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Economy/Business

Presidential Tax Reform Committee adopts FCT for Tax harmonisation model

By Philip Yatai

Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee says it will use the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a model in the implementation of harmonisation of taxes in the country.

The Chairman, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this during a meeting on harmonisation of revenue administration in Abuja on Friday.

The meeting was organised by the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) for the Area Council Chairmen of the FCT.

Oyedele explained that the harmonisation and simplification of taxes would not reduce revenue as some people erroneously perceived but would enhance revenue generation.

“Harmonisation and simplification of taxes, as well achieving equity and fairness in revenue administration are critical areas of reform for our committee,” he said.

He expressed support for the steps taken by the FCT-IRS towards harmonising taxes in the territory.

He advised the FCT and other states of the federation to discourage unorthodox means of collecting taxes, levies and fees, especially on the highway, roads and streets.

He described unorthodox means of revenue collection as embarrassing and unacceptable.

The chairman advocated the use of technology in the collection of revenue, adding that it has the capacity to eradicate tax evasion, leakages and improve transparency.

He urged stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of the tax harmonisation drive.

According to him, there must be a collective will to fight the challenge of multiple taxation in the country.

Oyedele noted that the FCT had all it takes to be number one in the ease of doing business in the country, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure its success.

Cross section of FCT Area Council Chairmen, during a meeting on harmonisation of revenue administration, organised by FCT- IRS for the chairmen in Abuja on Friday.

In his remarks, the acting Executive Chairman, FCT-IRS, Mr Michael Ango, commended the FCT area council chairmen for their commitment to the harmonisation project.

Ango said that their determination, willingness and support was critical to achieving full tax harmonisation in FCT.

He said that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, was committed to boosting internally generated revenue in the FCT to be able to provide infrastructure and social services to residents.

He noted that constant engagement with stakeholders in the harmonisation drive was important to ensure that all parties involved were on the same page.

The acting chairman pledged the FCT-IRS commitment to put in place a robust technology platform to ensure efficiency and transparency in revenue collection and administration.

On his part, Mr Ubokutom Nyah, Mandate Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation, and Public-Private Partnership, FCT Administration, reiterated Wike’s commitment to the harmonisation drive.

Nyah lauded FCT-IRS chairman for reviving the initiative and encouraged the area councils’ chairmen to fully support the project.

This, according to him, will ensure the success of the harmonisation of taxes in the FCT.

The Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Alhaji Abdullahi Sabo, who spoke on behalf of the councils’ chairmen, welcomed the selection of FCT as a model for tax harmonisation in the country.

Sabo pledged their support for the successful implementation of the project.

The chairman, who expressed confidence and trust in FCT-IRS capacity to collect revenues on behalf of the area councils, stressed the need for fairness and transparency in the distribution of revenue collected.

“We are happy that this is coming at a time when we have a committed and hardworking minister, who is determined to transform the FCT.

“In the last one year in office, things have changed for the better across the territory,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News , Health

House of Reps. C’tee pledges to end medical tourism

 

By Folasade Akpan

The House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions has promised to put an end to medical tourism and attract development of the health sector in the country.

 

The Chairman House Committee on Health Institutions, Hon. Amos Magaji, made the promise when he led members on an oversight visit to University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada on Friday.

 

Magaji, who commended President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency on health, also promised to change the analogue attitude and approach to the administration of health, among many others in Nigeria’s health sector to a digitised era.

 

He applauded the management of the hospital “for reflecting Federal Character in the appointment of top management staff.”

 

The lawmaker also told the management of the hospital to lookout for the committee’s routine and unannounced visits, intended to address the problems of public hospitals across the country.

 

Magaji said: “we will not announce our visits, we will improve our oversight functions to the hospital, so, be ready to see more of us going forward.”

 

The chairman added that the committee, which consists of more than 40 members in the 10th assembly are experienced, including medical personnel and ranking status to mitigate and improve the activities of medical services in the country.

 

He commended the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Bissala Ekele, for a multi media presentation and articulation of its activities in the last few years, adding that the committee would adopt same model in other parts of the country.

