Ghana’s president removes finance minister in reshuffle.

Ghana’s president removes finance minister in reshuffle.

Ghana’s president removed his finance minister in a sweeping reshuffle on Wednesday ahead of December elections where an economic crisis looks set to take centre stage.

Ken Ofori-Atta will be replaced by lawmaker Mohammed Amin Adam, according to a presidency statement.

The long-serving finance minister, in office since 2017, has faced criticism for his handling of Ghana’s most severe economic crisis in decades.

Inflation rates exceeded 50 per cent in 2022, and the stable West African country accepted a $3 billion International Monetary Fund bailout after the Ghanaian cedi lost half of its value.

The IMF said inflation was down to 23 per cent in December last year and “headed in the right direction” even if it remained high.

Observers think the replacement of the finance minister is partly designed to help Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who is running for president, distance himself from the crisis.

“It was long overdue and that is what we have all been clamouring for. Things were just not working and the hardship was so obvious that Ghanaians could not take it anymore,” economist William Ansong told AFP.

He said President Nana Akufo-Addo’s move would inject fresh perspective and expertise to help navigate the complex economic challenges facing the gold-and-oil rich nation.

Amin Adam previously served as the deputy minister for energy, overseeing the pivotal petroleum sector.

His tenure in various ministerial roles, including deputy minister for the Northern Region in 2005, underscores his extensive experience and understanding of Ghana’s socio-economic landscape.

He is renowned as a heavyweight in the extractive sector and has been instrumental in shaping policies to harness Ghana’s abundant natural resources.

As the founder of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, he has played a pivotal role in advocating for sustainable energy practices and fostering dialogue on crucial economic issues.

The cabinet reshuffle affected 13 ministers of state. Former information minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah will move to the housing ministry, and be replaced by his deputy Fatimatu Abubakar.

Ambrose Dery, who held the interior minister portfolio, has been re-assigned to the office of the president.

AFP

Declare state of emergency on insecurity, NBA tells Tinubu.

Declare state of emergency on insecurity, NBA tells Tinubu.

The Nigerian Bar Association has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the insecurity ravaging many parts of the country.

The NBA president, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing journalists on the state of the nation.

Maikyau said this should be done in addition to ensuring the right investments in security in line with global trends in security without compromising Nigeria’s sovereignty.

He said insecurity has left many Nigerians homeless and businesses destroyed, adding that citizens were losing confidence in the Federal Government to deal with the insecurity plaguing the country.

He said, “Some Nigerians have lost, and many more are fast losing confidence in the ability of the Federal Government to deal with the security situation in Nigeria.

“At this time, when public confidence in the sincerity of the government in dealing with insecurity is at its lowest ebb, I strongly recommend a government/people engagement that will, at the minimum, inform the people (to the extent that security protocol may allow) about what is being done to secure the nation. Alternatively, let there be clear indicators

“I can on the President to show a demonstrable commitment to prioritise the security of the lives and properties of Nigerians as already committed by you.

“The government, through our Armed Forces and other security agencies, must ensure that no square inch of the Nigerian territory is left ungoverned; no part of Nigeria should be left under the control of criminal elements by whatever name so-called.”

The NBA president added that the FG “must adopt a holistic approach to the issue of security while not overlooking the peculiarities of each region and design bespoke measures to deal with them accordingly. In this wise, the government must neither be scared nor ashamed to make the right investments in security, in line with global trends, without compromising our sovereignty.”

He stated that it’s high time the FG declared a state of emergency “in the area of security and I urge you, Mr. President not to waste time and spare no effort in this regard. ”

He also lamented the dwindling of the economy as well as the nation’s currency.

“The Nigerian economy is dwindling, the value of the Naira has been bastardised, prices of foodstuff have skyrocketed, and everything negative seems to be on the rise. The insecurity has equally impacted negatively on food sufficiency and food security as a nation,” he said.

