Buhari Unveils Agenda 2050, Envisions 100 Million Nigerians Out Of Poverty By 2030

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September 9, 2020

Buhari on Agenda 2050 1 — PHOTOS: President Buhari inaugurates National Steering Committee (NSC) for the preparation of medium term National Development Plan 2021-2025 & Nigeria Agenda 2050 at The Council Chambers, State House. 9th September, 2020. Photos; Tolani Alli

Inaugurates National Steering Committee
Agenda 2050 Succeeds Vision 20:2020
Says New Development Plan Will Lift 100 Million Nigerians Out Poverty By 2030

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja inaugurated the National Steering Committee to oversee the development of the Nigeria Agenda 2050 and Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) to succeed Vision 20:2020 and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 – 2020.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the National Steering Committee for the development of Successor Plans to Vision 20:2020 and ERGP will be jointly chaired by Mr Atedo Peterside and Dr (Mrs) Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

Speaking at the inauguration, President Buhari said: ”The main objectives of these Successor Plans are to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within the next 10 years, particularly given the World Bank’s projection that Nigeria will become the world’s third most populous country by 2050 with over 400 million people.”

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The President noted that it had become necessary to develop Successor Plans to the Nigeria Vision 20:2020 and the ERGP, which both lapse in December this year, in order to ensure continuity and efficiency in the country’s development planning.

On the mandate of the National Steering Committee, President Buhari said it would oversee governance structure comprising the Central Working Group and 26 Technical Working Groups for the important national assignment.

”It is my expectation that the Steering Committee will oversee the execution of key deliverables, including recommending measures to ensure the continuous implementation of the Plans even after the expiration of the tenure of successive Administrations – including legislation, if required.

”Such legislation may introduce much-needed rigour and discipline to the nation’s development planning as well as institutionalise planned outcomes for the future. I trust that our partners in the National Assembly will support us in exploring these reforms, ” he said.

President Buhari urged the National Steering Committee not to lose sight of the important role Nigeria plays on the continent as well as in the global community.

He said the Successor Plans must, therefore, be designed to sustain national development, as well as support regional and global strategic interests, as outlined in the African Union Agenda 2063, the ECOWAS Integration Agenda 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

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Underscoring the importance of national development planning, the President said if carefully conceived and diligently implemented, it can transform the economic fortunes of a nation.

”The Chinese experience is an example. It has resulted in lifting over 700 million people out of poverty over the last four decades.

”Indeed, China’s track record of positive economic growth, since 1992, was only halted in the first quarter of 2020, due to onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

”COVID-19 presents the world – and Nigeria – with a crisis as well as an opportunity. The current global health and economic crises give us an opportunity to think afresh and chart an optimal path forward, ” he said.

The President recalled that in February 2017 when he launched the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, its objectives included, restoring and sustaining growth, investing in people and building a globally competitive economy.

On the other hand, he said Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020 was an articulation of the long-term intent to launch Nigeria onto a path of sustained socio-economic development.

”The ERGP shared this vision, which ensured that the country exited recession in 2017 and sustained growth in Gross Domestic Product until the recent global economic challenges occasioned by COVID-19.

”Over the decades, successive planning and visioning exercises have guided investment in human capital development, the implementation of our infrastructural roadmap, and supported social investment in our people’s lives and livelihoods, ” he said.

The President wished the committee success in its assignment, adding that he looked forward to receiving regular reports of deliberations.

On the composition of the committee, the President said in order to ensure a truly consultative, participatory and inclusive planning process, the membership will comprise representatives of one State governor from each of the six geopolitical zones, the Senate and House of Representatives, ministers and representatives of key agencies.

Other members of the National Steering Committee are major political parties, ALGON, captains of industries, Labour Organizations, youth organizations and women’s societies, farmers’ associations, traditional and religious leaders, people with special needs and members of the press.

”At the heart of the Successor Plans is the partnership between the public and private sectors, with Government as the enabler of private sector investment and industry,” the President said.

In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Ahmed noted that lately, various zones of the country have been pursuing different economic cooperation within their areas.

She, therefore, urged that the new Plans consider the comparative advantages available in these regional blocs to build a virile Nigeria.

