FG Knocks Peter Obi For Faulting 2023 Supplementary Budget
The Federal Government has lambasted Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for allegedly distorting facts for political gains. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris said this while disagreeing to Obi’s criticism of the 2023 supplementary budget. Idris, while defending the budget, described it as a “bold and pragmatic response” to Nigeria’s economic challenges. The minister urged Obi to familiarize himself with the details, highlighting allocations for security, agriculture, wage increases, student loans, and social safety nets. Idris emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting government functions and addressing urgent needs for national recovery. The supplementary budget, he clarified, resulted from extensive consultations to align with the needs of the people. Peter Obi had described the passing of the 2023 supplementary budget into law by President Bola Tinubu as wasteful, berating the government for being insensitive and uncaring about the suffering of Nigerians while squandering resources on a mysterious presidential yacht and fleets of SUVs. Mr Obi’s criticisms come shortly after Mr Tinubu signed the 2023 supplementary appropriation bill of N2.17 trillion into law on Wednesday. “No item of urgent social welfare has yet featured in the supplementary budget being orchestrated by this government. Instead, the items being made to dominate public discourse on the budget include a mysterious Presidential Yacht, Presidential Jets, the furnishing of already lavishly furnished presidential quarters and offices, fleets of luxury SUVs etc,” Mr Obi said. Speaking further, he said, “this portrays a Government that is totally uncaring and insensitive to the suffering of the majority, and indifferent to the mood of the nation. “The government’s overall attitude does not indicate that it is aware that the country is in a huge crisis, nor is the government in tune with the plight of the generality of our people. Even worse is the fact that most of the funding for these profligate expenditures will be largely borrowed. The least that Nigerians expect from the government at this difficult moment is empathy and realism, not lavish indulgence.” Some line items, specifically presidential yacht and fleets of SUVs, in the supplementary budget sparked reactions from Nigerians. But Mr Tinubu’s government claimed the past regime of former president Muhammadu Buhari started payment for the presidential yacht for the Nigerian navy. Many Nigerians have voiced their concerns and criticism, with a significant number expressing displeasure about how such a luxury item can find its way into the supplementary budget. The Senate Committee on Navy, under the leadership of Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State and the current representative for Ogun East Senatorial District, has called for a probe into the matter.
Again, FG To Shut Down Third Mainland Bridge For 5-Week Repair
The Federal Government on Wednesday said that it had perfected plans to close a section of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos for five weeks comprehensive repairs. A statement by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, said that the repairs would start from Monday, November 6, 2023. “The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works wish to inform the motoring public that it has perfected plans to carry out comprehensive repairs of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. “In view of the above, the motoring public are hereby notified that the repair works will begin with the ramps connecting Oworonshoki to Adekunle and Lagos-Island (Adeniji Adele) to Adekunle simultaneously. “Consequently, the two ramps mentioned above will be closed to traffic by 7.00am on Monday, November 6, 2023 for five weeks. “Motorists are, therefore, advised to cooperate with the traffic management officials by obeying and observing all diversions as directed. They are encouraged to use the alternative routes as attached,” she said. The controller in a traffic advisory urged motorists to comply with traffic rules, adding that traffic officers would be deployed at all diversion routes for effective monitoring, management and control. Kesha said tow trucks and vehicles would also be deployed for prompt removal of distressed vehicles and trucks. She attached a traffic management plan for seamless movement during the emergency repairs of the Third Mainland Bridge. Motorists coming from Iyana-Oworo on the Mainland and going to Adekunle were advised to avoid the Third Mainland and use alternative routes. Likewise, the ones coming from the Island on the Adeniji side going to Adekunle should use alternative routes because there will not be access to Adekunle.
FG Backs ‘Naija Design Hub’ Reality Show
*Sets To Provide Technical, Logistic Support The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to support first of its kind, the ‘Naija Design Hub’ Reality TV Show by providing logistics for the organization of the event in different parts of country. This was contained in a letter directed to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cipriani Limited, Mr Segun Makun, organisers of the show. The Federal Ministry of Works, through the Director for FG workshop, assured the organisers of making the Workshops in Ijora, Lagos and Kuje, Abuja available for use. A statement made available NIGERIAN ANCHOR at the weekend, reads: “I am directed to inform you that we have gotten approval Cipriani Limited to use ijora workshop Lagos for the training of government officials and participants interested in the 3D house printing technology while we are working on Kuje Zonal workshop approval and your other partnership requests’ “e understand that the work will largely be around converting traditional building to 3D printable buildings, so it will focus on the required changes and how to overcome them.” The ‘Naija Design Hub’ Reality TV Show brings together the most talented and visionary designers from across the country. With an intense competition format, this show is all about pushing creative boundaries, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary works of art, and redefining the way we perceive architecture and design. The Show is a groundbreaking building design reality TV competition that brings together the brightest design talents from across the nation. The show is designed to challenge contestants to think outside the box and redefine the limits of architectural innovation. With world-class judges and stunning transformations, the show is set to revolutionize the way we experience architecture and design on television. It is organized by Cipriani Limited, a leading real estate and entertainment outfit committed to delivering cutting-edge ideas that inspire innovation.
