President Muhammadu Buhari has been commended by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for emphasizing civilian welfare when implementing government policies and programs.
The party was reacting to the Federal Government’s decision to postpone the planned fuel subsidy withdrawal.
The party’s secretary, John James Akpanudedehe, argued that any increase in fuel subsidies at this time would cause people undue difficulty.
Saying,any increase in fuel subsidies at this time would create unnecessary hardship to the people.
According to him, “Commendably, the Federal Government took into consideration the fact that the removal of subsidy at this time will heighten inflation and cause undue hardship on the citizenry.
“Programmes and policies of government are meant to benefit the people. So if the timing of the planned subsidy removal would cause hardship on citizens, then a review was necessary. We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for always putting the welfare and well being of Nigerians first as he has serially displayed in the implementation of programmes and policies of this administration.
“In line with the new Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Federal Government is already putting in place measures, particulary boosting our local refining capacities to reduce the country’s reliance on expensive import of refined petroleum products. This will in due course usher in the eventual and full deregulation of the country’s petroleum sector.
“Finally, the APC commends the cordial and healthy relations between the Executive and the 9th National Assembly which has ensured good governance. Nigerians have been the ultimate beneficiaries as displayed in the positive outcomes of the meeting between Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed and the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan on the suspension of the planned subsidy removal”.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has taken it’s fight against market fires to the Kugbo Furniture Market located along the Abuja Keffi road.
Declaring open the joint assessment, inspection and sensitization programme at the market, the Director General of FEMA, Alhaji Abbas Idriss said the essnccess was to unravel the causes of the yearly fire incidents at the market and proffer solutions.
The Director General who was represent by the Acting Director, Forecasting Response and Mitigation, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, decried the absence of fire hydrant and inadequate fire fighting equipment at the market.
The DG in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by Nkechi Isa Head, Head of Public Relation also hinted that the programme would also inspect sources of power supply to the market and electrical connections .
The FEMA boss, however, appealed to traders in the market to cooperate with the Agency and also equip the market with fire defense gadgets .
Speaking also at the event, the Area Commander, FCT Fire Service, Mr. Gringory Eze traced the yearly fire incidents to power surge, ” a single transformer cannot serve this market as they use heavy equipment with high voltage ” He said.
He also condemned wiring within the market, noting that it was capable of igniting a spark.
On his part. the Chairman Kugbo Building Materials Association, Mr Iheanacho Afamefuna stated that the market was usually gutted by fire every January, noting that this year’s incident was quickly contained before it escalated. Afamefuna said that the market management had reached out to FEMA last year for sensitization on tackling fires at the market.
Blaming fire outbreaks in the market on electric spark, Afamefuna appealed to the FCDA to provide adequate infrastructure at the market,” we have fire extinguishers, but we need water tanker, road, we need government presence in the market like yesterday “. He said.
Representatives of the Federal Fire Service and the National Emergency Management Agency attended the programme.
Highlight of the event was a fire drill to sensitize traders on how to use fire defense equipment.
As the world celebrated the International Day of Education today, UNICEF has commended the government’s pledge to increase Nigeria’s annual domestic education expenditure by 50 per cent over the next two years, and by 100 per cent by 2025.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins said in Nigeria’s N17 trillion 2022 budget signed into law at the end of 2021, 7.2 per cent is allocated to the education sector. This is a step forward – an increase from 5.7 per cent allocated for 2021 – though there is still a long way to go to reach the internationally recommended benchmark that countries spend 15-20 per cent of their national budgets on education.
“The Nigerian Government has committed to increasing funding for education, which is a very important step – far too many Nigerian children today are not in the classroom – and for those who are, far too many are not getting a solid education that can translate into good prospects for their futures.”
“At least 10.5 million children are out of school in Nigeria – the highest rate in the world. A full one-third of Nigerian children are not in school, and one in five out-of-school children in the world is Nigerian.
“While the education crisis in Nigeria is affecting children across the country, some children are more likely to be affected than others: girls, children with disabilities, children from the poorest households, in street situations, or affected by displacement or emergencies, and children in geographically distant areas are all disproportionately affected by the education crisis, according to UNICEF.
“Millions of Nigerian children have never set foot in a classroom – and this is a travesty,” said Peter Hawkins. “Perhaps equally tragic is the high number of children who make it into a classroom, but never make the transition from primary school to secondary school – thereby cutting off their chances for a secure future.”
He continued , “It is estimated that 35 per cent of Nigerian children who attend primary school do not go on to attend secondary school. Half of all Nigerian children did not attend secondary school in 2021.