”Although the two National Plans are on their way out, the question that will remain on the lips of Nigerians and which we must be ready to provide an answer with little or no prompting as we progress with the preparation of the successor Plans, is how much the Plans have transformed Nigerian economy.

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”As the National Steering Committee for the preparation of the new Plans, we must therefore strive to give hope to the great citizens of this country with the quality of Plans that we are coming up with, ” she said.

Also speaking, the co-chair Mr Peterside pledged to work as a team, commending the President for making the Committee very inclusive.

”For a development plan to be successful, it has to be inclusive, people should be consulted, own it and believe it is working for them,” he said.

Photos:

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DMO Puts Nigeria’s Total Public Debt at N31.009trn

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 9, 2020

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Debt Management Office (DMO) Wednesday put Nigeria’s Total Public Debt Stock at N31.009 trillion or USD85.897 billion as at June 30, 2020.

Releasing information on the Public Debt Stock, DMO said the data comprised the debt stock of the Federal Government, the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

It would be recalled that the corresponding figures for March 31, according to DMO, were N28.628 trillion or USD79.303 billion.

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“The increase in the debt stock by N2.381 trillion or USD6.593 billion was accounted for by the USD3.36 billion Budget Support Loan from the International Monetary Fund, New Domestic Borrowing to finance the Revised 2020 Appropriation Act including the issuance of the N162.557 Billion Sukuk, and Promissory Notes issued to settle Claims of Exporters.

“DMO expects the Public Debt Stock to grow as the balance of the New Domestic Borrowing is raised and expected disbursements are made by the World Bank, African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank which were arranged to finance the 2020 Budget,” read a statement by DMO.

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The agency explained that the 2020 Appropriation Act had to be revised in the face of the adverse and severe impact of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on government’s revenues and increased expenditure needs on health and economic stimulus amongst others.

“Additional Promissory Notes are expected to be issued in the course of the year, this, and new borrowings by state governments are also expected to increase the Public Debt Stock,” the statement projected.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Magu Probe: Malami Declares Readiness to Testify before Salami Panel

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 9, 2020

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Magu Malami — L-r: Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Wednesday said he would be glad to testify before the Justice Ayo Salami-led Presidential panel if he’s summoned.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Malami said he has nothing to hide, thus he would not hesitate to appear before the panel to answer relevant questions.

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“So, if indeed the Ayo Salami panel invites Abubakar Malami as a person or the AGF in the person of Abubakar Malami for any testimony, for any clarification, for examination or cross-examination for that matter, Abubakar Malami will wholeheartedly, gladly within the spirit and context of the rule of law be there to testify, be there to be cross-examined, be there to be examined within the context of the rule of law.

“Our position as a government is to be submissive to the rule of law and the rule of law component requires that when we are called upon to clarify issues, when we are called upon to be examined, when we are called upon to be cross-examined, Abubakar Malami will be there and will gladly cooperate with the inquiry institution and that indeed was an attribute of the government that translated to the victory we are seeing today arising from P&ID.

“Abubakar Malami has along the line, within the chain of the arbitral process, submitted to uncountable invitations, responded to uncountable requests for clarification of issues and indeed executed uncountable witness statements for the purpose of putting the record straight and the case of Salami will certainly not be an exception,” Malami said.

Malami was reacting to a letter by the suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, through his lawyer, Wahab Shittu, calling on Salami to summon the minister.

Shittu had cited Section 36(a), (b), (c) and (d) of the Nigerian Constitution, saying: “Based on the foregoing, we humbly request that the Honourable Attorney General, who is the main accuser in these proceedings, be graciously invited to give evidence in connection with the subject matter of this inquiry with specific reference to our client in the interest of fair hearing.

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“We believe this request ought to be resolved before our client is called upon to enter his defence in these proceedings.”

The Salami panel is expected to determine the next step whether Malami and Magu would be invited together to confront one another or individually to answer various questions.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Video: Police Arrest Four Nigerian students for allegedly hacking banks in Philippines

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 9, 2020

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Four Nigerian students have been arrested by the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the nation’s Municipal City for allegedly hacking bank systems and stealing of funds.

The NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Vic Lorenzo said the Nigerians were part of an international syndicate who hack banking systems, taking advantage of the flaws in their systems.

NBI said the Nigerians violated the Access Device Law, Anti-Cyber-crime law and falsification of public documents.

