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President Bola Tinubu plans to withdraw the nomination of Ruby Onwudiwe as board member of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
According to a report by Western Post, the decision follows pressure mounted on the president by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding Onwudiwe’s political affliation.
A post via her account on X, which reads “it was a landslide victory for Labour Party at my polling unit Lekki polling unit” was said to have incited the APC supporters who protested the nomination by Tinubu.
According to the report, flaunting her support for Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, and a display of the result at her polling unit, was a basis for the party members “to protest to senior government officials on the abnormality of the nomination of an opposition figure to serve at the apex bank”.
Tinubu reportedly immediately requested that the senate step down Onwudiwe’s nomination.
On March 14, Tinubu asked the senate to confirm the appointment of Onwudiwe as a member of the board of directors of the CBN.
Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpiabio, and read at the plenary on March 13.
“I am pleased to present for confirmation by the senate, the appointment of Dr Ruby Onwudiwe as a member of the CBN board of directors,” Tinubu said.
The president said Onwudiwe is a replacement for Urom Kalu Eke, who was unavailable due to conflict of interest.
Eke declined the nomination because he is still a consultant at the World Bank.
The new nomination came one month after Tinubu asked the senate to confirm five people as directors of the board of the CBN.
On February 29, the senate confirmed four people (excluding Eke) as members of the board.
The directors of the board are; Robert O. Agbide, Ado Yakubu Wanga, Murtala Sagaley, and Olayinka Aliyu.
[TheCable]
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Appoints Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Programme
AdminPresident Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
Dr. Otuaro holds a PhD in Comparative Politics & Development Studies; an MSc in Public Administration, and a BSc in Education.
He had previously served as a top-level executive of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with a surfeit of experience across multiple sectors, including infrastructure development, security, environmental remediation, as well as oil and gas.
The President anticipates that the new Administrator will bring his requisite experience and know-how to this role to revamp the Amnesty Programme and advance the realization of its founding purpose and vision.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has elevated his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Gboyega Akosile, to Special Adviser, Media and Publicity.
The appointment, which took immediate effect, was announced on Wednesday in a letter dated March 13, 2024, and signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro.
"I wish to convey the approval of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, of your new appointment as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (Non-Cabinet Rank) to Mr. Governor. The appointment takes effect from 13th March 2024 to 21st May 2027.
"In appointing you, the State Government expects you to demonstrate a high level of dedication, diligence, and selflessness in the discharge of your duties to justify the confidence and trust reposed in you," the statement reads in part.
Before his new appointment, Akosile was the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sanwo-Olu. He had earlier served as Media Adviser to the Governor during the 2019 governorship campaign and in the same capacity after the swearing-in of Governor Sanwo-Olu for a second term.
He also served as Deputy Chief Press Secretary and later Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sanwo-Olu during his first term in office.
Akosile holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Theatre Arts from both the University of Ilorin and University of Lagos respectively. He also bagged a Master of Business Administration degree, MBA at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU between 2008 and 2010.
He has over two decades of robust career and hands on experience in journalism, media and perception management.
In his new role, Akosile is expected to continue his media and perception management of the Governor and his administration, in line with the Government’s THEMES+ development agenda.
SIGNED
OLABODE AGORO
HEAD OF SERVICE
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Approves Relocation of NACA to Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
AdminPresident Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
NACA was previously domiciled in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The relocation of NACA to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is to foster synergy and enhance collaboration in pursuit of the nation's goal to achieve the 95-95-95 pathway for ending the AIDS epidemic.
In line with his topmost priority of manifesting the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration across sectors, the President is determined to consistently harmonize institutions within and between the different sectors in the country, ensuring improved coordination and synergy among agencies for efficient and qualitative service delivery to all Nigerians.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Directs Prioritization of Digital Infrastructure Investments to Enhance Business Efficiency and Productivity
Admin
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy; the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Federal Ministry of Environment to align regulations and tax frameworks to facilitate investment expansion in telecommunications and broadband infrastructure nationwide.
The President issued the directive at a meeting with a delegation from American Tower Corporation (ATC) Nigeria at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, expressing dissatisfaction with the bureaucratic pace in permit issuance processing for companies operating in the digital infrastructure sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of ATC Africa, Mr. Marek Busfy had expressed ATC Nigeria's commitment to expanding its investments in the country, which have already surpassed $2.19 billion since its commencement of Nigerian operations in 2015.
Busfy also emphasized ATC's commitment to delivering value to subscribers while reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with its operations.
Responding, President Tinubu commended ATC Nigeria for its significant contributions and investments in the country's ICT sector, highlighting the importance of innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide.