 

In his remarks, Ekele said the hospital has improved from the previous 350-bed space to over 500 beds in the last few years.

 

He, however, requested the committee to prevail on the executive to provide MRI machines and improve power supply in the hospital, among many others.

 

He also appealed to the lawmakers to contribute their quota through constituency projects to help improve health services.

 

The committee members, along with the management of the hospital inspected some completed projects which include the new Mental Health Building, the renovated children’s ward, department of pharmaceutical services, and the female medical and surgical ward.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Metro

FG inaugurates committee on national housing data centre 

By Angela Atabo

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Joint Steering Committee on National Housing Data Centre, to develop and implement a blueprint for ensuring transparency and easy access to housing.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa,  inaugurated the centre on Tuesday in Abuja.

Dangiwa said that  the centre would be useful for policy and decision making towards affordable housing and the well-being of Nigerians.

He said that the measure was imperative in order to meet the housing needs of Nigerians and unleash the sector’s potential as an enabler of economic growth.

According to him, there are many issues in the sector that need fixing.

“The lack of credible, scientific, and verifiable data on the state of housing in our country stands out as the most pressing and embarrassing.

“This is because, without data, we cannot know the magnitude of the problem we are facing, and the resources we need to allocate.

“This is coupled with the challenge of substandard houses that do not meet the conditions of safety,  security and other parameters as set out by the UN and the World Health Organisation (WHO),’’ he said.

Dangiwa added that there was no industry-accepted data to guide the government, housing agencies, and financial institutions in planning and outlining strategies to fix Nigeria’s housing problems.

“What we have had over the decades are speculations and estimates.

“At the Ministry, we consider this a national emergency for the housing sector and as a government, we can not allow it to continue.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, for housing and urban development, fixing Nigeria’s housing data problem is a top priority, ” he said.

The minister said it was as a result of the challenges  that they were inaugurating the Joint Steering Committee on National Housing Data.

“The Committee has been established as a strategic partnership among key stakeholders in Nigeria’s housing market.

“The mandate is to develop and implement a blueprint for ensuring transparency and ease of access to housing data in Nigeria.

“It will be essential for policy and decision-making towards affordable housing and the well-being of Nigerians,”he said

Dangiwa said that key deliverables of the committee would be to develop the framework and modalities for setting up the National Housing Data Centre (NHDC).

He said that the committee would  cover technical requirements, specifications, including transactional and legal documentation

“It will also create a framework for data gathering channels from public and private institutions.

“It will design a framework for distributing housing data to institutional and retail investors in the Nigerian financial market, ” he said.

The minister said that the committee would develop a framework for data distribution to all participants in the housing market and establish the framework and timelines for setting up a mortgage exchange.

Mr Kehinde Ogundimu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), pledged the commitment of the committee to deliver on the mandate.

“We will work together and put forth something that will be credible, reliable, and  that people can use to make informed decisions,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that membership of the committee includes a representative from Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to serve as the Chairman

Others are representatives from National Population Commission, National Bureau of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria, NMRC,  and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

Also included are Federal Housing Authority, Family Homes Funds Limited, Mortgage Bankers Association of Nigeria, Housing Development Association of Nigeria, among others.NAN)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament Joint Committee meets in Abidjan

 

By Mark Longyen

A Joint Committee of the ECOWAS Parliament led by Nigeria’s House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu is holding an oversight meeting in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

 

 

 

 

The five-day event comprises some of the parliament’s standing committees; Administration, Finance, Budget, Public Accounts, Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research.

 

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event is: “The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament in Community Budget Formulation and Monitoring.”

 

 

 

 

The Joint Committee was constituted and charged with executing the very important oversight activities bothering on their aforementioned schedules as encapsulated in the outlined community policy.

 

 

 

 

The main objective of the delocalized committee meeting is for its Members to have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the issues in focus with a view to facilitating parliamentary deliberations on budgeting.

