[FILES] ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye. Photot: TWITTER/ NIQS
A whopping N2.67 billion school feeding fund has been uncovered to have ended up in private pockets, the Independent Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offences commission (ICPC) reveals.
This revelation was disclosed by ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, when he gave a keynote address at the second National Summit on Diminishing Corruption with the theme: “Together Against Corruption and Launch of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy,” which held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.
The N2.67 billion payment, said to have ended up in personal accounts, was made to some federal colleges for school feeding during the lockdown, a period when pupils were not in school.
According to Owasanoye, the Open Treasury Portal review carried out between January to August 15, 2020 reveals that cumulative infractions of N90 million was carried out by 72 Ministries, Departments and Agendas (MDAs) out of 268.
He said while 33 MDAs tendered explanations that N4.1 billion was transferred to sub-TSA, N4.2 billion paid to individuals had no satisfactory explanations.
“We observed that transfers to sub-TSA was to prevent disbursement from being monitored.
“Nevertheless, we discovered payments to some federal colleges for school feeding in the sum of N2.67 billion during lockdown when the children are not in school, and some of the money ended up in personal accounts. We have commenced investigations into these finding”, Owasanoye stated.
Also, under agency’s 2020 constituency and executive projects tracking initiative, 722 projects with a threshold of N100 million (490 ZiP and 232 executive) was tracked across 16 states.
He noted that a number of projects described as ongoing in the budget, were found to be new projects that ought to have been excluded in order to enable government complete existing projects; absence of needs assessment resulted in projects recommended for communities that do not require them being abandoned; projects sited in private houses on private land thus appropriating common asset to personal use, hence denying communities of the benefit; absence of synergy between outgoing project sponsors and their successors.
The ICPC chairman said in education sector, 78 MDAs were reviewed and common cases of misuse of funds were uncovered.
Some of the discoveries include life payment of bulk sums to individuals/staff accounts, including project funds; non-deductions/remittance of taxes and IGR; payments of unapproved allowances, bulk payment to micro finance banks, payment of arrears of salary and other allowances of previous years from 2020 budget, payment of salary advance to staff, under-deduction of PAYE and payment of promotion arrears due to surplus in Personnel Cost, abuse and granting of cash advances above the approved threshold and irregular payment of allowances to principal officers.
“We have restrained or recovered by administrative or court interim and final orders assets above N3 billion, facilitated recovery of $173,000 by the whistle blower unit of FMFB&P from an erring oil company, retrained £160,000 in a UK-bank in an ongoing interim forfeiture. This figures exclude quantum of recoveries on return or contractors to site as a result of projects tracking initiatives.
“It should however be noted that some of these assets are subjected to ongoing cases and where suspects proved their cases, physical or liquid assets will be released in accordance with laid down laws, guidelines or court directives.”
South Africa’s Minister of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has been sanctioned for using a state jet for political trip, which is clearly outside official activities permitted for such.
The nation’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa stated that Mapisa-Nqakula’s salary would be docked for three months over her use of state jet for an ANC September trip to Zimbabwe.
The Defence Minister also gave a jet-ride to an entire ANC delegation including Secretary General Ace Magashule, who traveled to meet with members of the Zanu-PF, Zimbabwe’s ruling party, over political happenings in the nation.
According to acting president’s spokesman Tyrone Seale “The President has further sanctioned the Minister by imposing a salary sacrifice on the Minister’s salary for three months, starting from 1 November 2020,”
President Ramaphosa said: “it was an error of judgment” to use a state aircraft to deliver a political message to another country.
The amount would be paid to the Solidarity Fund set up to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ramaphosa has also informed the minister to direct the ANC to repay the costs of the flight to Harare and report to him once that has been completed.
The organised labour has suspended its planned strike action and protests billed to hold on Monday, September 28, the Federal Government and Organised Labour announced in a joint communique.
Labour backtracked on the nationwide strike following agreements reached with the Federal government after an emergency meeting, a ditch effort to avert a costly strike, held between representatives of labour unions and the government.