FG Inaugurates Lagos P-CNGi Pilot Conversion Centres
The Federal Government has inaugurated a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles pilot conversion centre in Lagos State, through the Presidential-CNG Initiative (P-CNGi). Mr Micheal Oluwagbemi, Chief Executive Officer of P-CNGi, while speaking at inauguration of the FEMADAC Station on Saturday, described the step as significant development. Oluwagbemi said the CNG centre would bring more environmentally sustainable and economically viable future for Nigeria. The facility is situated at KM 42, Lekki-Epe The P-CNGi Steering Committee has announced that seven CNG conversion centres have been established in the country. He said the initiative had also at the weekend handed over converted buses to State House in Abuja. Oluwagbemi said the event was immense significance for Nigerians and the global movement towards responsible energy choices. “Today, as we officially open the Lagos Conversion Centre, we go beyond the inauguration of a facility; we extend a hand to a greener, more sustainable, and affordable future. “We are not just changing how we fuel our vehicles; we are changing lives, one job at a time. “The commissioning of the first of Lagos P-CNGi Pilot Conversion Centres is historic, as it is the first of many such facilities planned under the P-CNGi initiative,” Oluwagbemi said. The engineer said that the initiative with the theme: “Energy Revolution: Powering Tomorrow, Today,” represented Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner and more affordable energy solutions. The P-CNGi chief executive officer said that CEO said that the conversion centre was not only a symbol of Nigeria’s dedication to environmental responsibility, but also a beacon of hope for its citizens. He said that the initiative would create jobs and greener opportunities. “More than 1,000 of such centres are planned nationwide in the next few years, with 55,000 conversions planned under the Palliative Program that have kicked off, designed to reduce the cost of transportation, especially mass transit for poor Nigerians. “This works by collaborating with private sector is to expand the conversion centre network of Nigeria from seven to at least 70, while creating over 2,000 jobs converting vehicles from PMS to CNG Bifuel that runs cheaper, cleaner and better. “By embracing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology, the initiative addresses the twin challenges of sustainability and fiscal responsibility, which have become integral in the modern world. “This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to easing the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs,” Oluwagbemi said. According to him, the conversion of vehicles to CNG is not just a transition to cleaner energy, it is a promise to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. The CEO said that the inauguration aligned with the overarching goal of P-CNGi to foster innovation in the energy sector, ultimately benefitting the people of Nigeria. He added: “In a world where environmental consciousness and responsible energy choices are paramount, P-CNGi’s efforts underscore Nigeria’s commitment to leading this global movement. “The initiatives programme director aptly noted, “Challenges will emerge, but with our unwavering commitment, innovative spirit, and collaborative efforts, we are poised to overcome them.”
FG Working On Safe Resettlement Of IDPs, Others, Matawalle Assures UN
The Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has assured the Representative of the United Nations that the Federal Government is working out modalities to resettle returnees and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria to a safe and better living condition. The Minister gave this assurance when the Representative of United Nations Mines Action Services paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday, 24th October 2023 in Ship House Abuja. Matawalle said that Federal Government would partner with UNMAS in working out a workable solution in reintegrating IDPs and farmers into society for better life. “We need to redesign action plan for the IDP returnees and farmers to go back to their farms,” he said. According to him there was the need for Federal Government to provide essential technical support for the establishment of a national mine action centre in the North East and extend it to North West where incidence of insurgency has increased. “Such centre will afford the IDPs the opportunity to return to their Communities and have access to quality education.” The representative of the United Nations Mines Action Services to Nigeria, Edwin Faigmane, said that the UNMAS is to collaborate with the Nigerian Army to secure success for Mines Action Services Operations in Nigeria. Furthermore, he stated that there was need to conduct Technical Surveys to identify hazardous areas that need to be safe before any other activities could take place. Edwin commended the Minister for the audience and requested that they count on Government’s support in identifying areas of collaboration.
