governors of the 36 States of the Federation, where they resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry.

    The tweets read: “Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry.

    “I fully understand how many young people feel. Many feel that we have been too silent and have simply not done enough.

    “These feelings of frustration are justified.

    “There are far too many people who have been brutalised at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable. We must take responsibility for protecting young people, even sometimes from those who are paid to protect them.

    “Over the past week, we have been following the protests, and I have had a number of discussions with key people in the administration that you deserve to be informed about. Transparency, after all, is a key tenet of government.

    “Several meetings have been held with: the @SPLawan, @femigbaja, the Chief of Staff to @MuhammaduBuhari, Chairman of the @PoliceServiceC2, the IG of @PoliceNG (IGP), the Executive Secretary of @NHRCNigeria, and governors.

    “We understand that you want to see action from us and I’m here to tell you that work is ongoing. I chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT (NEC), where we resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry so we can see justice served, and fast.

    “The reason being that only state governors, by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their states. The hearings will be public.

    “With Mr. President’s approval, SARS has been completely disestablished, and none of its former members will feature in any police tactical units.

    “I am sending my deepest condolences to the families of Jimoh Isiaq, and all those who have lost their lives at the hands of wayward police officers. To those injured, I wish a full and speedy recovery.

    “We have proposed that each state government set up a Victims’ Support Fund, which @NigeriaGov will support. This is the least that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.

    “We also understand that the issues that you’re raising are bigger than just SARS. They’re deep and systemic and we’re undertaking comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions and training.

    “On Monday, Mr. President also reiterated his commitment to these extensive police reforms.

    “We will continue to update and engage with you all on these action steps and the ones to come, in the spirit of transparency, so that you can hold us accountable. We are, after all, here to serve you and we owe you a duty to win back your trust. Keep safe. God bless you”.