NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Artisanal miners seek President Tinubu’s support
Business

Artisanal miners seek President Tinubu’s support

161 total views today

 

Olukayode Babalola

Alhaji Abdullahi Dantasidi, National President, National Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Cooperative Society, has appealed for President Bola Tinubu’s support in alleviating the hardship faced by artisanal miners across the country in the discharge of their duties.

He made the appeal in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Nasarawa Local Government area of Nasarawa state on Tuesday.

According to Dantasidi, in spite of being the first explorers of mineral resources in mining sites across the country, artisanal miners faced several hazards in the discharge of their duties such as health, security and environment hazards hence the appeal.

“Our members are exposed to different manners of health and environmental hazards and insecurity threats among others, because of the nature of the job and the location of the mining sites which are often in the deep forests.

“I therefore appeal to you sir, to take proactive action over the health, safety of artisenal miners and the environmental situations in mining sites where they ply their trade by providing them with safety kits and adequate security,” he said.

He said lack of adequate support from previous administrations had led to huge losses with regards to income generated revenue, adequate skilled manpower, hence the call on President Tinubu to embrace a different approach on artisanal miners.

“We are not illegal miners. We are artisanal miners and with your support we can achieve a lot for the country. We have the adequate skilled manpower to make the solid minerals sector a huge revenue generator for the Federal Government,” he said.

Also, Dantasidi appealed to President Tinubu’s administration to set up fair and proper marketplace parameters for artisanal miners to sell their products at appropriate prices without being cheated by potential buyers, some of whom are foreigners.

He congratulated Mr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, on his appointment and pledged to work closely with him to achieve President Tinubu’s administration’s set goals in the mining sector.

“I also urge the minister to create avenues for both government officials and critical stakeholders to interface with artisanal miners on issues and challenges they faced while carrying out their duties.

“An improved synergy between government and artisanal miners will go a long way in boosting the output of the sector and open doors of prosperity and fruitful engagement for both parties.

“This will not only be beneficial to all stakeholders in the sector but also lay a solid foundation for the younger generation who may indicate interest in the mining sector,” he added. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Alleged naira re-denomination: Registrar cautions FG, says it will threaten economic stability
Economy/Business

Alleged naira re-denomination: Registrar cautions FG, says it will threaten economic stability

119 total views today

By Femi Ogunshola

The Registrar, Chartered Institute of Treasury Management (CITM), Mr Olumide Adedoyin, has cautioned the Federal Government on the alleged plan to re-denominate the naira, saying it would threaten economic stability.

Adedoyin said this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday against the backdrop of an alleged plan to re-denominate the naira.

He said a strategic focus on government Investment for economic stability rather than currency re-denomination would suffice.

According to him, re-denomination may provide a temporary solution to the exchange rate fluctuation, but it does not address the root causes of the volatility.

The Registrar said, “re-denominating the naira could potentially undermine the confidence of investors, both domestic and foreign.”

He added that the sudden change in currency denomination could lead to concerns about the stability of the economy and the government’s management of monetary policy.

He said the country possessed the resources necessary to navigate these uncertainties and foster sustainable economic growth.

Adedoyin said naira re-denomination would only be seen as a quick fix that neglected the need for structural reforms and responsible fiscal policies.

He said re-denomination would create inflationary pressures on the economy, adding that rounding up prices and recalibrating monetary values might lead to confusion and adjustments in the pricing of goods and services.

He said this could disrupt consumer and business behaviour, adding that the process of re-denomination involved significant administrative and logistical challenges.

“The costs associated with printing new currency, updating financial systems, and educating the public about the changes could be substantial.

Speaking on economic diversification and investment, he said it could be achieved by leveraging external financing.

Adedoyin added that Nigeria could fund infrastructure projects, improve education and healthcare, and stimulate economic growth.

He said, “this approach lays the foundation for sustainable development rather than focusing on a singular currency change.”

“Mr. President, I strongly believe that our country’s funds are sufficient to finance our activities and drive economic progress.

