[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu To Ogoni Leaders: We Will Unlock The Human And Natural Resource Potential Of Ogoniland
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu To Ogoni Leaders: We Will Unlock The Human And Natural Resource Potential Of Ogoniland](/media/k2/items/cache/5c11e5e273ea7ee7380c6775ae7cf43a_L.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to unlocking the human and natural resource potential of Ogoniland, while ensuring the environmental and economic security of Nigerian communities.
The President stated this on Wednesday at the State House during a meeting with members of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Ogoni, Rivers State, led by King Samuel Nnee, Gbenemene Tai Kingdom and Paramount Ruler of Kpite Tai.
The President was responding to requests presented by the Ogoni leaders at the meeting, which was also attended by former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike; the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engr. Abubakar Momoh; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.
Among the requests to the President is the resuscitation of oil and gas production in Ogoniland, which comprises the Eleme, Khana, Gokana, and Tai Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
"We must heal the wounds of the past. We must live and prepare for the future of our children, and we must be committed to uplifting the livelihoods of our people in a free Nigeria.
"This is all part of the healing process for the Ogoni people. There is equally the Ogoni clean-up programme that I inherited. That will be pursued diligently and honourably. The number of people that we will empower will increase as time goes on.
"I am glad that this meeting has emphasized peace and stability through the resuscitation of businesses in Ogoniland. Without these businesses, the recovery of this country will be adversely affected.
"Safety precautions, environmental and other challenges must be looked into, and we will certainly do that.
"My unwavering dedication to freedom for all people and the value of democratic governance has not diminished because I have been elected by the people, and I have to make the people the central focus of our governance of Nigeria," the President stated.
Having appointed his Official Spokesperson and most recently, the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) from the area, the President committed to deepening collaboration with Ogoni leaders to create mutually-beneficial economic opportunities for Ogoniland and Nigeria at large.
"I am ready to work with the Ogoni people and engage with the Government of Rivers State and the people of Nigeria to ensure that we give all of you a bright future in this country,” the President affirmed.
President Tinubu commended the former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the FCT for his dedication to alleviating the plight of the Ogoni people.
"I share the same view about Ogoniland with the Minister of the FCT. He is very much concerned about the progress, peace, and stability of Ogoni people, and he has discussed this with me on a number of occasions, and I thank him for that," the President said.
In his remarks, King Nnee commended President Tinubu for his numerous achievements within one year in office, highlighting the ongoing construction work on the Onne-Junction/Eleme-Junction axis of the East-West Road.
"Your unspeakable dedication to service and empathy are the propelling forces behind your prompt response to our people's yearnings which the past administrations have persistently promised and failed to meet," he said.
According to the Paramount Ruler of Kpite Tai, previous administrations were unable to resolve the pertinent issues associated with the shutting down of oil production in Ogoniland.
He informed the President that the Ogoni people are prepared for the commencement of oil and gas production in Ogoniland with the potential unbundling of OML 11 - bearing an additional production capacity of 100,000 barrels per day and 120 million cubic feet of gas per day.
''This will contribute $5 billion per annum to Nigeria's GDP on an asset that is currently owned 100 percent by the NNPCL.
"The people-driven vision of the Ogoni Economic Rebirth Project is the matter of the moment among our kith and kin. Our people’s hope is glowing with the expectation that the time to revitalize the economic nerves of our land is now.
"Ogoni people are gifted, peace-loving, and hospitable, and our children are making an impact across all sectors, as well as the oil industry, from where they are prepared to bring their expertise to bear for the good of our people and the entire country,” the monarch said.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity
The acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki, said, on Wednesday, that the Federal Government was working to reconstitute the governing councils of universities.
He said the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, had put in place a panel to work on the list.
The NUC Executive Secretary said the councils would be inaugurated once the list was consummated.
Maiyaki spoke at a media parley with education reporters in Abuja on Wednesday.
He was responding to the two-week ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities to the government to reconstitute the governing councils of public universities.
ASUU had on Tuesday given the government a two-week ultimatum to reconstitute the governing councils of federal universities.
“To reconstitute the councils of 61 universities is not a small feat. The government is working to ensure that people who are qualified and with the right pedigree are put in those councils so that they can deliver on Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We know ASUU is a body of academics and are concerned about the welfare of their members and the activities in universities but we want them to be patient with the government during this period.”
Speaking on the number of universities in the country, the NUC boss said the commission was committed to expanding access to higher education.
