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General News

Osinbajo is a patriotic Nigerian – NGF

By Martha Agas,

The Northern Governors’ Forum has described Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as as a patriotic Nigerian, who had combined character, professionalism and pragmatism in handling national issues.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, the Chairman of the forum, Gov. Simon Lalong of said the Vice President has exhibited high level of faith and loyalty to the nation and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Lalong said that Osinbajo had continued to give his best to the success of the Government and the upliftment of Nigerians.

“As Northern Governors, we have enjoyed tremendous cooperation of the Vice President who give us a listening ear at individual and collective levels and engage us on how to tackle the challenges of our region and the nation.

“Among other things, we cherish his leadership of the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP), which seeks to usher Nigeria into the threshold of modern livestock business, capable of ending the negative consequences of open grazing in the country.

“We assure the Vice President of our continued collaboration as he supports the President to deliver his promises to the people,” he said.

Lalong wished the Vice President well while urging him to continue mentoring and supporting young Nigerians, in the area of law where he has vast experience as a Senior Advocate, Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as a Professor of Law. (NAN)

General News

Buhari celebrates VP Osinbajo at 64

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has described Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as “a reliable and dedicated deputy, who is not only admirably competent, but also exudes confidence and passion in the performance of his job.”

Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, quoted Buhari as saying this in a message to celebrate the Vice President on his 64th birthday on March 8, 2021.

President Buhari said: “I’m proud to have selected Osinbajo as my running mate and he has given a good account of himself since our journey began in 2015.”

According to the President, the vice-president is a cool-headed gentleman, who puts the interest of Nigeria above other narrow considerations.

“Vice President Osinbajo is an incredibly patient politician, who demonstrates remarkable intellectual and mental energy in the discharge of his duties,” he further noted.

The president wished Osinbajo many more prosperous years and almighty God’s continued guidance.(NAN)

General News

Osinbajo@64: Group to honour health workers

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

A group, “Friends of Prof.” has announced the commencement of the 2021 edition of its empowerment programme in honour of Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s 64th Birthday.

The group, which comprises friends and associates of Osinbajo, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said it was building on the success recorded in 2020 with an expansion in the scope of the programme.

It called on young Nigerians to use the opportunity created by the group to benefit from the programmes.

On Osinbajo’s 63rd birthday, 100 young entrepreneurs received grants of N1 million each to help grow and advance their businesses, among other incubator support services from the group.

The “Friends of Prof’ conceptualised ‘The March 8th Initiative” to inspire and promote communal, entrepreneurial and public-spirited endeavours within Nigeria to celebrate the birthday of Osinbajo.

It said that in addition to the Entrepreneurship Development Programme, the March 8th Initiative would recognise health workers nationwide.

According to the statement, health workers to be recognised were those, who in the face of a global pandemic, demonstrated exemplary courage and professionalism in carrying out their duties.

“The March 8th Initiative” is expanding its reach and scope with a view to impacting a broader spectrum of Nigerians.

“First, the Annual Entrepreneurship Development Programme has been reorganised into four categories providing more opportunities for young Nigerians between 18 and 35 years old, giving one-off business grants, ranging from N100,000 to N1 million to small businesses in Nigeria.

“The four categories cover varying stages of small business growth as follows: Big Idea Business Challenge, Business Support Challenge, Catalyst Support Challenge and the Bold Innovation Challenge.”

“Individuals are requested to nominate any health worker who has shown these qualities for a reward of N1 million under a Health Grant Reward Category that acknowledges their invaluable service to our communities.

“Additionally, the “March 8th Initiative” is undertaking a nationwide Ophthalmological intervention to provide succour in the form of surgeries and other therapeutic care for cataract and other eye defects.”

It said that entries would open at 12.00am on March 8, and close at 11:59pm on March 14.

The statement said that all the entries except those for “My Big Idea Business Challenge” must be submitted at www.march8th.ng.

“The group is calling on Nigerians to visit the website to nominate the deserving health worker of their choice, as well as to apply for any of the grant categories that is applicable to them.”

It said that other activities lined up at different locations across the country, included an empowerment scheme for the poor and vulnerable in Lafia.

The statement added that there would also be an inauguration of four borehole projects in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on March 8 all in honour of the vice president. (NAN)

General News

Week in review: Official engagements of Buhari, Osinbajo

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari started the week on March 2 with a briefing from a delegation he sent to Zamfara to sympathise with the people and government of the state on the kidnapped Jangebe schoolgirls.