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Philippines-based ABS-CBN News reported that fraudulent transactions were traced after they hacked a system of one Philippine bank, where at least P100 million were transferred and diverted into a different account.

“The international syndicate is complicated.. to the point that they study the system’s flaws. Once they see a weakness, they will take advantage of that,” Lorenzo said.

One of the suspects’ Filipino girlfriend, NBI said, admitted to having used her account to deposit and withdraw money amounting to at least P2 million, which was supposedly for tuition.

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Blank ATM cards and bank receipts were confiscated from the suspects after their arrest.

The Nigerians, however, denied the fraudulent allegations, claiming that they were in the Philippines to study and that they know nothing about the hacking incident.

One of the suspects said the funds withdrawn were donations from a Nigerian student community for their education.

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Lagos First Lady Advocates Use of Indigenous Languages to Kick against Indiscriminate Waste Disposal

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 9, 2020

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Joke sanwo olu on environment 1 — First Lady of Lagos State, ibijoke Sanwo-Olu receives members of various groups led by Statewide Waste & Environmental Education Foundation (SWEEP) who embarked on advocacy walk to create awareness, catalyze new grassroot orientation on environmental sanitation, waste prevention and sustainable waste management.

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has proposed the use of indigenous languages to drive home the message of proper waste management in tandem with international best practices.

Lagos State First Lady maintained that the task to ensure a clean environment requires a collective effort, challenging members of the entertainment industry to come up with various songs to further create awareness on the need to ensure sustainable waste management.

She noted the importance of breaking the message down into different languages for people to imbibe the essence of a clean environment.

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The First Lady averred that, apart from the nexus between waste management and health, the issue of a clean environment is equally important in creating investment opportunities in the state and country.

She said: “Cleanliness is next to Godliness. It’s something we can do. Considering that the war against waste will be launched in the three senatorial districts, I am so happy that we have a baseline that we are looking at and we also have scorecards.

“The issue of cleanliness requires a collective effort. Mr. Governor cannot do it alone; the cabinet cannot do it alone and so it is a joint effort by all of us. But I like the fact that we are going the route of campaigning, creating awareness and advocacy.

“We need to repeat this because if we don’t continuously create this awareness among our people in different languages, the result will be the same.

“Lagos State alone has so many languages and when we want to interpret, we have to interpret in all those languages. I am happy we have Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) here, the songs will go a long way in communicating to the people the need to keep the state clean.”

She disclosed on Tuesday while receiving members of the Statewide Waste and Environmental Education Foundation (SWEEP), who had embarked on special advocacy walk against waste, in partnership with various organisations, including National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos State Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), PMAN, National Coalition Against Plastic Pollution, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network and National Youth Council, among others.

The First Lady commended the organisers of the advocacy walk for believing in the vision of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to ensure proper waste management as specified in the Sustainable Development Goals.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Belinda Odeneye, urged residents to key into the waste-to-wealth initiative of the Sanwo-Olu administration, saying people must understand that waste should not and must not be wasted.

Speaking earlier, the convener of the Walk and President of SWEEP Foundation, Obuesi Philips said the exercise was aimed at driving community awareness and involvement in sustainable waste prevention.

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“The “Walk-Against-Waste” is designed to create massive statewide awareness, catalyse new grassroots orientation on environmental sanitation, waste prevention and sustainable waste management,” Philips said.

The walk started at Awolowo House, Ikeja, proceeded through Allen Avenue and terminated in front of Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, Alausa in Ikeja.

Photos:

Idowu Sowunmi

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Adoke Trial: Court Warns EFCC Over Incessant Request For Adjournement

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 9, 2020

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adoke efcc — A collage photo showing officials of the Economic and Financial Commission of Nigeria (EFCC) and Nigeria's former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, who is standing trial for corruption charges.

The Federal High Court, Abuja has issued warning to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against several requests for adjournment in the ongoing money laundering charge against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, who is standing trial alongside business man, Aliyu Abubakar.

At the resumed trial on Wednesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the warning when EFCC lawyer, Bala Sanga asked the court for an adjournment following the absence of the fifth prosecution witness in court.

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Frowning at the incessant request for adjournment, Justice Ekwo told the prosecuting counsel to note that there was a limit to the number of adjournments he could request for.