“And for this, the current 272 universities in the NUS are not sufficient to accommodate the ever-growing demand for university education by Nigerian youths. “Each year, Nigerian universities receive close to two million applications, only a small fraction of them are admitted. That is why there is a need for Nigeria to continue to increase access by establishing more universities to meet the demand for quality education in the country,” Maiyaki said
On the initiatives put in place by NUC to boost the nation’s university system, he said the NUC had identified strategic priorities that encompass curriculum development, quality assurance, research and innovation, infrastructure development, and internationalisation, among others.
“To encourage partnerships with industry and promote blended learning, the NUC carried out an extensive review of university curricula from the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standard to the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards, which reflect the aspirations of Nigeria to attain a knowledge economy, driven by the 4 Industrial Revolution, known as 4IR, and the 21-century skills.
“The CCMAS features an expansion of academic disciplines from 14 to 17. The implementation of the new curricula came into effect in September 2023 for the 2023/2024 academic session.
“The implementation framework of the CCMAS makes provision for the training of staff in student-centred tuition-delivery capabilities and development of textual materials to enhance teaching and learning.
“Open and Distance Learning Guidelines In a bid to assure quality in the regulation of the NUS, the Commission developed guidelines to provide a framework for the orderly adoption, integration and mainstreaming of e-learning into the conventional face-to-face modes of teaching and learning in Nigerian Universities, among other objectives.
“This initiative was needed to assure quality in the delivery of university education, via the Open and Distance Education mode, and keep pace with contemporary global best practices. The Commission produced the following guidelines, as part of the efforts to broaden open and distance learning in the Nigerian University System, “ he said.
The acting Executive Secretary said various guidelines, including Guidelines on Trans-National Education in Nigeria; Guidelines for e-Learning in Nigerian Universities;Guidelines for the Implementation of the National Policy on Open Educational Resources in Nigerian Higher Education, and the Guidelines for the Establishment of Private Open Universities in Nigeria, have also been churned out by the commission.
“The Guidelines for Transnational Education allows foreign Universities to collaborate in creating high-quality institutions in Nigeria through six competitive models This effort aims at making Nigerian graduates competitive, globally, so as to reduce the need for the nation’s young men and women going abroad to seek university education.
“The launch of these ODL guidelines marks a significant milestone in the history of the NUC towards its dedication to greater quality, equity and access to university education in Nigeria. It all follows from the recommendations for the establishment and expansion of universities, deeper IT penetration, and enhanced competencies in online delivery,” he added.
The Nigerian government lost billions of Naira annually for not applying airport tolls to Very Important Persons and VIPs.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Space Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this, justifying the inclusion of VIPs in airport toll payments.
Recall that at the end of Tuesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the Minister announced a new rule requiring VIPs, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kasim Shettima, to pay airport tolls.
He explained that funds that would have been used for the infrastructural development of Nigerian airports were wasted under the old rule.
According to him, VIPs will be the first to lament poor infrastructure in Nigerian airports, yet they were exempted from paying tolls under the old rule.
“This has led to the annual loss of billions of Naira, not millions, in the past. Yet, our airport infrastructure, you know, is decaying. I am helpless. I’m looking for concessionaires. I’m looking for help with decaying infrastructure.
“They will be the first to cry out, these same VIPs— ‘Why are the toilets like this? Why are your toilets smelling? Why can’t you can’t you do this?’
“They are the same people but don’t pay for the services. So, if we want improved infrastructure at the airport, we must pay for services,” he said.
Just like before, all nine Commissioners in the Executive Cabinet of Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State believed to be loyal to the ex-governor, Nyesom Wike, were on Wednesday exited the Government.
The five Commissioners were Chinedu Mmom; Education Commissioner; Gift Worlu, Commissioner for Housing; Inime Aguma, Commissioner for Social Welfare; Austen Ben-Chioma, Commissioner for Environment; and Jacobson Nbina Commissioner for Transport.
It will be recalled that two Commissioners had earlier resigned in protest of their redeployment by Governor Sim Fubara.
They were Isaac Kamalu, who resigned after he was redeployed as the Commissioner of Finance to Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment; as well as Zacchaeus Adangor, a Professor, who resigned as Commissioner after he was redeployed as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Rivers State to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office).
The first two resigned after they were given Federal appointments by President Bola Tinubu; Commissioner of Works, Dax George-Kelly also resigned to take up appointment as the Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA); and Emeka Woke (Wike’s chief of staff) who resigned as Commissioner for Special Projects to take up appointment as the CEO of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority.
The remaining Commissioners are adjudged to be loyal to Governor Fubara.
BusinessDay gathered that new Commissioners are expected to be appointed in the coming days and will be presented to the House of Assembly for confirmation.