 

 

 

 

It also aims to equip Members in carrying out oversight functions over the programmes and activities of ECOWAS as mandated by the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the Parliament.

 

 

 

 

It is expected that Members of the Joint Committee will be sensitised by resource persons and stakeholders drawn largely from relevant technical directorates of the ECOWAS Commission on recent developments in the sectors in focus.

 

 

 

 

Resource persons drawn from relevant organisations like the organised civil society, will also make presentations to the Joint Committee to equip the parliamentarians with all-round perspectives on the issues.

 

 

 

 

The Committee on Administration, Finance and Budget is responsible for matters relating to adoption of community budget; examining the draft annual budget of the Parliament; monitoring financial and administrative management in the parliament.

 

 

 

 

It is also responsible for assessing the effectiveness of various community financing mechanisms, notably the implementation of the protocol relating to the community levy; the coordination of various financial instruments.

 

 

 

 

The committee is also charged with the task of evaluating the cost and effectiveness of implementing policies financed by the Community and controlling the execution of the Parliament’s budget.

 

 

 

 

It is also tasked with verifying accounts and balance sheets relating to decisions concerning the closure, presenting and auditing of the parliament’s revenue and expenditure and measures accompanying or implementing these decisions.

 

 

 

 

The ECOWAS Parliament has 115 seats and 14 Standing Committees; each of the 15 member states is guaranteed a minimum of five allotted seats.

 

 

 

 

The remaining 40 seats are distributed in proportion to the population of each country.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria has a total of 35 seats followed by Ghana with eight seats.

 

 

 

 

Côte d’Ivoire is allotted seven seats, whereas Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Senegal have six seats respectively.

 

 

 

 

The remaining ECOWAS Member States, namely Benin, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Togo, have five seats.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Defence/Security

ECOWAS defence chiefs seek return of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chiefs of Defence Staff in West Africa on Friday, called for the return of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, made the call when he led other ECOWAS defence chiefs on a visit to the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), on Friday in Abuja.

Musa, the Chairman of ECOWAS Committee of Defence Chiefs, said that the return of the three countries to the regional bloc was necessary to defeat the insecurity ravaging the region, especially insurgency.

He said that efforts were ongoing on their part to ensure that the three countries were back, adding that all hands must be on deck to curtail insecurity in West Africa.

“For us, we feel without security, there can’t be progress and the threats we are facing, especially on insurgency, are high.

“We think it is very important that we need to partner together to achieve success. No country can do it alone, and that’s why it’s important.

“We know we have three countries that have decided to step aside.

“We are making all efforts to ensure that they come back to the fold because we know even them, on their own, cannot withstand this.

“We know the relevance that if they fall, it will also drag us down and that is why it is important for us as West Africans to continue to work together,’’ he said.

The CDS appreciated the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, for doing a wonderful job in the nation’s counter-terrorism efforts.

He said the insurgency in the region was spreading wide and fast, urging the Defence Chiefs to leave no stone unturned to curb the menace.

“We are sure that we are going to work together to ensure that there is total peace in our own region.

“I had the privilege of being the theatre commander in the Northeast when this horrendous exercise started, and it started like a joke,’’ he added.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of NCTC said there was a need for cooperation among the West African countries to defeat terrorism.

Laka also said countries in the West African region must share experiences, adding that experience sharing remained one of the critical ways.

He said,”We hope to partner with our brothers in the West African sub-region and the Sahel. They say if your brother’s house is on fire, it can also reach yours.

“So we need to learn from one another. We don’t plan to make this place the only place. We plan to partner with Abidjan.

“While we are experts in the preventive aspects, we are going to partner with all those centres to address the threat of terrorism.

“Once the declaration is passed, we plan to visit your centre in Abidjan.

“We are in the process of talking about how we are going to come together to address this threat that is really stopping development and stopping our people from reaping the dividends of democracy,’’ he said.

Laka said the centre was well equipped to address the threat of terrorism, adding that the centre had put in place state-of-the-art forensic laboratories.

According to him, NCTC has toxicology labs, fingerprint labs, DNA labs, handwriting labs, and so on.