His explanation, Sanga told the court that the fifth prosecution witness had to be subpoenaed because he had became hesitant and was refusing to attend court to testify in the matter.

Recall that on August 11, the EFCC had requested for an adjournment after failing to serve witness statements on the defendants.

Also on September 7, the court granted adjournment on the case when counsel to Abubakar informed the court that the statement of the fourth prosecution witness was not added to the proof of evidence served on them.

According to section 396(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), “where day to day trial is impracticable after arraignment, no party shall be entitled to more than five adjournments from arraignment to final judgment…”

In an earlier testimony the fourth prosecuting witness, a bureau de change (BDC) operator, Farouk Suleiman, told the court that Abubakar had given him cheques totaling N2 billion and asked him to change it to the dollar equivalent sometime in Sept. 2013.

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Suleiman, testified that he cleared the cheques through an account belonging to Farsman Holdings Limited, a company which belonged to him, domiciled with Heritage Bank.

However, under cross-examination by Abubakar’s counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo, Suleiman said neither the cheques nor the receipt of transactions had the name of Abubakar. He said the cheques were drawn in the name of Equal Access Limited. Adoke and Abubakar were re-arraigned by the EFCC on Aug. 4, on an amended 14-count charge bordering on money laundering.

(NAN)

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Yoruba Group Accuses Federal Government of Insensitivity Over Fuel, Electricity Price Increase

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 9, 2020

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The Yoruba One Voice (YOV), A coalition of all Yoruba groups and organisations in the Diaspora known as Yoruba One Voice (YOV) has accused the Federal Government of Insensitivity over recent hikes in electricity tariff and petroleum products prices.

In a statement made available to newsmen by International Human Rights Journalist, and Communication Director of YOV, Zeachus Somorin from Toronto, Canada, the coalition, consisting of more than 50 groups across the world have expressed concern and described the action of Nigerian goverenment as inconsiderate considering the impacts of COVID-19 on the citizens.

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“The government is insensitive to socio-economic plights and the impact of COVID-19 on Nigerians and businesses. The President’s wife’s trip abroad for treatment is an indictment on leadership. Economic recovery should be the focus to avoid recession.

“Most countries of the world are giving stimulus packages to their citizens ranging from $800 to $1,500 weekly, instead of the Nigerian government to focus on economic recovery and re-build using the stimulus package model of COVID-19 adopted by countries such as Australia, United Kingdom, United States or Canada, it decided to increase the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol to N151.56 per litre and electricity tariff”, Somorin stated.

According to YOV Nigeria was under intense pressure by the World Bank to make “undesirable reforms” before another loan is granted.

The coalition thereby warned that while it is necessary to make reforms that would boost the economy, the government should not carry out policies at the detriment of its citizens.

We’ve Constructed over 90 Kilometres of Road in 15 Months, Abiodun Says

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 8, 2020

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Governor-Dapo-Abiodun--e1585400282663 — File Photo: Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun in the Governor's Office, State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Tuesday said his administration has constructed over 90 kilometres of road in the last 15 months, re-assuring the people of the state that his government would not inflict unnecessary pain on them in the course of executing projects.

“I want to assure the people of Ogun State that we will not inflict unnecessary pain on them. We have been careful not to impose pains on our people as regards all the projects we have done so far.

“Let me therefore appreciate our people and also plead with them to be patient with us, particularly those that have to bear some inconveniencies through uncompleted infrastructural works,” the governor said.

Abiodun gave the reassurance while receiving the report from a committee set up to review projects and contracts awarded between 2009 and 2019 at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He pleaded with those experiencing some difficulties as a result of the ongoing projects in the state to bear with his administration.

The governor added that work has commenced on various roads such as Kuto-Oke-Mosan; Panseke-Adigbe; Owode-Ilaro; Ejirin-Ijebu-Ode, while some other projects left uncompleted by the last administration have been completed.

Abiodun added that the era where the chief executive would singlehandedly award projects to contractors had gone, as government must have cleared and be sure of strategic allocation of resources before embarking on any project.

“We must be mindful of how we allocate resources now that resources are scarce and we hope to execute projects that have direct impact on the people,” he said.