Maikyau lamented that farmers could no longer go to their farms, adding that “while this administration may argue that it is only seven months into office and is not the cause of present-day experience, the fact remains that it is this government that has the responsibility of stemming the negative tide.”

He urged the President to spell out his plans as well as efforts in revamping the nation’s economy and to declare a state of emergency on the failing economy of the country.

Maikyau urged Tinubu to state deadlines for specific fundamental economic steps to be taken toward economic recovery.

He said, “Nigerians need to know, as we all are entitled to, in concrete terms, the plans this administration has for the revamping of our economy. It is the government/citizens’ engagement on the strategies for the recovery, reformation, and repositioning of the economy and all other sectors, that will give Nigerians hope to continue to persevere and remain resilient as we have always been.

“Not to do so will cause a complete loss of confidence in the ability of this administration to truly deliver on the renewed hope agenda, and would be recorded as a monumental failure on the part of government.”

The NBA president also threatened to engage in a legal battle with the FG if the Enhanced Trade Investment agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is not reviewed.

He said,  “We will fight it. We have the responsibility of protecting the legal space. I come from the village and I know what it means. Do you want those in the village who are struggling to make a living to still have competitors from the UK to take the little he has?

“There are already wholesome practices by some people few lawyers in this country who would come back to Nigeria and set up offices for English firms Continue to practice because they’ve been called to Practice in Nigeria and that is completely unacceptable.”

“I have my suspicions and nobody has allayed my suspicions over the deal. We will seek the judiciary interpretation of the propriety of that decision and we are entitled to do that. This is a matter that will go to court. There is no matter about it. We cannot be naive about these things anymore.”

House of Reps Job Racketeering Probe.

House of Reps Job Racketeering Probe.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, urged the Federal Government to ban the production, importation, distribution, and use of styrofoam and single-use plastics in the country.

This is even as it advocated a phased and gradual approach to the ban by providing sufficient time for businesses and industries to transition to alternative eco-friendly materials and practices.

Earlier in the year, a civil society organisation, the Joint Action for Good Governance, called on the Federal Government to implement a nationwide ban on styrofoam owing to growing concerns over its health risk.

As a result, the lawmakers urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and other relevant agencies to monitor the quality of packaging of foods and beverages, particularly in fast-moving consumer goods, ensuring that global best practices are followed.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to ban the use and distribution of styrofoam and single-use plastic across the country,” moved by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Kwara State, Mr Muktar Shagaya at a plenary session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

Shagaya while presenting the motion noted that the provisions of Section 20 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), place a responsibility on the Federal Government to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations, and ensure the health and well-being of its citizens.

He argued that the increasing use of styrofoam and single-use plastics in Nigeria poses significant environmental and public health risks, including pollution of waterways, soil, and air quality, among others.

“Chemical found in styrofoam is linked to health issues, such as cancer, vision and hearing loss, impaired memory and concentration, and nervous system effects. The House is aware that styrofoam is prohibited in Taiwan, Rwanda, England, and many other European countries, together with some towns and states in the United States. Currently, the product is illegal in Lagos and Abia states.

“The House is also aware that alternatives to styrofoam and single-use plastics, such as biodegradable materials, reusable containers, and recyclable packaging, can reduce environmental impact and public health risks.”

The lawmaker further stated that the increasing use of styrofoam and single-use plastics in Nigeria “not only leads to increased plastic waste and environmental pollution but also poses a significant health risk.”

Cognizant of the need to address the environmental and public health crises posed by styrofoam and single-use plastics to safeguard the future of Nigeria’s natural resources, ecosystems, health, and the well-being of its citizens, the House mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services, Environment, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

The Lagos State Government had in January announced the ban on styrofoam in the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the declaration in a statement released by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.

FG to distribute 42,000MT grains nationwide, engages DSS, NEMA.

FG to distribute 42,000MT grains nationwide, engages DSS, NEMA.

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, announced that it would distribute the 42,000 metric tonnes of grains approved by President Bola Tinubu to poor Nigerians at no cost.

It also announced that the Department of State Services and the National Emergency Management Agency had been engaged in the distribution process to ensure that the commodities get to the targeted citizens nationwide.

It disclosed this through the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja.

Last week, President Tinubu directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release about 42,000MT of maize, millet and other commodities from the national strategic reserves to address the rising cost of food in Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in Abuja after a meeting of the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention.

Idris also stated that the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria had committed to releasing about 60,000MT of rice to the markets.

“The first one is that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has been directed to release about 42,000MT of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities in their strategic reserve so that these items will be made available to Nigerians; 42,000MT immediately.

“The second one is that we have held meetings with the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. Those who are responsible for producing this rice and we have asked them to open up their stores.

“They’ve told us that they can guarantee about 60,000 metric tons of rice. They will make that available to Nigerians; to bring out to the market to make food available,” the information minister had told journalists.

Explaining how the 42,000MT grains would be distributed at the press briefing on Wednesday, the Agric minister said it would go to poor Nigerians for free.

Kyari said, “This 42,000MT is going to the needy free of charge. It will be directly to the needy at no cost.”

Asked to state how the government would identify the needy, Kyari replied, “We’ve met with NEMA and DSS to give us the index. These are where to gather intelligence reports on where it is needed the most. And we are going to look at those indices.”

The agric minister insisted that the government would ensure that only those who need the grains benefit from the exercise, adding that state governors had been put on notice about this development.

Diri sworn in for second term, declares 10-year economic plan.

Diri sworn in for second term, declares 10-year economic plan.

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, and his deputy, Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo were on Wednesday inaugurated for their second tenure in office.

Diri and Ehwrudjakpo took fresh oaths of office and allegiance administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, inside the stadium at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa.

The governor and his deputy won reelection on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party at the November 11, 2023 governorship poll.

They received their certificates of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission on November 17.

In his acceptance speech, Diri said that his administration would implement a 10-year comprehensive economic plan laced with strategies and initiatives for the development of Bayelsa in his second term.

He highlighted the achievements of his administration in his first tenure in various sectors including road infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, youth and women empowerment, security and public institutions, among others.

The governor stated that in his second tenure, the government would focus on addressing the challenge of the lack of access to potable water by residents of the state.

He said, “With this vision in mind, we have developed a comprehensive and ambitious 10-year economic plan for the state. This plan outlines our strategies and initiatives to diversify and strengthen our economy, create jobs, attract investments, and improve the standard of living for all Bayelsans.

“To kick start the implementation of this economic plan and to engage stakeholders, we are excited to announce the upcoming Bayelsa State Economic Development Summit in Yenagoa, the state capital. This summit will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, discussing opportunities, and forging partnerships to accelerate the economic growth of our state.

“We shall focus attention on areas with comparative advantage, including agriculture, rice, cassava and oil palm production, seeking new partnerships and investors along the way.”

He added that in his second tenure, citizens of the state would have a more active and direct role in shaping and participating in the economy, stressing that “from small business owners and entrepreneurs to industry leaders and investors, everyone has a part to play in driving economic growth and prosperity.”

Diri announced the dissolution of the state executive council and congratulated the political appointees for their “sacrifices and industry as our first term in office officially ended today.”

He called for unity and togetherness toward overcoming obstacles, achieving a great feat and building a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Bayelsa State.

Dignitaries at the second-term swearing-in ceremony of Diri and Ehwrudjakpo were the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima; his Liberian counterpart, Jeremiah Kounang; former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patient; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; former senate president, Bukola Saraki; national chairman of PDP, Adolphus Wabara; his predecessor, Iyorchia Ayu; former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson; Senator Ben Murray-Bruce.

Also present were Governors Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umaru Bago (Niger), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa).

Local Content Bureau to positively impact Ekiti Economy – Ijidale.

Local Content Bureau to positively impact Ekiti Economy – Ijidale.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji created the Bureau of Local Content and Citizenship to build the local economy and stop the exodus of professionals to other cities, its Director General, Hon. Olalekan Ijidale, has said.

Making this clarification to newsmen during an interview in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, the DG said the governor really has the interest of the people of the state at heart and wants to build a viable and vibrant Ekiti economy.

He disclosed; "We have about a hundred billion for capital projects this year. The skilled workers and vendors in Ekiti are being patronized to ensure that at the end of the day,  money is retained in Ekiti to improve the economy to an extent. This will also reduce insecurity as people will be gainfully engaged, thereby  avoiding illegal activities.

"With regards to infrastructure, there will be local development to limit rural-urban migration. When there is development and government presence in the local areas and people are living comfortably with every amenities available, there won't be unnecessary migration to the city".

According to him, the target is to tackle the greatest challenges in the state, such that people can graduate or serve and still remain in Ekiti through gainful engagement engendered by the local content policy put in place.

“The mandate of this office is to enforce the use of local content in which people from Ekiti State will be engaged to execute projects. Towards this end, we are registering local and non-indigenous contractors and artisans in our data base.

“Only contractors and sub-contractors that have the requisite capacity will be engaged with strict compliance with local content policy of the government. Such company must pick its local content from our data base to encourage local development with resultant increase in revenue.

“No contractor will execute any job in Ekiti without making use of our people captured in our database and the flouting of the policy will attract stiff penalty which may include the withdrawal of such contract”, he said.

Hon. Ijidale disclosed that he had spoken to the staff of the bureau on the need to ensure transparency in examining any document without favouritism and warned that any staff that contravene the policy risks job loss and prosecution.

He said that through this policy, Ekiti graduates will have the opportunity to practice their professions and garner the necessary experience while in the state.

The Director General said the bureau intends to organize  three weeks’ training for graduates to get them ready for local content even as the building of 300 –capacity training centre is in the pipeline  to make the intention realistic.

FG moves to secure road projects nationwide.

FG moves to secure road projects nationwide.

The Federal government has kick started the process of securing road project sites across the country with the constitution of an Ad Hoc Ministerial Committee on Security of Highways Construction projects

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said it has become important for Nigerians to show patriotism by joining hands with security agencies to protect construction project sites across the country.   

The ad hoc committee comprises retired military and security personnel selected from the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

In a statement on Wednesday by the Ministry’s Director of Information, Olusola Abiola, the Minister emphasised the need for the move. 

He said: “We are concerned about the security of our sites during construction and we believe strongly that if we have experienced security personnel who understand the terrain, it would go a long way in ensuring the security of the sites”.

Umahi, during an interaction with members of the Committee in Abuja, who are all retired military and security personnel drawn from the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force, disclosed that the retired personnel were chosen by their different Service Chiefs based on their track record and experience. 

Saying that the work of the Committee was a national assignment and urging them not to fail the nation, the Minister noted, “ came up with this idea of having one retired military officer and police from each of the geopolitical zones because of the security challenges being faced by contractors in the course of their work.

“There are some projects that were awarded in the North East, North West and South East for which the contractors handling those projects left the sites over the issue of insecurity, this has become a concern to us in the Ministry.”

While he stressed that the Ministry was counting on them to bring security to various construction sites scattered all over the country, Umahi urged the members of the Committee to demonstrate patriotism as individuals and as a group by putting the interest of the nation first in the discharge of the onerous responsibility before them. 

On the nature of the task before the Committee and the reason for setting it up, Umahi emphasised that members are expected to work with the personnel of the Ministry at Zonal levels, pledging that all necessary assistance would be provided to ensure the success of their assignment.

He also appreciated the Service Chiefs for cooperating with the Ministry by responding promptly to the request of the Ministry leading to the establishment of the Committee.

The Permanent Secretary, Yakubu Kofarmata, expressed the appreciation of the Ministry to retired military personnel for offering themselves to serve their fatherland at this crucial time in the nation’s history. 

He urged them to give their best in the discharge of their task in the interest of national development.