NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Politics

Progressive Governors to back Tax Reform bills

24 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has announced that the Forum will collaborate closely with the National Assembly to strengthen engagement on the proposed Tax Reform Bills.

Uzodimma disclosed this while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with progressive governors in Abuja on Wednesday.

He reiterated the Forum’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s reform initiatives, particularly the proposed Tax Reform Bills, which aim to improve Nigeria’s taxation system and administration.

The bills under consideration include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

Addressing security concerns in parts of the North-West, Uzodimma noted that security agencies are actively tackling the situation and assured the Forum’s continued support to enhance national safety.

He added that the governors discussed key national issues, including measures to back the Federal Government’s reforms and create additional palliative programmes to mitigate their effects on citizens.

Uzodimma stressed the importance of unity among the governors to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in driving national prosperity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

Economy/Business

FCCPC uncovers substandard sugar, warns consumers

29 total views today

By Ginika Okoye

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has uncovered the availability of substandard and unregistered sugar products in markets.

A statement issued by Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director, Corporate Affairs of the Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, said the substandard sugar product failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements.

He said the products were smuggled brands from Brazil, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean and Arapora Bionergia.

Ijagwu said the Commission’s investigations revealed that many of the identified sugar products lacked normal labeling, including production and expiry dates.

He said the products also lacked batch numbers and the mandatory National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration.

Ijagwu said the products posed serious health risks to consumers, undermined the integrity of the local sugar industry, and contributed to price manipulation that harmed the market.

According to him, the influx of smuggled sugar undermines fair competition, placing undue pressure on compliant local producers who adhere to regulatory standards.

He called on consumers to verify the authenticity of sugar products by ascertaining they had proper labeling, including NAFDAC registration and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.

“Acting on a tip-off, FCCPC operatives conducted discreet investigations across the country, particularly in the South-West and the North-East.

“The absence of this fortification exposes Nigerian consumers to serious health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.

“Importer of these substandard products engage in price manipulation to the detriment of genuine producers and consumers, while pretending that the products are genuine.’’

According to him, this jeopardises the sustainability of the Nigerian sugar industry and also erodes consumer trust in the market.

He said that smuggling facilitated through porous borders, particularly from neighboring countries such as Cameroun and Benin Republic, further complicated enforcement efforts and hampers traceability.

“The FCCPC is also deeply concerned about the economic impact of these products,” Ijagwu said.

He said the Commission was intensifying enforcement and surveillance in collaboration with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other relevant agencies.

He said enforcement would include enhanced surveillance and follow-up market inspections to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products.

Ijagwu said the FCCPC was also engaging with industry stakeholders to promote compliance with quality standards, protect local producers, and foster fair competition within the sugar market. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Aviation

WMO to support Nigeria’s climate resilience efforts- Keyamo

45 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) on Wednesday pledged to provide technical support to Nigeria in addressing climate change challenges.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo in a statement said WMO’s Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Ko Barrett, made the commitment during a session with Nigeria’s delegation at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Keyamo stated that Nigeria, as one of the WMO’s Peer Advisors, would benefit from the organisation’s assistance to strengthen climate resilience strategies, particularly in the aviation sector.

He emphasised the interconnectedness of aviation and climate change, noting the need for sustainable practices across all sectors.

Speaking at the Nigerian Pavilion during the celebration of Nigeria Day at COP 29, Keyamo stressed the importance of aligning Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace policies with global climate objectives.

He outlined ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources in the aviation industry.

“Nigeria is fully committed to addressing the global climate crisis. Our aviation sector is undergoing transformative reforms to align with international sustainability standards.

“The commitments we secure here at COP 29 will drive our vision for a resilient and eco-friendly aviation ecosystem,” he stated.

Keyamo also highlighted Nigeria’s potential as a prime destination for green investments in the aviation and aerospace sectors, reaffirming the ministry’s dedication to positioning the country as a leader in sustainable aviation.

He noted that Nigeria’s participation at COP 29 reaffirms its commitment to global partnerships supporting the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Business

Experts urge leaders to prioritise innovation, change management

52 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Experts on Tuesday called on business leaders to prioritise fostering a culture of innovation to unlock their full potential and compete effectively in global markets.

They gave this advice at the 2024 Management Day Lecture, held in Lagos.

The event, themed “Innovation and Change Management: Fostering the Culture of Innovation in a Rapidly Evolving Business Environment”, provided a platform to address pressing management challenges.

