FEC approves N2.1trn Supplementary Budget for urgent national issues.

FEC approves N2.1trn Supplementary Budget for urgent national issues.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday approved an N2,176,791,286,033 supplementary budget to fund urgent national issues including N605 billion for national defence and security. 

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, made this known while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting in Abuja.

”The Council considered a request for supplementary appropriation which is a second for 2023, and graciously approved the sum of N2,176,791,286,033, as supplementary budget and this supplementary budget is to fund urgent issues including N605 billion for national defence and security. 

“This is to sustain the gains made in security and to accelerate and these are funds that are needed by the security agencies before the year runs out. ”

Bagudu also said that FEC approved N300 billion for the repair of the Eko and Third Mainland bridges as well as the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of many roads nationwide before the return of the rainy season.

Similarly, he said Council approved N200 billion for the provision of seed, agricultural input, supplies and agricultural implements and infrastructure to support the expansion of production”

”Equally the sum of N210 billion is provided for the payment of wage Awards. In negotiation with the Nigeria Labour Congress.

”The Federal Government agreed to pay N35,000 each to about 1.5 million employees of the Federal Government for September, October, November and December.

”And that amounts to about N210 billion which has been approved and also N400 billion as Cash Transfer payments.” 

He recalled that the Federal Government has secured an 800 million dollar loan from the World Bank to pay cash transfers of N25,000 to 15 million households.

He said 800 million dollars is for October and November.

”The President graciously approved that an additional month should be funded by the Federal Government and that is what this N100 billion is for. 

“Equally, N100 billion has been provided for the Federal Capital Territory to support them in urgent and immediate capital expenditure works that can enhance the infrastructure in the city.”

”Also, N18 billion was provided for the Independent National Electoral Commission to support them in conducting the Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo statstatections.”

The minister stated that N5.5 billion was also provided for the funding of the take-off of the Student Loans Board and N8 billion for the take-off grant of new ministries.

”Equally the sum of N200 billion was provided as capital supplementation to deal with urgent requests that have been made to President Bola Tinubu from various parts of the country.” 

(NAN)

Vice President Shettima Attracts American Investment Giant John Deere for Tractor Assembly Plant in Nigeria.

Vice President Shettima Attracts American Investment Giant John Deere for Tractor Assembly Plant in Nigeria.

The gains on foreign investments recorded from Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit to the United States swelled again, as an American company, John Deere, has resolved to set up a tractor assembly plant in Nigeria. 

Details of the company’s interest to invest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector were made known during a meeting between VP Shettima and top officials of John Deere led by its Vice President on Production Systems, Mr Jason Brantley. 

The meeting facilitated by the Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr John Coumantaros, also had in attendance the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; the Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Ambassador Lot Egopija, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity, Dr Kingsley Uzoma, among others. 

Speaking during the interaction with the investors, Vice President Shettima said Nigeria is committed to transforming agriculture as a pathway to tackling insecurity and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. 

“Without mechanization, you can never be truly self-sufficient in food production. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to revitalizing the Nigerian agricultural sector. And for us to be self-sufficient in food production, three key elements are essential. First is certified seeds, then mechanization, provision of fertilizer and of course, agricultural extension services,” he noted. 

The VP who spoke on the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) project stated that “it is designed to provide the infrastructure, platform and framework for the private sector to add value to Nigeria’s agricultural produce for the domestic, regional market and for the global community.” 

Assuring the investors that Nigeria is now open for partnership, Sen. Shettima said, “We are open for discussions, for conversations towards fast-tracking the whole process. My principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is very eager to see that the full potential of the Nigerian agricultural sector is realised. 

“The President declared a food security emergency in August this year fundamentally anchored on the fact that we are exposed to all the volatility in the world. We are vulnerable, we are exposed. This is why we are putting in place the mechanisms towards addressing challenges in the sector and we cannot afford to do otherwise”. 

Earlier, Mr Brantley spoke about the company’s proposed investment in Nigeria, assuring that the project will unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential by creating an organised approach to tractor-clearing services for smallholder farmers across the country. 

According to the John Deere top executive, the initiative to establish tractor assembly would require zero investment from the government, while credit guarantees will be needed to help make credit available at an affordable rate for interested persons or groups. 

Mr Brantley expressed the company’s readiness to immediately engage relevant authorities in Nigeria, with a view to actualising the objective of establishing the assembly plant.