The delegation was headed by the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, with the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajiya Sa’adiya Umar-Faruk and Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen as members.

Barely 24 hours after receiving feedback from the delegation, the president on March 3, expressed joy over the reported release of the abducted schoolgirls.

The president expressed his delight in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

Buhari said: “I join families and people of Zamfara State in welcoming and celebrating the release of these traumatized female students.”

Few hours after the release of the schoolgirls, the president summoned a meeting of the National Security Council.

The March 2 meeting of the council reviewed the renewed onslaught on insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes by the Federal Government to achieve desired goals.

In attendance at the meeting were Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen.  Bashir Magashi.

Others were Ministers of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi; Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, other Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

At the end of the meeting, the Federal Government declared Zamfara a no-fly zone and banned all forms of mining activities in the state.

On March 3, Buhari presided over the 36th virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Council Chamber of the State House.

In attendance at the meeting were Osinbajo, Mustapha, Gambari and 10 ministers.

The ministers include Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Finance, Zainab Ahmed, Justice, Abubakar Malami, Agriculture Sabo Nanono and Environment, Mahmood Mohammed.

Others were the Ministers of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar, Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Power, Sale Mamman, and Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

The council meeting approved total reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway at a cost of N797.2 billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the figure shows an increase of N642.2 billion over the N155 billion the council previously approved for the rehabilitation of the same highway.

The council also approved N10. 4 billion for the procurement of fire-fighting vehicles and equipment for the Federal Fire Service and N6.04 billion for the provision of potable water in the four local government areas in Ogoniland in Rivers.

On March 4, Buhari inaugurated the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Technology Building in Abuja, where he directed the NIS to improve surveillance and control around the nation’s borders, to check the activities of criminal elements in the country.

Buhari also met behind closed doors with Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, where he enjoined all Nigerians to go about their lawful businesses as “the country’s unity is not negotiable”.

Also on March 4, Osinbajo delivered a keynote address at the 16th Biennial Delegates Conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, held at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu.

Speaking on the theme: “The Unquenchable Light”, Osinbajo said: “We must bear this gospel of Jesus Christ, knowing that it is the beacon of hope and succour for our nation.

”As bearers of the gospel we are the reconcilers-in-chief.”

Buhari and Osinbajo concluded their engagements for the week on March 6, when they received vaccinations for the coronavirus.

The president’s chief physician, Dr Suhayb Rafidadi, administered the vaccine on Buhari at about 11.52 a.m., while the vice-president was vaccinated by his personal physician immediately after the president had received his dose.

Buhari, who is the ECOWAS Champion on the Fight against COVID-19 and Osinbajo also got COVID-19 vaccination cards.

The Nigerian leader used the opportunity to appeal to eligible Nigerians to take the coronavirus vaccination “so that we can be protected from the virus.”

Nigeria received 3.92 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine on March 2, delivered under the international Covax scheme. (NAN)

General News

Osinbajo tasks NIPSS on failed policies, projects

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to unlock the mystery of failed or poorly implemented policies and projects in Nigeria.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in statement on Monday in Abuja, said that the vice president stated this when he virtually inaugurated the Senior Executive Course 43 of NIPSS.

The theme of the Course 43 programme is “Getting Things Done: Strategies for the Implementation of Policies and Programmes in Nigeria.’’

“So, your task is already well cut out for you. Perhaps Course 43 will be able to unlock the mystery of failed or poorly implemented policies and projects, but more importantly, promote a practical, nitty-gritty guide to implementing projects and policies.

“This is a body of knowledge that is desperately needed today. This year’s theme goes to the heart of what is generally considered the bane of development in Nigeria; poor implementation.

“The proverbial gap between intention and results; between policy and stated outcomes; delivering on campaign promises or even just doing what the well-articulated policy papers say.

“For many serious-minded policymakers, the frustration is the same, yes we know all about think-tanks, what we need now are do-tanks.”

Osinbajo commended the commitment and contributions of NIPSS to critical national issues through policy briefs, policy advice and other strategic interventions.

He assured staff, participants and management of the Federal Government’s continued support to the institution especially in the upgrade of facilities.

“While Government will continue to do its best to support the National Institute, I should stress that budgetary provisions alone will always be limited given competing needs and responsibilities of government.

“It is therefore imperative for NIPSS to be even more pro-active and creative in seeking alternative sources of funding,’’ he said.

Osinbajo commiserated with the management and staff of NIPSS on the demise of its Director-General, Prof. Habu Galadima.

