Press release by the Chairman Afenifere Renewal Group on Federal Government Proposed Local Government Autonomy
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The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice stirred the hornet’s nest again as regards the issue of local government autonomy. The Minister expressed concerns about the mal-administration of local governments’ portion of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) by the States Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), the tenure of office of local government Chairpersons that is often times truncated by Governors and this coupled with the subnational governments' failure to conduct local government elections and thus, in many cases, preferring to appoint Caretaker Committees and or Sole Administrators to administer local governments in breach of the constitution.
The Minister is also of the opinion that the responsibility for conducting local government elections should be transferred to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) because of how State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) now come across as bad advertisement for democracy.
We sympathise with the Attorney-General who we believe from his antecedents sincerely desire a truly representative democracy where development will be bottom up as opposed to the top down approach we are currently executing.
However, given the saying that beheading is not the antidote for headache, he can not in the process of trying to solve a challenge that can easily be put right, cause a damage that will have fundamental repercussions to our country and our fledgling democracy. ARG posits that our democracy needs to be strengthened by operating as a truly federal structure where the two tiers of government, the national and subnational, operate as equal partners. Any attempt to create a third frontier in local government autonomy is a call for future chaos and it bodes no good for anyone.
The federal government must completely hands off local government administration- it is the prerogative of the subnational. Let the reforms come from that level through legal means and civic advocacy. That is what will stimulate enduring change. Any other approach like the one being touted will only engender confusion.
While the Afenifere Renewal Group(ARG) commends the sincere intention of the Minister to further trickle down good governance to the people, it is important to clearly state that the construct of local government autonomy, as being ideated, essentially undermines the underpinnings of federalism as a governance template. The proposed alteration is essentially anathemic to the fundamental principles of federalism because it subtly offers the central government power to control activities at local level within the territory of the State. Though, no two federal systems are the same, one of the fundamental principles of federalism is the parity in relationship between the two levels of government established (i.e. central and subnational government). Not being a federating unit, it is an aberration that local governments' administrative costs would be drawn from the federation account, as they are unknown to the central authority as created by the subnational blocks.
Further, the autonomy,as being conceived, focuses more on “rents sharing” as opposed to creating and enhancing productive capacities at the local government level. What is waiting to be accomplished is focusing on optimizing productive capacities of our economy.
Moreover, the State tier, by virtue of its legislative mandate over development management enjoys the most effective and efficient coordinators precept over its territory. At a time when the mitigation of the ravages of climate change, rapid urbanisation, land grabs and the associated insecurity and food poverty are increasingly being intertwined with efficacious management of land and biodiversity, the quest for autonomy being envisaged further undermines the capacity of federating unit governments to seamlessly plan comprehensively across their territories. The putative autonomy of local government, most importantly undermines the capacity of state governments to manage vulnerable rural areas that are now melting pots of different security risks. What could be more complicating, when higher authorities from the Centre hold strategic interests that run contrary to those of the sub-nationals or the federating units; and they hold the fiscal life-line of the autonomous local governments!
While it is most unacceptable that some State Governors are holding onto resources that should percolate to municipal authorities under them, the standard procedure should be enabling the appropriate legal and financial institutions of state to confront and stymying the unwholesome act and affecting punishment as may be appropriate. To that extent, the focus for our country at this point in time should be optimal unleashing of regional potentials rather than investing energies towards outright eradication of the vestiges of Nigeria's federalism still operational and manifesting in the control being wielded by States over the affairs of the local government areas within their jurisdictions.
Further, the heist on local government resources or any other resources for that matter, as being the crux of current agitations, should rather as highlighted earlier be deemed a corruption issue, and an extension of tier-inclusive governance failure.
It would be recalled, that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), himself, as a Governor in Lagos State, had running battles with the Federal Government, first and victoriously, with respect to the prerogative reserved by States when it comes to land management and control, and second, with respect to the powers of States to create local governments, an endeavour that would be stonewalled by the reactionary and unitary standpoint of the government of that era. This second endeavour would project him as a quintessential champion of true federalism.
Now that he is in charge, and considering the current circumstances of our nationhood that make optimal unleashing of regional resources and blockage of any form of haemorrhage even more pressing and expedient, the sustenance of the prebendalist order where Local Governments that were created by military fiats and indeed by mere delineation of swathes of lands into jurisdictions to confer on certain regions' gerrymandering and fiscal allocational advantages, without recourse to whether they have the resources and means to attain autarky, can no longer be acceptable.
Our federal system would stand strengthened when the local governments construct as currently available in the constitution is delisted, with the States reinvigorated to determine what administrative structure suits them.
However, while we maintain that the federating units or States reserve the right to subdivide its territory into suitable adminstrative structures and determine their powers and responsibilities, the ARG strongly favours elective autonomy for any so envisaged local government structure. This, however, would not justify why INEC should be responsible for organising elections of adminstrative structures for any State tier that is an equal opportunity partner with the central government in a federal arrangement. INEC, over the years, has equally not proven to be independent enough to guarantee fairness. Similarly,as currently constituted,the SIECs have also not shown capacity and have rather come across as bad advertisement for democracy. But they can be and should be reformed and rejigged to bequeath flawless elections therefrom.
It is based on the foregoing that the ARG has voted not to support the autonomy being proposed for the local governments. It must however be clearly and firmly stated that this position was informed by the altruistic quest to protect the sovereignty of our States cum Region in line with the fundamental principles of federalism.
Nevertheless, we are not oblivious of the rightful agitation of a segment of our society for what has been described as local government autonomy because of the seeming lack of governance or effective service delivery in our local communities.
Therefore, we strongly appeal that current sub national governments not already doing so, should immediately take deliberate steps towards addressing some of those concerns, particularly the issue of democratic local government Councils and full and effective discharge of financial obligations to local governments under their jurisdiction.
For Afenifere Renewal Group
Hon. Olawale Oshun.
Chairman
Chief Ayo Afolabi
Secretary
[PRESS RELEASE] Late Joshua Ejigbo’s Family Lawyer Condemns Veritas University's Insensitive Remarks
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Late Joshua Ejigbo’s Family Lawyer Condemns Veritas University's Insensitive Remarks](/media/k2/items/cache/6b3b1d0b9c5cadd309b0f129578466b2_L.jpg)
As counsel to the family of late Joshua Ejigbo, we are deeply appalled by the recent insensitive and callous statements made by Mr. Ben Agande, the spokesperson for Veritas University, Abuja, regarding the tragic death of our client's son, Joshua. Mr. Agande's dismissive remarks about the family acting on a "phantom autopsy" and his insinuation that they are spreading falsehoods are not only untrue but also deeply hurtful to a family grieving the loss of their child.
It is evident that Veritas University, rather than expressing remorse for their negligence, has chosen to defame and attack the grieving family of Joshua. This behaviour further demonstrates their lack of empathy and accountability in this matter.
Let us be clear: Veritas University, while acting in loco parentis, had a legal and moral duty to ensure the safety and well-being of Joshua while he was under their care. They failed in this duty on multiple fronts:
- The gymnasium where the incident occurred was unsupervised, leaving students vulnerable to potential hazards.
- The delay in attending to Joshua's injuries and the lack of basic first aid in the gymnasium and emergency care facilities at the university's clinic undoubtedly exacerbated his condition.
- The university allowed an underage student to use gym facilities without obtaining express written consent from his parents.
These failures amongst several identified constitute a clear breach of the duty of care owed to Joshua, and we intend to hold Veritas University fully accountable for their negligence.
Furthermore, Veritas University, as the owner and occupier of the premises where this tragic incident occurred, bears an undeniable responsibility under the legal principle of owner/occupier liability. The university had an inherent duty to ensure that its premises were safe for all students before inviting them onto campus. It is unconscionable that an institution that collects substantial fees from its students failed to provide the most basic protection to the young people entrusted to its care.
This negligence is not only a legal liability but also a moral failing of the highest order.
Moreover, the university's version of events surrounding Joshua's death is blatantly contradicted by the medical certificate of cause of death. While the school attempts to portray the incident as unexplainable, the certificate clearly indicates that Joshua died a violent death under their watch. This discrepancy raises serious concerns about the university's transparency and cooperation in helping the family uncover the truth. It is evident that Veritas University is more concerned with protecting its commercial interests and maintaining a facade of morality to attract unsuspecting families than with revealing the truth and taking responsibility for their negligence.
We urge Veritas University to retract their insensitive statements, issue a sincere apology to the family, and take immediate steps to address the systemic failures that led to this tragedy. We will not rest until justice is served for Joshua and his family.
For: A&G Solomon®
Ataguba S. Aboje, Esq, CIPP/E, NP FRN, MCIArb, FICAD, FBDFM, FCIGCD
Managing Partner
Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria
Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales
Notary
President Bola Tinubu has decried the poor delivery of democracy dividends at the grassroots, calling on state governors to prioritize the needs of local communities.
Tinubu, who made the call when he received the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, also spoke on out-of-school children, security, and the economy.
While noting the lack of attention for the grassroots, where he said the highest number of votes come from during elections, the President said the ACF leadership should intervene by imploring governors to urgently pay attention to the needs of people in the councils.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngalale, said: “We are running a constitutional democracy. I will appeal to you to summon the governors. I am doing my very best to enhance the revenue base of the country. They must equally be sympathetic and urgently consider the needs of the local people.
“People reside in the local communities. That is where they work, farm, and live. If the local governments are not effective in delivering services; as leaders, we must not hang on to the numbers. We have 774 local government areas, but are they truly effective? Do they solve problems for Nigerians? Do they coordinate development programming with the state and federal governments?
“Who is being held accountable for the performance of the 774 local governments? Maybe we should look at recalibrating. What was good four years ago may not be good today. When we want the votes, we go to the locals; when we get the votes, we move to and focus on Abuja.”
Highlighting the significance of education in nation-building, the President described the situation of out-of-school children in parts of Nigeria as unacceptable.
On security, President Tinubu commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his efforts, saying: “Everybody wants to be secure, and we need to invest more in technology. We will do it, I promise you. We will put our heart and soul into ensuring that Nigeria is secure and its citizens are protected.”
Tinubu also used the occasion to appeal for national unity and continued support for his government as it makes effort to address challenges confronting the populace.
He directed the establishment of a committee to follow up on the issues raised at the meeting and assigned the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to lead the follow-up efforts.
The sum of ₦3.8 billion has been allocated by the Tinubu-led Federal government to support stranded Nigerian scholars in foreign countries.
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, shared this information on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on TETFund.
He mentioned that the fund has provided support to 1,500 scholars, totalling ₦3.8 billion in funding.
In response to the reported delay in scholarship payments, Echono clarified that the recent spike in foreign exchange rates has raised concerns among scholars from various countries, including the United Kingdom and Malaysia.
Echono confirmed that these concerns had been communicated to the National Assembly, the Presidential Villa, the Ministry of Education, and even TETFund.
“We were happy that the response was very positive and that was why we were able to secure the President’s approval and do what we called the bail out or assistance.
“We did observe that part of the challenge.
“In the past, each time we send funding for the institutions, we send money directly to the schools and it is the responsibility of the institutions to now remit to the students.
“However, for illegitimate and legitimate reasons, many of the institutions came back to us and complained that it takes a whole lot of time to process the transfers to central bank.
“But we now pay directly to the institution as part of our intervention,” he said.
Echono disclosed that Nigeria’s performance in research grants has improved, moving from 9th to 7th place in Africa.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the temporary suspension of the controversial helicopter landing fee recently introduced by the federal government.
Keyamo, in a statement on Friday, issued by the spokesperson of his ministry, Odutayo, Oluseyi, said the suspension is to allow a review of the policy after stakeholders complained about its introduction.
Recalls the federal government had announced the introduction of a $300 helicopter landing levy.
According to a statement issued by the Press and Public Affairs Manager of the Ministry of Aviation, the government has granted the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) permission to begin charging the fees.