PASAN Strike in Ekiti State: Parliamentary Staff Demand Financial Autonomy.

PASAN Strike in Ekiti State: Parliamentary Staff Demand Financial Autonomy.

In a show of solidarity with their colleagues nationwide, the Ekiti state chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association (PASAN) has embarked on an indefinite strike, following the directive from the national body.

A visit to the Ekiti State House of Assembly revealed that the gates were firmly locked, with PASAN leaders preventing staff members and lawmakers from accessing the Assembly Complex.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Gbenga Oluwajuyigbe, Chairman of PASAN Ekiti state branch, highlighted that the strike was a direct response to the failure of the Federal government to grant financial autonomy to state Houses of Assembly. He and other executive members carried placards with inscriptions such as "Implement Financial Autonomy of the State Assembly Now," "Payment of Conness for Parliamentary Staff," "Domicile Paypoint in State Assembly," and more, emphasizing their determination to continue the indefinite strike until their demands are met.

A lawmaker who arrived at the Assembly, Mr. Tunde Idowu, was denied entry as he was unaware of the strike's commencement.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Adeoye Aribasoye, who was on official duty outside the state, communicated with our reporter via phone. He confirmed that the Conference of Speakers had been duly informed about the strike by PASAN and was taking steps to address the situation. A tripartite Committee meeting involving the Federal government, Speakers Conference, and Nigerian governors forum is being arranged to seek solutions and discuss the way forward with PASAN leaders.

Additionally, Mr. Tola Esan, the Clerk of the House, mentioned that the national leadership of the Association had sent them a letter about the strike, urging them to maintain peace while conveying their grievances to the government.

The strike has had a significant impact on activities within and around the Assembly Complex, leading to a noticeable reduction in the presence of people and vehicles in the vicinity.

President Tinubu Celebrates Afe Babalola At 92.

President Tinubu Celebrates Afe Babalola At 92.

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated legal luminary and educationist, Chief Afe Babalola, as he clocks 92 years of age.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu noted that Chief Babalola’s versatility, visionary leadership and courage have positively impacted generations within and outside Nigeria.

He said: “President Bola Tinubu joins friends and family in the celebration of Chief Afe Babalola, Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, who clocked 92 on October 30.

“The President felicitates the legal luminary, businessman, educationist, and philanthropist, whose visionary leadership, courage, and versatility have impacted generations, inspiring and growing many leaders within and outside the country.

“President Tinubu notes, with deep appreciation, the large-heartedness of Aare Babalola as he provides opportunities for many to find and fulfill their dreams in different areas of life, especially in education, as well as his contributions to raising the standards of medicare by sponsoring research and providing medical facilities. 

“The President wishes Aare Babalola many more years in good health and in the service of humanity.”

December 2 Ekiti LG Election: EKSIEC Announces Vacancy For Ad-hoc Staff.

December 2 Ekiti LG Election: EKSIEC Announces Vacancy For Ad-hoc Staff.

In preparation for the Local government election coming up in December ,the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission, EKSIEC has announced vacancy for the positions of Ad-hoc staff for successful conduct of the poll.

The EKSIEC in a Press release on Monday signed by the Permanent Secretary,Barrister Modupe Taiwo Akinbolawa and made available to Newshereandthere directed interested candidates to apply for positions of choice through the Electoral Officers in their Local Government Council/Local Council Development Areas.

The statement reads:

“This is to notify the General Public that election of candidates into the posts of Chairmen and Councilors in the 16 Local Government Councils and 22 Local Council Development Areas in Ekiti State has been scheduled to hold on Saturday, 2nd day of December, 2023.

“Consequently, the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission will require the Services of the following Ad-hoc Staff for the successful conduct of the election:

(i) Local Government Returning Officers

(ii) Ward Returning Officers

(iii) Supervisory Presiding Officers.

(iv) Presiding Officers

(v) Poll Clerks

3. Qualifications:

(a) Local Government Returning Officers:

“Interested candidates must be serving Academic Lecturers, Retired Principals or equivalent in Ekiti State.

(b) Ward Returning Officers: Interested candidates must be Senior Public Servants on Grade Level 14 and above (Serving or Retired).

(c) Supervisory Presiding Officers: Interested candidates must be Public Servants on Grade Level 10 and above (Serving or Retired).

(d) Presiding Officers: Interested candidates must be BSC, BA. B(ED) or HND Holders

(e) Poll Clerks: Interested candidates must possess SSCE, NECO, or NABTEB or its equivalents.

“Interested candidates are advised to apply in writing to the Electoral Officers in their Local Government Council/Local Council Development Areas”

The statement added that “The training of the ad-hoc staff comes up on Saturday 18th day of November, 2023.”

Group Sends SOS To Umahi Over Deplorable State Of Federal Roads In Ekiti.

Group Sends SOS To Umahi Over Deplorable State Of Federal Roads In Ekiti. 

Mr. David Umahi, the Minis­ter of Works, has been urged to ensure the repair of feder­al roads in Ekiti State.

A group, Ayebode Pro­gressive Association (APA), a development organ of Ayebode-Ekiti, in the state, regretted the deplorable state of federal roads in the state, saying that some of the communities have been cut off.

A statement by Mr. Femi Owoeye, the Spokesman, APA, lamented that one of the badly affected commu­nities located was within the Ekiti North Senatorial District of the state.

Owoeye appealed to Uma­hi to provide succour for the, saying that the dilapidated roads had led to avoidable gridlock within the area.

According to him, for over seven weeks, incessant trail­er traffic standstill had con­stituted health and security hazards for the communities located within Ikole and Ek­iti East Local governments

In particular, APA urged the minister to incorporate Ekiti State federal roads in his ongoing inspection tour and mapping of critical fed­eral road infrastructure beg­ging for urgent intervention.

He said: “The minister needs to tour Ekiti State, be­cause he needs to personally see things for himself.”

The group lamented that the network of federal roads, which naturally should have been a blessing to the state and its people, had been a curse, suggesting that suc­cessive federal ministers of works possibly missed the state on their radar.

‘Revisit appointment of Auditor-General’ ~ Says WNC.

‘Revisit appointment of Auditor-General’ ~ Says WNC.

The appointment of Mr. Shaaka Chira, by President Bola Tinubu, as substantive Auditor-General of the Federation (AGoF) has continued to generate controversy, it was learnt.

 A group, Worried Nigerian Citizens (WNC), has joined in the fray.

 Chira’s confirmation was put on hold by the Senate following petitions alleging as the most junior director of the office, he lacked the basic experience to head such a sensitive position.

WNC, in a petition by its Convener, Moses Idika, urged the President to revisit the appointment in the interest of Civil Service.

 The petition was copied to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and head of Civil Service Commission.

 WNC wondered why Chira, who ranked 17th among the 17 directors in the AGoF Office, should be made to superintend a sensitive post that has 16 persons who are his superiors.

 The group urged President Tinubu to reconsider the appointment because it does not align with Civil Service rule.

It argued Chira’s appointment could dampen “morale of civil servants who work hard and at the same time make lazy ones feel they can get ahead once they have the influence”.

The petition reads: “The Senate last week put on hold confirmation of Mr. Shaaka Chira as substantive Auditor-General of the Federation.

 “We are aware several directors in the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation were behind the petition that the Senate relied upon to put on hold the confirmation.

 “We are concerned over the disquiet that greeted the appointment. 

“The disquiet stems from the fact that Mr. Chira, the 18th on the line of seniority in the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, was appointed to leap and head the 17 other directors who are his seniors.

“It is instructive for the Federal Government to take into cognisance the debilitating effect this appointment may have on the civil service and the morale of officers of the service.

 “The Civil Service thrives on hard work and elevation rooted in promotions and unbroken chain of command.

 “The latest appointment of President Bola Tinubu strikes at the core of the Civil Service in that it has the potential to dampen morale of civil servants who may feel hard work no longer matters if one has “long legs” in the government.

 “We  call on Mr. President to reverse the appointment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President which we believe is rooted in re-directing the minds of Nigerians to have hope in our institutions, our government and in our laws.   

“The National Assembly must stand on the side of the people by ensuring the President does right in the interest of our national cohesion.’’

“Every Nigerian and every Nigerian civil servant must be made to rely on the ethics of their profession as a precursor for promotions and elevations.

 “The Civil Service Rule must also be abided with as a sustainable growth path for all civil servants, ethnicity, godfatherism and favouritism have no place in civil service and therefore, must never, become part of our civil service. 

 “The Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation is a sensitive position that the President must ensure that the morale of its staff is at pitch-high for efficiency.”