He said by focusing on prudent government investment, Nigeria can tap into the nation’s potential, insulate the country from external economic volatility and create a legacy of sustainable growth for future generations.

He urged president Bola Tinubu to consider this strategic perspective as the country navigates the complex economic landscape. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Alake solicits workers support to achieve new hope, mandates
Economy/Business , Environment

Alake solicits workers support to achieve new hope, mandates

227 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The new Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, on Monday solicited workers’ support to achieve new hope and mandates for the ministry.

Alake said this when he assumed office after the inauguration of the new ministers by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

He said the ministry was a sensitive sector in this period of economic renewal, adding that he was assigned the portfolio because of sensitive position of the sector to economic renewal.

He pledged the administration’s readiness to give a new lease of life to the sector.

Alake said that he specifically asked the president to assign the ministry to him contrary to the general perception that he would be given a particular portfolio.

“The ministry is key to the administration and the president wanted someone that he trusts and believes will deliver effectively.

“So, the position was one that I specifically asked Mr president to give me and he obliged,” he said.

Alake warned members of staff to brace up for the tasks ahead in delivering renewed hope to Nigerians, adding that all civil service bottlenecks be eliminated to enable him carry out his duties effectively.

According to him, I have worked as commissioner for information to the president while he was the Governor of Lagos state.

“I understand how you civil servants operate, I wont tolerate any bottlenecks that will hinder my job, so any files that gets to you must be attended to in an hour.

“We won’t allow bottlenecks to stifle our set goals, it’s either you shape in or you ship out.

“If you can really sit down to listen, you will understand that, hydrocarbon is fading out and the attention of the world is shifting to solid minerals. So, we must get it right.

“I understand what results are, having served under the current president as commissioner, and we are here to achieve results. I believe we can do it with all hands on deck,” he said.

Alake added that all is set to implement the president’s directive in line with the mandate of the sector, adding that he would unveil his roadmap for the sector in the next couple of days.

Earlier, his counterpart in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, said it was time to move the country up to the G-20 industrialised nations.

Audu said that in no distant time, the Ajaokuta Steel Mill would commence production.

“The mandate of Mr president is to ensure that we get it right in the steel sector. As a young ministry, we will work toward the production of steel in the country in no distant time.

“We are set to kick start the Ajaokuta steel machine and Nigeria can not afford to fail in steel production.” Audu said.

Also, the Minister of State, Mines and Steel development, Maigari Ahmadu, called for synergy among stakeholders and the staff to enable the ministers perform optimally.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe, said that the mandate of the ministry was to regulate the mining sector to ensure that mineral resources are harnessed and utilised for development of the nation’s economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Vincent Obi

Maritime expert seeks review of tax laws
Economy/Business

Maritime expert seeks review of tax laws

177 total views today

 

 

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Starzs Marine and Engineering Ltd., Mr Greg Ogbeifun, has called on the Federal Government to review tax laws affecting the growth of shipping in the country.

Ogbeifun made the appeal at the inauguration of the National Executive Council of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyor (AMES) on Friday in Lagos.

Ogbeifun, also the chairman of the occasion, noted that addressing the tax laws would enable the country to establish global trading fleet.

He said that most countries that flew their flags in other countries had five years tax holiday grant and all sorts of taxes waived.

Ogbeifun noted that such initiatives should be embraced because shipping was a very expensive trade.

“The cost of ship is $18 million and the cost of importing it into Nigeria by Nigerians is about 14 per cent of the cost of the ship.

“Foreign owners are required to post one per cent customs bonds to bring their ship but Nigerians are required to pay 14 per cent.

“This makes a Nigerian who wants to be in this trade to be disadvantaged instantly and government needs to address this,” he said.

He urged AMES to set up a committee to check the current status of the recommendation on tax policy.

Ogbeifun said recommendations reached in the past for global trading fleet were not implemented due to lack of political will.

He also lauded the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy established by President Bola Tinubu, noting that stakeholders had agitated for it.