“As we celebrate the International Day of Education today amid concerns in much of the world about the impact of COVID-19 on education, we must take a close look at what is happening to our children in Nigeria, and the opportunities they are missing out on when they lack education. We need to look towards communities – leaders, parents, teachers and caregivers – and together, find the best strategies to get ensure that all children enroll into school, have access to continuous learning and ensure they emerge with a quality skills that equip them for a prosperous future.”
“We need to especially ensure that girls have access to learning – so they can receive an education that will begin to address issues of gender inequality. All girls have much to offer to find solutions to Nigeria’s challenges – and we have to nurture their creativity and innovation.”
“We also need to ensure that children are safe when they are in school – no child should be afraid to enter a classroom – afraid their school might be attacked or that they will be kidnapped. And no parent should fear sending their children to school.
“In 2021, there were 25 attacks on schools. 1,440 children were abducted, and 16 children killed”.
In March 2021, no fewer than 618 schools were closed in six northern states (Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Niger, and Yobe) over the fear of attack and abduction of pupils and members of staff. The closure of schools in these states significantly contributed to learning losses for over two months.
UNICEF said that Nigeria’s education system can be transformed through adequate funding to ensure schools are safe; the application of gender-responsive policies, including recruitment of female teachers and improved facilities for girls; the creation of multiple and flexible learning pathways for students, such as digital and transferable skills learning; the integration of foundational numeracy and literacy in Qur’anic schools; and teacher training in the latest methodologies.
“All Nigerian children deserve a fighting chance – no matter who they are or where they are. And this must include an education. It is not only their right – it is the smartest and best way to secure the future of Nigeria as a whole,” Hawkins further added.
In an effort to reduce availability and curb abuse of alcohol in the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stopped the registration of alcohol in Sachet and Small volume PET and Glass bottles below 200ml amidst other stringent regulatory measures.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye made this known in Abuja.
She said registration of new alcoholic drinks in Sachet and Small volume PET and Glass bottles above 30% ABV (alcohol by volume) has been banned by NAFDAC following the recommendation of a high powered Committee of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC on one hand, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Industry represented by Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in December, 2018.
Adeyeye also hinted that the Agency will ensure that validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category will not exceed year 2024.
She , however, explained that Manufacturers of low volume alcohol beverages (200ml) with satisfactory Laboratory reports, which were already submitted to NAFDAC for registration before this decision, have been directed to reformulate their products to stipulated standards free of charge.
According to her, DIBAN was also given a matching order to embark on intensive nation-wide sensitization campaigns against underage consumption of alcohol by adolescents below the age of 18 years in the bid to stem the tide of alcohol abuse in the country.
She explained that the Producers of Alcohol in Sachets and Small volume agreed to reduce production by 50% with effect from January 31st 2020 while ensuring the products are completely phased out in the country by 31st January, 2024.
Even as we grapple with the containment of COVID-19 pandemic, NAFDAC is resolutely committed to the strict implementation of the regulations and regulatory measures towards safeguarding the Health of Nigerians particularly the vulnerable youths against the dangers of reckless consumption of Alcohol, Prof. Adeyeye reiterated.
The Trade Union Congress has threatened to embarked on strike if the Federal Government fails to fulfil some conditions it earlier presented before stopping the policy.
This is coming based on the decision of the Federal Government to remove the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol with effect from June.
In a communiqué issued and read by the TUC President, Comrade Quadri Olaleye, after the National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the union had said the government must revitalize the refineries, establish new ones, including modular refineries, ensure effective policing of the nation’s borders to stem the smuggling of petroleum products, among other things.
He said the proposal by the National Economic Council on subsidy removal should take into consideration the attendant economic impact on the masses.
Quadri added that, the Trade Union Congress has directed its state councils and affiliates to commence mobilisation for industrial actions against subsidy removal.
Reading the communiqué issued after the meeting, the TUC President, Quadri Olaleye, said the proposal by the National Economic Council on subsidy removal should take into consideration the attendant economic impact on the masses.
According to him, there must be assurances that refineries would be fully overhauled and establishment of modular refineries encouraged.
He stated, “NEC-in-Session enjoined Congress members nationwide to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and ensure active participation in the democratic process ahead of 2023 general elections.
“Members are also urged to support the Political Commission of the Congress in creating groundswell awareness for providing leadership alternatives that deliver on democratic dividends and transformative governance to the people” he added.
“NEC-in-Session insists that Federal Government must ensure that the conditions precedent put forward by the TUC on the deregulation of the downstream such as the revitalization of existing refineries, establishment of new ones including modular refineries, effective policing of borders to stem the rate of petroleum products smuggling, etc are implemented
“Finally, NEC-in-Session has mandated the Congress led by the President to take all necessary steps to ensure that these conditions are met before subsidy is removed. Consequently, NEC-in-Session directs state councils and affiliates to commence mobilisation of members for industrial actions against subsidy removal without government fulfilling conditions precedent’.’
