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FG Make Moves To End Labour Casualization

By
Shehu Danladi
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Chris Ngige Minister of Labour
Chris Ngige Minister of Labour

… As Ngige Carpet Banks, Others For Encouraging Practice

The federal government has taken steps to end worker casualization in the country by publishing a policy directive on job casualization.

Senator Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Productivity, made the announcement during a one-day public hearing on the Prohibition of Casualisation in Nigeria Establishment Bill, 2021, hosted by the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity.

The Minister expressed concern over casualization of work, telling legislators that perpetrators include the banking, oil and gas, and communication sectors.

Most organizations that engage in the practice, he claims, do so at great risk, adding that “research has shown that most frauds in the banking sector are done by casualised personnel because they believe their employment are not secure.”

This came as he stated that no sane government will allow inhumanity to continue in the guise of employment, and that the federal government is working around the clock to put an end to the problem.

Senator Ngige also pleaded with the committee to postpone action on the Bill to allow the federal government to speak with relevant labor stakeholders in order to develop a policy that is acceptable to everybody.

“The Bill is very tricky and we must manage it in such a way that both employers, workers and other stakeholders including the government will buy into it when the bill is eventually passed into law” he stressed.

In his presentation before the Committee, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari who was represented by the Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Aisha Farida Katagum urged the committee to give the NNPC some time to study and review the Bill before taking a position.

She stressed that with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the NNPC is currently undergoing some reforms which may address the issues raised in the bill.

Katagum also dismissed the fear expressed by the Nigeria Labour Congress that there would be a massive sack of workers in the oil giant due to the ongoing reforms in the gas sector.

“My Group Managing Director (GDM) plays value on workers and the reforms in the oil and gas sector will be carried out with a human face,” Katagum said.

The Sponsor of the Bill, Senator Ayo Akinyelure (APC Ondo State) identified labour casualisation as a subject of great concern, insisting that “more workers continue to groan under this immoral strategy of cutting cost by employers rendering them inferior to their counterparts in other countries of the world.”

Senator Akinyelure further listed the objectives of the Bill to include “protecting vulnerable workers against unfair labour practices by way of casualisation, imposing a legal duty on employers of labour both in private and public sector establishments to convert casual employment to permanent status among others.”

In his closing remarks, Committee Chairman, Senator Godiya Akwashiki said all the stakeholders will be given more time to review the legislation as the committee hopes to invite them to a public hearing for further action.

Insecurity: FCTA To Implement Zero-tolerance Policy Against Criminality In Abuja

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is implementing a zero-tolerance policy for insecurity and other related violations in the nation’s capital. 

Dr. Bello Abdullateef, Director, Administration and Finance of the FCTA Department of Security Services, gave this hint while speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Director, who also told residents of the territory that security agencies are working hard to combat abduction and other social vices, stated that the government is working relentlessly with competent security authorities to achieve zero tolerance for crime in the FCT. 

Abdullateef, also advised inhabitants of the FCT to continually give information about crime to security agencies, claiming that security services are not spirit but human organizations that rely on residents’ participation to do their jobs. 

His words, “So if we agree that security is a business for everyone, then of course, there is a need for us to Bluetooth on the residents to ensure that security is guaranteed, but let me use this medium again to reassure the residents that the security agencies are on top of their game and they are working hard to ensure zero tolerance to crimes and criminality in the FCT.” 

The FCT Security agencies have mobilised personnel to contain most of the wanton security developments within the city. 

“I think we have to look at it from two perspectives; from the internal security arrangements within the FCT and from the suburbs of the FCT, where we have a prevalence of criminality like kidnapping. From within, I can reliably tell you that the situation is calm given the period under review. And if you move around the city, you will see this development for yourself”.

But within the suburbs, particularly the area councils, there are notable kidnapping cases that have been published in the media within Kuje and Bwari Area Councils, he explained.

Speaking on the effort of the administration in collaboration with G7 states, the FCT Director of Administration and Finance hinted that the administration, in collaboration with G7 states, is working relentlessly to address the menace of kidnapping within the city and its neighbouring states.

