NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Ministry, RTEAN move to reduce road crashes by 50%

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), has tasked transport workers to embrace the Pre and Post-Crash Initiative of the road transportation sector.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the association’s President, Musa Maitakobi and National Secretary, Mr Yusuf Adeniyi, on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transportation and stakeholders, aims to reduce road traffic crashes and ensure victims receive attention quickly.

It also seeks to ensure that private and commercial vehicles acquire lifesaving tools and skills in accordance with the National Road Traffic Regulation (NRTR) 2012 and the Nigerian Highway Code.

Maitakobi said the move would ensure the fulfilment of the dictate of the United Nations Decade of Action of Road Safety 2021-2030, which aims at reducing death due to Road Traffic Crashes by 50 per cent before the year 2030.

He lamented that road traffic crashes and accidents claimed thousands of lives and caused varying degrees of bodily harm to many people annually in Nigeria.

He noted that on many occasions, victims of road accidents are being left unattended at the point of crash, thereby reducing their chances of survival.

According to Maitakobi, many of the survivors are made to pay huge sum of money for their medical and emergency treatment.

” In a bid to address this problem, the Federal Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with stakeholders in the transportation sector have commenced the implementation of the Pre and Post-Crash Initiative for the Road Transportation Sector in Nigeria.”

“RTEAN empowered by its establishing Act, is mandating all commercial transport vehicles (inter and intra state) to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and commuters.

“The association direct all commercial vehicles to register their vehicles under the Pre and Post-Crash Initiative for the Road Transportation Sector in Nigeria, especially during this festive period.

“This is to ensure that all passengers and commuters are well-protected and secured while in transit through the benefits attached to the Pre and Post-Crash Initiative for the Road Transportation Sector in Nigeria”.

He said the association was partnering with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force and Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO), to ensure maximum compliance.

The President warned that any commercial vehicle that does not comply with the directive by November 2024 shall be arrested and fined.

“RTEAN shall also advocate through all relevant mediums that members of the public should not patronise any unregistered vehicle for their own safety and security,” he said.

Maitakobi said that under the new arrangement N1.5 million death benefit and N1 million medical/emergency treatment coverage would be paid to each occupant of the registered vehicle. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Nigeria, Ericsson sign MoU on 5G technology, innovation

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Nigerian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ericsson to establish a framework of cooperation on 5G technology development, deployment and innovation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 5G is the fifth generation of cellular networks.

Up to 100 times faster than 4G, 5G has created never-before-seen opportunities for people and businesses

The Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria while Mr Peter Ogundele, Country Manager, Ericsson Nigeria, signed for the company.

The MoU, which was signed at the Ericsson’s Global Headquarters Research and Development lab in Kista, North of Stockholm was witnessed by the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima.

Similarly, the signing of the MoU was witnessed by Mr Patrick Johansson, Ericsson Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Middle East and Africa.

Earlier, the company conducted Vice-President Shettima on a demonstration-tour of its mobile communications infrastructure solutions.

The company also made a presentation to Shettima about its 5G technology evolution, radio spectrum matters and standardisation as well as Cyber and Network Security by its professionals.

Speaking after the presentation, Shettima asked the company on the possibility of deploying its 5G technology to help Nigeria improve the security of its oil facilities.

”What value can you add to us? Security of oil facilities, oil pipelines. How can you come in with 5G to secure the oil pipelines, address the issue of oil theft and vandalisation of the pipelines.

“The quantum of oil theft that is lifted is very crucial for economic planning and everything,” he said.

On his part, Tijani explained that the signing of the MoU would enable Nigeria to make the most use of 5G technologies in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

” So we signed the MoU to set up an innovation lab with Ericsson, and the focus of that lab will be to come up with applications that is based on 5G technology.

” For things in agriculture, mining and in some cases in education as well as for the general usage of connectivity to improve the quality of lives for our people.

” The Renewed Hope Agenda, in particular, goes into what we are trying to do with the reforms.

” The aim of the reform is to diversify our economy and it is clear that we cannot diversify our economy without digital technology.

” With this MoU we can strengthen the state of connectivity, particularly 5G. You know Nigeria is already one of the few countries with 5G on the continent.

” With the MoU, we can continue to ensure the spread of 5G across the country not just in key locations and this is how we can ensure that we see the growth that we want to see in our economy,” he said.

Tijani described the visit of the Vice-President to Sweden as ”extremely important to the growth and development of Nigeria’s digitisation drive process.

” But I have to speak to the strength of Sweden as a country and how the visit of the Vice-President is extremely important.