Mr Seni Adetu, Group Chief Executive Officer of First Primus and former Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, emphasised the urgency of this message, citing the global economic downturn and its impact on Nigeria.

Adetu noted that shifting consumer expectations and rapid technological advancements underscored the need for businesses to embrace innovation.

“Innovation is critical for businesses as it drives economic growth, enhances competitiveness, addresses societal challenges, promotes sustainability, and attracts investments,” he said.

He outlined key measures for achieving sustainable innovation success, which include deep consumer insights, strategic partnerships for scalability, structured governance, among others.

Adetu also emphasised that fostering a culture of innovation required leadership to set a clear vision, create a high-performance culture, and establish conditions for employees to thrive.

“Leaders must break barriers to organisational performance, embrace and manage change, remain agile, adapt to evolving circumstances, and lead by example,” he added.

To successfully navigate the challenges of innovation and change management, Adetu advised businesses to encourage experimentation, celebrate failure, and empower employees.

“They must also prioritise effective change management, communicate clearly, involve stakeholders, provide training and support, and celebrate milestones,” he said.

“Businesses need to address resistance to change, build trust, set clear objectives, track progress, and evaluate outcomes.

“Leadership is crucial for executing strategies, enforcing consequence management, and taking calculated risks to enable businesses to thrive in global markets”.

Dr Christiana Atako, President of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), noted the significance of Management Day as a platform to examine the challenges of management practices and proffer solutions for achieving excellence.

Atako stressed that in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, innovation had become the cornerstone of success.

“Organisations that prioritise innovation gain a competitive edge, as an innovative culture enables them to adapt swiftly to changing market conditions and seize emerging opportunities,” she said.

“Innovation is the catalyst that propels businesses forward. Creating a culture of innovation within an organisation is a multifaceted endeavour requiring commitment and collaboration at all levels.

“It often stems from trial and error, where failures are viewed as valuable learning opportunities. It also thrives on bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences”.

Atako further emphasised the importance of dedicating both financial and human resources to innovation initiatives, signalling that such investments are critical to long-term success.

On change management, she described it as a systematic approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organisations from a current state to a desired future state.

“It involves managing and supporting people through organisational changes while ensuring minimal disruption and maximum benefits,” Atako explained.

She, however, acknowledged common challenges in change management, such as resistance to change, communication breakdowns, lack of leadership commitment, insufficient training and support, and cultural barriers.

“Fostering a culture of innovation and effective change management is essential for businesses to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving environment,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Agriculture

Water ministry, SON partner to improve irrigation water quality

60 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has partnered with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enhance the quality of irrigation water in the country.

This was the focus of the Technical Committee on Water Quality meeting for the development of the Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality in Abuja.

The collaboration aims to develop and implement robust irrigation water quality standards that align with global best practices.

Mrs Oyeronke Oluniyi, Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the ministry, described the initiative as crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

She added that the partnership aimed to improve water quality, support farmers, and safeguard ecosystems.

“The ministry has been working to raise awareness about water quality by discouraging practices such as washing clothes in irrigation systems and open defecation.

“This is crucial because many food products are consumed raw and unprocessed, making it essential to ensure the availability of quality water for agricultural purposes”.

The director further stated that the ministry would transfer the project to SON while maintaining a supervisory role.

Earlier, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the ministry, emphasised that validating irrigation standards would help tackle key development challenges in Nigeria.

She said the ministry was committed to validating irrigation standards to boost food security, nutrition, productivity, and socio-economic development.

“Since 2022, the committee has been critically reviewing the documents, aiming to develop irrigation water quality standards tailored to Nigeria’s needs for effective agricultural practices”.

Ugoh also stressed the need to address poor monitoring and evaluation and to conduct regular reviews for sustainable progress.

Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, SON Director General, announced the release of two key documents to enhance national standardisation.

He was represented by the Deputy Director, Food and Agriculture Group, Mrs Nene Obianwu.

“These are the Principles and Procedures for the Development of the Nigerian National Standards (PPDNNS) and the Nigerian National Standardisation Strategy (NNSS).

“These documents provide guidelines aligned with international best practices, with the NNSS outlining a four-year plan to address Nigeria’s environmental and socio-economic priorities,” Okeke said.

He stressed that forming a National Technical Committee was essential for implementing these standards and urged effective discussions to finalise the draft.

“Water is vital for agriculture, directly impacting crop yield, soil health, and food security.

“With challenges like climate change and population growth, improving water management, especially in irrigation, is essential,” he added.

He further emphasised that developing a Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality was key to protect crops from harmful contaminants, which threatened public health and economic growth.