On the mandate of the committee, the governor explained that the committee was among other things to identify all outstanding significant projects in the past 10 years; determine levels of execution and quality of work done; and ascertain whether the process of contract was in line with due process.

The committee was also mandated to assess disbursement pattern in line with established process, then recommend any viable pathways for completion of projects as well as framework to ensure continuity between succeeding administrations with a view to entrenching accountability and responsibility in government.

While reiterating the resolve of the present administration to complete all projects that would bring good governance and impact meaningfully on the lives of the people, the governor thanked members of the committee for sparing their time and experience for the good of the state.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Adekunle Mokuolu, disclosed that 114 contracts valued at more than N349.376 billion was awarded with total payment of more than N130.735 billion, while a total amount for unpaid certificate of value for work done was more than N20.741 billion.

Mokuolu stated that more than N218.380 billion was needed to complete the projects, adding that contracts awarded in terms of percentage were 88 for works and infrastructure, one for agriculture, two for health, three for education, one for housing, two for commerce and industry, whlie the balance was taken up by the ministries, departments and agencies.

Idowu Sowunmi

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To Curb Menace of Human Trafficking & Irregular Migration, Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Task Force

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 8, 2020

1

Governor-Babajide-Sanwo-Olu — File Photo: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (File Photo)

Worried by the menace of human trafficking, which has become a profitable venture for criminals who exploit people by kidnapping them and selling them into forced prostitution, forced labour and modern day slavery, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tuesday inaugurated a Task Force on Human Trafficking to curb the scourge in the state.

The governor also charged members of Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking to come up with brilliant ideas, innovations and policies that would assist the state government in curbing the menace.

Speaking during the inauguration of the task force at Lagos House in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu urged all members of the task force to see their appointment as a call to service.

According to him, “The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed and exacerbated many global inequalities and plunged many economies like ours into recession, leaving millions of people at greater risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced marriages and other crimes.

“What this implies is that the pandemic has created more economic difficulties for many especially women, young ladies and children who are the most vulnerable and might become exposed to the perils of human trafficking in a bid to seek better lives.

“In view of this, I strongly believe that this initiative of constituting Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking could not have come at a better time than now when it is needed more than ever that we put human dignity and human rights at the forefront and governments across all levels need to join hands and make collaborative efforts to put an end to the scourge of human trafficking.

“The government and people of Lagos State understand the value of partnership as an inestimable tool in combating the transnational organised crime of human trafficking and as a result, we use this opportunity to assure you of our unwavering support, collaboration and strong partnership in providing all that is needed to ensure we bring an end to the menace of human trafficking in our society.

“Everyday, in every country of the world, at least a person is reported as a victim of human trafficking while several other cases go either unnoticed or unreported. The menace of human trafficking has not only become a sad reality, it has also sadly become a profitable venture for criminals who exploit people by kidnapping them, selling them into forced prostitution, forced labour and also until very recently into modern day slavery.

“Unfortunately, human trafficking has now become that bitter bile that is not felt by the victims alone, but rather affects humanity in general as it encroaches on our right and dignity as a people.

“For years, local and international media have been awash with horrifying stories of people especially Nigerian women and girls who have been trafficked for sexual and labour exploitation, and also of migrants trapped in Libya in slavery-like conditions or dying as they crossed the Mediterranean Sea.

“These stories however, sadly reflect the large and increasing problem of human trafficking within and from Nigeria in recent years and also gives certain credibility to the recent statistics by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) that there has been a 600 per cent increase in the number of potential sex trafficking victims arriving Europe by sea, with most of them arriving from Nigeria.”

Sanwo-Olu, who noted that the situation of human trafficking has become a nightmare, commended the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for their relentless efforts in the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration.

He also appreciated NAPTIP for the ways they have been rendering assistance to human trafficking victims that are being rehabilitated.

“I must applaud you for this brilliant idea of re-constituting Lagos State Working Groups on Human Trafficking into State Task Forces that will be equipped with the requisite skills and technical support to provide a platform to articulate and consolidate our government’s policies and programmes aimed at countering the terrible scourge of human trafficking,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, NAPTIP Director-General, Julie Okah-Donli, said the problem of human trafficking and irregular migration have become a great national concern, especially with the large number of Nigerians trapped in sexual and labour exploitation in various African and European countries, apart from the hundreds that continue to die in the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.

“Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking has a pivotal role to play in ensuring adequate sensitisation at the grassroots and among vulnerable groups, providing services and support to victims who have been rescued and returned, as well as information sharing and law enforcements.

“This requires strong political will and budgetary provisions on the part of the srate government, in addition to the commitment of traditional institutions, religious and community leaders,” she said.

Okah-Donli also commended Sanwo-Olu and members of his cabinet for partnering with NAPTIP to stem the tide of the twin evils of human trafficking and irregular migration in Lagos State and Nigeria.

She said: “Lagos State has in the past supported the operations of Lagos Zonal Command of NAPTIP and I would like to appeal for stronger collaborations and support to enable the agency achieve its mandate in Lagos, which unarguably is the commercial business capital of Nigeria.”

In her remarks, the Counter Trafficking Officer of International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Bertha Kaluocha Ngurulu, described migration as not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be managed and therefore promised continued partnership with federal and state governments in facilitating humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.

She disclosed that IOM since 2011 has been providing support to Nigerian government in areas of migration and development as well as facilitating migration, regulating migration and forced migration, assisted voluntary return of both irregular and regular migrants in need of protection.

Responding,Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), who is also the Chairman of Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking, assured Sanwo-Olu and NAPTIP that his team would work tirelessly to fight the pandemic and ensure that people feel the impact of the task force in the state.

The inauguration of Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking was attended by the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Titilayo Shitta-Bey, among other government officials.

Among the member of the task force, which is made up of officials from security agencies, government agencies and civil society and community-based groups are: Co-chairman, Daniel Atokolo (NAPTIP); Olufusayo Adejoke Alabi (Ministry of Women and Poverty Alleviation); Oladotun Odubona and Ighodalo Margaret (Police); Toyin Odusanya (Citizens Right); Patricia Ebegbulem (Bakhita Safe House); Adegboyega Bajulaiye (Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LSNC); Iyabo Ogundiran (Legal Hub on Anti-Trafficking); John Deborah Chigozie (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC); and Ogunluyi Titilope (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA).

Idowu Sowunmi

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Local Electricity Metre Manufacturers Decry Deferment of 1yr Import Tax

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 8, 2020

0

The Electricity Meter Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (EMMAN) says President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of one year deferment of the 35 percent import adjustment tax (levy) imposed on fully built unit (FBU) electricity meters HS Code 9028.30.00.00 under the 2019 fiscal policy measures for the implementation of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) common external tariff (CET) 2017 – 2022 will only encourage importation of the items, thereby developing the economy of other countries.

Speaking as a member of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the downstream of the power sector, Mr Kola Balogun, Chairman of Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Limited (MEMMCOL), said the removal is an indication that the government is more disposed to favour importation to the detriment of local production.

“The implication of this is that over 600million US dollars would be exported to China to import the approved 3million meters. This means we would further be developing another country’s economy and continue to increase unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment in our country.

“We are bold to emphatically say that we at MEMMCOL, have the local capability to bridge the metering gap if the right policy is put in place.

“This can be by way of financial intervention by the government whereby certain agreed percentage of the cost of meter supply would be advanced to us like the importers do with the Chinese and upon completion of installation balance payment would be made to us. We do not even mind to furnish a bank guarantee as our own commitment in such deal”, Balogun said.

According to the President, Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, there is an urgent need for the Federal Government of to put in place a strict regime of sanctions against off-takers who have deliberately refused to accept indigenous technology and made in Nigeria pre-paid meters.

“As important as the vexed issue of metering is, there are other variables and extraneous factors that if not eradicated or boldly addressed once and for all, Nigerian electricity market shall remain an elusive growth and a vicious circle of stagnation.

“As a matter of fact, what we need now is a review downward of the presently discriminatory pricing of gas pricing methodology and disparity in the gas pricing business model with different pricing options for different Off-takers.

“Electricity consumers are increasingly being made to pay for fixed cost, padded cost, over bloated indexes of hyper-inflated cost of production of each Unit of electricity measured in kilowatt hour etc,” Olubiyo added.

EMMAN however appealed to the Federal Government to review its levies on imported electricity meters to promote full local content in the production of pre-paid meters.

EMMAN believes the approval is an incentive for mass importation of pre-paid meters as against upscaling of local production.

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