IPPIS: Be Verified By Friday Or Face Deletion, FG Warns Civil Servants
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan has warned civil servants that have not been verified that they risk being delisted from the government payroll. The government has given Friday, October 27 2023 as the deadline for all civil servants to be verified. Yemi-Esan said the development is a result of the two-week Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) verification exercise which will end on Friday. The move is part of an effort to remove ghost workers from the government payroll. In a statement signed by Yemi-Esan on Wednesday “Adequate arrangements were put in place for a smooth exercise in designated areas of the FCT, however, the officers’ impatience and lack of orderliness in the first two days made the exercise rowdy. “This has been duly addressed and the two-week exercise, scheduled to end on Friday, October 27, 2023, is progressing very well. “The verification of records of all civil servants will be finalized at the end of the ongoing exercise and any officer whose record could not be verified will be delisted from the payroll of government”. Speaking further, she noted that the Office carried out aggressive sensitization and publicity, adding that no excuses will be tolerated for defaulters. According to the statement, “Sequel to another wide publicity accompanied by numerous pre-verification sensitization visits by IPPIS staff to Ministries, extra-ministerial Departments, and Agencies nationwide, the second phase of the exercise, the physical verification, commenced in 2018. “In this regard, 500 staff from the OHCSF were trained and deployed, in well-communicated and coordinated phases, to the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT between 2018 and 2019 to enable officers to carry out the physical verification in their states and save them from travelling to Abuja. “Some erring officers’ pleas to be given the last opportunity to comply were granted, and the portal was therefore reopened from October 3-13, 2023, for them to update their records to Friday, October 27, 2023, before action is taken on defaulters.”
FG Announces New Date For Students’ Loan Take-Off
The Nigerian government has officially declared a revised date for the commencement of the Access to Higher Education Act, often referred to as the Students Loan Law, which was recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June. The legislation has faced substantial criticism from many Nigerians who fear it could pave the way for the introduction of tuition fees in the country’s tertiary institutions. Despite initial plans for implementation to begin in September, the timeline was not realized. However, President Bola Tinubu, speaking at the 29th National Economic Summit on Monday, confirmed that the student loan program is now set to kick off in January 2024. Tinubu said the loan programme “must commence” in January 2024. The announcement comes in the midst of ongoing debates and concerns surrounding the law. Further details regarding the program’s structure and execution are anticipated as the implementation date approaches.
FG Will Begin Immediate Reconstruct Of Collapsed Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway Bridge – Umahi
The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi has said the Federal Government would begin immediate reconstruction of the collapsed Enugu/Port Harcourt expressway. Umahi said this when he and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State visited the scene of the collapsed bridge for an on-the-spot assessment as part of his working visit to the state. He said that the reconstruction of the bridge would end the plight of commuters plying the road, adding that the collapse of the bridge was unfortunate, and the government would in the meantime, provide alternative road for the people. According to him, “We are going to look at the second bridge and see how far the remedial work will be done on it. We are going to scale up the reconstruction of the two bridges alongside with the road construction. “I want to assure you that I have directed the contractor to do everything possible to provide an alternative road. “We are going to work on the second bridge to ascertain the integrity of the bridge and see if we can use it while we demolish the collapsed one and start the reconstruction. “I believe the contractor is hearing us and the process will start immediately. I want to have a memo which I will send to Mr President.” The minister added that the report and pictures of the collapsed bridge sent to him were the same with what he was seeing. He explained that the collapse occurred because the pipes were exposed, adding that the bridge was constructed in 1968. He assured the Enugu Government of his support, and thanked him for his initiative in dualising the Enugu to Abakaliki town road. “We have gotten your letter on that and I will be sending my men to come and evaluate it. I can assure you that within the next 7 days you must hear from us; we are doing the drains, and will give you our standard and bills of quantities. “It is difficult for me to assure any governor that wants a refund, I cannot say, because we came into office and inherited an economy that has more than 90 per cent of its income being used to service debts. Mbah thanked Umahi and the FG for the prompt response to the bridge collapse, saying that it underscored the president’s commitment when he took the oath of office. “He is committed to lead with compassion and run an inclusive government, and that is what we are seeing here today.” He explained that when the incident happened, he reached out to the FG immediately and within 48 hours the minister was in the state for inspection to find solution on how they can get at least one section of the road done to accommodate the people. “This is a major gateway road so we cried out to the FG for expeditious action,” Mbah said.
