Economy: President Tinubu Enforces 60% Cut in Official Travels
President Tinubu has taken a significant step towards curbing government expenditure by enforcing a sharp reduction in travel expenses for all government officials. This decision, disclosed by Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesman, aims to reduce both domestic and international travel costs by 60%. Addressing State House Correspondents on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Ngelale highlighted that the directive was a cost-cutting measure specifically targeted at official travels. The reduction in travel expenditure will not spare any government office, affecting the President, Vice President, First Lady, ministers, and their respective entourages. “This directive from Tinubu mandates a substantial reduction in state entourages,” Ngelale emphasized, clarifying that it is not a mere request but a firm directive from the office of the President. The move will impact the President’s office, the Vice President, and all appointees. The breakdown of the enforced travel reductions indicates a substantial decrease in the number of individuals allowed on both foreign and local trips: Foreign Trips: – President: 20 persons – Vice President: 5 persons – First Lady: 5 persons Local Trips: – President: 25 persons – Vice President: 15 persons – First Lady: 10 persons This directive signals a proactive effort by the administration to streamline expenses and ensure more prudent use of public funds in official travels, echoing Tinubu’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient governance.
Better Service Delivery: President Tinubu sacks two CEOs
In conformity with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the Federal Government towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers and providing a strong basis for enhanced contributions to the nation’s economy by key growth-enabling institutions, President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the two Chief Executive Officers. This was made known in a release signed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity in Abuja. The sacked CEOs are: (1) Mr. Babatunde Irukera — EVC/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) (2) Mr. Alexander Ayoola Okoh — Director-General/CEO, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) The two dismissed Chief Executives are directed to hand over to the next most senior officer in their respective agencies, pending the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers. By this directive of the President, their removal from office takes immediate effect.
Embattled Betta Edu Denied Access To Tinubu
The suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has been denied access to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to TVC, the suspended minister was not allowed to meet with the President a few minutes after her suspension from office was announced by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale. In a video, Edu left the State House immediately she was denied access to the president and was driven away in a Black SUV. Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the minister to its headquarters located in Jabi, Abuja over an alleged N585m scandal. An impeccable EFCC source, who confirmed the development to Daily Trust, revealed that the anti-graft agency’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had earlier recommended the suspension of the Minister to the President to pave the way for proper investigation. The invitation came less than an hour after President Bola Tinubu announced Edu’s suspension from office and ordered the EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder. The president also directed the suspended Minister to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and directed her to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation. Tinubu also tasked a panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.
EFCC Summons Betta Edu, Hours After Suspension Over N585m Scandal
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) has summoned the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to its headquarters located in Jabi, Abuja over an alleged N585million scandal. This is coming few hours after President Bola Tinubu announced her suspension from office with immediate effect. The suspension, according to the statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale was in line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians. The suspended Minister, came under harsh criticism after a leaked memo on December 20, revealed that she directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups. The statement said, “The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder. “The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation. “Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative. “These directives of the President take immediate effect.”
Interior Minister Launches Automated System For Online Passport Application
The International Passport Automation system has been launched by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The system was launched in Abuja on Monday, January 8, 2024 and would enable users to upload their passport photographs and other supporting documents from the comfort of their homes for the purpose of getting an international passport, thus reducing human contact in the process. The portal works for both fresh applications and renewal of passports. According to the Minister, the new system is important in strengthening the country’s security architecture and safeguarding Nigerian residents’ comfort and convenience. He said the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had deployed document verification personnel across all local government areas in the country to improve document verification. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the government’s commitment to putting a stop to the use of forged documents in passport applications. 5 Easy Steps To Apply For Your International Passport On Phones Or Laptops Below are five easy steps to follow in order to apply for a new international passport or a renewal. 1. Access the online portal at https://passport.immigration.gov.ng/ and enter your NIN. The system will auto-fill your data from the National Identity Management Commission. 2. Fill in all necessary data fields as prompted, ensuring accuracy and completeness. 3. Upload your passport photo and other required breeder documents (such as birth certificate, indigeneship certificate, etc) onto the platform. 4. Visit an immigration office for biometric capture. This step ensures the necessary physical verification and identity confirmation. 5. Expect your passport to be ready for collection within two weeks, marking the successful completion of the application process. It should be noted that for passport renewals, applicants must have their old passport number readily available for uploading during the application.