He said, “Because most of the activities of kidnapping, even though there may be one or two cases, the administration will ensure we nip it in the bud. Especially during this  ember period. He gave assurance that they have an action plan to push all these criminals out of the FCT entirely.

While fielding questions from reporters on whether it was the economic challenges that catalysed criminality, Abdullateef said, “You know what you have as criminality is mere symptoms of security in a wider perspective, because if somebody is not employed, that person is not secure, if people feel that their welfare, their rights are not properly addressed, they will feel insecure”. 

“Security in itself is a generic term for lack of protection. So, if you say, “the economic situation in the country could be the reason why we have a high rate of incidents of crime, you are not out of place”. 

Commenting on the role of the traditional rulers and religious leaders in addressing the menace of insecurity within the city, the Director said, “Of course, when you begin to look at the non-kinetic elements of security, you cannot rule out the traditional rulers and the religious leaders. They are all mobilised and they are all part of the highest security body of the FCT security committee”.

Employment : We Will Create 500,000 Jobs Nationwide , ATWAP

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The National president, Association for Table Water Producers (ATWAP), has revealed the association intentions of creating about five hundred thousand jobs nationwide.

Speaking at the 2021 national convention, conference and conferment of awards on Tuesday in Abuja, the National president, Mrs. Clementina Ativie disclosed this.

While adding that, the body has commenced discussion with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and a recycling firm to adopt a system of buying back the production and packaging waste across the country through ATWAP structure.

Ativie hinted that the initiative would create at least five hundred thousand jobs in the next two to three years and make Nigeria greener and safer.

According to her , “We have started discussion with strategic stakeholders to create at least five hundred thousand jobs in the next two to three years.

“Other stakeholders are welcome to join us as we work in this direction of making Nigeria greener and safer

“We have commenced awareness campaign as well as a well structured timetable to train our members nationwide regularly in good manufacturing practice for water quality operational guidelines” she said.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), revealed that the agency has registered approximately 1,530 package water factories between January and August this year.

According to NAFDAC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Jimoh Abubakar, between January and August 2021, the agency shut down 57 packaged water firms that did not follow food production requirements.

The head of NAFDAC also stated that they are committed to ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and high-quality water.

Why I Approved eNaira’s Creation, Buhari

By
Ola Akinola
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0

… Forecasts $29 Billion Increase In GDP In Ten Years

President Muhammadu Buhari stated on Monday that he approved the creation of a digital currency known as the eNaira after weighing the benefits it will bring to the country.

He made the announcement in Abuja at the eNaira’s formal launch.

According to the President, actual cash has become less popular in recent years for conducting business and making payments.

The advent of the COVID-19 epidemic, he claimed, has worsened this trend, as has the rise of a new Digital Economy.

Businesses, households, and other economic players, according to Buhari, have sought new ways of making payments in light of these developments.

He said; ”The absence of a swift and effective solution to these requirements, as well as fears that Central Banks’ actions sometimes lead to hyperinflation created the space for non-government entities to establish new forms of “private currencies” that seemed to have gained popularity and acceptance across the world, including here in Nigeria.

”In response to these developments, an overwhelming majority of Central Banks across the world have started to consider issuing digital currencies in order to cater for businesses and households seeking faster, safer, easier and cheaper means of payments.

”A handful of countries including China, Bahamas, and Cambodia have already issued their own CBDCs.

”A 2021 survey of Central Banks around the world by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) found that almost 90 per cent are actively researching the potential for CBDCs, 60 percent were experimenting with the technology and 14 per cent were deploying pilot projects.

”Needless to add, close monitoring and close supervision will be necessary in the early stages of implementation to study the effect of eNaira on the economy as a whole.

”It is on the basis of this that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sought and received my approval to explore issuing Nigeria’s own Central Bank Digital Currency, named the eNaira,’’ he said.

He noted that his approval was also underpinned by the fact that the CBN has been a leading innovator ‘‘in the form of money they produce, and in the payment services they deploy for efficient transactions.’’