The statement added that NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited has been granted sole authorization to administer helicopter landing fees for federal entities on behalf of NAMA for the federal government.
However, following the vehement rejection of the levy by aviation stakeholders, Keyamo announced on Friday that the levy has been suspended with effect from May 30, 2024, to allow for its review.
He added that a committee has been set up to look into the issues raised by concerned stakeholders and submit a report on or before the end of June 2024.
“The statement read: “Following a meeting with the AON executive on the issue bordering on Helicopter landing levies collection at Aerodromes, Helipads, Air Strips, etc, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has temporarily suspended the enforcement granted Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd, by the Federal Government, as consultants to collect such levies.
“The suspension is with effect from 30th May, 2024. This, the Minister said is as a result of clamor for review by some stakeholders in the industry.
“Accordingly, Keyamo has constituted a Committee with members drawn up from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its relevant Agencies, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), International Oil Companies (IOCs) and Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd who are charged to look into the issues raised by concerned Stakeholders and submit a Report on or before end of June, 2024.
“Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd was granted the exclusive right by the Federal Government as consultants to collect such levies which stakeholders have expressed their reservation on the appropriateness of the levies.
“The recommendation(s) of the Committee would proffer a way forward”.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has characterised President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office as “tumultuous.”
However, the group commended President Tinubu’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s infrastructure, agricultural development and enhanced security since his assumption of office.
MACBAN National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma gave the commendation in a congratulatory letter to President Tinubu on Friday.
Ngelzarma stated that Tinubu’s one year in office stands him as a man of courage, conviction and vision to make Nigeria great.
The letter reads, “Congratulations to Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Tinubu, on your one year in office. On behalf of the over six million pastoral communities in Nigeria, the chairman of the board of trustees, the national executive, management, and staff of MACBAN, I wish to congratulate you on your successful one-year anniversary in office.
“Your one year in office, though tumultuous, stands you as a man of courage, conviction and vision with ‘Renewed Hope’ to make Nigeria great. Your commitment to developing Nigeria’s infrastructure, agricultural development and enhanced security is a testimony that you are not only up to the task but to deliver dividends of democracy to the larger Nigerian populace.”
The group noted that Tinubu’s agenda on agriculture, which intends to make Nigeria self-sufficient in its food security, entails massive agronomy and livestock production investment.
In view of this, MACBAN said it looks forward to the president’s promise of creating a ministry for livestock to handle the N15 trillion industry and its value chain.
The group stressed that the industry stands to provide millions of quality jobs to Nigerian youth wallowing in unemployment and abject poverty, which is a threat to national cohesion and security in the country.
To achieve this objective, the group called for the immediate establishment and inauguration of the livestock implementation committee, which you promised during the report presentation.
It also appealed to Tinubu to allow the National Commission for Nomadic Education to exist independently for the continued well-being of Nigerian nomads.
The letter added, “We appreciate the efforts of security agencies in the country in combating crime, but we express concern with the way and manner in which innocent pastoralists are being profiled and extorted. Your Excellency, the hope you exude should be made a reality to strengthen the faith of ordinary Nigerians on your renewed hope agenda.
“We will continue to support you in your quest to strengthen institutional frameworks to make Nigeria and Nigerians the pride of Africa in innovation and productivity.”
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, Alhassan Yaryasa has called for the reconciliation of two former governors and the political leaders in the state, Abdullahi Ganduje and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Yaryasa opined that the duo must sheath their sword if they want the people of Kano to live in peace.
The APC chieftain stated this during an interview with Punch in Kano.
According to him, Kano indigenes are after the progress and development of the state.
He stressed that it is the prayers of the Islamic scholars and other well-meaning Nigerians that are sustaining the current peace in Kano since the coming of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“Kano people want to live in peace, and they are after the progress and development of the state. There is the need for them – Kwankwaso and Ganduje – to forgive each other in order for Kano people to live in peace,” Yaryasa said.
He also advised people of the state not to engage in any act capable of plunging the state into trouble or violence.
“My advice to Kano residents and the entire people of the state is that they should live in peace with one another because it’s the bedrock of any development in the society.
“With the dissolution of the five emirates If not because of prayers, Kano would have been on fire or in chaos by now.
“The matter is currently in court. So, it will be a contempt of court or a disrespect to the court if Governor Abba went ahead and reinstated Sanusi,” he added.
Yaryasa, who is also a former coordinator of the Tinubu Campaign Organisation for Kano South, noted that the dissolution of the new emirates was nothing but vendetta against the person of the former Governor Ganduje.
“We know before now people who don’t wish the state well have been calling on the governor to dissolve the emirates, and now that he has dissolved the emirates, let’s see what will happen.
“Those calling for the scrapping of the emirates are nothing but enemies of the state. I said it before, and I’m still maintaining my stand that scrapping the emirates will not augur well for the state,” he insisted.
For millions in anguished parts of the world, certainly for us in vast swathes of the African continent, this is a daybreak on a new democratic promise. The warning is clear. sooner or later, the clamour of equity breaks down the stoutest gates on guard across the citadel of impunity,
The Trump debacle is a challenge also, a call to preparedness and steadfastness. Installed and putative fascisms – secular, military or theocratic - will extract from this only the wrong lessons, batten down and ‘crack down’ in self-protection. It is “Not yet Uhuru”, not anywhere close for humanity in our global village. Nonetheless, a celebration, albeit in a minor key, is justified.
Donald Trump
p.s. Seeing that this trite, personal gesture attracted such inordinate attention at the time, let me answer the question before it is asked: Yes, I may choose to apply for restoration of my card of Permanent Residence, known as the Green Card. Possibly.
Wole SOYINKA
A.R.I. (Permanent Resident)
Ogun State, Nigeria
May 30, 2024
Donald Trump Convicted On All 34 Charges In ‘Hush Money’ Trial - Becomes First U.S Ex-President Convicted Of Crime
AFOLABI
…Becomes First U.S Ex-President Convicted Of Crime
Former President Donald Trump has been convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in relation to a “hush money” payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 United States election.
A 12-person jury reached the unanimous decision after two days of deliberations in the closely-watched trial.
The charges stemmed from a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen to Daniels in the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign to buy her silence about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump years earlier.
Prosecutors argued that Trump falsified records about reimbursing Cohen to cover up the payment, which could have been a violation of campaign finance laws.
In delivering the verdict, the jury agreed with prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office that Trump engaged in a widespread effort to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election by covering up potential scandals.
Trump had pleaded not guilty and his defence maintained the payment was meant to prevent personal embarrassment rather than an illegal campaign contribution.
“Our whole country is being rigged right now,” CNN quoted Trump as telling reporters after leaving the courtroom.
“This was done by the Biden administration in order to wound or hurt an opponent, a political opponent.”
More details to follow…
More...
President Bola Tinubu has vowed to sack any minister in his cabinet who he feels falls short of the expectations of Nigerians.
Tinubu stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
The president, again, vowed to continue to do his best for the country.
“I thank the cabinet members for their efforts, but I will relieve any of them of their duties anytime I feel that they are failing Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
There are strong indications that Organised Labour may begin a nationwide strike from Monday, June 3, over a new minimum wage.
This is as the tripartite committee on a new national minimum wage, NNMW, reconvenes today, following abrupt adjournment due to labour’s walkout of last Tuesday’s meeting, where it accused government negotiators of unseriousness in the negotiation process.
Meanwhile, accusing fingers are pointing to the state governors of ganging up against the Federal Government to stall the ongoing negotiation.
Labour’s negotiating team had on Tuesday, for the second time in two weeks, walked out of the committee meeting after the Federal Government increased its offer marginally to N60,000 from the N57,000 it offered on Wednesday, May 22.
Labour, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterpart, had on May 15, walked out of the tripartite committee meeting after the government offered N48,000 and Organised Private Sector, OPS, offered N54,000, against its N615,000 demand.
Meeting reconvenes
However, in a letter reconvening the meeting, Ekpo Nta, member/Secretary of the committee on behalf of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, NSIWC, dated May 29, said: “You are respectfully invited to attend the 7th meeting of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage which is scheduled as follows: Date: Friday, 31, May 2024
Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, Nicon Luxury Hotel Plot 903, Tafawa Balewa Way Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Time: 10:00 am Prompt
“The minutes of the 6′ meeting and the draft agenda for the 7” meeting wil be circulated in due course.
“Please note that the following ‘Zoom link’ has been provided for any member who indicates inability to be physically present to participate in the meeting.”
Labour mobilizes for strike
Organised labour sources, nonetheless, told Vanguard that a nationwide strike might start on Monday, depending on the outcome of today’s meeting.
According to the sources, organised labour is already mobilizing for a strike from Monday, June 3.
A labour leader, who spoke to Vanguard anonymously, said: “The outcome of tomorrow’s (today) will determine our next line of action. If the meeting comes out fruitful, better for everyone.
“But should government’s team continue with its carefree attitude and disdain for workers’ welfare, nothing will stop us from going on strike from Monday. We are already mobilizing for the strike.
“Everyone knows that the one-month ultimatum we gave to the government to conclude negotiations on the new national minimum wage ends tomorrow (today). We have been patient amid the hardship and mass suffering inflicted on us by the government’s anti-poor policies.
“Besides that, the issue of the minimum wage is statutory. The old Minimum Wage Act ceased to exist since April 18. We had more than six months, at least, to work on a new minimum wage.
“But the government has not been serious with issues affecting workers. Well, Nigerians can bear us witness that we have been patient with this government. If the government knows what is good for it, let its negotiators come up with something reasonable to meet workers’ expectations, otherwise, strike will be inevitable from Monday.”
Govs gang-up
On alleged gang-up by governors, organised labour which appears not to be unaware of the gang-up, is already working on a series of industrial actions, including a total shutdown of nation’s economy to speed up the process.
According to a Presidency source, “the unwillingness of most of the state governors to commit to a reasonable new national minimum wage is putting pressure on the federal government to do the needful.
“Even though what labour is demanding is on the high side, the Federal Government is under pressure from the state governors not to give in to labour’s demand. They have been insisting that they do not have the resources to pay a high wage.
“You can see that they have been shunning the ongoing negotiations because they are afraid to come to the open to put forward their arguments. They cannot continue to shy away. We know there are challenges, we have to face it one way or the other. We must come up with a new national minimum wage. It is a law that we have to abide with.”
Reacting, one of the labour leaders in the negotiating team, told Vanguard that Labour was not ignorant of the antics of the state governors, but said the federal government had a fair share in whatever the governors were doing.
He said: “From the onset, the federal government created this problem by choosing governors that have breached the 2019 Minimum Wage Act as members of the tripartite committee, representing the governors.
“Check, none of the six governors in the committee is labour-friendly. They never fully implemented the N30,000 minimum wage. I remember that the NLC president raised the issue when their names were announced as members representing the governors in the tripartite committee on the new national minimum wage.
“As we speak, many of them have refused to pay the wage award to their workers as a temporary measure to cushion the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy. Even some of them that agreed to pay have not paid more than two or three months. In fact, some of them are paying a meagre N10,000 or N15,000.
“They cannot run away from the reality. Whatever economic challenge we face today, they created it. They are all receiving more money from the federation account as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and the excessive taxation of the people, among other sources of funds, such as IGR. They have no excuse or reason not to pay.
“We have lined up a series of industrial actions, including shutting down the economy, to speed up the process. We are just waiting for the May 31 deadline we gave on May Day to take the next line of action.”
FG pleads labour’s understanding
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has appealed to organized labour to see reason with its offer.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who appealed yesterday, asked Labour to be considerate and patriotic in their demand in the ongoing negotiations.
She said the government had been consistent in taking steps to secure a fair and realistic wage for Nigeria workers but urged Labour to recognise that the nation’s economy is still on the path of recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic distress.
The minister said: “We appeal to organized labour and, indeed, other relevant stakeholders to be considerate and patriotic in their demands, recognizing that our economy is still recovering from the devastating effects of the pandemic and other global economic shocks. “We are committed to putting the people first and ensuring that our economic policies benefit all Nigerians, not just a select few.
“The government remains dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of our citizens and urge all relevant parties to demonstrate patriotism and understanding, particularly during this critical period when President, Bola Tinubu is working diligently to revitalize the economy.
“We recognize that the economic challenges we face are complex and multi-faceted, and we require the collective effort of all stakeholders to overcome them.”
The minister noted that last Tuesday’s meeting with Labour was a significant step in the ongoing efforts to secure a fair and realistic wage for Nigerian workers.
“As a government, we recognise the importance of ensuring that our citizens receive a decent standard of living, and we are committed to making this a reality.
“After hours of intense negotiations, labour leaders took a recess to consult with other key stakeholders and have pledged to return to the negotiating table for further discussions today. We welcome this development and are optimistic that our continued engagement will yield a positive outcome.
“In light of the current economic conditions, we have made a concessionary move from N57,000 to N60,000. This increase is a demonstration of our willingness to listen to the concerns of labour and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
“We understand that the current economic landscape is challenging, and we are doing everything in our power to mitigate its effects on our citizens. This is the path this government has chosen to pursue, and we will not deviate or stray from the course.
“President Tinubu has been tireless in his efforts to revitalise the economy and improve the standard of living for all Nigerians. His commitment to creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and reducing poverty is genuine, and we appeal to all to support him in this endeavour.
“As we move forward, we will continue to engage with organised labour and other stakeholders to ensure that our economic policies are inclusive and beneficial to all. We recognise that the times are challenging, but we are confident that with the collective effort of all Nigerians, we can overcome any obstacle and build a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.”
The Federal Government has secured a $500 million World Bank loan to empower Nigeria's energy distribution industry, the Bureau of Public Enterprises stated on Thursday.
The BPE announced that the financing has been secured to help address the numerous issues that Discos face in the country.
“In a strategic move to address the identified gaps in the electricity distribution companies, the Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a $500m loan from the World Bank,” BPE stated in a statement issued in Abuja by the Head of Public Communication, Amina Othman.
It added, “Approved on February 4, 2021, by the World Bank board of directors, this funding supports the Nigerian Distribution Sector Recovery Programme aimed at improving the financial and technical performance of the Discos.
“The DISREP is designed to enhance the financial and technical operations of the Discos through capital investment and the financing of key components of their Performance Improvement Plans, which have been approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.”
The Bureau stated that key areas of improvement include bulk procurement of customer/retail metres and metre data management systems, implementation of a Data Aggregation Platform, and strengthening governance and transparency within the Discos.
On the programme components, BPE said the DISREP comprises two main components.
It said the first is the programme for results, with an allocation of $345m, adding that the purpose is to support the implementation of selected PIP components. The Bureau of Public Enterprises is to implement this.
The other component is the Investment Project Financing, with an allocation of $155m and the purpose is to finance the procurement of metres, a data aggregation platform, and technical assistance.
“The DISREP loan, particularly the Investment Project Financing component, is expected to significantly benefit the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry by closing the metering gap, reducing Aggregate Technical, Collection, and Commercial losses, and improving remittances and liquidity for the Discos.
“Others include to enhance the reliability of power supply, as well as increase transparency and accountability within the Discos,” BPE stated.
It said the $500m DISREP loan from the World Bank offers concessional financing with more favourable terms than commercial bank loans.
“This will enable the Discos to invest in critical distribution infrastructure, improve ATC&C losses, increase power supply reliability, achieve financial sustainability in the power sector, and enhance transparency and accountability,” the bureau stated.
It noted that significant progress has been made in the preparation of the DISREP programme with several key milestones achieved and approved by the Federal Executive Council on August 3, 2022.
It said there has been the execution of the Financing Agreement by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the World Bank, and adoption of the Programme Operations Manual by BPE and Transmission Company of Nigeria.