He recalled the late Galadima’s work and dedication particularly to the growth of the institute, describing him as a passionate advocate for the transformation of the Institute.

Participants of Senior Executive Course 43 were drawn from the private sector, the public service, including paramilitary organisations and the armed forces.

Present at the event were Plateau State Governor, Mr Simon Lalong, representatives of the Service Chiefs, among others. (NAN)

Economy/Business

Osinbajo advocates knowledge-based regulation for cryptocurrency

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says there is need to develop a robust regulatory regime that is thoughtful and knowledge-based for cryptocurrency.

Osinbajo said that rather than adopt a policy that prohibited cryptocurrency operations in the country, regulators must act with knowledge and not fear.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the vice president virtually delivered a keynote address at a one-day economic summit.

The summit was organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Banker’s Committee, and the Vanguard Newspaper, themed “Bankers’ Initiative for Economic Growth”.

“I fully appreciate the strong position of the CBN, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and some of the anti-corruption agencies on the possible abuses of cryptocurrencies and their other well-articulated concerns.

“ But I believe that their position should be the subject of further reflection.

“There is a role for regulation here. And it is in the place of both our monetary authorities and SEC to provide a robust regulatory regime that addresses these serious concerns without killing the goose that might lay the golden eggs.

“So it should be thoughtful and knowledge-based regulation not prohibition; the point I am making is that some of the exciting developments we see call for prudence and care in adopting them, but we must act with knowledge and not fear.”

Osinbajo said that there was no question that blockchain technology generally and cryptocurrencies, in particular, would soon challenge traditional banking, including reserve (Central) banking, in unimaginable ways.

According to him, there is need to be prepared for that seismic shift as it may come sooner than later.

“Already remittance systems are being challenged; blockchain technology will provide far cheaper options to the kind of fees being paid today for cross-border transfers.

“I am sure you are all aware of the challenge that the traditional SWIFT system is facing from new systems like Ripple which is based on the blockchain distributed ledger technology with its own crypto tokens.

“There are, of course, a whole range of digital assets spawned daily from block-chain technology. Decentralized finance, using smart contracts to create financial instruments, in place of central financial intermediaries such as banks or brokerages is set to challenge traditional finance.

“`The likes of Nexo finance offer instant loans using cryptocurrency as collateral; some reserve banks are investigating issuing their own digital currencies.”

On national development and the public and private sector interventions, the vice president emphasised that in order to engender sustained economic growth, stakeholders must think in terms of scale.

He said he was quite concerned that national interventions were classified as pilots involving sometimes no more than 1000 people.

“Given the size of our population, we cannot afford the luxury of pilot projects; we should design our interventions very carefully and then go big.

“It was quite puzzling to me when people said that our plan to build 300,000 houses under the Economic Sustainability Plan(ESP) was too ambitious a target.

“After all, these just amounts to 400 houses per local government yet many of our local governments are larger than some African countries who would not consider building 400 houses in one year as too onerous a task.

“The task of national development requires that we fire on all cylinders after all, at one stage, China was building 1.9 million housing units per year over a number of years,” he said.

He said that the Federal Government had a track record of building roads, rail and power projects across the country.

Osinbajo said that in spite of the commitment so far, the nation was still very far away from meeting the full infrastructural needs of its economy.

The Vice President called for improved support especially from the private sector in the operationalisation of the Infrastructure Company (InfraCo).

On the country’s recovery from its second recession in four years, Osinbajo said policymakers, lawmakers and business leaders had cause to cheer the relatively good performance in the face of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He attributed successes recorded to the early actions of the Federal Government in providing an initial stimulus and then, constituting the Economic Sustainability Committee and the ESP

Participants at the forum included the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele.

Others were representatives of the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Founder of Vanguard Newspaper, several banking executives, among others. (NAN)

 

General News

Buhari presides over virtual FEC as cabinet members honour late Gen. Abdallah

By Ismaila Chafe
President Muhammadu Buhari is currently presiding over the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a minute silence in honour of former Kwara State Military Administrator retired Brig.- Gen. Ahmed Aboki Abdallah, who died recently, was observed by the cabinet members.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, called on the cabinet members to stand in honour of the departed, who was a former Minister of Communications.

Late Abdallah served as Minister of Communications and later Minister of Social Development, Youth and Sports during the military regime, when President Buhari was the Head of State.

He later became the Military Administrator of Kwara State from 1987-1988.