The meeting, which as announced by the the Ministry of Labour and Productivity kicked off at about 8:30 pm on Sunday and spilled over till Monday morning had Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo; Minister of State for Power, Godwin Jeddy-Agba and Group Managing Director of the NNPC.
According to the communiqué, read by the minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, after the meeting, disclosed that government agreed to suspend electricity tariff hike for two weeks pending when a committee set up would examine the justifications for the new policy in view of the need for the validation of the basis for the new cost-reflective tariff as a result of the conflicting information from the fields which appeared different from the data presented to justify the new policy by NERC.
He, however, noted that total deregulation in the downstream sector remains, adding that palliatives would be offered to Nigerian workers to cushion the effects of burden.
“After exhaustive deliberations on the issues raised by Labour Centres, the FGN stated that it has fashioned out palliatives that would ameliorate the sufferings that Nigerian workers may experience as a result of the cost-reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry.
“The palliatives will be in the areas of transport, power, housing, agriculture and humanitarian support.
After thorough debates and negotiations on various issues raised by all parties, the following resolutions were reached and mutually adopted:
“The parties agreed to set up a Technical Committee comprising Ministries, Departments, Agencies, NLC and TUC, which will work for a duration of two (2) weeks effective Monday 28th September 2020, to examine:
“The justifications for the new policy in view of the need for the validation of the basis for the new cost reflective tariff as a result of the conflicting information from the fields which appeared different from the data presented to justify the new policy by NERC;
“Metering deployment, challenges, timeline for massive roll – out,” Ngige said while reading the communiqué.
Not over Yet
Reacting after the meeting, the President of Trade Union Congress, Quadri Olaleye, explained that the organised labour only suspended the planned strike action and protest for two weeks, not that it has called off the strike.
He charged the federal government to fulfil all its promises as highlighted in the communiqué, saying it would not give any notification before any mass action if the promised are not fulfilled.
Read more from the joint communique.
JOINT COMMUNIQUE ON THE RESOLUTION OF TRADE DISPUTE BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA (FGN) AND THE ORGANIZED LABOUR REPRESENTED BY THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) AND THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS (TUC) HELD AT THE STATE HOUSE BANQUET HALL ON SUNDAY, 27TH SEPTEMBER 2020
A Bipartite Meeting between the FGN and the two Labour Centres – Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC),
Having been convened at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja to discuss emerging labour issues arising from recent cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry,
Recognizing the public outcry and protest over the recent Federal Government twin policies on Electricity Tariff Reform and full implementation of deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry resulting in the planned nation-wide industrial action by Organised Labour,
Bearing in mind the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on world economy,
Further bearing in mind that due to impact of COVID-19 pandemic the world is undergoing socio-economic transition which has affected price stability, sustainability of enterprises, employment, and other socio-economic indices,
Acknowledging that the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy has given rise to the need for a new socio-economic order,
Recognising the need to sustain enterprises for retention and creation of jobs as well as sustainable growth and development,
Acknowledging the need for social concertation between the Federal Government and workers’ representatives, namely the two Labour Centres – The NLC and TUC,
To aid in the dialogue and communication, the Federal Government side made presentations to show the state of economy and the drive behind the recent cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry.
Bipartite meeting to address and resolve the issues in dispute between the FG and Labour Centres were held on September 15, 24, and 27, 2020,
After exhaustive deliberations on the issues raised by Labour Centres, the FGN stated that it has fashioned out palliatives that would ameliorate the sufferings that Nigerian workers may experience as a result of the cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry. The palliatives will be in the areas of transport, power, housing, agriculture and humanitarian support.
After thorough debates and negotiations on various issues raised by all parties, the following resolutions were reached and mutually adopted:
ELECTRICITY TARIFF REFORMS
The parties agreed to set up a Technical Committee comprising Ministries, Departments, Agencies, NLC and TUC, which will work for a duration of two (2) weeks effective Monday 28th September 2020, to examine: the justifications for the new policy in view of the need for the validation of the basis for the new cost reflective tariff as a result of the conflicting information from the fields which appeared different from the data presented to justify the new policy by NERC; metering deployment, challenges, timeline for massive roll – out.