He however acknowledged the giant stride recorded in rice production by the present administration through various interventions, but admonished the government to ensure that the price of rice becomes affordable to Nigerians in order to justify the rice revolution policy of the administration.
“The development of the agricultural value chain can create mass employment and put the country on the path of economic recovery and prosperity,’’ it noted.
Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu. Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria.
…Says It’s A Huge Loss To Progressive Fold
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State on Thursday sent her heartfelt condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, over the death of the National Coordinator Buhari Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Danladi Pasali.
Aliyu in her condolences message described the death of the All Progressives Party stalwart which occurred on January 18, 2022, as shocking and a huge loss to the progressive fold, thus too deep to Mr. President.
She said the late patriot was committed to the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria, adding that he built his ideas of nationhood on true sustaining democratic principles.
The condolence message reads in bit: “the death of the National Coordinator Buhari Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Danladi Pasali, an ally of our Leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, in submission to the will of Almighty Allah is indeed shocking.
“The demise of the National Coordinator at this critical time of our development is a huge loss to the progressive fold and one too deep to Mr President.
“The late patriot was one that was committed to the peace, unity and progress of our nation. He was the one that built his ideas of nationhood on true sustaining democratic principles”.
The Minister, therefore, comiserates with members of Buhari Campaign Orgnisation nationwide on this great loss, while noting that his death has also thrown dark clouds over the APC family in Plateau State.
She further enjoins all to put his family in prayers at these critical times while praying Allah to grant him Aljannah.
The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), in partnership with the Abuja Traders Union, are working to cleans the city of counterfeit and substandard products.
This was the agreement reached at a meeting between the AMMC, SON and representatives of Abuja market traders on Thursday in Abuja.
The Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Umar Shuaibu told newsmen in Abuja that the meeting becomes imperative after an attack on officials of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) during one of their operations to check the proliferation of expired tyres in Apo market.
While adding that the meeting was like a normal ritual to strengthen their bond and ensure that no organisation is prevented from carrying out it’s statutory functions.
According to him, “We had a situation whereby Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), went for enforcement in a Apo market to check the activities of proliferation of illegal tyres.
“SON is the body that charged statutorily, to check all fake and substandard products in Nigeria. So they went to Apo market for that type of activity. Unfortunately, they were attacked. In fact, their vehicle was vandalised.
“They resorted to us as the city managers because nobody can stop any government agency from performing his constitutional functions. So we have to collaborate with SON and the market traders, in particular, the Tire Dealers of Association of Nigeria, to ensure that the unfortunate situation never happens again.
“Anybody that is operating his business legally, doesn’t have anything to fear. It is only those people that have things to hide, have skeletons in the cupboard that should afraid of enforcement or monitoring.
“They have all agreed to collaborate and make sure that this issue never repeats.”
He also cautioned all the traders against selling substandard products in Abuja, even as he warned that the AMMC being the city manager will not condone any act that will pose a threat to the development of the city.
Saying, “There are other dealers, not only tyre dealers, we have those that sell rods, those that sell cement, those whatever it is, that is required for daily activities. Is it building materials? Is this a technical and mechanical matter? Is it food? Whatever you can go to the market and buy. It has to be of a good standard for you to sell in Abuja.
“So, SON’s function is not only limited to tires, it covers every product in the country and other traders were also here as invitations were also extended to them, so they could hear the message.”
He expressed optimism that in the coming days, with the renewed commitment for collaboration, significant improvements will be noticed in the fight against fake and substandard products in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement, Comrade Ikaro Attah decried the rate of substandard products in Abuja market.
He said this products are injurious to the health of residents, saying, buying tyres in the market , you have to shine your eyes or buy from a reliable seller.
According to him, “I have seen you do enforcement, with your team to some persons that you believe are not living up to standard. What we from the FCTA expect strongly going forward is to get the traders and the managers of the market to do all they can to collaborate with SON. We believe that if the market can purge itself of the there will be no need for meetings like this. We strongly believe that the traders can work with With SON to achieve this”.
On his part, the Director of Operations, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Dauda Yakubu, said that the organisation is open to working with any traders’ association to rid Abuja of fake and substandard products.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, the Chairman, Apo Tyre Dealers Association, Chimezie Ife, said that whereas there are both good and bad people in the market, the Association is doing everything possible to purge itself of the bad elements within her members.