NAN observed that the Council meeting is being physically attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.

Ten Ministers including those of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Finance, Zainab Ahmed, Justice, Abubakar Malami, Agriculture Sabo Nanono and Education, Adamu Adamu are also attending the meeting.

Others at the meeting are the Ministers of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar, Trade, Industry and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, and labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

The Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan and other Ministers are participating in the weekly cabinet meeting from their various offices in Abuja online.

General News

Osinbajo inaugurates solar power plant at ATBU

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday, virtually inaugurated a 1.12 Megawatt (MW) Captive Solar Hybrid Power Plant at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, according to a statement by Laolu Akande, his Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.

Performing the inauguration, the vice president  said that Nigeria’s energy transition plan to renewables was well on course.

He described the solar plant as being in line with the globally endorsed Climate Change agenda and the Federal Government’s effort to connect more communities to off-grid power and reliable energy sources.

The project, executed under the Energising Education Programme (EEP), an initiative of the Federal Government aimed at providing 37 Federal Universities and seven Teaching Hospitals, with captive energy solutions, would ensure sustainable and reliable power for the institutions.

“Renewables are the fastest growing segment of energy today and will certainly be a key economic driver well into the future. Indeed, Nigeria intends to have 30 per cent of its electricity supply from renewables by the year 2030.

“Our future workforce, therefore, needs to be ready for this energy transition; the training centers constitute a critical additional benefit of this project.

“These projects, being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency, are strategic to fulfilling our commitments to the agreement as they strive to reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint.

“The leveraging of renewable energy technology is in line with the Federal Government’s mandate and related activities.

“Nigeria’s plan to reduce carbon emission by 20 per cent unconditionally, and 45 per cent with international support by 2030, aims to limit the damaging effect of climate change.”

On the benefits of the EEP,  Osinbajo said that  22,000 students and faculties across the country had been connected to completed projects in Kano, Ebonyi, Benue and Bauchi.

He said that apart from providing a reliable source of captive power for the institutions, each institution would have a renewable energy workshop and a training centre to provide training for students on renewable energy.

“The project also entails the installation of street lights and the electro fitting of existing ones for better illumination and provision of security on the campus and its environs.

“And there is provision for on-the-job training for 20 female students undergoing STEM courses in the beneficiary institutions. The training focuses on the design and installation of various components of the project,”  he  said.

He commended the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for its hard work and resourcefulness in the implementation of the programme.

Osinbajo urged the agency to redouble its efforts in rolling out the Energising Education Programme with speed and quality across the country.

Meanwhile, the vice president has presided over the inaugural meeting of the Cabinet Committee, for the Review of the Draft National Transport Policy, whose terms of reference included, among others, determining which ministry or agency should have the statutory authority to administer tolls on Nigeria’s roads.

“And to determine the appropriate roles of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and the Ministry of Works and Housing vis a vis the Ministry of Transportation in respect of the Road Fund proposed by the policy.”

Members of the committee comprised the Minister of Transportation,  Rotimi Amaechi, Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola, and Budget and National Planning Minister of State, Clem Agba, who represented the Finance Minister.(NAN)

Economy/Business

Osinbajo urges stakeholders to find cheaper means of oil production

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged stakeholders in the oil industry to find and agree on cheaper means of producing oil in the country.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the vice president spoke at a virtual meeting on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) with stakeholders in the industry.

The stakeholders operate under the auspices of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) in Nigeria, and Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG).

The vice president called for a more competitive environment that met the need and purposes of the Nigerian nation including the largest production volumes possible.

“We need to agree on terms that will give us a more competitive environment.

“ We should find a way of producing oil cheaper at the largest volume possible given the circumstances and future of oil itself, and of course, given our requirements and needs.

“The other point is that of gas; to sound the question of reconciling and maintaining our domestic gas obligation, and at the same time improving the gas environment in such a way that we are able to benefit maximally from it as a business and government.

“I like the concept that gas should be an enabler for quick development and I think that we must reach some kind of balance with this, especially with this question around domestic gas obligation.

“ I would like OPTS and IPPG to look more carefully and see in what ways we can come to some agreements as to how it should be done.”

Osinbajo said that the passage of the PIB should be seen as an opportunity to transform the industry by addressing lingering issues that had impeded development across the different sectors that make up the industry.

According to him, businesses will like to invest and invest more in the environment.

“So, that is the point of convergence.

“We want more investments and obviously state governments like more investments, and you (private companies) would like to invest so that you can make more money.