” This is a country that built the use of technology to lift front development. It’s a country that is extremely powerful in technology and business.

” They have significant brands likes Volvo, Ericsson, they are global brands.

” And I think for the reforms that is going on in the country and ambition to raise the level of productivity and make our economy more competitive.

” It is important that we use the strength of the VP and this visit, to truly deepen the relationship and that is what the VP has done with all the meetings that he had,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shettima met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm.

L-R Vice-President Kashim Shettima and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Hjalmar Kristersson during a Bilateral Meeting in Stockholm, Sweden on Friday

The high-level talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with discussions covering trade expansion, strategic partnerships, regional security cooperation, deepened collaborations, and proactive interventions.

Shettima was joined in the talks by Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and some Embassy officials.

Other dignitaries that witnessed the signing of the MoU were; Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communication Commission, and Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

Also present are Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Charge d’affaires, Nigerian Embassy, Sweden, Malam Aliyu Mahmud; among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Shettima woos Swedish investors, says Nigeria ready for business

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday assured Swedish investors of the readiness of Nigeria for business with the global community.

Shettima gave the assurance at a Nigeria/Sweden Business Forum on Trade, Investment with focus on digital economy, agriculture and renewable energy>

The event, held at Epicenter in Stockholm, Sweden, the vice president said that the world was transiting to green economy, adding that global developments are tending towards Africa “and Nigeria will make or mar that transition.”

Shettima told the members of the Swedish investment team that the Nigerian digital space and ecosystem is yearning for support and investment.

According to him, President Tinubu speaks the language of investors, being private sector man who grew up in financial ecosystem.

” Nigeria, a country of 220 million people, by 2050 will surpass the United States. We will be the third most populous nation on earth.

“By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth and there are beauties in numbers. People celebrate China fundamentally because of the population and ingenuity.

” I can assure you that the Nigerian digital space, the Nigeria digital ecosystem is yearning for support and investment

” Nigeria beckons, a new Nigeria is calling on you and we are ready for business.

“Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am quite delighted to be back in Stockholm in this distinguish city of a great people, of a great civilisation and culture,” he said.

Shettima reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to harnessing the potential of the Nigerian youth.

” I believe Nigeria is where the action is. We have the talent, we have a very young resilient and resourceful population in Nigeria.

“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, this is the best time to come and invest in Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Akinola Jones, Director, Gluwa, a digital wallet service, said as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration, the company would train over 30,000 people on digital skills

” We see a situation that, once we launch our satellite in December this year, we can connect directly to satellite, and this is going to be a very big win for Nigeria and a very big win for the technology ecosystem.

Jones said that, already, they had started a training of about 1,000 people in Jigawa state, adding that it would be extended to the entire Northern Nigeria.

“We have given about a 100 million dollars loans. It is not just about disbursing loans, it is not just about trying to grow portfolios, it is really about given back.

” We are pushing for a lot of impact and we are also working with the government and presidency to train people on digital skills.

” And when it comes to funding, we been very innovative in the way we fund ourselves and I’m going to end it by saying it is not always about foreign funding. Local solutions to local problems are very important,” he said

Mr Edgar Luczak, Chairman, Partner & Head of Advisory, Epicenter, Sweden, noted that the future was digital and sustainable, assuring that the epicenter was ready to engage.

According to him, through collaboration both countries can build a stronger economy, create jobs and most importantly, ensure a future for future generation.

” Sweden is a home to some of the world most ground breaking companies in the world.

” And we have an education system that promotes creative thinking and ecosystem of universities leading the way in research, technology and entrepreneurship,” he said.

Ms Anthonia Huard, Regional Director, North & West Africa, Energy & Transport Lead, said the organisation focused on renewable energy, sustainable transport, healthcare, mining facilitated by digital economies and sustainability.

She noted that in order to be efficient in Africa, the organisation would prioritise Nigeria market

Also, Mr Hakan Danhltor, Director, Project Accelerator, Swedfund, expressed the commitment of the organisation to reduce poverty and support sustainable development through investments in the private sector and in local private companies.

” And as a matter of facts, Nigeria is a country where we have the third highest exposure in our recurrent portfolio.

” We have more than 30 direct to indirect investment in Nigeria in different sector but a lot of them are in the energy sector; helping to use clean energy from the renewable energy.

” We are working with the Nigerian Communications Commission to expand broadband deployment in Nigeria.

” This is one discussion we are really excited in continuing to see if we can collaborate,” he said.

Mikaela Edstrom, Swedish Export Credit Agency, said the agency is closely watching the ongoing economic reforms taking place in Nigeria and viewed it as a positive for the future.

The Managing Director, Ericsson Nigeria, Mr Peter Ogundele, revealed plans by the company to build 10 million dollar worth of technology hub in Nigeria.

” We can train them. Ericsson will also take part in it and some of them can be exported into the world.

Ogundele said Ericsson had been in Nigeria since independence, adding that the company was formally registered in 1978.

According to him, Ericsson has engaged in capacity building arrangement with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and some organisations in Nigeria for the past 25 years.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Shettima also held bilateral talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Stenergard and Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, Ebba Busch.

The discussions focused on strengthening ties and exploring new areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Sweden.

Shettima also visited the Royal Palace, where talks centered on deepening cultural ties and reinforcing the partnership between the two nations.

Dignitaries present at the event were; Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau,, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

Others are Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Malam Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communication Commission. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Nigeria economy to rebound in months – Shettima

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the nation’s economy has started improving and it will rebounce in the coming months

Shettima gave the assurances on Saturday during the launch of the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Strategy Document & Gender Transformative Human Capital Development Policy Framework held in Lafia.

He said that the growing informal sector and low labour force participation occasioned by the staggering unemployment rate in Nigeria would be reversed.

This, he said, is the impression of an unfavourable society the Human Capital Development (HCD) Programme was designed to avert under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He emphasised that the Tinubu administration’s goal was to empower Nigerians with globally competitive skills.

“This strategy, he noted, would enable Nigerian workers to excel both domestically and in the international job market.

” Nasarawa State’s commitment to the Human Capital Development (HCD) Programme, a lifeline for our nation, is built on the collective realisation that enough is enough.

” Enough of the cycles that have held us back. Enough of the legacies of unplanned high fertility rates and alarming maternal and under-five mortality rates.

” Enough of our vulnerable populations facing low life expectancy.

“Enough of the distressing data on our education system—whether it is the mean years of schooling, the high pupil-to-teacher ratios, or the staggering number of youths not in employment, education, or training.

” The unemployment rates, the growing informal sector, and low labour force participation must be reversed.”

Shettima said the unveiling of a blueprint for Nasarawa’s future was a reaffirmation of the administration’s shared belief that the way forward for the nation lies in solutions fashioned to suit the unique realities of each state.

He regretted what he described as the tragic reality of the ECOWAS region being ranked the lowest in the global Human Capital Development Index.

The Vice-President assured however that it should not be something to feel disheartened about.

“Rather, it is an invitation for every country, and indeed sub-national entities, to rise to the challenge,” he said.

He pointed out that “every child must have access to quality education, equitable healthcare, even as the nation’s workforce must be equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st-century economy.”

The Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council (NEC) and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, said the programme was unveiled in 2018.

She added that the programme was aimed at addressing poverty, foster socio-economic growth, and improving human capital across the country.

Sen. Ahmed Wadada, (SDP-Nasarawa West), said Nasarawa State was leading in laying the structure for Human Capital Development in Nigeria.

Wadada, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, noted that citizens must be equipped in order to carry out their endeavours successfully.

Wadada emphasised that education is the cornerstone of human development needed to create dedicated populace.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Taxation: RTEAN urges its members to be law abiding

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has urged its members to be law abiding when conducting their lawful activities in 774 Local Governments in the country.

The association’s Deputy National President, Administration, Amb. Muhammad Bishara, made the call in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He reiterated the association’s total support and commitment to peaceful co-existence in the country.

“The attention of the National Executive council of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has been drawn to publication circulating on some online Newspapers.

“The publication alleged that the leadership of the RTEAN in Anambra state threatened to shut down its services in the state if the State Government does not consider its heavy taxation on transporters.”

He said that the position expressed by the leadership of RTEAN in Anambra state did not reflect the modus operandi of the association.

He added that the stands of the leadership was not in line with the Article five (d) , six A2 (f-i) and article 12 (e) that stated only National Executive of the RTEAN had legal and moral justification to make such a decision.

Bishara, therefore, urged the leadership of RTEAN in Anambra state to followed due process and report all matter to its National Headquarters for redress.

“The alleged heavy taxation and harassment of drivers by the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue should be channels of the RTEAN headquarters for amicable resolution, instead of going to press to voice his angers, ” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria, Japan to deepen trade relations

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government has pledged to deepen ties with Japan to strengthen trade and exploit more opportunities in areas of infrastructural development, food security, and health.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima said this on Wednesday when a delegation of the Japanese government paid him a visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Japan delegation was led by the outgoing- Amb. of Japan to Nigeria, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, and President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr Tanaka Akihiko

Shettima assured the Japanese government of enhanced cooperation with the Federal Government of Nigeria, as well as resolving all the grey areas involving bilateral relations between the two nations.

“All the grey areas will be addressed. Luckily, the CBN Governor is here, and two of the major beneficiary ministries are represented at the highest level.

“Be rest assured that in a couple of days, we are going to resolve all the grey areas and put our relationship on a new pedestal,” Shettima said.

The vice-president applauded Amb. Kazuyoshi for doing an outstanding job in anchoring the relationship between Nigeria and Japan.

He noted that the presence of key actors in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including two ministers and the Governor of CBN, accentuated the importance Nigeria attaches to its relationship with JICA.

Shettima expressed gratitude to JICA for its commitment towards strengthening the ties between Nigeria and Japan through its contributions to development across critical sectors of the economy.

He also thanked JICA’s President for the firm’s donation of ¥1.75 billion grant to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), to strengthen its diagnostic capacity.

“Your Excellency, we are immensely grateful for JICA’s continuous commitment; words cannot adequately convey our depth of gratitude.

” Under the exemplary leadership of Dr Tanaka Akihiko, JICA has played a very vital role in strengthening the ties between our two nations.

“Your contributions span across critical sectors of our economy and society, aligning seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I am glad you visited the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Tuesday where, again, you have given a grant of ¥1.75 billion for the strengthening of diagnostic capacity of the NCDC,” he said.

Shettima also acknowledged JICA’s assistance in polio eradication, which he said helped Nigeria to achieve polio-free status in 2020.

“We share in your vision of making Nigeria a hub for disease control in West Africa and, by extension, you can make it a hub for the whole of Africa because one in every four black men is a Nigerian.

“So, we implore you to further enhance the cooperation between our two nations. You are a silent giant. You don’t make too much noise,” he added.

Shettima wished the outgoing Amb. Kazuyoshi, a fruitful and productive tour of duty in his next location.

Earlier, the President of JICA, Akihiko, sympathised with Nigeria over the flood that recently caused damage to many communities and deaths, especially in Maiduguri, Borno.

He said that the sympathy was special because Japan has been a victim of natural disasters.

Akihiko extended his gratitude to Nigeria and its citizens for understanding, supporting and allowing JICA to participate in development projects in the country.

He said, “the Amb. of Japan, Mr Matsunaga Kasuyoshi, has done a good job in maintaining and improving the relations between Nigeria and Japan.”

He said he also visited the Nigeria Information Technology Centre, where he met with the Nigerian engineers and entrepreneurs.

He noted that he was impressed with their ingenuity and level of creativity, stressing that has formed the basis of collaboration with JICA.

Also, Amb. Kazuyoshi disclosed that the Japanese government would hold an International Conference on African Development in Tokyo next year.

He said while the Japanese government has paid great attention to the partnership with Nigeria, it would like to use the opportunity of the visit to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries.

For his part, Dr Kinsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusinesses and Productivity Enhancement (Office of the Vice President), commended JICA for supporting Nigeria in the area of food security emergency support loan.

Uzoma emphasised that one of the most critical areas of support was the project to rehabilitate and reinforce the Lagos transmission substation.

“This initiative aims to provide an uninterrupted power supply to Apapa Wharf, ensuring 24-hour electricity.

“The project is instrumental in elevating the Nigerian port to meet international standards,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Why Africa is underdevelop – Tinubu

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu says Africa holds a significant portion of the world’s mineral reserves, including 92 per cent of global platinum, 56 per cen of cobalt, and 54 per cent of manganese, yet underdevelop.

The President attributed the continent’s underdevelopment to the fact that, the resources were primarily extracted and exported to foreign countries for refining and manufacturing.

Tinubu, represented by his Vice, Kashim Shettima, stated this in a keynote address, during the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) meeting, held on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.

A statement on the event was made available to newsmen in Abuja by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the spokesperson of Vice-President.

In the statement, the President noted that extracting raw minerals in Africa had continued to keep the continent in a state of poverty

According to him, the extraction of raw minerals without local processing only deepens Africa’s underdevelopment and prolongs its economic challenges.

Tinubu, therefore, stressed the urgent need for the continent to break free from the dependency.

“This has left the continent at the mercy of foreign markets, forcing it to repurchase finished products at much higher prices.

“A situation in which the raw minerals are extracted from our countries, exported, refined, and sold to us as finished products merely consolidates the foundations of our misery and pushes us further down the depths of underdevelopment,” he said.

The President called on African nations to adopt a new agenda that prioritised local value addition, which was essential to industrialising the continent and providing sustainable economic growth.

On the evolution of lithium-ion technology, Tinubu noted that the development had enabled the swift production and manufacturing of portable consumer electronics such as laptops, computers, cellular phones, and electric cars.

“We live in a world of electronic mobility in which lithium-powered batteries provide higher specific energy, higher energy density, higher energy efficiency, longer cycle life, and longer calendar life.

“The global need for new battery technology has triggered a new scramble for Africa’s critical minerals.

“Africa possesses 92 percent of global reserves of platinum, 56 per cent of Cobalt, 54 per cent of Manganese and 36 per cent of Chromium.

” These are the minerals employed in the manufacturing of the new batteries. In short, the world needs Africa today more than ever,” he said.

Tinubu further emphasised Africa’s determination to move beyond the historical exploitation of its resources, advocating the localisation of the entire mineral value chain within the continent.

He assured of his administration’s commitment to adding local value to Nigeria’s mineral resources as part of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group’s (AMSG) vision chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.

Tinubu drew attention to Nigeria’s vast market of over 226 million people, adding that the success of the country’s 10 billion dollars telecoms market is a proof of its growth potential

” This is evident in the manufacturing of Lithium batteries, concentrates and components to set up their business and domesticate the value chain from extraction to production in Nigeria.”

He affirmed that the AMSG was focused on transforming Africa from a supplier of raw materials into a global mining industry stakeholder.

On his part, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, who spoke in his capacity as the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, laid out the group’s vision to transform Africa’s mining industry through local value addition and industrialisation.

The minister criticised the traditional model of mineral extraction in Africa where raw materials are exported for processing abroad.

This, according to him, resulted in loss of economic opportunities and jobs on the continent.

He maintained that the pattern of trade had left African nations vulnerable, as they were forced to import finished goods at inflated prices.

Alake proposed a shift towards local value addition – processing raw minerals into finished goods within Africa – as a strategy for enhancing the continent’s economic independence and contributing more significantly to its GDP.

He acknowledged that, although the continent faces significant developmental challenges, Africa’s natural wealth provides a pathway to prosperity if leveraged correctly.

The General Secretary of AMSG, Mr Moses Engadu, called for a new vision and political will among African leaders to ensure value addition becomes a sacrosanct condition to granting mineral license to any investor.

The roundtable had representatives from investors, development partners, multilateral institutions and major financial institutions in attendance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Zulum seeks Great Green Wall support on flood mitigation

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By Yakubu Uba

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has pleaded for support from the National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGGW) in reducing flood incident and other environmental challenges in the state.

Zulum made the plea in Maiduguri on Thursday while receiving a delegation of NAGGW, who paid him a sympathy visit over the Alau Dam flood disaster that hit the state capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the flood, which occured on Sept. 10, had led to the death of many people, while property worth billions of Naira destroyed.

Zulum appreciated the active support of the agency, especially its recent launching of three million tree planting campaign in Borno.

He explained that his administration had also set up a green wall agency as part of commitment to protect the environment.

The governor lauded the concern shown by the delegation, who brought food and non food items for the flood victims, and assured them of judicious utilisation of the support.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr Habiba Ibrahim, who is the Director Operations of the agency, commiserated with the government and people of Borno over the flood incident.

She said the agency, as stakeholders in tackling ecological challenges, would collaborate with the state government in taking measures to mitigate flooding and other challenges.

She announced the donation of 80 bags of rice, 60 cartons of macaroni/spaghetti, 60 cartons of vegetable oil, 60 stoves, 600 buckets, 180 mats and 60 pots among others. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Shettima urges regulatory agencies to align with Tinubu’s agenda

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged regulatory agencies to eliminate overlaps and align their activities with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for economic growth and enhance ease of doing business in Nigeria.

Shettima said this on Thursday during the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Regulators’ Forum to build an effective Regulatory Impact Framework (RIA) for Nigeria, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that President Tinubu’s administration was committed toward streamlining the regulatory environment in the country.

According to Shettima, the move is crucial in driving the coordination, transparency and global competitiveness required for the nation’s economic transformation.

He noted that the administration’s journey toward a regulatory system built on trust, consistency and collaboration was ongoing.

He said that it was a journey that required all and sundry to remain committed.

“Our duty to the private sector is clear: to listen, process their concerns, and develop solutions that drive growth.

“In recent months, there have been pockets of complaints regarding certain directives from our regulatory agencies.

“I have personally intervened on several occasions to ensure we are not hampered by conflict, but instead move forward with unity and purpose.

“The success of this forum today does not solely depend on our ability to collaborate, share knowledge, and align our regulatory actions with the broader national agenda,” Shettima said.

He said President Tinubu had reassured the business community of his commitment to easing any bottlenecks they might encounter.

“And each regulator here must adopt the same mindset in their dealings with private enterprises.

“The work of PEBEC, particularly through initiatives like the Regulatory Reform Accelerator, has been pivotal in reducing the obstacles faced by businesses.

“Today’s forum offers an unparalleled opportunity to address these issues head-on and chart a new course towards regulatory cohesion.

“This is not merely an event – it is a defining moment for us to reflect on the duties we owe our nation,” he said.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, outlined PEBEC’s 2024 outlook.

Hadejia highlighted Nigeria’s business and investment climate reforms through its five strategic pillars, comprising regulatory, judicial and legislative reforms, among others.

He said deliberations and actions at the forum would be aligned with national economic goals that could make Nigeria a more attractive destination for business and investment.

“Through your participation and active contributions, this forum will play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s regulatory landscape, ensuring that it enhances our global business competitiveness.”

The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Alhaji Aminu Maida, thanked the vice-president for bringing all regulators together for the good of the nation.

“I think this is a very productive meeting and it is a very simple concept for one that will prove extremely effective because often we don’t realise how our actions which might seem to be very insignificant send a signal to the outside world.

“So, I think by the conveying of this forum, we as regulators in Nigeria, we are able to sit down and talk to each other rather than being cut unaware and ending up fighting fires which in the long run hampers investment into the country.

“Which I believe is exactly what President Tinubu wants to do to make Nigeria a destination for investment in the world,” Maida said.

Also, Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, noted that regulators must act as enablers, evolving to support and nurture the very ecosystem they oversee.

“Regulators should be assessed based on the health of the businesses under them. If the businesses are dying, the regulator should be concerned.

“I want us to be the first government in modern history to leave office having reduced the overall burden of regulation rather than increasing it.” (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

NG-CARES disburses N625bn to 36 states in 3 years

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By Amina Ahmed

The Nigeria COVID-19 Action, Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), says it has disbursed N625 billion to the 36 states since inception of the programme.

The National Coordinator, NG-CARES, Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, stated this during the peer learning and experience sharing exercise, on Thursday in Bauchi.

NG-CARES is being implemented by the Federal Government in collaboration with the World Bank and the 36 state governments, to mitigate the negative social and economic impacts occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also aimed at addressing other shocks through the provision of grants and basic social infrastructure services to poor and vulnerable communities.

Obaje described NG-CARES as one of the most successful World Bank’s intervention assisting more than 5.3 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

He said the programme had been restructured to accommodate victims of flood and other related shocks.

Mrs Elizabeth Egharebwa, Chairman, Federal CARES Technical Committee, said the programme had been working with communities and agencies to alleviate burdens of the poor and vulnerable Nigerians in the last three years.

She was represented by Adamu Gizos, Director Special Duties and Projects, Federal Ministry of Labour.

Egharebwa, who is also the Director, Economic Growth, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said that: ”while we are proud of what we have accomplished thus far, we know there is still much work to be done.

”That is why this peer learning event is so critical. By convening diverse perspectives and experiences, we can collectively identify solutions to the complex challenges we face.”

Also speaking, Mr AbdulAzeez Olorunshola, represtative of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), said the exercise was designed to encourage sustainable collaboration between the states.

This, he said, would ensure better understanding for effective peer learning methods among the states
Gov. Bala Mohammed, lauded the NG-CARES over its food security, small businesses and social intervention programmes.

Represented by Prof. Simon Yalams, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mohammed said the intervention encouraged application of Information Communications Technology (ICT) in the provision of infrastructure and basic services to the people.

He urged the people to protect and ensure effective utilisation of the facilities provided in their communities for sustainable social and economic development in the country.

“The peer learning and experience sharing exercise is coming at a time when the phase one cycle of the programme is about to terminate.

”This will therefore provide an avenue for participants to articulate and consolidate all the strategies, techniques and skills applied and used in the implementation of the programme in the country.

”The lessons learnt would serve as a guide in the conception of development of future programmes, especially the 2.0 whose concept and framework has almost been developed,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

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