He said the minister should be given an opportunity to settle down, understudy the ministry to hit the ground running.

“I imagine that internal working between the ministry and that of transportation to decide which agency goes to where will be his first tackle.

“When that is established, the industry players will now have basis to put together ideas, we must not just jump into issues,” he said.

He said the association would set up a shipping line and bulk of that shipping line would be constituted by professionals, marine engineers, lawyers and many others.

“We will ensure it is a well put together entity with clear objectives. We are not going to be asking the government to give us anything but for them to understand that this exists, and will help push the industry forward.

“These are the issues affecting us and not making us to get the national line to take off.

There is work to do and this government is trying to reposition thing and find solutions, we as an association will be willing to give the needed help,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Institute seeks synergy among law enforcement agencies, public service providers
General News , Economy/Business

Institute seeks synergy among law enforcement agencies, public service providers

132 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA) has reiterated the need for professionalism, cooperation, and respect among all sectors of law enforcement and public service.

CIOTA President, Prince Segun Obayendo, made the call in a statement by the institutes National Publicity Secretary, Mrs Chinwe Uwaegbute on Thursday in Abuja.

Obayendo said this followed a recent incident involving a Soldier and a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer, which he said brought public ridicule to both organisations.

He said:“This unfortunate confrontation, captured in the media, has highlighted the need for a renewed commitment for all stakeholders in the industry.

“ To advocate for professionalism, cooperation, and respect among all sectors of law enforcement and public service.

“CIOTA, as an institute, acknowledges the importance of maintaining order and safety on our roads, and the critical roles the military and civilian traffic management personnel play in achieving these goals.

“However, the incident in question has underscored the necessity for continuous training, communication, and collaboration among different law enforcement entities.”

According to Obayendo, stakeholders collaboration will ensure the safety of all citizens and the smooth functioning of our transport sector.

He urged both the military and LASTMA to investigate the incident thoroughly and take appropriate disciplinary actions, if warranted, against those involved in the altercation.

“In light of this regrettable incident, CIOTA urges all law enforcement agencies and traffic management bodies to engage in cross-training programs.

“That foster mutual understanding and cooperation by working together, sharing insights, and leveraging each other’s expertise.

“We can create an environment that upholds the principles of law, order, and public service while minimising conflicts that can undermine the reputation of both organisations,” he said.

The CIOTA boss then called on community leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers to join in the effort to prevent such incidents in the future.

Obayendo said this could be achieved by promoting open dialogue, transparency, and a shared commitment to maintaining the integrity of our transport systems.

“We should ensure that the incident between the soldier and the LASTMA officer serves as a catalyst for positive change rather than a point of division,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that there was a recent video shared on X(formerly twitter) where some yet to be identified soldiers on Aug.14 were seen beating up a LASTMA official in Ojota. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Baahir Rabe Mani

NEPC urges stakeholders on improved trade facilitation for export
Business

NEPC urges stakeholders on improved trade facilitation for export

157 total views today

 

By Patience Aliyu

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), has urged stakeholders in the Plateau business community on the need for improved trade facilitation to boost exportation.

 

The organisation made the call during its one day state-level workshop themed: “Increasing Non-oil Export through Trade Facilitation in Plateau” which held on Friday in Jos.

 

Dr. Ezra Yakusak, Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, while highlighting the advantages of trade facilitation and its benefits to the economic growth of the country noted that there are great gains for the business community.

 

“The truth is there are great potential gains from trade facilitation for both governments and the business community.Public entities will profit in terms of enhanced trade tax collection, better use of resources and increased trader compliance.

 

“A more efficient and transparent delivery of public services will allow the administration to maintain high security levels and effective government control.

 

“Traders will gain in terms of higher predictability and speed of operations and lower transaction costs, resulting in more competitive exports on global markets.

 

“Trade Facilitation strives to reduce the following: vast amount of bureaucracy, document requirements that lack transparency and involve duplication, lack of cooperation between traders and customs agencies, among others” he noted.