He reassured the government of his commitment to giving every support necessary to sanitize the market and ensure that the proliferation of fake and expired products is reduced to its barest minimum.
Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu. Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria.
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has assured that the Administration will do everything possible to strengthen the entire routine immunization structure and primary health care landscape in the nation’s capital.
This, according to her is in total commitment to the vision of Mr. President to polio eradication in Nigeria.
Aliyu gave this assurance at the first meeting of the FCT Taskforce on Polio Eradication Initiative and Routine Immunization for the year 2022 to discuss and strategize on matters of routine immunization activities.
The minister who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Prof. Muhammad Usman, noted that through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, the Administration is already rehabilitating the Primary Health Care infrastructure, engaging additional health workers and providing essential medicines to further strengthen the PHC sector
She also noted that the efforts of the Taskforce has contributed significantly to the success of polio campaigns in the territory with no wild Polio Virus confirmed in FCT for over 7 years, just as she called for regular meetings of the Taskforce.
The minister used the occasion to call on chairmen of the six area councils to strengthen commitments to the polio eradication and routine immunization activities in their various councils by regular release of counterpart funds and personal attendance at all meetings of the FCT Task Force on Polio Eradication Initiative and Routine Immunization.
Meanwhile, the Mandate Secretary, Health and Human Services, Dr. Abubakar Tafida, revealed that the secretariat would deployed 1,639 teams in 4 days starting from January 22 to vaccinate 1165981 under 5 years children in 2,837 communities across the territory.
Tafida charged participants to identify numerous challenges facing immunization landscape at the FCT area council and community levels with a view to finding solutions to those challenges.
It would be recalled that in 2015, Mr President personally signed the reviewed Abuja Commitments document on behalf of the Federation while the Chairman, Governors’ Forum signed on behalf of the 36 States Governors and the Minister of FCT to ensure a Polio free Nation with clear responsibilities for each tier of government.
The Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika has described the Ebonyi State airport project as a worthwhile one that will open up the state to both domestic and international investments.
Receiving the governor in his office, Sirika described Governor Umahi’s decision to build the airport as one of courage and foresight, believing that the airport is guaranteed to expose the state’s agricultural potentials to the international market.
In a statement by Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, the Minister told Governor Umahi that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has, since inception, embarked on creating an enabling environment for the expansion of the aviation industry in Nigeria which has been severally acknowledged by the global aviation community.
The Minister also gave the assurance that the Ministry of Aviation will do whatever is required to bring the project to fruition, considering the prospects for employment generation.
Earlier, Governor Umahi had briefed the Minister on the progress of the airport project and said he remained committed to its successful completion, considering the expected benefits to the people of the state.
He expressed the appreciation of the state to the Federal Government, especially the Aviation Minister, for the encouragement and support in seeing the project to its present stage, assuring the Senator Sirika that the airport, when completed, will meet all industry requirements.
A well-known economist ,Aliyu Yusha’u on Thursday urged the FCT Administration’s newly established Economic Planning, Revenue Generation, and Public Private Partnership Secretariat to devise new ways to improve internal revenue generation and lowering governance expenses.
He said, the Secretariat has a monumental task of galvanizing all stakeholders to find areas where sustainable investment could be made to scale up revenue production, in a telephone interview with our correspondent.
While saying that the government’s declining revenue necessitates a high-tech solution to help the administration maintain revenue production while carrying out its responsibilities of providing services to FCT inhabitants despite rising costs of governance.
He further added that the cost of governance is occasioned by the geometric increase in the influx of people from other parts of the country into the FCT thereby making it one of the fastest growing cities in the world.
Yusha’u hinted that the Secretariat has to prioritize the transportation system in FCT by working hard to attract investors that can standardised it and make it efficient and profitable.
He also explained that several opportunities for agricultural value chains that can be exploited exist for the Secretariat to take advantage of.
While he said that if the administration wants to reduce cost of governance, there was need to provide world class infrastructural development, which both working and non working classes of residents can leverage to build economic capacity.
According to him,” In my own opinion, unless we coordinate economic activities, there is no way we can profer solutions to our budgetary deficiencies, so therefore the creation of that Secretariat is a welcome development.
” First of all, there is need to identify areas of where the Public will capacity and interests, these two things must be put into cognizance.
” Then create an awareness and go ahead to institutionalize the body that can coordinate investors within the city, Nigeria and outside the country. You also have to look at the challenges of the city , identify the basic challenges of the city.
” One of the basic challenges in FCT, is deficient transportation system, the residents, especially those at the suburb depends on transportation system.
” The new Secretariat has to find a way to make the transport system standard and look for investors both within and outside Nigeria”, he said.
