NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Shettima urges regulatory agencies to align with Tinubu’s agenda

Shettima urges regulatory agencies to align with Tinubu’s agenda

361 total views today

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

FG begins nationwide distribution of CNG conversion kits

FG begins nationwide distribution of CNG conversion kits

465 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits nationwide, to fasttrack the change of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to use of CNG.

Mr Micheal Oluwagbemi, Programme Director, Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) disclosed this during an inspection tour and distribution of the kits to six CNG conversion centres in Abuja

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the six conversion centres inspected by the team are, NIPCO Oil and Gas Station Airport Road, Kia Motors at Utako, Mijo Gas Auto in Jahi, ABG CNG, Kubwa, Bovas Filling station, Wuse Zone 5 and C&L Mart Energy Solutions Ltd at Lokogoma.

Oluwagbemi said the CNG initiative by President Bola Tinubu would provide cheaper and cleaner vehicle fueling alternatives for Nigerians.

“The President has assured us that we are making one million conversion kits available for free for the commercial sector or at reasonable discounts for the private vehicles.

“This is to enable transportation fare to be moderated across the country over the next couple of years.

“Of course, it is.technically and logistically tasking to get the kits across to Nigerians because the kits must be installed in these vehicles and they have to be done in a way that is safe and reliable as well,“ he said.

The coordinator said the federal government had signed up with over 75 conversion partners officially in eight states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Delta, Kogi, FCT, and Kaduna.

“These eight states are the ones where the conversion incentive program has kicked off. In the next six to eight weeks, we’ll be having additional nine states.

The states to be included are,  Kwara, Ekiti. Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Kano, and Niger.

“These states will be joining the category of states where we have activated the program,” he said.

Oluwagbemi said they were working with governors and the private sector to ensure the conversion kits were made available to beneficiaries.

“Of course, these kits are not manufactured in Nigeria at the moment. We are also enabling local manufacturers with capacity to ensure that we get them done locally.

“We need to make sure that we move the nation’s economy in the right direction; Away from our addiction to petrol and diesel which truly is making the nation’s economy bankrupt,”  he said.

For her part, the Coordinator of Business Development and Strategy of the initiative, Mrs Omolara Obileye said the programme would reduce the dependence on fuel.

She reiterated that while the commercial transporters would have 100 per cent conversion-free, private cars are expected to pay a fraction of the cost of the conversion,

“However, the cost depends on the vehicle size because there are different types of vehicles, and there is a need to understand exactly what we need to configure in the system.

“We have over 12 conversion centres in the FCT; we will continue to increase the number and update the public,” she said

Representatives of the management of the conversion centres, respectively commended the Federal government for the initiative and assured that it would go a long way in ameliorating sufferings if Nigerians. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Wike honours AIG Igweh, Mu’azu for improving security in FCT

Wike honours AIG Igweh, Mu’azu for improving security in FCT

625 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has honoured two heads of security agencies for their roles in improving security in the FCT.

The honourees are Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police, Benneth Igweh and Assistant Director-General (D-G), Department of State Services, Ado Muazu.

Igwe, the immediate past Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, has been promoted to AIG in charge of Zone 7.

Also, Mu’azu, the immediate past State Director of DSS, FCT Command, was equally promoted to Assistant D-G and deployed to the National Headquarters of the service.

In a dinner organised in their honour on Saturday in Abuja, the minister described the duo as committed security officers, who gave their all for the safety of all residents.

Wike particularly described Igweh as a man who was out to fight criminality and criminals in the FCT.

He thanked God for sparing Igweh’s life while working day and night to keep FCT residents safe.

He said that Muazu was a quiet but very committed officer, who served FCT exceptionally well.

According to him, the two officers have done very well in securing lives and properties in the FCT.

“We are here today, to celebrate and give God the glory; that people who worked with us have been promoted because of their hard work; because of their commitment to service to FCT and the nation.

“I have always said that people who are committed; people who make sacrifices; that I don’t believe it is only when you die people will honour you; people will reward you.

“While you are alive, and you have worked hard, you should be remembered.

“That is why we said, these two gentlemen, who have worked with us, to make all of us sleep well with our two eyes closed; it is important we honour them; we thanked them for their services.”

Wike added: “On behalf of FCT, we say thank you. You have done well and these places you are going to, please, continue with that spirit of serving your father land.

“Continue with that spirit of supporting the current government to protect properties and to protect your father land.”

The minister announced a donation of a Prado Jeep to each of the officers by the FCT Administration, to support logistics in their new offices.

“Chief of staff, make sure the AIG and the Assistant D-G get their Prado Jeeps. You have really done well for us and God will bless you,” he said.

Wike also thanked all security agencies in FCT, saying “this work wouldn’t have been easy if not for your collaborative efforts in making sure that FCT is safe.

Responding, Igweh, who spoke on behalf of himself and Muazu, thanked the minister and the FCT Administration for recognising their efforts and for honouring them.

He promised that he and Mu’azu would continue to provide the needed support to improve the security situation in FCT.

“I want to inform Abuja residents; I am still around.

“I have told the criminals that I am not moving anywhere; I am around. Now that I have more power to do something, I don’t know where you will run to.

“If you know where you want to pack and go you better start now, because I am now an AIG; I have more power to safeguard Abuja,” he said.

He said that he and Mu’azu were happy to have worked with Wike and expressed their readiness to continue working with him to keep Abuja residents safe. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Wike promises support to private investors in FCT

Wike promises support to private investors in FCT

341 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has pledged unflagging support to private investors in the territory.

Wike made the promise when he visited the Zeberced Limited Quarry, Kubwa, in Abuja on Saturday, to see what the company was doing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zeberced Limited Quarry provides services in construction and quarrying of natural stones and asphalt.

The minister, who described the facility as the biggest quarry in West Africa, said that the investment was very important to the development of the territory.

He, however, pointed out that with such an enormous quarry, the cost of construction ought not to be very expensive, particularly in the FCT.

“Apart from equipment that are being imported for use in the quarry, the raw materials are available here in Abuja.

“I wonder why contractors will be talking about the cost of aggregate, as if gravels, asphalt and stones needed for construction are imported. They are not imported; they are produced here.

“It is really amazing that we have this kind of manufacturing going on here. I really want to encourage the company,” he said.

Wike also commended the company for employing more than 800 persons as workers in the quarry company.

He said: “This is the same company that is constructing the Abuja Technology Village located in Idu.

“We are going to give them all the necessary support. I am really encouraged by what I am seeing here.

“My only problem is environmental impact assessment, but the Managing Director of the company has explained that it is up to standard and that there is no problem.” (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

FCT: Wike blames rising cost of housing accommodation on market forces

FCT: Wike blames rising cost of housing accommodation on market forces

347 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has attributed the rising cost of housing accommodation in FCT to market forces.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Saturday when he visited Zeberced Limited Quarry, Kubwa-Abuja on Saturday, to see what the company was doing.

While responding to questions from journalists on what the FCT Administration was doing to address high rent for accommodation in Abuja, the minister noted that everything has increased in cost.

According to him, no government legislates on rents for houses, but market forces.

Wike said, “You are aware that everything has actually increased. The man who built the houses didn’t build that he will not make profit at the end of the day.

“I don’t agree with people always complaining about rent increases. There are increases in everything today. So, rent should not be singled out.

“You want us to make a law and say that a 2-bedroom flat should not be more than N50,000 or N100,000 for example. I don’t think that will encourage investors.

“We are not running a socialist or communist system; we are running a capitalist economy, and these are determined by market forces.”

The minister however added that the government could come in with some regulations, saying, “but cannot totally take over the housing processes.” (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mnai

FCTA provides free medical services to 3,370 residents

FCTA provides free medical services to 3,370 residents

418 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Friday, provided free medical services to 3,370 residents of Abuja.

The services, provided under the FCTA’s “Renewed Hope Medical Mission” included health promotion, antenatal care (ANC), immunisation, HIV and diabetes screening and dental care.

Other services are hypertension screening and management, sickle cell disease and nutritional assessment, amongst others.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, during the commencement of the medical outreach in Bwari Area Council, reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to meeting the health needs of the people.

Mahmoud noted that Nigeria was one of the African nations with high maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

She attributed the development to poor ANC attendance, low facility-based delivery, and low uptake of immunisation and family planning services, especially in hard-to-reach communities.

She also argued that rapid population growth in the FCT has increased demand for health services.

To address some of the challenges, the minister said that the FCT Administration had taken steps to improve primary health care system in the territory.

She particularly said that the administration was currently renovating, upgrading and building more primary health centres across the six area councils of  FCT, including employment of more healthcare workers.

FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud (5th from left); Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe (6th) and other dignitaries during the FCT Administration’s free medical outreach in Bwari on Friday.

Earlier, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, noted that despite improving access to quality healthcare services in FCT, many communities remained underserved.

Fasawe said that the free medical outreach was part of global best practices being used to provide targeted medical and surgical care to meet the health needs of the underserved and vulnerable populations.

“This strategy has been successfully adopted in many parts of Nigeria. It takes healthcare services directly to those who need it most, through mobile health service delivery,” she said.

The mandate secretary explained that the medical outreach was expanded to cover more communities following the successes recorded in a similar exercise held in Kuje Area Council.

She said: “We attended to 1,578 general outpatients, with 42 referred to Wuse and Asokoro Hospitals for surgery.

“Dental services were provided to 302 patients, including 45 extractions, 12 dentures, and five operculectomia, with 48 referrals to Wuse Hospital.

“For eye care, we saw 931 patients, provided reading glasses to 531 patients, and made 91 referrals to Asokoro Hospital, where 29 cataract extractions have been completed.

“Antenatal care was also provided to 74 women, with 49 enrolled in health insurance.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NG-CARES disburses N625bn to 36 states in 3 years

NG-CARES disburses N625bn to 36 states in 3 years

444 total views today

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

Wike signs MoU with Chinese companies on electricity, water supply

Wike signs MoU with Chinese companies on electricity, water supply

519 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese corporations to improve electricity and water supply in the territory.

Wike disclosed this in a statement signed by Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Minister, issued in Abuja on Sunday.

The minister said that the MoU was signed in Beijing, China, on Saturday, with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group.

He said that the MoU was signed on the sideline of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China, to attend the Asian country’s Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in Beijing.

He disclosed that Tinubu pushed for the projects at the summit, as part of his agenda to renew the hope of Abuja residents on the government, through execution of people-oriented projects.

Wike assured that the projects would be completed in 2025 and would be inaugurated as parts of activities to celebrate FCT’s 50 Anniversary.

On electricity, Wike said: “One key project which is very dear to us and one of the reasons why we are here today is to light up Abuja.

“We want Abuja to be like other cities, like what we see in Beijing. We have gone round, and we have seen light everywhere; that is how we want Abuja to be.

“Therefore, the whole area of Maitama; the whole area of Asokoro, Wuse, Central Business District, and Airport Road, down to Bill Clinton Drive will be handled by CCECC, while CGCOC Group would handle the districts of Mabushi, Katampe and Garki.

From Left: Chairman, CGCOC Group, Mr Lan Meizhong; FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike signing an MOU in Beijing, for the provision of water to rural areas in the FCT, while Executive Director, FCT Rural Water and Sanitation Agency RUWASA, Dr Mohamed Dan Hassan looks on.

“On the need to equally ensure water supply in the satellite areas of the FCT, we are keeping up with the idea that there is a need to have satellite town water supply in Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kuje as directed by Tinubu.

“We have now signed the MoU with CGCOC Group for them to carry out this assignment.”

Wike further said that the Greater Abuja Water Works, being handled by CGCOC Group, had reached 75 per cent completion and expressed confidence that it would be completed in December 2024.

While thanking Tinubu for granting the FCT Administration approval for the projects, the Minister urged the CGCOC Group to ensure quick delivery of the project.

This, according to him, would ensure that water supply in satellite towns becomes a reality.

In their separate remarks, the President of CCECC, Mr Chen Sichang and the Chairman of CGCOC Group, Mr Lan Meizhong, thanked Wike for the confidence bestowed on the companies to deliver the projects.

They assured the minister of quality and timely delivery of the projects.

On the Minister’s entourage were the Permanent Secretary, Treasury, Alhaji Adamu Wanki; Executive Director, Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, Dr Mohammed Dan Hassan; Director of Procurement, Alhaji Musa Idris; and other senior officials of the FCTA. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Iziama and Abiemwense moru

Lottery Trust Fund seeks partnership with NAN on publicity

Lottery Trust Fund seeks partnership with NAN on publicity

416 total views today

By Yahaya Isah/Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has sought for partnership with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the effective coverage of its activities in its quest to deliver on its mandate.

The Executive Secretary of the fund, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, made the request when he led the management team on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of NAN, on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the mandate of NLTF is to intervene on good causes such as education, sports, water, disaster management, as well as vulnerable Nigerians.

“We have intervened in several causes in over 365 projects by impacting lives across the country.

“Since I came on board, we have continued the drive to make sure that we intervene in critical sectors of the country, and support the “renewed hope agenda” of President Bola Tinubu.

“Therefore, we need the cooperation of NAN to drive home all our interventions and activities across the country,” he said.

The Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali (right) presenting plaque to the Executive Secretary, National Lottery Trust Fund, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, on Friday in Abuja.

Adeyanju said that there was practically no alternative to NAN in terms of coverage and publicity, because of the agency’s reach and presence globally.

“So, we deemed it necessary to be here to partner with you on areas that have to do with good courses,’’ he said.

He further said that with such collaboration, people would feel the positive impact of what the government had done so far and still doing.

While noting the significance of information, Adeyanju said that a lot had been done by Tinubu that was under reported, hence the need to partner with NAN for adequate reportage.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would go a long way to impact positively on the activities of NLTF.

Responding, the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali, said that NAN prides itself as the biggest news content provider on the continent of Africa.

“We have over 500 reporters spread across the country, and beyond. We have offices in some selected African countries, and even in Europe.

“Right now, we are the only resident news agency or wire service from the West African coast in the UN.

“We also have offices in South Africa, Abidjan, Addis Abba, and some other places.

“So, with a work force like this, we welcome the partnership. Your people and my people will sit down and discuss how we can partner for better,’’ Ali said.

The NAN boss also highlighted other services rendered by the agency with the recent being the introduction of Hausa News portal while that of Yoruba and Igbo would follow shortly.

“For instance, we have started the news portal in Hausa language, being one of the three major languages in Nigeria; so the next will be Yoruba and Igbo languages in that order,” he said.

Ali explained that all these efforts were geared toward ensuring that activities of the Federal Government were properly covered.

“Your request for partnership is a welcome development, and we wish you a successful tenure in office,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Flood: NEMA raises alert of possible hazards in 7 states

Flood: NEMA raises alert of possible hazards in 7 states

561 total views today

By Philomina Attah

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised states in the central and southern parts of the country to prepare for potential floods that would soon affect downstream communities.

The states, according to NEMA, include Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa.

NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, disclosed this in a statement by the Head of Press Unit, Mr Manzo Ezekiel, in Abuja.

She said that the alert followed the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and the rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.

“The advice has become imperative to activate the state, local government authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding.

“It is also important to avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted.

“Such areas have suffered misfortune including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures,” Umar said.

She listed some of the actions to be taken to include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

The D-G advised communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services,” she said.

Umar said that NEMA was working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations, were available to affected communities.

She said that the  collaboration with  relevant  stakeholders was through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the agency’s headquarters.

She emphasised the importance of early action and community vigilance.

“We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property.

“Preparedness is key to reducing the impact of flooding,” Umar said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email