Now that all the Wike loyalists have left the Fubara cabinet, and the 27 lawmakers have been pushed into the defensive, observers expect two fiercely opposed camps in the State not spare any arrow in the fight.
The cabinet is expected to act and move faster but the detractors with deep inside knowledge may join the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State and begin serious attacks in all fronts.
Meanwhile, coming days and weeks promise to be tense, considering tensed situation of things already being experienced in the State.
Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, on Wednesday, appealed to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, to set aside his differences and work together with the party leadership for old-time’s sake.
Abure made the plea at his first press conference following the April 3 fire incident that almost claimed his life at his Abuja residence.
Both Abure and Ajaero had been at loggerheads following several attempts made by the congress to take control of the party structure over claims the embattled LP chairman was running a one-man show amid allegations of financial malfeasance.
The LP camp had also made a counterclaim that Ajaero was desperately seeking to evict the Abure-led National Working Committee with an ulterior motive to use the party as a transactional platform ahead of the 2027 election.
Addressing newsmen at the party secretariat in Abuja, Abure described the NLC president as a friend and brother having worked together in the trenches over the years fighting for the welfare of workers.
The LP national chairman therefore urged the union leader to put aside his grievances and support their effort to rebuild the country in the interest of Nigerians.
He said, “Consequently, I want to appeal first to my brother, friend and Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC whom we have worked together in the trenches over the years in the struggle for workers, to put aside whatever may be his grievances. Let’s work in the interest of our people.
“Fighting the Labour Party is uncalled for and unwarranted, especially at this time when the working people of Nigeria are suffering. As we speak today, the minimum wage is still N30,000. There are unfair workers practices by employers across the country. The inflation in Nigeria is unprecedented and nobody talks about workers welfare.
“For us, we need to team up together to be able to fight for better working conditions for our people. We need not waste or dissipate our collective energies in fighting ourselves over nothing. The NLC should know by now that the attempt being made to take over the leadership of the party will not work. It is my appeal that working together is better.”
The Executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igbotako Ward II, Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State, have announced the suspension of the Senator representing Ondo South, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, over alleged anti-party activities and insubordination.
The notice was signed by ward executive members including Omotoye Olusola, Bakere Usuf, Tore Obwoselu, Oloyinmi Idowu, Borewaye Louyomi, Oladipupo Bose, Alkimbobola Seyi, Lawal-Babatunde, Aritawe-Ademole, Akinkuoju Olarewaju and Fabioye Ajoke, among others.
Ibrahim’s suspension is coming on heels of the direct APC governorship primary election in the State in which he lost out.
The party executives said their action to suspend Senator Ibrahim was pursuant to Article 21, Section A of the APC Constitution.
The 16-member Executive Committee in a letter said the decision to suspend the governorship aspirant and lawmaker was taken during its meeting held on Monday, May 13, 2024.
The party recalled that the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had met with all the governorship aspirants in Abuja on the need for them to cooperate with the party’s candidate and incumbent governor of the state, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The executives noted that despite the development, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim proceeded to sue the governor and APC, blatantly disregarding party’s instructions.
The letter made available to journalists in Akure, the state capital on Wednesday, it reads, “We, the members of the APC Executive Committee of Igbotako Ward II in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, convened a meeting on Monday, May 13th, 2024.
“During our meeting, we deliberated extensively on various issues affecting the progress and development of our party, notably indiscipline and insubordination among some members.
“We have found Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s actions and activities to violate the party’s constitution, particularly his decision to sue the party as well as his anti-party activities.
“As such, we have resolved to take appropriate disciplinary action against him as outlined in the party’s constitution. Senator Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim is hereby suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect for acts of insubordination and anti-party activities By Article 21, Section A of the APC Constitution.
“It is worth recalling that the National Party Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, met with all Ondo State governorship aspirants on April 25th, 2024, in Abuja.
“During the meeting, he urged them to cooperate with the party’s candidate and incumbent Governor of Ondo State, Honorable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Despite this, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunso proceeded to sue the Governor and APC, blatantly disregarding party instructions.
“Additionally, he has engaged in anti-party activities by urging his supporters in Igbotako and Ondo State to join NNPP, claiming he will soon receive the gubernatorial ticket from them. Senator Jimoh has openly declared his intent to disrupt APC before leaving the party, as evidenced by his actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja and his derogatory remarks about APC in various media outlets.
“For emphasis, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunso has been suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect, and he is hereby prohibited from participating in any APC activities nationwide.”
THE Organized labour on Wednesday stormed out of the minimum wage committee meeting with the Federal Government over the later’s offer of N48,000 new wage.
Recall that the organized labour had made a demand of N615,000 as the new minimum wage and had given the government up till May 31 to conclude negotiations on new living wage.
The Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage resumed negotiations on Wednesday.
Vanguard was reliably informed that representatives of the organized labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, were enraged over the government offer.
Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, who is one of the representatives of the NLC told Vanguard that, “we asked whether the N45,000 is for transport, food, clothing, housing or for what.
“So we just told them that since they are not serious, we better just leave, so we stormed out of the place.”
He said that the government offer was presented to them by the Permanent Secretary, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Office.
The Nigerian Senate has approved the $500 million World Bank loan request by President Bola Tinubu.
Naija News reports the loan is for the production of electricity meters for the citizens.
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) was granted the funds following a thorough review of the report by the Committee on local and foreign debts, which was presented by Senator Haruna Manu, who serves as the Vice Chairman of the Committee.
On November 1, 2023, President Bola Tinubu requested Senate approval for a $7.94 billion World Bank loan package, which included a $500 million loan.
The Federal Government will receive fresh loan funding from the World Bank, with approval expected for loans totalling $2.25bn on June 13, 2024.
Naija News recalls that the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, at the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank last month, had announced that the nation had qualified for processing a loan, described as ‘virtually a grant’ of $2.25bn from the World Bank at one per cent interest rate.
He stated, “We have qualified for the processing just this week to the Board of Directors of the World Bank of a total package of $2.25bn of what you can call ‘the closest you can get to a free lunch’- virtually a grant. It’s for about 10- 20 years moratorium and about one per cent interest.”
The package, approved by the World Bank Board of Directors, offers a 40-year term with a 10-year moratorium and a nominal one-percent interest rate.
According to the latest information on the World Bank website, the funding will be received via two major development projects.
The first project is the Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing, which is set to receive $1.5bn.
The second project, NG Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms Programme-for-Results, has proposed funding of $750m.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu approved N90 billion to subsidise the cost of the 2024 hajj pilgrimage.
Shettima spoke on Wednesday during the 2024 inaugural hajj airlift at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi capital.
About 430 pilgrims from the state are scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia today.
“You may recall that this year, we had a major challenge in announcing the final hajj fare for the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates,” NAN quoted Shettima as saying.
“President Bola Tinubu also worked round the clock to control the downward spiral of our local currency to bring relief to our pilgrims and other Nigerians.
“A move that eventually succeeded in lowering the fare. The President approved the release of N90 billion to subsidise the cost of pilgrimage for this year’s hajj.”
The vice-president said Tinubu places great importance on religious pilgrimage, noting that it plays a crucial role in changing the social vices of individuals beyond the hajj exercise.
“Due to this high regard, the government took time to carefully select men of integrity with administrative acumen and records of selfless dedication to manage the affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims,” he said
“Government at the highest level monitors all arrangements meant for the well-being of our pilgrims both in Saudi Arabia and within the country before embarking on the journey.
“We are aware of the provision put in place for the safety, security and comfort of the Nigerian contingent to the 2024 hajj of our pilgrims.”
Shettima urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for the progress of Tinubu’s administration for a better country “we are proud to call our motherland”.
“Indeed, it is through our collective prayers and individual contributions that our country will prosper,” he added.
The naira depreciated to N1,550 against the dollar at the parallel section of the foreign exchange (FX) market on Wednesday.
The current FX rate signifies a decline of 1.95 percent from the N1,520/$ reported on May 13.
Currency traders, also known as street traders, in Lagos, quoted the buying rate of the local currency at N1,510/$ and the selling rate at N1,550/$ — leaving a profit margin of N40.
At the official window, the local currency appreciated by 4.21 percent against the dollar from N1,520.4/$ on May 14 to close at N1,459.02 on Wednesday.
According to FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees the official window, a dollar was sold as high as N1,593 and at a low rate of N1,401 during trading hours.
The daily foreign exchange market turnover was $289.14 million.
On May 14, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said foreign missions based in Nigeria use third parties to transact in foreign currencies.
Speaking during an interview, Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC’s acting director of public affairs, said the commission has a task force whose duty is to fight the abuse of the naira and discourage transactions in dollars within Nigeria — which is against the law.
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The meeting called by the federal government on Wednesday to discuss the national minimum wage for workers ended abruptly as leaders of organised labour staged a walk-out.
Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Tommy Okon, deputy president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), represented the workers at the meeting.
Speaking on behalf of the labour at a press conference, Ajaero condemned the federal government’s proposed N48,000 wage.
He said the government was not serious about negotiating with the labour.
Ajaero said the government has until the end of the month to arrive at a decision.