“These are things that will facilitate the threat of terrorism investigation and so on,’’ he added. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Health

HIV: FG tasks committee to scale-up paediatric care

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government has tasked the committee on Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan to scale-up interventions to eliminate HIV transmission in Nigeria.

Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, expressed concern that Nigeria contributes 25 per cent global burden of HIV transmission between mother-to-children.

He added that current PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remained critically low at less than 35 per cent.

This, he said, was far below the 95 per cent target.

He said: “I will work closely with the committee to review implementation and track data regularly.

“We will also ensure that we reverse the negative narrative of our contribution to the global burden of mother-to-children child transmission of HIV.

“This will ensure that no child is born HIV positive and that those who are positive receive quality care.

“We will also unlock value chains by collaborating with those willing to commence domestic production of HIV commodities, ensuring health security for our children.”

Earlier, Temitope Ilori, Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA),  said the country’s incidence prevalenc necessitated the inauguration of the committee.

“Our epidemiological estimates say 140,000 children under 14 are living with HIV as of 2023, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths in children.

“Current PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remain alarmingly low at less than 33 per cent far short of the 95 per cent target, ” she said.

According to Ilori, the committee will provide oversight to the PMTCT and Paediatric HIV programme implementation towards ending HIV and AIDS among our children.

Also, Olu Folake-Abdlrasaq, Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum and wife of Kwara state gvernor, commended  the federal government’s efforts and emphasised the role of sub-national initiatives.

She revealed plans to enroll women living with HIV in the state’s health insurance programme, expanding on her earlier initiative that included sickle cell patients.

Also, Funmi Adesanya, Country Coordinator, United States Government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), said the U.S. has invested 8.3 billion dollars over the past 21 years, to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030 in Nigeria.

“We commend the leadership of the Government of Nigeria for your vision and for convening us to address this urgent issue because it is an emergency.

“No child in Nigeria should be born with HIV and the U.S. government is committed to our partnership to ensure that this is a reality,” she said.

Leo Zekeng, the Country Director and Representative of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in Nigeria, stated that funding the efforts against the scourge was not a challenge, as resources were available through 2026.

Zekeng assured the support of UN agencies in Nigeria to the initiative while urging other stakeholders to recommit to the cause and fully support the initiative.

On his part, Oyebanji Fulani, Chairman, Commissioners of Health Forum, while stressing the need for resources, assured that governments at the state level would do their part to ensure the success of the initiative.

NAN reports that the committee is expected to focus on early testing; optimise treatment and care for infants, children, and adolescents living with HIV.

It is also expected to close treatment gaps for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and address social and structural barriers that hinder access to services. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Economy/Business

FG inaugurates planing c’tte for 30th Nigeria Economic Summit

By Vivian Emoni

Sen. Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has inaugurated a Joint Planning Committee for the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES), to shape national development.

Inaugurating the committee on Tuesday in Abuja, Bagudu said the previous summit played vital roles in shaping policies of government across the country.

The minister was represented by Mr Nebeolisa Anako, Permanent Secretary of the ministry.

He said the annual summit provides a veritable platform for dialogue among policy makers, corporate leaders, organised private sectors among others.

According to him, the summit provides the opportunity to strengthen the existing mutual and symbiotic relationship between the public and private sectors in the overall interest of Nigeria.

“The partnership between the sectors has helped in the development of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 to 2025 and the Nigeria agenda 2050.

“The key outcomes of the summit have always played important roles in shaping the policies of the government.

“In particular, the summit had in the past contributed to entrenching the culture of development planning in the country.

“The summit has as well provided invaluable policy recommendations for the government,’’ he said.

The committee, he said, was expected to articulate the budgetary requirements and sources of funds for hosting the summit.

Bagudu also said it would also propose the optimal strategy for funding the activities of the committee and the summit.

The minister said that efforts had been concluded to forward the 29th summit recommendations and outcomes to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He commended the public and private sector co-chairs and members of the committee for successfully organising the summit, and for working round the clock to produce the Green Book for the summit.