Stressing that Nigeria’s apex bank has invested heavily in creating a Payment System that is ranked in the top ten in the world and certainly the best in Africa.

”This payment system now provides high‐value and time‐critical payment services to financial institutions, and ultimately serves as the backbone for every electronic payment in Nigeria.

”They have also supported several private‐sector initiatives to improve the existing payments landscape, and in turn, have created some of the world’s leading payment service providers today,’’ he said.

COVID-19 Vaccine: NLC Warns FG Against Mandatory Workers Vaccination

By
Akeem Adebayo
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NLC-President-Comrade-Ayuba-Wabba.
NLC-President-Comrade-Ayuba-Wabba.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, has advised the federal government to use persuasion and conviction rather than coercion to persuade workers and the general public to take the COVID-19 vaccination.

Wabba made this known in Abuja on Monday while speaking on the importance of employees receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, urged the government and other employers of labour to make specific arrangements for workers to receive the vaccine at work.

According to Wabba, the COVID-9 epidemic has resulted in some of the worst workplace strains, stress, and squeeze, with thousands of people dying.

He pointed out that many of the dead in the global workforce were frontline workers.

As of the third week of October 2021, COV1D-19 had killed about 180,000 health workers around the world.

While the high number of fatalities is tragic, Wabba believes it highlights the sacrifices made by workers in combating and restricting this deadly virus, as well as the fact that many more workers have lost their jobs and livelihood as a result of COVID-19.

According to him ; “The biggest lesson of the pandemic is that amidst the worst crisis, the human race can rise to the challenge with great resourcefulness and resilience”.

“Apart from accelerated scientific efforts at understanding the epidemiology of the virus, science has raised the bar a little higher with the breakthrough discovery of a vaccine for COVID-19 which has helped reduce the death rate and hospital admissions.”

“A study conducted by the United States Centre for Disease Control at the end of May 2021 shows that there was about 63% drop in hospital visitations after the introduction of the COM-19 vaccine. There was also a 63% drop in hospital admissions post-vaccination and 66% drop in mortality for those aged 18 – 49 after the vaccination”.

“Understand some people prefer to view COVID-19 vaccination with caution. Yes, it is important to proceed on issues of public health with great caution. Yet, it would be foolhardy to elevate caution above scientific evidence and facts from public health records”.

He continued; “The truth is that despite being imperfect, the COVID-19 Vaccine has given all of us a better chance of fighting the virus and staying alive.

“I urge workers all over the world to take advantage of the COVID-19 vaccines and keep themselves, their families and their colleagues at work safe and free from the morbid threats of the corona pandemic.”

Buhari Warns Foreign Diplomats Against Interfering In Local Politics In 2023 Elections

By
Mosali Edunosa
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0

President Muhammadu Buhari advised foreign envoys in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, in the run-up to the 2023 general elections, to be governed by diplomatic practices to ensure that their activities stay within the bounds of their profession.

While receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of Japan, the European Union, Burundi, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Cape Verde, France, Qatar, and the High Commissioners of Sierra Leone and Ghana at State House, the President warned them that they would be taking up diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria during a period of great political uncertainty.

He said; ‘‘Nigeria’s national elections are due in early 2023. The momentum for enhanced political activities is therefore expected to commence soon.

‘‘The nature of our politicking often gives the impression of very rancorous engagements. It is the nature of politics here. Besides, democracy and related democratic activities in the build-up to elections are necessarily rowdy and very argumentative, but very much within the limits of freedom of action that the art of democracy permits.

‘‘As you settle down in the face of these developments, it is my hope that you will also be guided by diplomatic practices, to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession,’’ President Buhari said.
The President told the newly accredited envoys that he looked forward to a more robust relationship with each of their countries.

He declared that Nigeria is open to more foreign direct investments in the Education, Health, Transportation and Agricultural sectors, and would welcome improved bilateral relations, especially in wider trading and cultural contacts.

The President acknowledged that while Nigeria enjoys very cordial bilateral relations with the aforementioned countries, their diplomatic representatives must work harder to enhance this level of relationship in the interest of the peoples of our countries.

