The Oyo State government and some stakeholders have advocated the speedy passage of National digital economy and e-governance bill to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.

The stakeholders who gathered in Ibadan on Tuesday, said the passage of the Bill would smoothen government activities and boost government-citizen engagement.

This was the submission of speakers at a stakeholders’ engagement on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill held in Ibadan.

Speaking during the event, the Minister for communications, innovation and digital economy, Olatunbosun Tijani represented by Banke Ajagunna, noted that the importance of the bill cannot be underestimated as it will enhance the digital economy and build trust between the government and the people. 

The Minister called on Nigerians and the National Assembly to give the bill the needed support.

According to him, the consultative engagement is going on in all the states of the federation to seek the input of stakeholders on the bill.

He submitted that the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024, is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

This bill, according to him, aims to drive economic growth through digital technology, improve public service delivery, and create a competitive environment for the Nigerian digital economy.

He noted that in a bid to migrate Nigeria into a smart country, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy proposed the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.

The Minister said the bill offers numerous opportunities for businesses to innovate and expand, with improved digital infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment. Individuals will also benefit from improved access to digital services and better governance through e-Governance initiatives.

He highlighted the advantages of E-governance bill to include Economic Transformation and Establishment of a regulatory foundation to encourage digital commerce, cross-border trade, and innovation, positioning Nigeria as a major player in Africa's digital landscape.

He added that the bill, when passed will encourage Modernized, Citizen-Centric Public Services.

“It will facilitate the digital transformation of government services to make them more transparent, accessible, and responsive to citizens.”

He also said the bill will ensure Digital Access for All, saying, “it will promote infrastructure and digital literacy programs to make digital services accessible across Nigeria, including underserved regions.”

Speaking earlier, the Senior Special Assistant on ICT and E-Governance to the Governor, Mr. Bayo Akande hailed the federal government’s National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.

Mr. Akande, who observed that the nation is overdue for a digital economy, which is the order of the day, added that this bill will drive economic growth through digital technology.

According to Akande, “Despite advances in technology, Nigeria's digital economy faces critical challenges, Nigeria lags behind countries with robust e-governance frameworks that empower citizens and protect consumer data. Without intervention, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities in an increasingly digital world.”

He added, “though Oyo has already started to introduce digital methods in the governance space of the state, as the state recently deployed Business Process Automation, in a bid to make Oyo state government services go paperless, the bill is a step in the right direction.” 

It also seeks to create export-oriented capacities in Nigeria’s digital economy, support international digital trade and investments, and provide a legal framework for these activities.

In attendance were various stakeholders including several Tech Ecosystem leaders.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

 

 

 

 

Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) on Monday announced the postponement of the "Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor" initially slated for Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island. 

The Fund, in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, to announce the postponement of the meeting, said the new date for the event is December 18, 2024.

Balogun said the event, which is expected to be attended by Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, heads of security agencies, and critical stakeholders, among others, will now be held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, by 11 am prompt. 

The Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor is an annual event where the Lagos State Security Trust Fund gives an account of its stewardship in the last one year.

 

 

 

The Joint Aviation Trade Unions' Forum-JATUF, the umbrella body for all aviation unions in Nigeria, over the weekend, honoured the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, with the Leadership and Excellence Award. The award, which celebrates his visionary leadership and contributions to advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector, was presented during the 2nd Edition of the Aviation Union’s Leadership Conference on held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos.

Representing the Minister at the event, Mr. Henry Agbebire, Director of Special Duties at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria-FAAN, conveyed Mr. Keyamo’s heartfelt gratitude. The Minister commended JATUF for its efforts in fostering synergy within the aviation industry and lauded this year’s conference theme, “Synergy for Safety and Productivity: Management-Labour Collaboration,” as both timely and essential to the sector’s growth.

In his goodwill message, Mr. Keyamo emphasized the critical role of partnership in achieving safety and productivity in aviation.

“Safety and productivity are non-negotiable imperatives in aviation. Achieving these objectives requires a shared vision and concerted action by all stakeholders, especially the management and labour arms of the sector. As the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, I recognize and deeply value the critical role aviation unions play in maintaining workforce morale, advocating for best practices, and ensuring the seamless operation of our industry,” he stated.

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to fostering strong collaborations between the government and aviation unions, highlighting transparency, fairness, and open communication as foundational principles of his leadership.

“I am committed to strengthening our collaboration with aviation unions, ensuring open lines of communication, and addressing concerns with fairness and transparency. Our collective efforts have already yielded positive outcomes, and I am proud of the constructive relationships we have built so far. Together, we can achieve the shared vision of a resilient, efficient, and globally competitive aviation industry,” he added.

The Leadership and Excellence Award underscores Mr. Keyamo’s dedication to tackling the challenges within the aviation sector while building partnerships that prioritize safety, productivity, and innovation.

The event attracted key stakeholders from the aviation sector, who lauded the Minister’s proactive initiatives in addressing critical issues and driving sustainable development in the industry.

 

Tunde Moshood 

Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development

Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to attend the opening of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources 2024 conference.

The event holds from November 27 to December 2, 2024, at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre.

Shettima’s visit is “At the invitation of Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné,” Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement is titled ‘VP Shettima Leaves For Abidjan, To Attend SIREXE 2024 Opening Ceremony.’

 

SIREXE conference is an international event organised by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire that focuses on “Policies and Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Extractive and Energy Industries”.

“The VP will utilise the event to share Nigeria’s experience in the hydrocarbon exploration and production sectors,” said Nkwocha.

The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja later today (Wednesday).

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says the country’s foreign reserves rose to $40.88 billion as of November 21.

Cardoso spoke on Tuesday at a press conference after the monetary policy committee’s 298th meeting in Abuja.

He said the external reserves grew from $40.06 billion at the end of October to $40.88 billion in November.

The amount represents an increase of $82 million or 2.05 percent in 21 days.

“The external reserves rose marginally to 40.88 billion as of 21 November 2024, from 40.06 billion at the end of October 2024, available to finance 17 months of imports,” he said.

However, checks on the apex bank’s website showed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $40.27 billion on November 22 – less than what Cardoso presented.

Further speaking at the event, Cardoso said “the process of getting us where we are in terms of reserves has been a long one”.


“It is a clear indication that the policies we have put in place are certainly yielding fruits,” he added.

“However, and it’s very important to make a distinction here and to reiterate the fact that reserves are there for a multiplicity of different purposes, not least of which is to create buffers in the event of unanticipated shocks.

“So they are not there to simply whittle away. They are there to be used to more or less defend yourself where that becomes necessary.

“And when we talk about shocks that are not anticipated, I think we can see how the global economies are.”

Cardoso also said the bank will continue to intensify efforts to stabilise the currency and prices.

According to the CBN governor, “the currency has been stable compared to what it was in June”.

But he said for the value of the country’s currency to be stable, there needs to be increased exports and diversification of the economy.

Cardoso said diaspora remittance has increased due to policies that have been put in place.

He commended those in the diaspora for helping the country accomplish over $600 million in remittances.

Newly elected Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and deputy governor elect, Olayide Adelami presents their Certificate of Return to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With them are the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje and Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji. Abuja. Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

 

 

 

In a move to enhance oversight mechanisms, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated three new members to fill existing vacancies on the board of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The announcement was made in a formal letter addressed to the Senate President.

The nominees are Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle from Oyo State, Kennedy Ikpeme from Cross River, and Justice Ibrahim Buba, a retired judge of the Federal High Court.

Established in 1979, the Code of Conduct Bureau plays a critical role in maintaining integrity within public service and ensuring compliance with the country’s ethical standards.

The Bureau operates with a 10-member board.

On October 23, 2024, President Tinubu swore in the chairman of the board, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello.

The current board includes: Barr. Muritala Aliyu Kankia, Hon. E. J Agbomayinma, Barr. Ben Umeano, and Prof. Juwayriyya Badamasiuy.

Other members are Mr. Bulus I Zephaniah, and Hon. Abdulsalam Taofiq Olawale.


Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information & Strategy)


President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday to begin a state visit to France in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.

The Nigerian leader's three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.

President Tinubu and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l'Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.

During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.

Brigitte and Nigeria's First Lady will discuss the latter's passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

President Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.

Top government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
Information & Strategy

President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024.

The President acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.

Furthermore, President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPC Limited's Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone. 

With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu urges NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries. 

These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration. 

The President underscores his administration's determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.

Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu calls upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.

In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirms his administration's commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.

 

Bayo Onanuga  

Special Adviser to the President  

(Information & Strategy)  

November 26, 2024

Okupe, who made the assertion on Monday during an interview with Arise TV, tackled those agitating for the Northern presidency in the next election.
 
He identified sectionalism as the “most fundamental problems why Nigeria is stagnating”, stressing that “those who control the affairs of this nation, in terms of politics before now, were more interested in national interest than sectional interest”.
 
He stated, “I say this authoritatively without any fear of contradiction or equivocation, in 2027, power cannot return to the North yet. That’s not how we do it.”
 
“We rotate between the North and the South. The North does eight years, at the end of which the South does eight years.
 
“I’m not saying that Bola Tinubu must be president in 2027, but it’s not going to be a northerner,” he explained.

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