The government has also obtained a legal opinion from the Attorney-General of the Federation and executed the Subsidiary Loan Agreement, adding that the effective declaration of the DISREP Programme was done on January 31, 2023, while the inauguration of the DISREP Technical Committee was on May 6, 2024.
It said the inclusion in the Federal Government borrowing plan was approved by the Senate Committee on May 16, 2024.
“To ensure repayment assurance, the Bureau of Public Enterprises sought and obtained approval from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the National Council on Privatisation for a structured repayment hierarchy.
“This structure prioritises payments as follows: 1. Statutory payments (taxes); 2. Repayment of CBN market loans; 3. Market obligations; 4. Repayment of DISREP loan; 5. Discos’ net revenue. This structured repayment plan aims to mitigate risks associated with repayment uncertainty and defaults, with regulatory sanctions imposed for any defaults,” BPE stated.
Power distribution companies in Nigeria have been widely criticised as being the weakest link in the country’s power value chain. This is due to many lapses on the part of the Discos.
For instance, about eight million registered power users out of an estimated 13 million electricity consumers are not metered by Discos. Also, there are complaints of poor power supply to many locations by Discos. Consumers on estimated billing also accuse Discos of extortion, among other concerns.
Nigeria got 11 power distribution companies after electricity generation and distribution arms of the industry were privatised in November 2013, and since then, the Discos have been struggling to meet the demands of end users.
House of Representatives has stepped down an amendment to a motion seeking foreign intervention to address Nigeria’s insecurity issues.
The lawmakers declined an amendment proposed by Hon. Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno), which called for the invitation of foreign mercenaries to assist in combating the issue.
Jaha stated that despite ongoing efforts by security agencies over the years, results have been insufficient, hence the need for Nigeria to engage foreign contractors to assist in combating insecurity across the country.
“During the period of insecurity in the northeast between 2020, there was no significant hunger in the country. However, when the bandits realized their actions were causing more hunger than insecurity, they expanded their operations to the southeast and southwest.
“Given the insurgency we’re grappling with, it’s prudent to seek assistance from other nations. Nigeria lacks the power and influence of countries like Ukraine and Russia. Bringing in machinery to tackle insecurity is essential to prevent a worsening hunger crisis next year. The current strategy of targeting farmers is crippling agricultural productivity. While we appreciate the efforts of our security agencies, additional support is urgently needed.”
But, Hon. Abbas Adigun, member representing Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency of Oyo State, strongly opposed the suggestion of employing foreign mercenaries, stating that it would be a source of embarrassment for the nation.
“We must prioritize bolstering our security agencies’ capacity and ensuring their personnel’s welfare. When they bravely venture into the field, there’s a stark reality: a 50% chance they won’t return. We must also consider the welfare of their families left behind.
“We’re sorely lacking the modern equipment needed to confront insurgents effectively. Despite discussing security measures in the 9th Assembly, no tangible actions have been taken. That’s why I’ve chosen not to attend any security meetings in this assembly.
“Requesting another nation to supply us with machinery is a slight to our stature as a leading African nation. We possess the capability within our security agencies, augmented by the expertise of retired service chiefs, to undertake such tasks internally.
“Many of Nigeria’s security challenges stem from its poorest and least educated regions. These issues are the fruit of seeds planted long ago. Nigeria must prioritize investments in education and alternative livelihoods over criminal activities,” he said.
Other lawmakers also followed his argument, dropping the amendment while the motion was adopted with other prayers.
Adopting the motion, the House decided to meet with the President to find solutions to the insecurity challenges. It urged police authorities to appropriate funds to repair damaged security assets nationwide.
The motion’s mover, Abdullahi Dabai from Katsina State, lamented that the people of his constituency are living in a state of fear owing to constant attacks by bandits.
“Families have lost their loved ones, their means of livelihood, and their homes. The psychological trauma inflicted on the survivors, particularly those who have lost family members or witnessed the destruction, cannot be overstated. The kidnappings have further exacerbated the situation, with families anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones,” he said.