Okeke noted that these efforts supported Nigeria’s commitment to the UN’s SDGs and encouraged participants to contribute their expertise in developing a framework for sustainable irrigation water safety.

He also acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s support in advancing the project.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality outlines the quality requirements, classification, and test methods for irrigation water in Nigeria.

The Standard applies to any water used for irrigation purposes, regardless of its source. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environment

Shettima urges governors to end open defecation

71 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has urged governors of the 36 states of the federation to double efforts to end open defecation in the next five years.

Shettima made the call on Tuesday during the 5th anniversary of the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign and the launch of the Revised Strategic Plan at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Shettima urged state governments to be deliberate in mobilising high-level political support to drive the campaign, especially at the sub-national level”.

He noted that sanitation sector in Nigeria has great economic opportunities for growth.

According to him, aligning these opportunities with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration could create jobs, provide alternative energy sources, and produce biological fertilisers.

“It is against this background that the need to re-strategise the critical elements that will progressively increase our level of advocacy and awareness came to be.

“The new Strategic Plan for the Clean Nigeria Campaign is a comprehensive, actionable framework for Clean Nigeria that will help to actualise the call for reasonable access to use a toilet by the year 2030.

“I, therefore, urge State Governors to provide the necessary support to drive the campaign at the State and Local Government Areas levels to achieve our target of an Open Defecation Free Nigeria within the next five years”.

Shettima cautioned against the hazards of open defecation, saying it is “a critical public health and environmental issue that compromises our water sources.

He added that it also spreads disease, and negatively impacts the quality of life, education, and economic productivity of the populace.

He said inadequate sanitation facilities to address open defecation pose a great risk, especially to women, girls and vulnerable communities.

The Vice-President, therefore, assured that the Tinubu administration was committed to the bid to end open defecation in Nigeria.

“The present administration is committed to the call for Open Defecation Free in Nigeria, as part of measures to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 target aimed at contributing to building a healthy and thriving nation.

“We are all aware that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation rolled out several initiatives to bridge the existing gap of inadequate basic sanitation services,” he stated.

Shettima applauded the support of stakeholders, especially governors, local government Chairmen, national and state legislators, members of the international community, development partners, the private sector, civil societies, and the media.

Earlier, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the 5th anniversary of the Campaign aligned with the World Toilet Day.

According to him, the day is set aside by the UN to accelerate the drive towards Open Defecation Free in countries around the world.

He recalled that the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign was launched in 2019 under the national programme to end open defecation in Nigeria and is backed by Presidential Executive Order 009.

Utsev explained that the campaign was informed by the unfortunate position of Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest number of people practicing open defecation, estimated at 48 million persons.

“It is a transformative movement to end open defecation in Nigeria and since its commencement, appreciable progress has been made over the past few years, with 135 LGAs having attended an Open Defecation Free status.

“More State Governments and Local Government Areas are currently undergoing a verification process in line with the National Protocol on Open Defecation Free, and over 30,000 other communities were certified as ODF.

“Despite all these attainments, the progress rate appears grossly inadequate compared to the Campaign target date of 2025, which expects nationwide advocacy”.

The Chairman, the Senate Committee on Water Resources, Sen. Eze Emeka, thanked the federal government for coming up with the campaign of clean water and ending open defecation.

He commended the government through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for coming up with the initiative of sustaining the campaign and setting the target to end the menace in 2030. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Environment

Zulum pledges to end open defecation in Borno

97 total views today

By Hamza Suleiman

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating open defecation practices across the state.

Zulum made the pledge during the inauguration of the state’s roadmap to eliminate open defecation in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

The campaign, aligned with SDG six to ensure water and sanitation for all by 2030, aims to mobilise communities to end open defecation.

Represented by Deputy Governor Dr Usman Kadafur, the governor stated the role sanitation plays in health, education, economic growth, and community wellbeing.

He acknowledged the state’s challenges, including fiscal constraints, but underscored his administration’s commitment to improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services.

He stated, “Poor hygiene, open defecation, and lack of access to safe water compromise the dignity and health of our people, contributing to child mortality, undernutrition, and educational barriers for girls”.

He also stressed the importance of clean public toilets in markets, motor parks, and other public places, ensuring Borno meets global sanitation targets.

The governor presented a detailed action plan to achieve these goals, including expanding access to safe water within 30 metres of every household using durable, community-managed systems.

He directed state officials to work with the private sector to develop affordable toilets and introduce interest-free sanitation credits for households and toilet businesses.