‘‘It is my hope that, as you settle down to your responsibilities of promoting unity, amity, enhanced understanding, better economic opportunities and the pursuit of peace between your respective countries and the Federal Government of Nigeria, you will make it a point of duty to appreciate our country’s diversity as a source of not only pride but advantage as we are definitely stronger together.

‘‘You will find in us as people, the level of vibrancy that defines us, as uniquely Nigerian, eager to make friends, learn other people’s way of living and imbued with great appetite for adaptation.

FG : Nigeria Will Meet Three Million Barrels Per Day OPEC Quota

By
Nnenna Nwankwo
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0

Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has stated that Nigeria will meet the three million barrels per day quota set by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Despite the fact that the country currently produces around 1.3 million barrels per day, Sylva stated that aggressive attempts are being made to enhance output in order to satisfy the OPEC quota.

During the 2021 graduation ceremony of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State, Sylva offered the assurance.

Dr. Nasir Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, represented the minister, who stated that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had directed the ministry to reach the three million barrels per day production target as soon as possible.

Sylva stated, “Some of the strides of the petroleum ministry, one of which is the mandate to increase crude oil production to three million barrels per day. Today, we are producing about 1.3 million barrels per day. The ministry is putting all concerted efforts to meeting the current OPEC quota.”

ALGON DEBTS: 33 States May Not Pay Salaries Due To N172bn Revenue Disbursement Deduction

By
Shehu Danladi
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0

The federal government’s decision to debit local government accounts in order to begin a payment of $418 million (N172 billion) to private advisers on the Paris Cub refund has pitted states and local governments against the FG.

Only three Nigerian state governments (Lagos, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom) can sustain their recurring expenditure without federal government allocation, according to BudgIT, a civic initiative dedicated to government financial transparency.

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and the general public have put pressure on the government to halt the dubious payments to the consultants.

The Attorney General of the Federation and his allies in government pushed for this payment.

In a spectacular turn of events, less than a month after President Muhammadu Buhari’s direction, the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning has begun deducting funds to pay claimants.

The Federal Ministry of Finance’s permanent secretary told the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting on Friday that deductions to pay the consultants had begun.

The states were irritated by this information, and they refused to consider revenue for the month of October 2021 unless the FG clarified the deductions.

In 2006, the federal government paid $12 billion to the Paris Club of international creditors in exchange for a $18 billion debt write-off.

States and LGAs that did not owe the Paris Club requested a reimbursement from the federal government because the payment was made straight from funds accruing to the entire federation.

Some consultants arose along the way, claiming a cut of the reimbursements as remuneration for ostensibly providing services to the states and LGAs.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, according to certain contractors, has requested them to carry out projects across the country (ALGON).

However, it was questioned why states would need advisors to negotiate with the federal government over the reimbursement when the projects ALGON claimed to have granted were primarily non-existent.

Before any payments, the governors, led by Dr Kayode Fayemi, requested a forensic audit.

While the contractors and consultants were in court, Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General, negotiated an out-of-court settlement with them, agreeing to pay $418 million in judgment debt.

Despite the governors’ and activists’ resistance, President Buhari went ahead and approved the payments.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) had instructed banks and compliance officers to overlook the $418,953,670.59 payment to consultants.

The governors reiterated that the promissory notes should be ignored in a new letter dated September 3 and signed by P. H. Ogbole, another Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the finance minister, the director-general of the Debt Management Office, and the MDs/CEOs/compliance officers of all commercial banks in Nigeria were also addressed in the letter.

“The issuance of promissory notes of a humongous sum of over $418 million to private persons for alleged consultancy work demands not only caution but strict due diligence; particularly when the judgements which gave rise to the payments sought to be enforced are the subject of pending litigation.

“Matters that are sub judice must not be acted upon in a manner that will foist a situation of complete helplessness on the courts and render their decisions nugatory.

“This caveat is therefore issued as a further notice to the honourable minister of finance and the director-general, Debt Management Office to act in the interest of the public and refrain from foisting on the nation another case of P&ID in which but for due diligence, the nation would have been fleeced of billions of dollars.