“The government’s proposal of a paltry N48,000 as the minimum wage does not only insult the sensibilities of Nigerian workers but also falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations,” he said.
The NLC and TUC had proposed N615,500 as the minimum wage the federal government should pay Nigerian workers, citing the high cost of living.
Ajaero said the government’s failure to provide data to support the N48,000 it offered exacerbates the situation.
He said the lack of transparency and good faith undermined the credibility of the negotiation process and eroded trust between the parties involved.
“The organised private sector proposed an initial offer of N54,000, though it is worth noting that even the least paid workers in the private sector receive N78,000, as clearly stated by the OPS, highlighting the stark disparity between the proposed and prevailing standards,” the NLC president said.
“This further demonstrates the unwillingness of employers and government to faithfully negotiate a fair national minimum wage for Workers in Nigeria.
“As representatives of Nigerian workers, we cannot in good conscience accept a wage proposal that would result in a reduction in income for federal-level workers who are already receiving N30,000 as mandated by law, augmented by Buhari’s 40% peculiar allowance and the N35,000 wage award, totalling N77,000 only.
“Such a regressive step would undermine the economic well-being of workers and their families and is unacceptable in a National minimum wage fixing process.”
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 33.69 percent in April, as prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages soared.
The NBS shared the inflation data in its consumer price index (CPI) report on Wednesday.
“Looking at the movement, the April 2024 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 0.49% points when compared to the March 2024 headline inflation rate,” the NBS said.
“On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.47% points higher compared to the rate recorded in April 2023, which was 22.22%.
“This shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in the month of April 2024 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., April 2023).
“Furthermore, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in April 2024 was 2.29%, which was 0.73% lower than the rate recorded in March 2024 (3.02%).
“This means that in the month of April 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level is less than the rate of increase in the average price level in March 2024.”
NBS said the top five contributors to the increase in inflation rate are food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel, clothing and footwear, transport, as well as furnishings, household equipment and maintenance.
The bureau said on a year-on-year basis, the urban inflation rate rose to 36 percent in April, “which was 12.61% points higher compared to the 23.39% recorded in April 2023”.
“On a month-on-month basis, the Urban inflation rate was 2.67% in April 2024, this was 0.50% points lower compared to March 2024 (3.17%),” NBS said.
Also, NBS said the rural inflation rate in April was 31.64 percent on a year-on-year basis, compared to the 21.14 percent recorded in April 2023.
On a month-on-month basis, the bureau said the rural inflation rate in April was 1.92 percent, falling below the 2.87 percent reported in March.
PRICES OF BREAD, GARRI DRIVE FOOD INFLATION RATE UP
NBS said food inflation rose to 40.53 percent in April, compared to the 24.61 percent reported in the same month last year — indicating an increase of 15.92 percent points.
The bureau said millet flour, garri, bread, wheat flour prepacked, semovita, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, vegetable oil, yam tuber, water yam, and cocoyam, contributed to the year-on-year increase in the food inflation rate.
Other contributors are dried fish Sadine, catfish dried, mudfish dried, beef head, beef feet, liver, frozen
chicken, mongo, banana, grapefruit, Lipton tea, Bournvita, and Milo.
However, on a month-on-month basis, NBS said the “food inflation rate in April 2024 was 2.50%, which shows a 1.11% decrease compared to the rate recorded in March 2024 (3.62%)”.
NBS said the fall in food inflation on a month-on-month basis was caused by a decline in the rate of increase in the average prices of Yam, Water Yam, Irish Potatoes (under Potatoes, Yam & Other Tubers
Class), Beer, Local Beer (under Tobacco Class), Milo, Bournvita, Nescafe (under Coffee, Tea, and Coco Class), Groundnut Oil, Palm Oil (under Oil and Fats Class)”.
Other food items mentioned are egg, fresh milk, powered milk, tin milk, soft drinks, Malt Guinness, Coco-cola, Spirit (Local Production), Chelsea, Seaman Schnapps, wine and fruit, water melon, pineapple, banana, and pawpaw.
The Federal Executive Council after a marathon meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday rolled out 21 major policy initiatives.
The President’s Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his X handle, formerly Twitter, listed the initiatives as a 48-hour visa policy, cancelling of airport toll payment exemption for very important persons and ban on sand dredging 10 kilometres from all federal bridges throughout the country among others.
The FEC meeting, which started on Monday was concluded on Tuesday in what experts have described as unprecedented in the history of the council.
After exhaustive deliberations, the council approved several policies and projects that would further boost the economy, facilitate investments and promote the ease of doing business in the country.
Briefing the State House correspondents on Tuesday after the FEC meeting at Aso Rock Villa Abuja on Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government was reviewing its visa regime to enable persons who wish to invest in Nigeria to obtain a visa within 48 hours.
Idris stated that the visa policy was one of the several resolutions of FEC, adding that it was aimed at encouraging investors and tourists.
According to him, the visa policy review is necessary to foster ease of doing business on Nigerian soil.
Since assuming office in May 2023, the Bola Tinubu administration has actively pursued foreign investment opportunities through a series of strategic international engagements and high-level meetings aimed at boosting Nigeria’s economic profile.
Briefing journalists after the FEC meeting on Tuesday, the information minister said a tripartite committee had been created to review the visa issuance process.
Idris said, “Now, the Federal Executive Council has noted that our visa processes are becoming cumbersome and this is not encouraging investors to come in easily because, as the President has indicated, the ease of doing business is also tied to the ease of visa application.
“Therefore, the FEC has set up a committee to look at our visa processes to reduce the cumbersome nature of these visa processes, meaning that those investors or tourists who want to come into Nigeria will find it a lot easier to go into this country provided they follow all the laid down processes.
e-visa platform
“This includes the e-visa platform, which has already been discussed. The Federal Government is also mulling the idea of every visa application being processed within the next 48 hours.”
Nigeria’s e-visa process is part of a broader effort to streamline and modernise the country’s visa system, as outlined in the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2020.
The e-visa system allows visiting non-Nigerians to apply online. Applicants must complete an electronic application form, upload necessary documents, and pay the required fees.
Such e-visas available include the Short Visit Visa for business, which allows for a maximum stay of 90 days, and various investor visas that cater to different scales of investment from small to ultra-large enterprises.
However, the system has been plagued by inefficiencies, making the process cumbersome due to several factors. Applicants often face difficulties fulfilling documentation requirements and dealing with occasional technical hitches on the application portal.
More so, the need for detailed documentation, such as letters of invitation, evidence of sufficient funds, and investment proofs, adds to the complexity. The process also requires pre-approval via an electronic travel authorisation letter, which must be printed and presented upon arrival.
Though designed to ensure security and proper vetting, they have been time-consuming and challenging for users.
N10bn airport tolls
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said it will generate at least N10bn annually from airport access tolls.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, who disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting, also said the council approved a memorandum from the ministry scrapping toll exemptions for all very important persons and government officials using airports nationwide.
Tuesday’s decision would see President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who were earlier exempted, paying airport access toll and parking fees.
Keyamo said the government’s rationale was to stop the revenue haemorrhage, denying the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the much-needed means to maintain the facilities and provide quality services to users.
He argued that the government lost over 82 per cent of the money it would have generated from e-tags sold to VIPs and government officials for easy airport access.
The memoranda initially recommended an exemption for the President and the vice president. However, Tinubu, who chairs the Council, overruled this, insisting that he and the VP, alongside their aides, must pay tolls.
“How much are we expecting? It runs into billions. We are looking at raising at least N10bn annually. This is a very big one for us (Federal Government). And we will market the e-tags so that VIPS will buy into it,” said Keyamo when asked about specifics.
He explained, “When we came to office, we met a tradition on the ground where at the end of the year, all manners of VIPs would approach us for what they call complimentary e-tags or complimentary stickers. They don’t pay airport access fees, parking, or essential services.
“The negative figure we get at the end of the day from the complimentary e-tags is -82 per cent. In other words, we end up selling only 18 per cent of e-tages. Imagine the loss! I told myself and my team, not under my watch. It is inconceivable that the VIPs don’t pay for services, but the poor pay.
“Our memo says with the exception of the President and the Vice President. But the President overruled me and said he and the Vice President would pay. He said everybody must pay.”
Enacted in 1995, the FAAN Act (Part IV) empowers the airport authority to levy and collect various charges from various categories of airport users to support the maintenance and development of airport infrastructure.
He added that a percentage rebate was being considered for service veterans.
The minister also vowed to ensure compliance, saying, “I will breathe down on the regulators. I must direct them to do what the law says diligently. I will ensure that they don’t water. down the regulatory measures.”
He said toll collection officers at the airport gates would no longer be bullied into granting access to uniform officers who refuse to pay. He assured them that more cameras would be “planted” in strategic positions to capture and expose any acts of harassment.
Regarding his alleged interference in the operations of airlines, especially as it concerns the closure of Dana Airlines, Keyamo noted that he would “continue to interfere to save lives until he leaves office.”
In a related development, the FEC approved a memorandum seeking N4.2bn for the maintenance and supply of aircraft recovery equipment.