The President lauded the ongoing efforts of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to promote digital connectivity across the nation, particularly the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme that functions to upskill three million Nigerian youths in digital literacy and innovation through innovation incubators nationwide.
President Tinubu outlined ongoing initiatives to establish broadband connectivity in all 774 local government secretariats within six months, leveraging existing infrastructure, such as NIGCOMSAT and Galaxy Backbone's fibre optic network.
''In the area of ease of doing business, no nation can make progress without paying attention to the opportunities that are right in front of them. We have a vibrant youth population that has successfully innovated without much government support. What now happens in this era when we are providing massive support to their digital economic activities? They will do very well. You are investing in the right place at the right time.
''Considering our population and land mass, we need your investments to ensure that we are ready for a higher level of digital penetration in the telecommunications sector and the specific type of digital education that is needed in the competitive, knowledge-based global economy of the 21st century,'' the President said.
Addressing concerns raised by the delegation regarding the ease of doing business in Nigeria, President Tinubu assured them of his administration's commitment to implementing reforms that will eliminate bureaucratic constraints.
In response to a request from the delegation for a reduction in withholding tax for telecommunications companies to stimulate investments in telecommunications and broadband infrastructure, the President said the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) would review the matter and provide a solution that is in the best interest of both the investors and the Nigerian people.
''Every citizen, whether at the corporate or individual level, fights tax. Let us work with the FIRS and see how we can slice the cake. If the country has a good path of growth, it is a greater opportunity for you to invest,'' the President stated.
In his remarks, the CEO of ATC Africa reiterated the company's readiness to invest further in Nigeria's ICT infrastructure to meet the market's growing demand for data, while lauding the clarity of strategy demonstrated by the administration, particularly praising the roadmap and efforts of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
''Mr. President, what has struck me in Nigeria is the clarity of strategy by your administration, particularly in the ICT sector, and the administration's 3MTT programme. In the last year, we have invested over $200 million in growing our infrastructure in Nigeria, and we are ready to do significantly more.
''We have employed several hundred people in Nigeria and 25,000 more indirectly. We have paid about $400 million in taxes, both direct and indirect. As an American company, we are often asked about our experience in Africa and in Nigeria, and we want to stress that we are very ethical in our approach to business,'' Mr. Busfy said.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, today, signed the Bulk Purchase Agency and Assets Management and Maintenance Agency Bills recently passed by the State House of Assembly, into law.
Speaking during the Enlarged State Executive Council meeting at the EXCO Chambers, Governor Eno commended the leadership of the State House of Assembly for working to expeditiously pass the two bills.
The Bulk Purchase Bill, as the Governor has been saying, is a response by Government to the high cost of staple food items in the nation arising from some economic challenges currently being felt by Nigerians across social strata.
The Governor had stated that, “this is an intervention exercise, and the only way we can mitigate the suffering of our people, is to directly intervene. We believe the best vehicle for such intervention, was to set up an agency that will do a direct intervention in the market and get staple food items to our people at a reduced price. That is what the Bulk Purchase Agency seeks to address.
“Let me again, emphasize that this is an intervention exercise and not a permanent solution. The permanent solution is to return to the farm.
“That is why we will soon, set up an Agric Committee that will support our people with seedlings so they can return to the farm.
“This committee will work tirelessly to ultimately make our staple food items available at drastically reduced price range.
“ The second bill, seeks to create the State’s Assets Register, different and separate from Akwa Ibom State Road and Other Infrastructure Maintenance Agency, (AKROIMA) which as the name implies, is essentially for roads maintenance. We have to develop a strong maintenance culture. We can’t allow our assets to deteriorate.
“This bill also seeks to create an occupational safety department, in line with what obtains elsewhere.”
The signing of the bills was followed by a presentation of the key element of the Bulk Purchase Agency, which is the food voucher by the SSA on ICT Matters, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong.
A massive publicity on the working of this process will be further enhanced in the coming weeks.
All over the State, the people have commended and celebrated Governor Umo Eno for his people- centric initiatives, especially at this time of severe economic stress among Nigerians.
Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Approves Setting Up of Regional Coordinating Centre of Africa-CDC In Nigeria
AdminPresident Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Regional Coordinating Centre (RCC) of the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa-CDC) in Nigeria.
President Tinubu is the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership.
The President's approval of the siting of the Centre in Abuja is part of his larger effort to convey Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global health security, while promoting local economic opportunities in the health care delivery value chain and enhancing Nigeria's and West Africa's collective capacity to respond promptly to outbreaks which is vital to the overall well-being and stability of the African continent.