PRESIDENT TINUBU SUSPENDS MINISTER OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION FROM OFFICE
In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect. The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder. This was contained in a release signed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity). The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation. Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative. These directives of the President take immediate effect.
BREAKING: Tinubu clears N12bn outstanding payment owed Super Eagles, others
President Bola Tinubu has cleared the outstanding payment that the Federal Government is owing the Super Eagles and other sporting teams of the country. According to a statement on the X handle of Tinubu’s Media Centre, on Sunday, the payment entails the clearing of the senior national team coach salaries running up to 15 months, payments of allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, females, and Under-20 national team. The statement reads, “President @officialABAT has approved the payment of N12 billion outstanding backlog for Nigeria’s National teams of various sports, which includes Super Eagles and others. “The payment entails the clearing of the senior national team coach salaries running up to 15 months, payments of allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, females, and Under-20 national team. “This is coming at a time when the Super Eagles of Nigeria are preparing to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, which is billed to start later this month.” Details later…
National Security: President Tinubu meet with Security Chiefs, Calls for Decisive Action
President Bola Tinubu has read the riot act to security chiefs, insisting that for him, full success in the fight against insecurity is only when Nigerian territories are secured, troops return to their localities, and resources are directed toward vital economic expansion programs. Addressing the assemblage of security chiefs and intelligence heads, President Tinubu emphasized the criticality of achieving an unequivocal victory against the diverse security threats menacing the nation. While acknowledging the commendable progress in neutralizing certain security threats, President Tinubu insisted that ultimate success hinges upon conclusively addressing the multifaceted challenges. “Our investments in infrastructure, social security, and economic growth require a definitive resolution to the challenges impeding progress,” he affirmed. Pointing out recent setbacks, particularly in Kaduna, the President stressed the imperative of enhanced coordination among security agencies. Despite noted improvements in collaboration, the President asserted that true success would only be realized when Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country can go to bed and sleep with their eyes closed. He also emphasised another key performance indicator to be the achievement of sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day within the first quarter of 2024, as he underscores the pivotal role of the armed forces, urging them, especially the Navy, to elevate their performance to meet national objectives. The President vowed that his administration shall crush all adversaries, both internal and external, that pose threats to Nigeria’s interests. The president used the occasion to recognize and commend some of his key security personnel who were recently promoted for their exemplary dedication and commitment to duty. These included the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), the Commander of the Brigade of Guards (BoG), and the Chief Personal Security Officer (CPSO), Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, Commander Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, and Police CPSO Usman Musa Shugaba. The President praised their loyalty and service to the nation, expressing gratitude for their invaluable contributions. The event witnessed the presence of eminent officials, including the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, Heads of Intelligence Agencies, and presidential aides. AVM Olayinka, speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, conveyed appreciation to the President for the recognition and pledged continued allegiance and unwavering dedication to duty.
Late Akeredolu’s Body Arrives Nigeria
The body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has arrived Nigeria. The plane conveying the body arrived at about 3:39 p.m on Friday, January 5, 2024. The late Governor’s remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away. The body was received by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother. Akeredolu passed away in Germany on December 26, 2023. His remains have been deposited at the morgue until the final burial. Details of the burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.
Tinubu congratulates Funke Akindele as A Tribe Called Judah’ grosses N1bn
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated box office queen, Funke Akindele as her movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ became the first nollywood film to to gross N1bn (One Billion Naira). In a Statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale on Friday, the president celebrated the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry. He commended the thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry. “The President extols the excellence of the Nigerian creative industry, acknowledging its pivotal place as a medium not only for artistic expression but also a source of enormous soft power and viable export. “The creative industry is one of the high-employment sectors, providing jobs for our able and talented youths. It is an industry that is crucial to my administration. I salute Nigerians for their enduring support and patronage of home-grown creative efforts. We will provide the conducive environment for the industry to thrive further,” the statement read.