He called for public-private partnerships to sustain WASH access in schools, health centres, and public places, and urged the Ministry of Information to collaborate with the First Lady’s office and media outlets.

This, he said is to mobilise communities and promote sanitation and hygiene practices.

The governor appealed to all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community members, and the private sector, to support the campaign and help make Borno an open defecation-free state.

“A clean Borno State means a prosperous people. Together, we can leave a legacy of dignity and health for future generations,” he said.

Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting the Borno government in eradicating open defecation and improving access to WASH facilities.

Represented by Phuong Nguyen, UNICEF’s Chief of Borno Field Office, she revealed the wide-ranging impacts of open defecation on public health, education, and economic productivity, particularly for children.

She noted that while providing toilets and water infrastructure is vital, fostering behavioral change is equally important.

“It’s not enough to have toilets or water; people must understand their significance.

“Open defecation and poor hygiene lead to severe health issues like diarrhea and malnutrition, which stunt children’s growth and hinder their learning,” she said.

She further noted that open defecation disproportionately affects girls, as inadequate sanitation facilities often prevent them from attending school during their menstrual periods.

“Adults are also impacted, with illnesses like diarrhea leading to absenteeism from work and reduced productivity”.

Munduate stressed the importance of government leadership in this journey, stating, “Each success story in eradicating open defecation begins at the top.

“Borno State has demonstrated this leadership, and we believe that by this time next year, most areas of Borno, if not the entire state, will be free from open defecation.

“UNICEF also calls on traditional leaders, estate owners, and communities to play their part in driving the necessary behavioral changes”.

Mr Ajose Adeyemi, Deputy Director of Rural Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, congratulated the state for achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in Biu and Shani local governments.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting the state’s continued efforts and presented the ODF Certificate, Flag, and Plaque to the Deputy Governor.

Earlier, Mr Abu Godwin, a representative of the Clean Nigeria Campaign Secretariat, outlined the strategic objectives and key expectations of the secretariat for the state.

He highlighted goals such as mobilising support at the political, private sector, and development partner levels, and creating a pool of resource persons to support local actors.

Godwin also called for engaging society in adopting safe sanitation practices through behavior change and establishing mechanisms to track progress and share lessons learned.

In his remarks, Sule Ali, Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, praised the National Task Group on Sanitation for recognising Biu as open defecation free.

Ali noted that this achievement would not have been possible without the support of Gov. Babagana Zulum, who had directed the LGA to undertake a sensitisation campaign showing the devastating effects of open defecation.

“By God’s grace, we have succeeded, and today our Local Government is open defecation free,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng 

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Environment

WaterAid, CSOs move to prioritise WASH budgets

109 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

WaterAid Nigeria, in partnership with civil society organisations (CSOs) on Monday commenced a training programme to prioritise financing for the underfunded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

Theodora Igboaruka, Policy and Advocacy Manager, WaterAid Nigeria, emphasised the role of sanitation and hygiene in national development at a two-day training on WASH Budget Analysis, Tools, and Skills in Abuja.

According to her, these areas have been greatly neglected in spite of their interconnectedness with other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The initiative aims to bridge critical funding gaps and ensure progress toward achieving the SDGs, particularly SDG six, which focuses on universal access to water and sanitation,” she said.

She said the ultimate objective was to create evidence-based tools for advocacy.

Igboaruka explained that the training is designed to equip CSOs with skills to analyse budget trends, assess the share of sanitation and hygiene in national budgets, and identify investment gaps.

“This data will form the foundation for advocacy, providing evidence to engage decision-makers and stakeholders in prioritising sanitation and hygiene financing.

“Collaboration, synergy, and amplified advocacy efforts are crucial to ensure these issues are no longer overlooked but are recognised as essential for national development and global commitments”.

Earlier, Mr Benson Attah, National Coordinator, Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), revealed challenges associated with budget transparency and stakeholder engagement.

He noted that while budgeting was essential for planning and resource allocation, it often faced resistance, particularly from civil servants.

“There is a perception of scrutiny and exposure during budget discussions, which leads to apprehension and sometimes resistance,” Attah said.

He recounted an instance where an officer assigned to assist with budget tracking disappeared, illustrating the entrenched resistance to accountability within the system.

Attah stressed that without transparency, it was impossible to assess how funds are utilised or measure their impact.

“This lack of trust erodes credibility and affects governance, particularly in the water and sanitation sector,” he noted.