Earlier, Chairman of the NES, Mr Niyi Yusuf, said the summit was not just about changing policies, but redefining philosophy and approach to development.

“The NES remains a crucial catalyst for addressing current challenges and steering Nigeria towards a future of inclusive growth and economic resilience.

“Celebrating the milestone of the summit is an opportunity to reflect on a legacy that has played a critical role in promoting Nigeria’s transition to a private sector-led economy.

“This journey of strategic innovation and steadfast collaboration is vital for our continued economic development,’’ he said.

Yusuf said that one of Nigeria’s pressing concerns was to translate economic growth into improved living standards for the citizens.

“In spite of experiencing growth, the country grapples with rising unemployment, income disparity and multidimensional poverty”.

He said that these challenges are worsened by an uneven allocation of resources, macroeconomic instability and institutional deficiencies.

The chairman said that Nigeria`s weak economic performance was a pressing issue that demands immediate attention.

He added that the performance was reflected in poor socioeconomic outcomes and declining living standards.

According to him, in light of these severe realities, we hope the summit will be a significant conversation for action among public and private sector stakeholders and all Nigerians.

“It is a time to reflect on our economy, rethink our economic fundamentals and deliberate on the short, medium and long-term priorities to tackle our challenges.

“Together, we will explore emerging trends enabling Nigeria to capitalise on new opportunities and chart a path to rapid recovery.

“I am confident that this partnership will yield outcomes that will set Nigeria on the path of economic recovery and sustainable development.

“The NES will be a pivotal moment, highlighting the summit’s role in shaping our economic trajectory.

“It will underscore Nigeria’s significance in transforming the continent through institutions, investment, integration, industry growth and innovation,’’ he said.

Yusuf urged the minister to present the outcomes of the 29th summit to FEC for consideration and integration into government plans and programmes.

The chairman was represented by Omoboyede Olusanya, Vice Chairman of the 30th NES. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Joseph Edeh

Agriculture

Tinubu tasks livestock reforms committee on agricultural productivity

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has tasked the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms to address obstacles to agricultural productivity.

The president inaugurated the committee on Tuesday in Abuja and appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, as Co-Chairman of the Committee.

Tinubu said the livestock reform would open up new opportunities to benefit farmers, herders, processors and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.

He emphasised that the implementation of the reforms would require the collective efforts of members of the committee, drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors and others.

“From here, I will appeal to everyone to remove every iota of partisan politics from this. I will assume the chairmanship of the committee as President and appoint Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair.

“This is not about politics; this is about opportunity. This is about our nation. While I may be absent, Jega will preside and continue to promote our objectives,” the President said.

He thanked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, for his efforts in assembling experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector.

Tinubu stated that a Ministry of Livestock Development would be created to further explore the potential in the area.

“When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts?

“With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development.

“It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings,” said Tinubu.

He said that the traditional method of livestock farming would need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which included state governments, in order to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

The president said the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) would ensure the removal of all legal obstacles to the implementation of the reforms, while the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani would provide support with automation.

“Modern technology is available to us. We are ready to work. I said at the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here, and we must run with it.

“Any law that might inhibit the promotion and actualisation of our objectives, the Attorney-General is here, please give it a priority; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning is here; create a budget for it to grow, and the Minister of Finance is here as well to work out the money,” the President stated.

He also said the reforms would be comprehensive and collective, urging the support of all stakeholders.

“We need to provide the incentive to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming; dairy products and cold-chain logistics, which collectively offer substantial commercial and economic advantages.

“We have seen solutions and opportunities. With these adversities that have plagued us over the years, I believe that prosperity is here – in your hands.

“The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security by supplying essential proteins and vitamins, through milk and its derivatives, such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter,” he said.

He added that efficient cold-chain logistics was crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of the perishable goods from farms to markets, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.

“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike,’’ the President said.

In his remarks, Ganduje, the former Chairman of the committee, thanked the President for taking further action, following the submission of a report on livestock reforms on Sept. 28, 2023.