The Centre will also bring with it enormous socio-economic benefits in the form of enhancing aggregate national productivity and reversing human capacity drain, even as the ability of indigenous medical professionals and scientists will be bolstered to respond adequately to old, recent, and emerging diseases, not only in Nigeria, but across the continent.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 14, 2024
The senator representing Katsina Central in the National Assembly, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, has emerged as the new chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum.
Yar’Adua, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, was appointed as the forum’s new chair two days after the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi.
Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, accused the upper chamber of padding the 2024 budget to the tune of N3.7 trillion.
Although the issue of budget padding is not new in Nigeria, it is however the first time a serving senator who actively participated in the passage of the budget will accuse the lawmakers of such an act.
On Tuesday, Ningi blamed his resignation on unfolding events in the National Assembly, the north, and the nation at large.
The forum also named Senator Tahir Mungono representing Borno North as its spokesperson to replace Senator Sumaila Kawu who was warned by the Senate to stop sharing posts capable of causing unrest in the country.
The Federal Government has said that it plans to spend N178.9 billion on the implementation of the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo, made this known in the executive summary of the 63-page FMSDIGA strategic plan 2024-2028 presented on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to the minister, the key priority areas of the strategic plan includes food security, ending poverty, economic growth/job creation, access to capital, inclusivity, security, fairness and rule of law and anti-corruption stance.
Jisalo said his ministry is among the three Federal Ministries saddled with the responsibility to contribute to the implementation of President Tinubu’s developmental policies and National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025.
The minister also pledged strict monitoring of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs’) projects, including constituencies’ projects across the country.
He said: “On our own part as a ministry and as part of our mandates, is to monitor, do evaluation and also certify the payment.
“You know some of the projects are not in our ministry, they are in other ministries, we will collaborate with them to know what the national assemblies are doing.”
President Bola Tinubu has sent a new bill to the National Assembly regarding the student loan scheme.
Naija News reports that the development comes less than 48 hours after the federal government announced the indefinite suspension of the student loan scheme.
The new bill repeals the current Act and replaces it with a new one, aiming to facilitate a smoother scheme implementation.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, President Tinubu emphasized the necessity of this action to ensure the seamless execution of the scheme.
It is worth noting that the existing Act was among the first legislations signed by Tinubu after his inauguration.
The bill itself was sponsored by former speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who now serves as the Chief of Staff to the president.
Despite the government’s efforts, they have faced challenges in implementing the scheme, leading to multiple postponements of its launch.
A couple of days prior, a high-ranking official of the Tinubu government declared the permanent halt of the student loan program.
In his statement, Tinubu mentioned that the recent legislation aims to tackle issues concerning the organizational framework of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELF), qualifications for applicants, loan objectives, sources of funding, and distribution and repayment processes.
“TRANSMISSION OF STUDENT LOANS (ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION) (REPEAL AND RE-ENACTMENT) BILL, 2024
“Pursuant to Section 58(2) of the Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). I forward, herewith, The Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024 for the kind consideration of the House of Representatives.
“The Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re- Enactment) Bill, 2024 seeks to enhance the implementation of the Higher Education Student Loan Scheme by addressing challenges related to the management structure of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELF), applicant eligibility requirements, loan purpose, funding sources and disbursement and repayment procedures.
overlay-clevercloseLogo
“Whilst hoping that this submission will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the House of Representatives, please accept, Rt. Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
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The military has vowed to rescue the over 200 schoolchildren who were recently abducted by bandits in Kaduna State.
While addressing a press conference in Abuja on the activities of the Armed Forces in the last two weeks, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, says the military is committed to rescuing all kidnapped victims unhurt.
The defence spokesman during the Thursday event, however, blamed school owners for failing to report cases of abduction to security agencies on time.
He also blamed the recent kidnapping of some internally displaced persons in Gamboru-Ngala, Borno State on their disobedience to instructions as they left the camp in search of firewood without informing camp officials.
The abduction of 287 students in Kaduna State has triggered a flurry of comments from authorities in Nigeria.
In the wake of the abduction, President Bola Tinubu mandated security agencies to fish out the kidnappers and rescue the students, insisting his government would not pay ransom.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammad Idris said this on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
He told State House Correspondents that President Tinubu also reiterated his directive to the defence to ensure that the children are rescued and brought back safely to their homes.
The minister reiterated that under the current government, kidnapping, especially mass abduction will not be tolerated.
The Katsina State Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday handed over six trucks and their contents to the owners as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
The released trucks were mostly intercepted along the Kongolam Border Patrol Checkpoint in Mai-Adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The presidential directive aimed to ensure food security and alleviate the hardship faced by most citizens of the country.
The Katsina State Customs Area Comptroller Muhammad Umar while releasing the trucks loaded with assorted grains that were hitherto under the custody of the Nigerian Customs Service recalled that the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, had during his official work visit to Katsina, passed across the presidential directive which mandated the return of the detained food items to the owners on the condition that they would be sold within the Nigerian market.
He announced that the released trucks will be closely monitored by the Katsina Customs Area Command in collaboration with the Customs Intelligence Unit, Federal Operation Unit, and the Joint Border Patrol Team, to ensure that they are not smuggled out of the country again.
He added that the service is committed to fostering constructive dialogue and collaboration with the border communities to ensure prosperity and security in the whole thing.
He, therefore, pleaded with the general public to provide information that would assist in curtailing the smuggling of foodstuff out of the country.
In his remarks during the brief ceremony, the Chairman of the State Taskforce Committee on Food Security and Promotion, Jabiru Abdullahi Tsauri, warned smugglers and owners of the released trucks to adhere strictly to the presidential directive by selling these assorted grains to Nigerians particularly citizens of Katsina State.
“We have already instructed the Local Government Chairmen to form a Committee to monitor strictly in conjunction with the task force, the sales of these Grains,” Tsauri added.
The N1.1tn Federal Capital Territory Appropriation Bill, 2024 has scaled the second reading at the Senate.
A breakdown of the N1.1tn showed that N280bn was booked for overhead, N726bn for capital projects, and N140bn for what was termed “personnel”, bringing the total budget to N1.147tn.
Leading the debate on Thursday, the sponsor of the bill and Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, noted that the appropriation bill took into cognisance the FCT administration’s revenue and expenditure forecasts which are in tandem with fiscal and developmental policies of the Federal Government.
It also contemplates the consideration of the 2024-2026 Economic Recovery Growth.
During the debate, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, assured that the bill presented earlier than usual will be expeditiously considered and passed to encourage the minister of the FCT to advance reforms in the nation’s capital.
The bill has been referred to the committee on the FCT to report back on the next legislative session.
Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security,
Hon. Minister of Budget and National Planning
Hon. Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security
Permanent Secretary,
Distinguished Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning,
- It is with great honour and enthusiasm that I stand before you today to address a matter of paramount importance that not only aligns with the core objectives of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security but also resonates deeply with the livelihoods of all Nigerians - the escalating cost of food.
- As we are all well aware, Hon. Minister, the Central Bank of Nigeria significantly emphasises maintaining price stability as one of its primary mandates. Food prices are a crucial component of inflation, especially considering that a substantial portion of household expenditure in Nigeria is allocated towards food and non-alcoholic beverages. This reinforces the critical need to address food inflation as a pivotal aspect of managing overall headline inflation rates. While the CBN has been implementing comprehensive measures to curb inflation, it is evident that in the short term, inflationary pressures may persist, predominantly driven by escalating food prices.
- This is precisely why we convene today - to strengthen our collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to mitigate the surge in food prices. In alignment with our strategic shift towards focusing on our fundamental mandate, the CBN has veered away from direct quasi-fiscal interventions and transitioned towards leveraging conventional monetary policy tools for executing monetary policies effectively. In this light, we aim to extend our support and foster closer ties with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with the mandate and expertise to undertake these critical initiatives. Consequently, we aim to enhance our partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, bolstering your endeavours to enhance food productivity and security, ultimately curbing food inflation and fortifying our pursuit of price stability.
- In pursuit of these shared goals, we are delighted to announce the allocation of 2.15 million bags of fertiliser, valued at over 100 billion naira, which we humbly hand over to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. This contribution from the Central Bank aims to amplify food production capabilities and foster price stabilization within the agricultural sector.
- My team and I reiterate our unwavering commitment to prioritising price stability and instilling confidence in the Nigerian economy by upholding consumer price stability and ensuring a balanced foreign exchange market. Despite the prevailing challenges posed by inflation and currency depreciation, we remain resolute in our determination to surmount these obstacles. While transient inflationary pressures may persist, we anticipate substantial alleviation by the third quarter of 2024, coupled with diminished exchange rate strains. Our resolve lies in implementing policies that cultivate a resilient macroeconomic environment and enhance the welfare of all Nigerians.
- I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your collaboration, Honorable Minister. Together, we embark on a journey to fortify food security, foster economic stability, and uplift the prosperity of our nation.
- Thank you.
Olayemi Cardoso
Governor