Attah urged civil servants and stakeholders to view budgeting not as a punitive tool but as a mechanism to ensure efficiency, fairness, and impact.

“This initiative is a step toward bridging the funding gap in the WASH sector and ensuring that Nigeria remains on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants, primarily NEWSAN members, were trained on various skills, including budget trend analysis, tracking, monitoring, and evaluation, among others.

National Cordinator, WASH Media Network, Mr Wale Elekolusi, spoke on the role of the media in promoting water and sanitation issues, calling for  sustained collaboration and advocacy.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Politics

Reps pledge support for digital, technical education

104 total views today

By EricJames Ochigbo

Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has pledged the commitment of the house to passing appropriate legislation that will foster digital learning and technical education in the country.

Abbas gave the pledge at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education in Abuja on Monday.

The hearing was on four bills seeking to establish the National Vocational Centre; Federal Artificial Intelligence Institute, Aliade, Benue; Federal College of Science and Technology, Askira-Uba, Borno and National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, Wamba, Nasarawa State.

Represented by Rep. Auwalu Gwalabe (APC-Bauchi), Abbas said that the initiative required a strong collaboration on the side of the government and all stakeholders.

He said that polytechnic education would continue to be relevant to the Nigerian economy for the much-needed industrial development.

According to him, there has been an increasing recognition of the important role that science, technical and vocational education plays in national development.

Abbas said with the emergence of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, it was no longer sufficient for educational institutions to merely impact theoretical knowledge.

He said that youths must be equipped with practical skills that would enable them to thrive in an ever-evolving technologically-driven job market.

“We are hoping that the eventual establishment of these proposed science and technical institutions will provide access to quality technical education.

“We are also hoping that it will address the skills gap by equipping our graduates with employable skills, promote innovation and entrepreneurship as well as support the current efforts of government to diversify the economy.

“These proposed institutions will serve as beacons of excellence – providing qualitative education that meets international standard, while also being tailored to meet local needs.

“Therefore, today’s hearing aligns seamlessly with our legislative agenda as mentioned earlier, aimed at enhancing the educational framework within Nigeria.

“We recognise that in an increasingly competitive global environment, it is imperative that our youths have the relevant skills and knowledge,” he said.

The speaker expressed the committed of the house to ensuring access to quality education as well as improving educational infrastructure and teacher quality.

Abbas said that the public hearing was a reflection of the desire and commitment of the house to prioritise technical and vocational education as part of the ongoing social sector reform and development of the present administration.

He said that reforming and modernising science and technical education were critical steps toward promoting skill acquisition and empowering youths to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth and development of the country.

According to the speaker, the ongoing fight against insecurity must, as a matter of necessity, consider the provision of functional education for students and youths to ensure that they are gainfully engaged.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Fuad Laguda (APC-Lagos), said that the bills were designed to improve Nigeria’s educational development and promote sustainable human capital development necessary for a self-reliant society.

Laguda said there was the need to prioritise the advantages of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in driving economic growth.

The lawmaker said that the passage of the bills would ensure that the workforce was technologically empowered.

According to him, it will be used to tackle the issues of unemployment, wealth creation, poverty reduction and insecurity, while it will also as a veritable tool in curbing youth restiveness.

“The main objective of establishment of vocational, entrepreneurship and technical skills acquisition institutions in Nigeria is to train technicians and middle-level personnel who will act as catalysts for rapid industrialisation and development of the real sector of the economy.

“There is the need for all stakeholders here present to be dedicated and committed to purposeful deliberations as well as make positive inputs and opinions on all the contending issues of the bills, to further enrich the content and intendment of the proposed laws.

“The contributions of all the stakeholders are important for the success of these bills which seek to address contingent economic issues in Nigeria,” Laguda said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Economy/Business

Beware of fraudulent contracts, project funding claims – CBN

117 total views today

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians about fraudsters claiming to have received contract award letters for construction projects.

According to a statement by CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs Hakama Ali, the fraudsters also usually lay claims to procession of special financial interventions on behalf of the CBN.

She said that it was false, as such individuals were solely motivated by the desire to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

“Any such assertions are fraudulent and should be
disregarded.

“The CBN hereby reiterates that, in line with the focus of its current management, it has discontinued direct development interventions and special projects funding,” she said.

She further said that the apex bank had not authorised public notices for such interventions on social media platforms or any other news outlet.

“The CBN remains committed to its core mandate of ensuring monetary and price stability, and a sound and efficient financial system in Nigeria.

“We, therefore, encourage the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious
activities or publications to the relevant law enforcement agencies,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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