Keyamo said the equipment would be used at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos and was designed to respond to occasions of aircraft breakdown on runways.
Apart from the initiative on the airports, the FEC also approved a N2tn mortgage initiative and banned sand-dredging 10km from federal bridges.
The council also approved a N51bn transport terminal hub in Abuja. It added that $7m US property would become Nigeria’s tech hub.
FEC also approved a new revenue platform for gaming and lottery businesses as well as N546bn for roads in Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kebbi and Sokoto.
N72bn transmission lines
Meanwhile, the Federal Government also approved about N72bn for the construction of a new transmission line and emergency restoration systems for other transmission lines to enable quick repair of vandalised and damaged power infrastructure.
This came as the Federal Government also defended the Lagos-Ibadan Coastal Highway project, saying the project which would enhance growth and development followed due process.
Approved N72bn project includes the first is a 93-kilometer transmission line at Oji River/9th Mile for the 132 KV double circuit transmission line, costing $33.9m (N50.93bn) and N10.1m.
The second is for the supply and installation of 15 units of emergency restoration systems costing $14m (N21.04bn) for 330 KV and 132 KV transmission lines. The system will expedite the repair of damaged power infrastructure.
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed this to journalists at the State House as some of the approvals he secured at Tuesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting.
He explained that the emergency restoration system is a response to the impact of vandalism on power transmission assets, particularly in the Northeast, where there has been a blackout for the past weeks due to vandalism.
“We are aware of what is happening in the Northeast today in the last two to three weeks. There have been blackouts because of vandalisation activities. The Transmission Company of Nigeria has been trying to ensure that they fix these vandalised assets and we hope that before the end of the month, we should be able to return normalcy to the power situation in the Northeast.
“This emergency ratio restoration system will enable us to fix all the vandalised and damaged power infrastructure across the country.
“This was brought about by the impact of vandalisation across the country in terms of power transmission assets to ensure that the students enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power supply,” Adelabu explained.
The power minister also noted that the new 93km transmission line will stabilise the national grid and expand its capacity, in line with the national grid expansion plan and the Presidential Power Initiative to increase its end-to-end capacity.
Monday’s approval also includes the procurement of 10 transformers and 10 reactors for the Transmission Company of Nigeria at a total cost of $4.8m (N7.2bn) and N102m, saying this will enhance the optimal performance of the national grid, reduce the risk of electric shock and equipment damage, and protect personnel from the effects of high voltage.
The Federal Government also appealed to Organised Labour not to derail the transformation plan for the power sector, saying to achieve the desired service the current sacrifice is required.
Adelabu also assured Labour that their demands made during their nationwide protest on Monday were being considered.
On Monday, leaders of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria led their members in peaceful protest in different parts of the country, picketing the activities of agencies and institutions under the Power Ministry, demanding the reversal of the recent increase in electricity tariff.
However, reacting to the demands by the Labour unions, Adelabu noted that the federal government had noted their grievances, received their demands and would be engaging further with them, emphasising that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is a listening government.
He said, “It’s the right of the Labour to protest peacefully and to come up with their demands, from the perspective they saw what we did. It is allowed, it is legitimate and it is understandable
“Let me make that clear. President Bola Tinubu’s administration is also a listening government. We have heard demands, we’re going to look at it, we’ll make further engagements and I believe we’re going to reach a peaceful resolution with the labour.
“My appeal again is that they should please not derail or distract our transformation plan for the industry. We have a documented reform roadmap to take us to our desired destination, where we’re going to have reliable, functional, cost-effective and affordable electricity in Nigeria. It cannot be achieved overnight because this is a decay of almost 60 years, which we are trying to correct.
“Nobody promised us or assured us that the road will be smooth. We knew it was going to be rough, but we must weather the storm, which is going to be temporary. It’s a lot of sacrifice from everybody; from the government’s side, from the people’s side, from the private sector side. So we must bear this sacrifice for us to have a permanent gain.”
Meanwhile, the FG has revealed plans to tap into local funds such as pension and life insurance to develop infrastructure in the country.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed this while briefing correspondents saying that there are over N20tn of such funds available in the country.
He said the fund would go into infrastructure such as housing and providing long-term mortgages.
He explained, “Nigeria is resilient, Nigerians are resilient. The fact is that even before we start looking to foreign investors, we start looking to foreign funding, there are available in Nigeria, long-term funds to fund infrastructure projects, and it’s within the pension, life insurance and investment fund industry generally.
“There is upwards of N20tn available, and much of it is in short-term funding that doesn’t need to be. Pension money is long-term.
“People save over their lifetime for their pension. And so in conversation, in consultation, collaboration and cooperation with the private sector, we are now able to announce and with the full knowledge and support of all parties, that there will be an initiative to fund growth through investment in infrastructure, including housing, provision of mortgages, long term mortgages, 25-year mortgages at relatively low interest rates.
He noted that, initially, the government would stand back and provide some support, particularly in the era of high interest rates but will lessen its involvement as interest rates stabilise.
“On the supply side, construction of houses will be funded. On the demand side mortgages will be made available so that those constructing houses have an outlet and Nigerians who are saving so much by way of pension funds, have the bonus of access to affordable mortgages.
“That is the long and short of this initiative and you also as much as anybody else can understand and see what it means in the construction industry to do for the country.
“That is the plan, that is the target that is the hope. And in this particular case, you have the best and the brightest that Nigeria has to offer, putting their minds together and committing to achieving the goals,” he said.
Edun spoke against the backdrop of what he said in the context of President Bola Tinubu’s macroeconomic reforms, “which are necessary and could not be delayed a moment longer.”
The Federal Executive Council presided over by President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday approved N96,297,056,103bn for the development of bus terminals and other transportation facilities in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The amount also covers the award of contract to Masssr Planet Project Limited for the construction of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, contract for the provision of Security operation and maintenance of back-up generator for the street lights along the Presidential routes and Villa Gate 8 in the Federal Capital City, as well as the upgrade roads in Kwali Area Council.
Minister of State for the FCT, Mrs Mariya Mahmood, also disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting.
She explained that all the due process for the procurement procedure has already been followed and the certificate of no-objection has been obtained for the contracts.
According to her, “The first approval is for the award of contract for the development of bus terminal and other transportation facilities in the Capital territory. Secondly, is approval for the award of contract for the construction of the Court of Appeal Abuja division.
“And number three is approval for the award of contracts for the provision of security operations and maintenance of backup generators for the streetlights along presidential routes and villa gate 8, the federal capital city.
“And lastly, the fourth one is for the upgrading of Koita-Igbu in Kwali Area Council. All the necessary due process for the procurement procedure has been followed. And a certificate of no objection has been obtained for all the awarded approved contracts.”
Breaking down the figures, the Minister said “ I do have costs and contractors. The first one for the first time was awarded at a cost of N51,025,172,424.90 and it was awarded in favour of Messrs Planet Project Limited.
“Then the second one is in favour of Visible Construction Limited at the cost of N37,259,513,881.14 and the upgrading of Kwali-Ibu is at N7.6 billion in favour of El Emad Nigeria Limited. For the generator and also the security there are two things attached to that memo.
“The issue of security operation and maintenance of the backup generator and it’s at the cost of N412,352,800 million. It was awarded to Messiah Contract People Limited.”
Three commissioners serving in the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara have resigned from the Rivers State Executive Council.
The commissioners are Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), and Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment), who are all loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
They were among the nine commissioners who had previously resigned in the heat of the political crisis in the state before the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
Their resignations came 24 hours after Fubara slammed his predecessor and estranged his political godfather, accusing him of leaving a huge debt burden for him.
The three commissioners tendered their resignations in separate letters addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.
Mmom’s letter read, “I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Commissioner for Education with effect from today, May 15, 2024.
“It is a truism that a calm, safe, and friendly environment would stimulate efficient service delivery and enhanced productivity. It is, however, unfortunate to note that my current workspace has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favourable environment to enable me to realise my set targets for the education sector in the state.
“There is loss of trust, animosity and sharp division among colleagues in the same cabinet which is unhealthy and very unfortunate. I want to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve in your cabinet and wish your administration well.”
Moments later, Ben-Chioma forwarded his letter dated same May 15. He noted that his reason for resigning is because of the political crisis in the state.
His letter read, “I hereby tender my resignation as the Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day, May 15, 2024.
“I want to sincerely appreciate Your Excellency for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the State Executive Council. My decision to resign is due to the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons.
“It was a privilege to have been of service to you in your administration and wish you all the best in your tenure.”
Similarly, Worlu in his letter dated May 15, said, “I write to resign my appointment as the Commissioner for Housing formally. One of the most difficult decisions in my life yet, it is precipitated by the toxic atmosphere that has characterised our working relationship, especially the smouldering arbitrariness of decisions and actions, including the attempt to fuse the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.
“I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your government and wish you the best as you continue to steer the ship of state. Kindly accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”
Before the trio of Mmom, Worlu, and Ben-Chioma, others who resigned were the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.
Adangor and Kamalu resigned after Fubara directed that they should be redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) and Ministry for Employment Generation and Empowerment, respectively.