A terse statement signed by Mr. David Olofu, chairman, Forum for Commissioners of Finance of Nigeria said the debit happened without notification of all concerned.

The statement indicated that “members declined approval after consideration of the reports for the disbursement of the available revenue because of deduction on funds belonging to the Local Government Councils in favour of some consultants for a $418 million judgment debt for consultancy services with respect to Paris Club Loans refund.”

It said: “Based on available information, the deduction will continue for 10 years (120 months). This is contrary to the provisions of Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.”

Mr. Olofu also noted that “the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) had objected to the execution of this judgment until full determination of ongoing litigation on the subject matter.”

He disclosed that the “Commissioners for Finance representing states and local government councils do not have prior knowledge of the deduction and coming at a time when states and LGCs are in dire straits will further worsen the fiscal position of these tiers of government.”

He added that “consequent upon these, the meeting was adjourned to allow for further consultations and resolution of all the issues that had been previously raised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) regarding the assignment that gave rise to the claim and the judgment.”

Buhari To Float CBN’s ENaira Today

By
Grace Itodu
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0

President Muhammadu Buhari will introduce the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), dubbed eNaira, on Monday, marking the official commencement of the digital version of the Nigerian naira’s operation (NGN).

The e-Naira, which was supposed to be launched on October 1 but was postponed owing to Nigeria’s Independence Day, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Mr Osita Nwanisobi, Director of Corporate Communications at the Central Bank of Nigeria, said in a statement on Sunday that the launch of the eNaira was the result of extensive research by the apex bank to make transactions easier for Nigerians.

The bank further highlighted that the eNaira is a version of the physical currency rather than an investment platform, citing thorough consultations with banking partners, merchants, and financial technology (fintech) operators and users.

Speaking further about the electronic currency in the statement, Nwanisobi said: “Since the eNaira is a new product, and amongst the first CBDCs in the world, we have put a structure to promptly address any issue that might arise from the pilot implementation of the eNaira.

“Accordingly, following Monday’s formal launch by the president, the bank will further engage various stakeholders as we enter a new age consistent with global financial advancement,” he noted.

The apex bank has themed the eNaira as: ‘Same Naira, more possibilities’ and it can be used by creating an eNaira wallet.

The CBN has also urged Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to facilitate prompt placement of restrictions on eNaira wallets in the event of a valid report of loss, theft of device or compromise and a hack of a user eNaira wallet.

CBN had launched the eNaira Regulatory Guidelines earlier this month which empowers customers to report compromises of the eNaira wallet via USSD channels, internet banking platforms, customer care phone lines, and in-branch customer care.

The apex bank had said about 10 percent of the naira note in circulation will be converted to the e-Naira and had set the limit of transactions in the framework.

For instance, in the Tier 0 category or phone number without verified National Identity Number (NIN), the daily transaction is limited to N20,000 with a balance or e-wallet limit set at N120,000.

For the Tier 1 category with verified NIN, the daily transaction reaches N50,000 with N300,000 e-Naira wallet balance. Those in Tier 2 category can do N200,000 daily and have N500,000 e-wallet balance while for Tier 3, they can do N1 million daily transaction and hold N5m via e-wallet.

CBN further said merchants or individuals that have full clearance have no limit as to the e-Naira transaction they can do.

Ex-SGF, Pius Anyim, Grilled By EFCC Over Aviation Fund Diversion

By
Roland Edet
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0

Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), is now being interrogated by agents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Anyim was invited as part of an inquiry into alleged corruption and misappropriation of public funds, according to a senior commission official.

Anyim, who arrived at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, at 3 p.m., is currently being interrogated by a team of agents.

Though the particular allegations against the former SGF were unclear at the time, a person familiar with the matter said it is linked to a corruption and money laundering case involving Senator Stella Oduah, a former Aviation Minister and serving senator.

A total of N780 million in rehabilitation funding was allegedly tracked to a firm in which Senator Anyim has a stake.

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