 

Similarly, Mr Samson Idowu, Regional Coordinator of NEPC, maintained that the global business community has improved in its approaches hence the need for Nigerians and the Plateau business community to do same as well.

 

“You will agree with me that more than any other time we need to facilitate trade, when we are talking about trade facilitation,we are talking about standardisation and simplification of procedures.

 

“Part of the challenges we are facing in this part of the world is that our procedures, our processes are not as simplified and harmonised as it should be, and we cannot continue to leave it to chance any longer.

 

“We need to work together as government agencies, policy makers and the private sector also, we need to come together and see how to simplify and improve on the processes, so that we can have a better economy and better processes.

 

“We are not alone in these processes, the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) is always meeting bi-annually to discourse procedures on how to move businesses forward, but the effort at that global level is not trickling down here.

 

“So as an organisation, we felt the need to key into those processes, there’s need to key into the global and national dynamics and see how Plateau can benefit in some of these developments which are very pertinent and important to our overall business development and economic activities ” he said.

 

On her part,Mrs Chundung Chuwang Director,Ministry of Commerce and Industry, representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry commended NEPC for its numerous activities in the state.

 

 

 

She urged the organisation to be more proactive in ensuring that the right products and persons are given the effective support required in promoting businesses in the state.

 

“Like I said earlier, beyond the roundtable discussions, we will need to see tangible things, you can see in this critical moment, where everything is almost crashing because of oil price and petrol.

 

“We are calling on the organisation to be more proactive this time, let it not just end on workshops and seminars or report writing, we need to see where we are involved.

 

“We are blessed in this country, especially here on the plateau where we have many untapped resources, the weather is there, the resources, both human and natural are there, but we are not exploiting them.

 

“This is a good opportunity for all stakeholders in the business community also to join hands with NEPC and learn,so as to improve on their businesses and the economy in general ” she said.

 

Also, Mr Dauda Gashi, Executive Director of Plateau Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA), emphasised on the need for NEPC to move a step further beyond the mandate of trade facilitation and identity the right businesses so as to promote them accordingly.

 

“The mandate of NEPC in facilitating trade for export has been well made known to the people, I want them to move a step further, in getting the people that are really out with products,and are working on products for exportation, so that whatever they say in such workshops will be more effective to the right audiences and will make more tangible impact to them,” he said.

 

Gashi also admonished the organisation to engage on effective monitoring and evaluation of their outreaches to ensure effective utilisation of these trainings.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that some of the stakeholders present at the event are members of the business community, government agencies, private sector, Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) among others.(NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

 

Palliative: FG approves N5bn for states, LGs
Economy/Business

Palliative: FG approves N5bn for states, LGs

127 total views today

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N5billion to states, local government councils and the FCT to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on petrol.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno said this when he spoke at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the fund was for the purchase of 100,000 bags of rice, 40,000 bags of maize as well as fertilisers.

He said that the funds was on basis of 52 per cent grants and 48 per cent as loans to be repaid to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) within 20 months by the states and local councils.

He said that the council commenced President Bola Tinubu and the CBN for the various efforts aimed at reducing the impact of the removal of the subsidy on the citizens.

Zulum also said that the federal government had sent food items to states bordering Niger Republic to mitigate the influx of refugees coming into the states.

The states, he said, were also given five trucks of rice each by the federal government last week for distribution to vulnerable Nigerians in their domain.

“Furthermore, Council has noted the package that was announced by the president in order to cushion the effect of subsidy removal, amounting to about N500billion.

“This fund has to be distributed to the following sectors MSMEs, industrial sector, about N125billion will go to cash transfers, agricultural sector as well as gas expansion for buses.

“Because of the increasing cost of fossil fuel, the federal government intends to establish more gas stations in Nigeria, procure more gas powered buses, CNG buses, as well as electric buses in order to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.”

The states, he said, has also been directed to negotiate with the labour unions leadership on the palliatives, adding that a committee of governors had been set up for this purpose.

H said that council recognised that these interventions were short term solutions, adding that long lasting solutions were being worked out.

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi said that the NEC discussed the issue of impact of the 2022 flood on states and what needed to be done to victims.

He said that the NEC urged the federal government to immediately dispatch relief materials to the flood victims in the states.

He said that the delay in the disbursement of relief was due to some states that had yet to respond to request of providing data on the flood situation in their areas.

Gov. Seyi Makinde also said that the NEC observed a minute silence for the officers and men of the armed forces killed in helicopter crash in Niger State.

He said that the council also advised the government to take immediate actions and policies to stabilise the economy, lower unemployment rate and improve investment flow to the country.(NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Stakeholders advocate more sensitisation for inclusive pension system
Business , Economy/Business

Stakeholders advocate more sensitisation for inclusive pension system

145 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

Some stakeholders have reiterated the need for more private sector engagement and public sensitisation on the importance of keying into the country’s pension scheme.

They spoke at a Pension Industry Roundtable on Thursday in Abuja organised by the National Policy Advocacy Centre of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

The meeting was held in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture(NACCIMA),National Pension Commission, Tangerine Apt and NLPC pensions.

According to the President of ACCI, Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, the meeting is apt as it will help unravel some of the challenges faced by the sector.

Abubarka said the 2014 Pensions Reform Act brought sanity to the industry and resulted in accelerating growth and boost in the confidence of the masses.

He said that in spite of the progress, the industry spread is still below 20 per cent of the entire workforce which has excluded many workers from the benefits of the industry.

“This gathering is billed at raising awareness and mapping out practicable ways of strengthening the inclusiveness of the workforce in the pension scheme in the organised private sector and Nigeria at large.

“I also want to assure you that the recommendations of this meeting will be forwarded to the right quarters for implementation,” he said.

The President, Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Joe Ajaero expressed sadness that the pension system in Nigeria did not address completely the fears of workers.

Ajaero, represented by the Assistant General Secretary of the Congress, Onyeka Chris, however accrued the challenge to the unstable economic condition in the country.

“The pension system has put money in our pockets but has not protected us. The value of what we are saving how can we address it.

“We must create a pension system that has integrity, that will attract everyone. We should at how we can make the system work for workers while they are alive.

“We must also make the pension system attractive by protecting the pension funds as workers are bearing the brunt of the negative impact of the system.

“It should be made more inclusive, more workers friendly so that everyone can get involved,” he said.

The Managing Director, NLPC Pension, Mr Samuel Abolarin, while speaking on strengthening pension inclusiveness in Nigeria, called for good government policy to ensure the huge opportunities in the sector was tapped.

Abolarin, represented by Idowu Muslim, said the event was a clarion call for the stakeholders to rise above the various challenges and take necessary steps to ensure inclusiveness of all in the pension scheme.

The Regional Manager , Guarantee Trust Pension, Ayuba Imam, said the onions was not just on the PFAs to drive the pension scheme but on the general public to embrace the scheme.

Imam also urged PENCOM to ensure speedy payment of the accrued rights to clients when necessary.

NAN reports that meeting was attended by representatives of Leadway, Tangerine Apt, NUPEMCO, Radix, Fidelity, FCMB and Norrenberger pensions among others.

The representatives all committed to ensuring pension scheme inclusiveness and driving the country’s economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

NEC sets up adhoc committee to liaise with labour union
Economy/Business

NEC sets up adhoc committee to liaise with labour union

120 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Economic Council (NEC) has constituted an Ad-hoc Committee to engage with the leadership of labour unions to resolve issues surrounding the petrol subsidy removal across the states.

Mr Olusola Abiola, Director Information, Office of the Vice President, in a statement, said the decision was reached at the 135th meeting of NEC, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee comprises the Nigerian Governors’ Forum Chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state, and the Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.

Others are the PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Gov. Alex Otti of Abia state.

Abiola said that the council also received progress reports on the ongoing nationwide distribution of rice, grains, fertilizer and other items to States and N5 billion financial support, provided by the Federal Government.