“We will surpass your expectations and bring succour to Nigerians. Once again, we thank the President,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

General News

Tinubu mandates Presidential Economic Coordination Council to strengthen economy

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), mandating it to strengthen the economy.

He also inaugurated the Economic Stabilisation Programme to ensure food security, improved power supply, enhanced social welfare and healthcare, increased energy production, and overall economic transformation.

Speaking during the inaugural of the 31-member Council at the Council Chambers in Abuja, Tinubu, who chairs the Council, underscored the need for innovative solutions to the country’s economic challenges.

He noted the importance of public-private partnerships in driving economic reforms.

“We have the challenge of energy security in Nigeria. We need to work together to improve our oil and gas sector, and we must also increase electricity generation and distribution throughout the country.

“We are determined to do that with your cooperation, collaboration, and recommendations.

“As a nation, it is so shameful that we are still generating 4.5GW of electricity.

“We must increase our oil production to 2 million barrels per day within the next few months and we are determined to remove all entry barriers to investments in the energy sector while enhancing competitiveness.’

He announced measures, which would run concurrently with the National Construction and Household Support Programme, to stabilise the economy, enhance job creation, and foster economic security.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the measures under the Economic Stabilisation Programme include Energy Security, which includes power, oil and gas, aims to increase on-grid electricity to be delivered to homes and businesses from about 4.5 gigawatts to 6 gigawatts in six months.

It also aims at increasing oil production to two million barrels per day within the next 12 months; and remove barriers to entry for investments into the sector to enhance competitiveness.

The programme includes Agriculture and Food Security, which aims at increase staple crops grown by small-holder farmers from 127 million metric tonnes in 2023 to 135 million metric tonnes this year.

It will bolster production by partnering larger-scale commercial farmers and support qualified farmers with satellite imagery for land use planning, crop rotation, and monitoring of agricultural expansion.

Another aspect of the plan is Health and Social Welfare under which the Federal Government hopes to make essential medicines available at lower cost for 80-90 million Nigerians.

It will also expand healthcare insurance coverage for one million vulnerable people via a Vulnerable Group Fund in collaboration with state governments.

It will redeploy 20,000 healthcare workers to provide services to 10-12 million patients in areas where they are most urgently needed and power up 4,800 primary healthcare centres (PHCs), second tier, and third tier hospitals using renewable energy sources.

Under the Economic Stabilisation Programme, Tinubu said some fiscal measures had been introduced to improve access to finance for the housing sector, MSMEs, and the manufacturing sector are.

The measures include support for new and existing youth-owned enterprises across all 36 states of the Federation, creating 7,400 MSMEs within the next 6-12 months.

There is also MSME support, a N650 billion facility that will provide lower-cost short-term facilities to youth-owned businesses, manufacturers and MSMEs across various industries; food processing, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and wholesale and retail trade.

“This financing will be based on their current and future receivables, company rating, and market demand for products.

“A Manufacturing Stabilisation Fund will rejuvenate up to two hundred and fifty companies and deliver lower cost (9.0 per cent -11.0 per cent) long-term facilities to large, medium-scale, and light manufacturers that produce finished goods for domestic and export markets.

“Sub-national Matching Fund: A Grow Nigeria Development Fund consisting of a single-digit interest rate loan portfolio with the Bank of Industry and a matching fund agreement with sub-national governments to grow MSMEs,” said the President.

He stated that the Bank of Industry’s Rural Development Programme would be expanded to support rural economies by developing 300 new MSMEs for each state, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, resulting in 11,100 new rural-based MSMEs across the Federation.

“Mortgage Finance Acceleration Facility: A facility that delivers affordable housing for all segments impacted by the cost-of-living challenge.

“This will support the construction of an additional 25,000 housing units.

“These fiscal measures will improve access to finance for MSMEs and, in the process, create 4.7 million direct and indirect jobs over a six to 12-month period,” said Tinubu.