“No question about that; what we should seek to do is to see to what extent we can come to that convergence,” he said.

The new PIB, which was presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari in Sept. 2020, has passed the second reading in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The central aim of the bill is to foster sustainable development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr Timipre Silva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, said the interaction with the stakeholders in the petroleum industry was indicative of their commitment to the transformation of the industry through the PIB.

He said that working with other stakeholders, including the National Assembly, that the PIB as conceived by the Buhari administration, would be passed into law.

On his part, Mr Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), said that most of the concerns raised by stakeholders had been addressed in the proposal before the National Assembly.

He said that the Federal Government had moved from its previous position to one that was more competitive and attractive to investors.

Mr Mike Sangster, Chairman, OPTS and  Managing Director, Total  Nigeria Limited commending the efforts of the Federal Government in guiding the process of having a new law for the industry.

He said that the stakeholders remained committed to making Nigeria the “preeminent hydrocarbon province” in the region and the world.

Other participants at the meeting included Mr Laing Richard, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil in Nigeria, Mr Rick Kennedy, Chairman of Chevron Nigeria Limited and Chairman of IPPG, Mr Ademola Adeyemi-Bero. (NAN)

Economy/Business

Osinbajo wants consolidation on gains recorded in MSMEs space

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged stakeholders in the public and private sectors to be innovative in order  to consolidate on the gains recorded in improving small businesses.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the vice president spoke at the first virtual meeting of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) stakeholders for the year, 2021.

The vice president said that in partnership with the private sector, the Federal Government would continue to support innovation and interventions to boost the growth of small businesses across the country.

According to him, the Federal Government is committed to improving the economy and creating more employment opportunities for Nigerians.

“We must continue to be innovative in the interventions that we plan for MSMEs; small businesses are the engines of growth of any economy in the areas of wealth creation and employment opportunities; MSMEs are very important.

“We really have to think out of the box in our engagements going forward.

“We need to change the way we do many things, we need to look for ways of multiplying our efforts, because the challenges in this space are greater than what we have been able to achieve so far.

“Of course, we have done a lot, but looking at the numbers in need, you will find out that there is a lot more to be done.”

On the implementation of the MSMEs Survival Fund and the impact on the economy, Osinbajo said that the fund had sent the right signals that MSMEs were an important component of the economy.

He commended the stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment in the implementation of schemes and initiatives in the MSMEs sector.

“Working together, we can achieve more in the MSMEs space.

“ I am glad to hear that there is more collaboration among partners and among Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” he said.

Earlier, Amb. Mariam Katagum, Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, said the implementation of the Survival Fund across different areas lessened the burden of the pandemic on businesses.

“It has impacted over 300,000 beneficiaries under the Payroll Support Scheme, paying them N30,000 and N50,000  each as at December 2020; and successfully completing the enumeration and disbursement to 166,000 artisans as at December 2020.

“The Survival Fund, has filled the gap created as a result of the pandemic,” she said.

She said that the support provided through the Survival Fund would  go a long way in cushioning the impact of the pandemic as observed in comments captured in the testimonies of beneficiaries of the various tracks under the scheme.

On his part, Amb. Adeyemi Dipeolu, Special Adviser on Economic Matters to the President, urged stakeholders to seriously consider the possibility of expanding the scope of the MSMEs clinics to cover more beneficiaries and consolidate past efforts.

He said that the clinics were limited to Nasarawa and Ebonyi states alone in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dipeolu said that the secretariat, in line with the directive of the vice president, would take the clinics to the remaining states of Benue, Imo, Lagos, Gombe, Adamawa and Jigawa.

He said that such was to ensure total coverage of the country and prepare the ground for a possible nationwide second round of the clinics.

“Other initiatives that require improvement in collaboration and scope of implementation include the Shared Facility Scheme which was launched in Benue and Lagos states respectively in 2020, with Anambra and Kaduna waiting in line to be inaugurated.

“The scheme has proven to be one of the key products of the MSMEs clinics that needs to be sustained and expanded,’’ he said.

More so,  Mr Segun Awolowo, Executive Director,  Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), spoke about the collaboration among agencies in the MSMEs space in actualising the objectives of the Federal Government.

He said the NEPC would leverage existing and renewed cooperation among agencies to actualise its new project aimed at supporting businesses in overcoming the COVID-19 disruptions

According to Awolowo, the new project is tagged “From pandemic to prosperity.” (NAN)