He said the council commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their interventions.

Abiola said that the council noted various interventions by State governments and urged them to upscale the distribution of palliatives towards alleviating the suffering of citizens, especially the vulnerable groups.

He said that NEC also mourned the death of some military personnel in Niger State and observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased, while commiserating with their families.

“Below are other highlights of the meeting; Excess Crude Account from July 19 to Aug. 14, 2023, US$473,754.57: Stabilisation Account from July 18 to Aug. 14, N30,346,557,405.12; Natural Resources Account from July 18 to Aug. 14, N115,175,616,159.65.

“At the 128th NEC Meeting held on Oct. 20, 2022, the then Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, drew attention of council to the devastating effect of the 2022 flooding which affected about 31 States of the Federation.

“This had resulted in the loss of over 600 lives, displacement of millions of people, destruction of hundreds of thousands of houses and thousands of hectares of farmlands submerged.

“The governor, therefore, appealed for urgent intervention from the Federal Government to address the impact of the menace on the people and infrastructure,” he said.

Abiola said the council resolved to set up a five-man Ad-hoc Committee on flooding, comprising Governors of Jigawa, Kogi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Lagos and Yobe States.

He said that those coopted into the Committee were Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Minister of Water Resources, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Governor of the CBN and Director-General of NEMA.

The director explained that the terms of reference of the committee was to review the current flooding situation in the country and design a template for the compensation of victims.

He said that the Committee had its inaugural meeting on Nov. 10 , 2022, at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat.

Highlight of that Meeting were as follows:

“The Committee acknowledged the urgency of the assignment and hence the need to expedite action in order to table a draft report at the next NEC Meeting.

“A sub-committee was constituted to propose modalities to address imminent food crisis due to the flooding and possible source of funding for palliatives to victims.

“The Sub-committee was to be chaired by the governor of Kebbi State with the following as Members: Ministries of Agriculture, Humanitarian, Finance, NEMA and the CBN. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Vincent Obi

Tinubu assures digital adoption across govt. processes
Economy/Business

Tinubu assures digital adoption across govt. processes

115 total views today

 

By Ismail Abdulaziz

 

President Bola Tinubu has said that the Federal Government will leverage digital technology to create Nigeria’s desired socio-economic progress that was necessary to transform the society.

 

He said this during a meeting with a delegation from Google, West Africa, led by its Director, Olumide Balogun, on Wednesday at the State House.

 

This is contained in a statement by Mr Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity on Thursday in Abuja.

 

The president said that the administration would use the various opportunities inherent in education and technology to improve and uplift the lives of its citizens.

 

“We are here to shape our tomorrow today, and I’m going to do it. Our youths represent over 65 per cent of the yearnings of development age in Nigeria.

 

“We take education very seriously and that is the foremost tool we have against poverty. The digital economy and telecommunications represent the future, and we are determined to promote it.

 

“Your partnership with us to make it a serious development in our economic programme is what is desirable. Our youths have the skills, they are brilliant, and they are good people,” Tinubu said.

 

He called on Google to partner with the government on the use of data in the public sector to enhance service delivery.

 

“We have been evaluating different proposals on database development, and you have critical information that can equally help the poor leverage on the use of data.

 

“The authentication of transaction integrity across the country to service over 200 million people is not a joke,” the President added.

 

Tinubu declared his intention of bringing more young people into the administration to further drive his transformative efforts and called on Google to ‘come on board’ as a frontline partner.

 

The president stated that the prospective use cases emanating from the emergence of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing must be harnessed.

 

In his remarks, Balogun said that the delegation came to Nigeria to reassure the government of the company’s commitment to supporting its laudable efforts through the deployment of modern digital technology.

 

The Google Regional Director told the President that the deployment of data technology would enhance the efficiency and productivity of businesses that the economy urgently requires.

 

He reiterated Google’s commitment to made available a N1.2billion grant to Nigeria and to train 20,000 women and children with skills to establish new digital tech jobs.(NAN)

Ekemini Ladejobi

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