FG Committed To Solving Housing Deficit, Says Minister
The Federal Government is committed and passionate about solving housing deficit in the country. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, made the pledge when he received Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State in Abuja. “Since independence, Nigeria has struggled to provide decent housing for its citizens. “In spite of numerous plans, initiatives, projects, and institutions introduced over the past 60 years, progress has been limited. “With rapid population growth, these unsuccessful or suboptimal efforts have led to the accumulation of a significant housing shortage,’’ the minister said. Dangiwa said, the housing sector remains far from where it should be in terms of meeting the needs of millions of Nigerians for decent shelter while contributing as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication. “This is the challenge that President Bola Tinubu has put on my shoulders. With the grace of Allah, I am committed to putting in the hard work necessary to break the jinx of failure and achieve historic success. “As part of our efforts to achieve this, we have outlined a series of housing reform initiatives in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development of President Tinubu. “We plan to embark on a Stakeholder Engagement Drive with State Governors nationwide towards achieving it. Commending the governor for his achievements within a short time, Dangiwa solicited the support of the indigenes of Katsina to ensure the Radda-led administration transforms the state. ‘His tireless efforts in improving security, education, agriculture, infrastructural development, and the welfare of our citizens is a testament to his vision for a prosperous Katsina. ‘As a fellow son of Katsina state, I am immensely proud of the momentum of achievements that he has recorded in such a short time and I pray to the Almighty to continue to grant him the wisdom, understanding, and good health to transform our state. “As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I approach my work with the full understanding of the huge responsibility that accompanies it,’ he said. Read also: The minister encouraged Governor Radda to deepen collaboration with key housing agencies, including the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority, and the Family Homes Funds, to increase access to affordable housing for Katsina indigenes. Earlier, Radda said that the provision of affordable housing remains part of its priority programmes to improve the lives of its citizens. According to the governor, Katsina state is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to open the cities in the state. “Urban renewal is one of the major priority of our administration. “We want to expand our city, we are in the process of developing Katsina master plan which has expired in the last 30 years. “So, urban renewal is one of the major focus of our administration and affordable housing to serve the people. “So, we are thinking collaboration with the Housing and Urban Development Ministry to tap from your experiences to help us in achieving our goal of renewing our cities and towns in the state,’’ Radda said.
FG’s Fiscal Deficit To Further Decline In Q3, Q4 -MPC
Some members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have projected that the federal government’s fiscal deficit will continue to decline in the third and fourth quarters of 2023. Their projections are predicated on the recent efforts by the government to manage expenditures better and also improve oil and non-oil revenues. Their prediction contained in their various personal statements during the last MPC meeting, as posted on the CBN website. In his personal statement, the Permanent Secretary, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Aliyu Ahmed, said: “The fiscal deficit is expected to decline in the third and fourth quarters of 2023 on the back of recent efforts by the new government to manage expenditures better and also improve oil and non-oil revenues. “With expenditure reprioritization and fiscal wisdom at both the federal and state levels, there is an expectation that the government debt ratio may fall at least marginally by the end of 2023. “Speaking on the fiscal sector, Adenikinju Adeola, a member, explained that both government revenue and expenditure underperformed between January and May 2023. He explained that the Federal Government’s retained revenue stood at N1.67 trillion, lower than the pro-rata target of N1.96 trillion due to the underperformance of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) receipts and gross independent revenue. However, on the positive side, he stated: “Total FGN expenditure as of May 2023 was N4.76 trillion, 27.8 percent lower than the budget estimate of N6.606 trillion. The shortfall came mainly from allocations for debt service, interest on Ways and Means, and capital expenditure. “Overall budget deficit reduced by -18.15 percent in the first five months of 2023. “The underperformance of the budget is especially felt in the capital expenditures, thus impacting negatively on economic development”, he added. On his part, another member, Obadan Mike, noted that although the new government is making serious efforts to boost revenue generation, fiscal deficits and associated public debt accumulation will continue to elicit deep concerns. Meanwhile, the MPC members also called for a review of border closures to increase food supply in the country while expressing concern about the decline in growth of the agricultural sector in the first quarter of 2023. Adenikinju said, “The continuous closure of the borders should also be reviewed. This is to expand food and non-food supply to the economy and force down domestic prices, especially food. Also expressing concern about the declining growth in the agricultural sector, Ahmed said: “The decline in growth in the agriculture sector is particularly worrisome, given its role in food production and employment generation. “Targeted intervention by the fiscal and monetary authorities in the agriculture sector is crucial to ensuring medium- to long-term food security and price moderation. The recent initiative by the CBN to offload grains from the national strategic grain reserves to lower food prices could not have come at a more auspicious time. “There is also a need to leverage the African Development Bank (AfDB) Agro Pocket Wallet to support farmers in the production of grains and fertilizers.”