The Technical Committee membership is as follows:
Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN – Hon. Minister of State Labour & Employment – Chairman
Mr Godwin Jedy-Agba – Hon. Minister of State Power – Member
Prof. James Momoh – Chairman National Electricity Regulatory Commission – Member Engr. Ahmad Rufai Zakari – SA to Mr. President on Infrastructure – Member/Secretary
Dr. Onoho’Omhen Ebhohimhen – Member (NLC)
Comrade Joe Ajaero – Member (NLC)
Comrade Chris Okonkwo – Member (TUC)1no. Representative of DISCOS – Member
The Terms of Reference (ToR) are as follows:
To examine the justification for the new policy on cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments.
To look at the different Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOs) and their different electricity tariff vis-à-vis NERC order and mandate.
Examine and advise Government on the issues that have hindered the deployment of the six million meters.
To look into the NERC Act under review with a view to expanding its representation to include organized labour.
The Technical sub – committee is to submit its report within two (2) weeks. During the two weeks, the DISCOs shall suspend the application of the cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments.
The meeting also resolved that the following issues of concern to Labour should be treated as “stand – alone” items:
The 40% stake of Government in the DISCO and the stake of workers to be reflected in the composition of the DISCO’s Boards.
An all-inclusive and independent review of the power sector operations as provided in the privatization MOU to be undertaken before the end of the year 2020, with Labour represented.
That going forward, the moribund National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) be inaugurated before the end of the year 2020 to institutionalize the process of tripartism and socio dialogue on socio – economic and major labour matters to forestall crisis
DOWNSTREAM SECTOR DEREGULATION
Consequent upon the critical review of the various challenges of the downstream sector of the Nigeria oil and gas industry vis a vis the incalculable losses associated with a subsidy regime the Country has been incurring in terms of, stifled growth in the downstream sector, diminished human capital development and massive financial leakages and flight. This is in addition to the dire financial circumstances of the Federation that precludes any ability to sustain any subsidy on PMS and making deregulation of PMS inevitable. Consequently, the Parties agreed to the following:
All parties agreed on the urgency for increasing the local refining capacity of the nation to reduce the overdependency on importation of petroleum products to ensure energy security, reduce cost of finished products, increase employment and business opportunities for Nigerians.
To address (1) above, NNPC to expedite the rehabilitation of the nation’s four refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna and to achieve 50% completion for Port Harcourt by December 2021, while timelines and delivery for Warri and Kaduna will be established by the inclusive Steering Committee.
To ensure Commitment and transparency to the processes and timelines of the rehabilitation exercise, the management of NNPC has offered to integrate the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) into the Steering Committee already established by the Corporation.
A Validation team comprising the representatives of the NNPC, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), NUPENG and PENGASSAN will be established to monitor progress of the rehabilitation of the refineries and the pipelines/strategic depots network and advice the Steering Committee periodically.
Post rehabilitation, NNPC shall involve the PENGASSAN and NUPENG in the process of establishing the operational model of the Nation’s refineries.
The Federal Government will facilitate the delivery of licensed modular and regular refineries, involvement of upstream companies in petroleum refining and establishing framework for financing in the downstream sector.
NNPC to expedite work on the Build Operate and Transfer framework for the nation’s pipelines and strategic depots network for efficient transportation and distribution of Petroleum products to match the delivery timelines of the refineries as agreed.
The Federal Government and its agencies to ensure delivery of 1 million CNG/LPG AutoGas conversion kits, storage skids and dispensing units under the Nigeria Gas Expansion Programme by December 2021 to enable delivery of cheaper transportation and power fuel. A Governance Structure that will include representatives of organized Labour shall be established for timely delivery.
GENERAL INTERVENTION
To cushion the impacts of the downstream sector deregulation and tariffs adjustment in the power sector, the Federal Government will implement the following:
A specific amount to be unveiled by the FGN in two weeks’ time will be isolated from the Economic Sustainability Programme Intervention Fund and be accessed by Nigerian Workers with subsequent provision for 240,000 under the auspices of NLC and TUC for participation in agricultural ventures through the CBN and the Ministry of Agriculture. The timeline will be fixed at the next meeting.
Federal Government will facilitate the removal of tax on minimum wage as a way of cushioning the impacts of the policy on the lowest vulnerable.
Federal Government will make available to organized labour 133 CNG/LPG driven mass transit buses immediately and provide to the major cities across the Country on a scale up basis thereafter to all States and Local Governments before December 2021.
Housing: 10% be allocated to Nigerian workers under the ongoing Ministry of Housing and Finance initiative through the NLC and TUC.
Consequently, the NLC and TUC agreed to suspend the planned industrial action.
ORGANISED LABOUR;
___________________ __________________
Ayuba Wabba, mni Quadri Olalaye
NLC PRESIDENT TUC PRESIDENT
_________________ __________________
Emmanuel Ugboaja Musa Lawal Ozigi, mni Secretary General NLC Secretary General TUC
_________________ __________________
Williams E. Akporeha Festus Osifo
NUPENG President PENGASSAN President
___________________ __________________
Martin Uzoegwu Chris N. Okonkwo
President NUEE President, SSAEAC
FOR GOVERNMENT:
__________________ _______________________
Timipre Sylva Festus Keyamo, SAN
Hon. Min. of State Petroleum Hon. Min. of State Labour & Employment
__________________ _____________________
Alh Lai Mohammed Godwin Jedy-Agba
Hon. Min. of Information & Culture Hon. Min. of State Power
_________________________
Sen. (Dr.) Chris Nwabueze Ngige, OON, MD.
Honourable Minister of Labour & Employment
_______________________________
Boss Mustapha
Secretary to the Government of the Federation
(L) Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; (M) Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; (R) Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha during deliberations on the planned strike by organised labour at the Vice President Wing, State House, Abuja, Sunday, September 27, 2020. Photo: Tolani Alli
Gbajabiamila Calls for More Time to Negotiate with Executive on Labour Demands
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Sunday implored the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to give room for enough time for negotiations with the executive arm of government over the industrial action scheduled to commence on Monday.
The Speaker, who gave the appeal when he met representatives of organised labour later met with the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha to deliberate on the outcome of his meeting with the labour leaders.
The labour unions had threatened to embark on industrial action from Monday if their demands for the reversal of the increase in electricity tariff and Premium Motor Split (PMS) were not met.
Gbajabiamila, while meeting with the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, and the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Quadri Olaleye, in his office on Sunday, expressed concern over the consequences of a shutdown of the nation’s socio-economic activities on Nigerians, while disclosing his intentions to interface with the executive for a possible amicable resolution of the demands of the Labour unions.
Gbajabiamila said it is incumbent upon the House as elected representatives to see how they can intervene and perhaps a third voice, would be able to broker some kind of amicable solution to the ongoing impasse while citing instances where the House had successfully intervened.
He said: “In good conscience, we are on the same page, or most of the time, we’re on the same page, and you know, that we, the leadership of the House of Representatives are on the same page with you.
“But what is the consequence, and that’s the bigger picture of going on strike. When we have a complete government shutdown, the people we seek to protect, invariably end up holding the short end of the stick.
“So it ends up defeating the purpose. You know, sometimes, no matter how long negotiations or talks last, sometimes at the end of the day, it may be the better route to take.
“The budget is coming to the National Assembly. Some policies that are being considered and that will make sure to cushion the effect of this includes the provision of food items, distribution of grains, reduction on taxes on minimum wage, payment of some special allowances from October to January 2021, involvement in the ownership of housing programs through household and mortgage outlets by the NLC and TUC members, and special policy of government vehicles autogas, which is an alternative to PMS for public establishments.
“I think these policies and more will go a long way and this can be provided in the budget but it is a couple of weeks away or less. So this is an appeal”.
After the meeting, Wabba said the outcome of the interface with the executive as promised by the Speaker would determine the next line of action of the Labour unions.
He said: “We told the Speaker how the discussion with the Federal government went and how the meeting was adjourned, so, he has also promised to try and intervene at his own level to see to it that we don’t inflict more pains on Nigerians.
“In the course of the discussion, we had also realized that the House of Representatives has actually done a lot on these issues, including recommendations to the government which we have shared mutually
“But the bottom line is that we want this burden that has now been shifted to Nigerians as consumers is also lifted so that we can have a decent life”.
On the strike, he said, “If the issues are not addressed, we have given notice and that notice will certainly expire by tomorrow (Monday) and all the actions we have pronounced will take effect”.
Present at the meeting were Deputy House Leader, Rep. Peter Akpatason; Chairman, House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, Rep. Mohammed Ali Wudil and the Chairman, House Committee on Power, Rep. Magaji Da’u Aliyu.
An emergency meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the organised labour over the ultimatum demanding government to reverse the increment in the pump price of petrol and electricty tariff is in progress at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha is heading the government’s delegation while NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Quadri Olayele are leading the labour team at the meeting.
There have been series of meetings between the Federal Government and the organised labour following ultimatum issued by the two labour centres to government to reverse its decision on the pump price of petrol and electricty tariff.
The last meeting held last Thursday was adjourned to reconvene tomorrow, Monday, by 3pm but the Federal Government summoned an emergency meeting to apprehend the looming protest and strike after the expiration of the ultimatum by 12am tonight, Joseph Agi reports for Radio Nigeria.
Labour: FG Makes Last Ditch Effort to Avert Costly Strike 7pm
In what appears to be a last ditch effort to avert the impending nationwide strike action by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Federal Government has scheduled a meeting with the leadership of Organised Labour for 7pm on Sunday.
Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Charles Akpan, confirmed the meeting in a statement.
Earlier adjourned to Monday at 3pm on after the Federal Government failed to reach an agreement with Labour on fuel and electricity tariff hikes, the meeting will hold at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja by 7pm.
“The Honorable Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige will be meeting with the Organized Labour.
“The meeting earlier scheduled for Monday 28th September 2020 is now scheduled as follows:
The suspected Boko Haram members and their family members.
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists numbering 13, alongside their family members including 6 women and 17 children from Kodila village on Saturday, September 26, surrendered to troops of 151 Task Force Battalion at Banki Junction in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Boko Haram terrorist and family members
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
The DHQ media chief said the terrorists took the decision following a sustained aerial bombardment and aggressive intensive clearance operation of the troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE on their village.
“They survived the aerial bombardment but were starving with nothing to fall back on. They have no choice than to surrender,” the source stated.
The suspected terrorists and their family members are now receiving medical attention at the 21 Special Armoured Brigade Medical Centre.
The suspects are also currently undergoing thorough profiling and investigation in line with global best practice in handling such cases
Four executive members of the 151 Base Services Group (151 BSG) Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Makurdi, who were standing trial before a General Court Martial (GCM), sitting at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Makurdi for criminal misappropriation of over N41,000,000.00, were, on 24 September 2020, awarded various sentences.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola noted that the 4 NAF personnel, who were arraigned before the GCM for Misappropriation of Cooperative Funds, amongst other offences, include Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Sherifi Olawoore, Flying Officer (Fg Offr) Ademola Adekoya, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Michael Oyebanji and Warrant Officer (WO) Paul Atteh. The personnel were sentenced based on their levels of involvement.
Delivering his judgement, the President of the GCM, Air Commodore Nazib Aliyu, pronounced the 4 accused personnel guilty of various charges. Flt Lt Olawoore was tried for negligently performing his duty as the President of the Cooperative, found guilty and awarded 6 months loss of seniority. In the same vein, Fg Offr Adekoya was tried for negligently performing his duty as Secretary of the Cooperative. He was found guilty and awarded one year loss of seniority.
MWO Michael Oyebanji, who was the Vice President of the Cooperative, was tried on a 46 count charge, including; Criminal Breach of Trust, Theft, Criminal Conspiracy, Criminal Misappropriation, Making of False Documents and Conduct to the Prejudice of Service Discipline, contrary to Sections 114 and 103 (d) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Sections 312, 287, 96 and 309 of the Penal Code Cap P3 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. He was found guilty on all 46 counts and subsequently sentenced to serve 21 years imprisonment, cumulatively, as well as reduction in rank to Corporal and ordered to refund all monies misappropriated. In the same vein, WO Paul Atteh, who was tried for negligently performing his duty as the Treasurer of the Cooperative as well as for the Making of False Documents and Criminal Breach of Trust, was found guilty of all 3 charges. He was awarded reduction in rank from WO to Sergeant, in the first instance, and then eventually reduced to the rank of Corporal. He is also required to pay a fine of N1,000,000.00. Meanwhile, the GCM has ordered the release of WO Atteh from detention.
While pleading in mitigation, the Defence Counsel urged the Court to show leniency, describing the Accused Persons as first-time offenders. The sentences were announced as being subject to confirmation by the Appropriate Superior Authority. However, it is within the rights of the Accused Personnel to appeal the judgment of the GCM, if they are dissatisfied.
File Photo of Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at his State House office, Abuja, during a virtual roundtable dialogue organised by the Justice Research Institute.
Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, says the Federal Government would focus on autogas as an alternative to the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, issued on Saturday, Osinbajo disclosed the plan during a virtual interactive session hosted by the Africa Report magazine on Thursday.
Read the full statement below
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
We Will Focus On Auto Gas As Alternative To Petrol –Osinbajo
*Use of Compressed Natural Gas part of ESP
*VP says no plan to increase taxes
In a determined effort to offer Nigerians an effective option to petrol, the Federal Government will focus on developing Compressed Natural Gas otherwise known as autogas, which is priced significantly lower than PMS.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this during a virtual interactive session hosted by the Africa Report magazine on Thursday.
Answering a participant’s questions regarding the removal of petrol subsidy, the Vice President said: “we have experienced a severe downturn in our finances over the years, so at 60 per cent less revenue, we are in a position where sustaining fuel subsidies is practically impossible simply because we do not have the resources.”
According to him, “what we have decided to do is to focus on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) which is about half the price of petrol today. So, if we use CNG for our cars and for our buses, it will cost between N78 and N80 or so per liter.”
Under the Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP), the Federal Government’s objective is to promote domestic use of CNG and support the creation of 1 million jobs by maximizing the domestic use of CNG while reducing reliance on refined petroleum products like kerosene and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Responding to a question regarding increase in taxes, the Vice President noted that the administration has no plans of increasing taxes, stating that “our position really is that, this is hardly the time to raise taxes”.
According to him, “It is even more difficult for people to pay taxes now than ever before, I mean, given the state of affairs, but this is why we’re doing everything now.
“We are trying to ensure that businesses survive this period by providing as much support as we can, and by relieving them of as much burden as possible and ensuring that they are able to get some moratorium so that they can at least continue to run their businesses and by all the other interventions and support that we are giving, we hope that those interventions will help businesses.
“Our approach is first to ensure that we save jobs. If we save jobs and save businesses, and then do the best we can in agriculture, the housing scheme and all of that, we will actually be able to improve spending and if we are able to improve spending, taxes will definitely improve, and if businesses survive, taxes will improve. So, those are the sort of projections that we are looking at.”
It would be recalled that the 2020 Finance Act exempts businesses generating less than N25 million in annual turnover from Companies Income Tax. Also, businesses with a turnover of between N25m and N100m will only pay 20% Companies Income Tax instead of the 30% which was the former applicable rate.
The Vice President had recently said it is the plan of the Buhari administration to put money in the hands of Nigerians.
Addressing concerns raised about electricity tariffs, the Vice President said the era of subsidizing petrol and electricity was over, noting that government has adopted measures of addressing the situation.
His words: “What we are trying to do is to ensure that we are able to reform the electricity industry. The industry is privatized except for the transmission sector. But what we have seen is that the distribution companies (DisCos) are just not able to meet their targets or to even provide electricity on any kind of stable basis now.
“The DisCos have been hankering all these years for a cost-reflective tariff and government has been paying the subsidy. In fact, in the past few years, we have spent about N1.3 trillion on subsidies for electricity. Again, here is a situation where that is completely unaffordable.
“We want to ensure that new companies come into the market. So, that will be decentralized completely. This way, in several parts of our country, we can have micro-grids, small grids, and all of that. We are doing 5 million solar connections as part of the Economic Sustainability Plan. We think that, with all these, we can electrify our country within a short period of time.”
The Vice President added that the overall target of government in the Economic Sustainability Plan is to save existing jobs and revamp businesses by improving the spending capability of Nigerians through the various initiatives in industry, agriculture, mass housing, and the solar connectivity projects.
Over 1, 200 persons on different platforms across the world, participated in the virtual event tagged by Africa Report, the organisers as Digital Dialogues.
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Office of the Vice President
26th September 2020
Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has appointed chairman and members of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, the Governor also named chairman and members of the board of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu.
The statement noted that 10 other boards, commissions and agencies previously named by the Government will be inaugurated on Tuesday, 29th September, 2020 at the June 12 Cultural Centre Kuto, Abeokuta 2pm prompt.
The statement said the inauguration of all appointed commissions and boards will be done in batches in compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
“These new boards are too important to the development of the Building Our Future Together Agenda because Basic Education is critical to that future we are building. The OOUTH was one of the first places I went upon assumption of office and the Committee we set up then made far-reaching recommendations that I am sure this Board would work on in order that this tertiary health institution fulfils the dreams of its founding fathers.
“Our Administration is firmly committed to restoring OOUTH to its enviable position as a training, research and healthcare facility. That’s why we are appointing people with rich and diverse experience to reengineer the Teaching Hospital. Our SUBEB too will fast-track our goal of Building Our Future Together and put our education on the path of excellent academic achievement and service delivery”, the statement said.
Governor Abiodun said the new appointees are forward-thinking managers who would discharge the onerous tasks thrust on them responsibly. He prayed that they will give their all to their assignments to move the State to the next level.
“As I have always stressed, the Building Our Future Together is more than a mantra. It is an overarching policy thrust that we will leave no stone unturned to actualize. Our inclusiveness is deliberate because together, we will achieve more and at a faster pace,” the statement further quoted the Governor as saying.
Below is the full list of the new appointees:
State Universal Basic Education Board
(SUBEB)
1. Dr. Femi Majekodunmi
– Chairman
2. Barr. Femi Odufowokan
Member I
3. Hon. Isiaka Aderounmu
Member II
4. Hon. Femi Ilori-Oduntan
Member III
5. Hon. Segun Ogunleye
Ex Officio
6. Alhaja Bisola Aliu
Ex Officio
7. Mrs. Kemi Adeogun
Ex Officio
8. Barr. Kola Ogunlana
Ex Officio
9. Hon. Adewale Adeogun
Ex Officio
10. Hon. Waheed Ogundele
Ex Officio
OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL
1. Dr. Adekunle Hassan
– Chairman
2. Dr. (Mrs.) Bisola Shodipo-Clark
Member
3. Dr. Haruna Adetunji Ajibode
Member
4. Mr. Solu Abimbola
Member
5. Dr. Peter Adefuye
Member
Chief Medical Director (OOUTH)
6. Prof. Tola Olatunji
Member
Provost, College oh Health Sciences (OOUTH)
7. Prof. Adediwura Fred Jaiyesimi – Member
Representative of Senate (OOU)
8. Prof. Ayodeji Johnson Agboola – Member
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (OOU)
9. Dr. (Mrs) Bunmi Fatungase
Member
Chair, Medical Advisory Council (OOUTH)
10. Dr. Oluwole. O. Kukoyi
Member
Representing Nigeria Medical Association (NMA)
11. Mr. Sammy Ogunjimi
Member
Representing Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria
12. Dr. Solomon O. Sokunbi
Member
(Deputy Director, Hospital Services, Ministry of Health
On the schedule of the first batch of inauguration are 97 chairmen and members of 10 of the previously appointed Boards and Agencies. All appointees are to be seated by 1:30pm. The boards to be inaugurated are:
1. Ogun State Housing Corporation
2. Ogun State Health Management Board
3. Ogun State Agro Services Corporation
4. Ogun State Bulk Purchasing
5. Ogun State Agric Multi-Purpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA)
6. Ogun State Market Development Board
7. Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation
8. Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board
9. Food Crops Marketing Board
10. Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA)
It should be noted that only those to be inaugurated will be allowed access to the venue, in view of the prevailing measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