Emphasising the significance of the task ahead, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who is the Vice-Chairman of the Council, stated that President Tinubu was committed to proffering solutions to the nation’s economic challenges and not apportioning blame.

“I want to emphasise that when there is a will, there is always a way, and the President does not believe in apportioning blame. He believes in preparing solutions,” Shettima said.

Mr Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, made a presentation on the highlights of the Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan earlier submitted to the President.

The plan details economic issues to be resolved in 2024 by sub-committees in the key sectors of agriculture and food security, energy (oil, gas, power), health and social welfare, and business support.

Other members of the council include the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, twelve ministers, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Members from the Organised Private sector include: Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr Tony Elumelu, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Ms Amina Maina, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Dr Funke Opeke, Dr Doyin Salami among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Defence/Security

Security agencies apprehend 2,678 suspects in June

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC), says the law enforcement agencies have apprehended 2,678 suspects for various offences across the country in June.

SCIPC is a committee of the spokespersons for the military, police, intelligence and response agencies set up by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The update was presented at a news conference by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday in Abuja.

Adejobi said that 93 kidnap victims had been rescued unhurt and reunited with their families, while 144 firearms and 3,031 ammunitions recovered within the period under review.

He said a team of detectives from the State Intelligence Department (SID), FCT Police Command, apprehended six suspects specialise in sales of registered SIM cards to criminals on June 13.

According to him, the suspects operate with other people’s identity to avoid being traced or tracked, adding that more than 1,100 already registered SIM cards, three registration machines and other gadgets were recovered from the suspects.

Adejobi said that operatives of the FCT command also apprehended one Ikechukwu Didi, 54, from Enugu State who specialises in gun running and recovered seven automatic pump action short guns and 1,000 rounds of live cartridges from the suspect.

He said the police made significant strides, arresting suspects involved in the Ekiti killings and the mastermind of the 2012 Ado-Ekiti jailbreak on June 26.

“On June 30, one Nigerian and three Indian nationals were kidnapped by unknown kidnappers at Ikenne area of Ogun state under heavy firing.

“They were later rescued unhurt by the Police while two of the kidnappers were neutralised after a fierce gun duel with operatives who stormed their camp.

“Recovered items include: 109 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five AK 47 rifles, eight AK 47 magazines, Two cell phones.

“Equally, on June 13, operatives of the NPF-NCC arrested three suspects who hacked JAMB website granting fake admissions letters to candidates, which were used to secure admission into tertiary institutions and mobilization into NYSC illegally.

“The arrest also led to the recovery of four domain websites used by the suspects.

“The suspects have been charged to court while efforts are on to clamp down on other similar syndicate,’’ he said.

Adejobi said that four suspected illegal miners were arrested on June 17, in Anambra, showcasing the government’s unyielding efforts to combat illegal mining activities.

According to him, the Federal Government has unveiled 350 additional operatives on June 14, to bolster mining marshals, demonstrating its commitment to tackling illegal mining activities.

Dr Peter Afunanya, Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Department of State Services (DSS), said the agency had been proactive in providing intelligence in tackling the security challenges confronting the nation.

Afunanya said the service had also engaged in several combat operations to deter criminals from committing mayhem in some parts of the country, and urged Nigerians to support the fight against insecurity.

The Spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), ACC Abubakar Umar, dismissed allegations that the service had denied the detained Binance official, access to medical care.

Umar said the responsibility of the service was unique as a security agency by keeping away those who are in conflict with the law.

“We don’t just dwell only on their reformation and rehabilitation, but we have a robust healthcare system because if you check the morbidity rate and the mortality rate in our custodial centers, I will say is 0.1 per cent.

“For Binance chief, he is not under any serious health condition, he is fine with us, and he will continue to be fine with us,’’ he said.

On his part, the Spokesman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC), Mr Dele Oyewale, said the planned protest by some groups had a potential of violence and underlying motives.

He accused those being investigated and prosecuted by the commission of making efforts to discredit the anti-graft agency.

According to him, about 259 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have come out publicly to say that they are not going to support the protest, saying that their moral base was totally wicked. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola