85th NEC Meeting on February 15, 2018

A. FINAL REPORT ON FORENSIC AUDIT OF REVENUE ACCRUED FROM REVENUE GENERATING AGENCIES

Council received the final report on the Forensic Audit of Revenue Accrued from Revenue Generating Agencies (RGAs) into Federation Account (FA), Excess Crude Account (ECA) and Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

The report was prepared by KPMG, and audited 18 Agencies including NNPC, FIRS, Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), NIMASA, NPA, NCC, CBN, DPR, NPDC and many others.

The report covered period January 2010 – June, 2015

Key Issues and Recommendations:

The report observed several cases of under-remittance and a few over remittance in some cases both by identified agencies. There were also late remittances into the various accounts. It therefore recommended that:

NEC should decide on repayment plans for all concerned as well as stepping up oversight function on the relevant agencies to ensure remittance as and at when due.

Recommended the proper and regular auditing of the accounts of the RGAs and those of the FG.

There is also the need for annual review of the agencies.

Council Resolutions:

Council received the report and resolved that the Ad-hoc NEC Committee on the matter be expanded to include a lawyer and an accountant. The Committee would study the KPMG report and the recommendations and report back to Council at its next sitting for possible adoption.

The Federal Government officials including the CBN Governor, the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning and Minister of State, Petroleum Resources would join the expanding Committee to also take a look at the report for FG’s review.

B. UPDATE ON THE SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME BY THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE PRESIDENT ON THE SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

The Special Adviser to the President on the Social Investment Programme (SIP), briefed the Council on the impact of the National Social Investment Programme (N-SIP). Highlights of the presentation include:

Total Direct Beneficiaries from all the SIP Programme is 7,812,201

Secondary Beneficiaries – 1,500,000, mainly farmers and cooks

Total actual spending in 2016 and 2017 = 15.58% of the budget

The Council was further briefed on the general challenges facing the smooth delivery of the N-SIP. They include:

Corrupt practices in the States – (short-changing, racketeering and harassment of beneficiaries)

Exploitation of the vulnerable (due to poor levels of literacy);

Monitoring and communication (insufficient awareness/publicity) and logistics for monitoring yet to be secured.

Steps to Overcome Obstacles:

N-SIPs is collaborating with various Organisations within and outside the Government to overcome the challenges in the areas of; Monitoring and Security, Sensitization, Communication.

Support/Intervention from State Governments

The N-SIPs requires State Government support as follows:

Micro-Credit scheme under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP)

States to support in fraud detection and prevention by local officials.

States to support the GEEP loan programme mobilization and facilitate the generation of BVN and the opening of accounts.

Loan recovery from beneficiaries.

Home Grown School Feeding Programme

States to fast-track commencement of programme by signing MoU.

Re-train and re-screen cooks.

Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation.

National Social Safety Net

States need to demonstrate commitment for the programme to kick off.

Ensure a conducive working environment and commitment to an objective and transparent community-Based Targeting Process.

Support in form of security and fraud detection.

Cash Transfer Programme

States to provide furnished accommodation and logistics as agreed.

Provide security, caution politicians and fast-track Community Based Targeting.

Youth Employment and Empowerment Programme

States to support communication efforts where necessary.

Support monitoring efforts to ensure beneficiaries are resuming and working full time at assigned locations.

Show increasing better commitment to the programme.

C. INTERIM BRIEFING ON NEC’S WORKING GROUP ON HERDSMEN/FARMERS CLASHES

The Vice President reported that the Group has met twice and formed a technical Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee has been given the assignment of consultations with some of the affected communities.

The Sub-Committee is chaired by Ebonyi State Governor and the NEC Working Group will give a fuller report at the end of the work of the Sub-Committee.

The Vice President also reported that the Working Group has noted the need for joint Military-Police Operation to manage violent outbreak where required while also calling for more efficient intelligence gathering.

The Working Group also calls for the use of the Military force to flush out bandits whose activities have been linked to the clashes, and engagement with traditional leaders to foster peace in their communities.

Working Group also noted that an Agro Rangers Corps should be trained to provide security around ranches, livestock production centres and grazing routes.

The Working Group also noted that the land use laws and regulations invest the States with the power over land titles and use while the Vice President added that the FG will not impose on State Governments. FG will only share templates on best practices for the conduct of livestock production and business.

The Vice President also informed that the President has approved the formation of a Committee to look into the issue of rebuilding affected communities and providing welfare and other facilities as may be considered appropriated.

The President has asked that the Vice President head the Committee.

D. PRESENTATION BY GMD, NNPC ON PMS SUPPLY ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND COST OF UNDER-RECOVERIES BORNE BY NNPC

The Group Managing Director, NNPC, briefed the Council on the PMS supply and cost of under-recoveries arising from difference between importation cost and PPPRA cut off market price.

He told Council that the PMS open market price is continuously shaped by crude oil price volatility in the international market with the attendant cost under-recoveries due to differential between actual supply and distribution.

He informed that favourable market conditions encouraged private participation by Independent Marketers in Nigeria between May – September 2016.

There is currently sudden decline in private participation in Nigeria due to decline in favourable market conditions and also the sudden shock in consumption which over stretches daily supply of petroleum products.

E. REPORT ON EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT (ECA)

Council was briefed by the Accountant General of the Federation that the balance in ECA as at 14th February, 2018 stands at $2,317,252,449.57.

F. REPORT ON BALANCE OF THE STABILIZATION FUND ACCOUNT

Council was also briefed by the Accountant General of the Federation that the balance in the Stabilization Fund Account as at 14th February, 2018 stands at N11,290,664,060.06.

G. UPDATE ON NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT FUND

Council was equally briefed by the Accountant General of the Federation that the balance in the Natural Resources Development Fund as at 14th February, 2018 stands at N123,624,644,411.24

H. UPDATE ON BUDGET SUPPORT LOAN FACILITY

The Accountant General reported to the Council as follows:

23 States have access to the facility

N16.1 billion has been disbursed as at January 2018.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity)
Office of the Vice President
15th February, 2018

Press Statement: Response to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s Letter By The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on January 24, 2018

We have read the press statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the State of the Nation.

For the record, Chief Obasanjo is a patriot, and he has proven this time and time again. We appreciate what he said concerning the Administration’s performance in two out of the three key issues that formed the plank of its campaign: Fighting corruption and tackling insurgency. Specifically, the former President said President Buhari must be given credit for his achievement so far in these two areas. We thank him for this.

Apparently, the former President believes that the Administration does not deserve a pass mark in the area of the economy, which is the third of our three-pronged campaign promises.

We have no doubt that in the face of massive challenges in this area, this Administration has availed itself creditably. We believe that Chief Obasanjo, because of his very busy schedule, may not have been fully availed of developments in the government’s efforts to revamp the economy, which was battered by the consequences of over-dependence on a commodity as well as unprecedented pillaging of the treasury.

Today, most of the indices by which an economy is measured are looking up. Permit me to say, however, that Nigeria would not have exited recession through a mere order or if the Administration had not made use of ”good Nigerians” who could help.

This Administration is making steady progress in its determined effort to revamp the economy, and the results are showing:

* Foreign Reserves have peaked at $40b, the highest level in about four years, and up from $24 billion just a year ago, even though when we came in, the price of oil had crashed woefully.

* According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBC), headline inflation has fallen for 11 consecutive months, standing at 15.37% as at Dec. 2017. This is the lowest inflation rate since Jan 2017, and it has met and surpassed the target set for inflation in the Administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

* Our determined implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has stopped the hemorrhaging of the treasury. Some 108 billion Naira has been saved from removal of maintenance fees payable to banks, pre-TSA. The nation is being saved 24.7 billion Naira monthly with the full implementation of the TSA.

* The elimination of ghost workers has saved the nation 120 billion Naira

* At about 1.8 billion dollars, the capital inflows in the second quarter of 2017 were almost double the $908 million in the first quarter.

* In the wake of a stable Naira and increased investment inflows, Nigeria’s stock market emerged one of the best-performing in the world, delivering returns in excess of 40 percent.

* Nigeria rose 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, and earned a place on the List of Top 10 Reformers in the world.

* According to Q3 2017 figures, agriculture export is up year-on-year by 25%, solid minerals exports are up year-on-year by 78%, raw materials exports are up 70% year-on-year and manufactured goods exports are up 22% year-on-year.

* Government agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service are reporting highest ever revenue collection, while JAMB, under the new management appointed by President Buhari in 2016, remitted N7.8 billion to the coffers of the federal government. The total amount remitted by JAMB between 2010 and 2016 was a paltry N51 million!

These positive indices may not have immediately impacted positively on Nigerians, but Nigerians will definitely get a new lease of life a short while from now. This is because the good news from the agricultural sector, which is recording a bumper harvest, will bring down the cost of foodstuffs, especially such staple as rice, and our massive Social Investment Programme will ease the pain of the most vulnerable in the society.

When we assumed office in 2015, some 6 million farmers were involved in rice production. Thanks to the Anchor Borrowers’ programme of this Administration, we have grown that number to over 12 million farmers. The result is that our rice import from Thailand alone has dropped from 644,000 metric tonnes to 22,000 MT in just two years. This is phenomenal.

Apart from rice, Nigeria is also doing well in other grains, especially Millet, Sorghum and Maize. We are now the second largest producer of sorghum after the US, the third in millet after India and our breweries are now enjoying local sourcing of those commodities.

For maize, we are producing 10 million tons while we need about 13 million tons for both human and animal nutrition. Nigeria leads the world in the yam and cassava production. We account for 70% of the world’s yam production. In two years, we hope to be the world’s largest exporter of yam! Overall, our ambition is that agriculture should rise from 25% to 40% of GDP, so that we can banish poverty and overcome our economic anxiety.

Our Social Investment Programme is Nigeria’s most ambitious social welfare programme ever. Currently, 5.2 million primary school children in 28,249 schools in 19 states are being fed daily; 200,000 unemployed graduates have enlisted into the N-power Job Scheme, and a quarter of a million loans already distributed to artisans, traders, and farmers.

Finally, our investment in infrastructure is simply unprecedented. This is because infrastructure is key to faster economic growth and development.

Here is a synopsis of what we have done in this area:

* Power Generation at an all-time high of 7,000mw and all can be transmitted

* RAIL: Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge is on. Lagos-Ibadan sector ready 2019, Kano Kaduna ready 2019; The entire stretch ready 2021; Negotiations on for Coastal Rail covering 15 cities from Lagos to Calabar.

* ROAD: 25 major highways being funded with the N100b Sukuk Bond, and all geo political zones are benefitting equally

This Administration is not unaware of the enormity of the challenges facing the nation, but we are up to the task. We have taken the bull by the horns, and long suffering Nigerians will begin to experience a new lease of life as our efforts yield fruits. We will not go into a state of funk for whatever reason.

On the Herders/Farmers’ clashes, this Administration is determined to end the crisis resulting from this once and for all, not minding the fact that the clashes predate us. we urge Nigerians to have faith in the Administration’s ability to resolve the crisis, and to watch out for concrete measures in this regard.

On whether or not President Muhammadu Buhari should run for another term, it is true that many Nigerians have been calling on the President to run again, while others are opposed to his return.

However, we believe this issue is a distraction for the President at this time. This is because Mr. President spends every waking hour tackling the enormous challenges facing the nation, most of which were bequeathed to his Administration by successive past Administrations.

He is committed to fulfilling the mandate given to him by Nigerians in 2015. And that’s where we are right now!

Finally, we have no reason to believe that former President Obasanjo has any motive beyond the well-being of the nation in issuing his Special Press Statement. We have also taken his admonition in good faith, and we thank him most sincerely for taking time off his busy schedule to pen such a long statement.

Speech: Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s Address At The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 24, 2018

I’m extremely pleased that you have the time to come to spend some time with us here.

The truth is that what we are trying to achieve is just exactly what was described by the Honourable Minister who had just spoken; one that addresses specific issues and then we can deal with them with the partners and government through the right people; and that access will be made available. That’s why we have the industrial council. We also have the business forum and would ensure that we are opened at all times.

I think it is important that we emphasise and keep emphasising that the partnership that we are trying to build is a genuine partnership, because we understand that in a big country, especially a federation, many times we have issues, even with the state governments, and we have to be able to resolve them. Some of them are easy to resolve through a phone call, but we insist that those we do business with in Nigeria must find it easy to do business and that really has been the way that we have tried to function, especially in the last two and half years. We intend to maintain that approach and we really would like you to join us in proving that this will work.

Some of the issues that were mentioned (there was a Q & A before the VP spoke) include security, for example. As you can imagine, security is obviously an ongoing issue, but l want to say that, perhaps, for people in the diaspora and if you are following the social media, it might be difficult to appreciate; maybe you have been away too long, maybe you also come back and see for yourselves.

In the country, people are doing business and are doing fine, but that’s not to say there are no herdsmen and farmer clashes and all that, or to say that all is settled down in the North East; but in major places where business is being done, where investments are been done.

But by and large, we should raise (the issue of) adequate security. l think a lot of people are reasonably satisfied with the security, but we are doing all we can to improve on security. A lot of police reforms are going on, we are ramping up even the number of police officers we are recruiting. We are also getting joint task forces, sometimes involving the military in some of these joint task forces, where we think that there might be trouble.

A few months ago, we held a security summit with all of the governors and the service chiefs, where security agencies looked at all of the specific places where there are problems, and tried to identify what the problems could be, especially in areas that people have investments.

In the Niger Delta, I’m sure that you will agree with me that between last year and now, a lot has changed; we still find opportunistic vandalism where people are vandalising properties, but by and large improvements are being made and we are working very hard on ensuring that we sustain that.

It’s possibly more important for us as sole business of government to ensure that people can walk around free and can do their business without looking over their shoulders. Because of our commitment to that, we are reasonably certain that we will achieve maximum security.

I think it was Tony (one of the participants at the Q & A) that said that in many parts of the world there are places that you may not want to go and there are always situations where there are breaches of security. But l think, by and large, we are really focused on ensuring security and most of the country is entirely peaceful and ready for business.

In respect to power, a lot has happened and I just wanted to address that. In power, I’m not going to talk about the issues that have been addressed already, but l think that the critical thing is that we have identified primarily what the issues are and now some of our reforms are going on. We are enabling a situation where industry or private sector and businesses can actually access power on their own without necessarily going through the DISCOs; we have a willing buyer-willing seller arrangement. Recently NERC issued a declaration to that effect.

So we are concentrating also on powering industrial areas, a lot of that is going on and is private sector-driven.

A lot of that has to do with the cost of power etc., and whether or not the cost is adequate, whether the cost is too high or too low and all that.

But what l will want you to do is to take advantage of some of the new regulations, especially in the willing buyer-willing seller that we are putting in place, so that industries can buy their own power and can even develop their own power structure, and even in the states. A lot of the state governments are now investing in power plants. Off-grid power is one of the very critical solutions for us because a lot of the power that is going onto the grid, we are able to take that much. But if that is the solution in Nigeria, we must have plenty of off-grid power opportunities and we are trying to work hard on all of those off-grid power facilities and create an environment where people can invest in power and supply power to those who need it without going through the system that we have at the moment.

So we think that, in the next couple of years, we will have a power situation that will certainly be a lot better than what we are experiencing today.

What we are trying to do is to ensure that we are not constrained by some of the problems that we have been experiencing in the past years, and we let go of the power marketing in such a way that many players can come in to do a lot more from generation to distribution, and especially transmission because we find that that is one of the critical areas for us today.

Transmission and distribution are critical areas for us and we are working very hard to ensure that we are able to do a lot with some of transmission and the distribution assets that we have. l know that a lot of those who are here are converts or at least people who do business and want to continue to do business in Nigeria, l want to thank you for the support you have given us over the years and hope that you will not only maintain that support, but also work with us in being able to create a better business environment and being able to do the kind of businesses that can be done in Nigeria.

There is no question at all as to why our country is a good destination; we know that the critical issue is to ensure that the environment is friendly enough and that we offer the necessary incentives where such incentives are crucial. We are ready to do that and we are ready to work with you to ensure that business is comfortable for you and that you can make profit and create the jobs and opportunities that we are also looking at.

Thank you very much.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity)
Office of the Vice President
January 25, 2018

Press Release: We Will Deliver On Three-Pronged Campaign Promises – President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja said his administration remains resolute and focused on delivering on the three-pronged promises of securing the lives and properties of Nigerians, halting the pillage of the economy by corrupt public officials, and creating employment opportunities for the youths.

Receiving the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group at the State House, President Buhari said the initial economic challenge posed by recession was already dwindling, with the economy smarting out and posting better results on falling inflation rates, higher foreign reserve and better ranking on ease of doing business.

“If you look critically into the 2018 budget, we have already taken into account key issues of more stable electricity, construction of roads and rails, and the airport concession’’ he said.

The President said the government will work more to accelerate and increase momentum in agriculture, power, gas, manufacturing and processing, while commending the Chinese government for its support in improving infrastructure in Nigeria.

“We send our gratitude to the Chinese for all their support to Nigeria. Since Independence, no country has helped our country on infrastructural development like the Chinese. In some projects, the Chinese help us with 85 per cent payment, and soft loans that span 20 years. No country has done that for us,’’ he said.

The President assured Nigerians that the rising attacks on communities by herdsmen will soon be brought under control by security forces deployed to the vulnerable areas across the country.

He said the unfortunate incident of attacks, which had resulted in loss of lives and properties, had already brought sorrow and hardship on many Nigerians, with the government deeply affected.

President Buhari said the government will continue to strengthen its relationship with the NESG, especially in integrating its recommendations into policies that will improve the livelihood of all Nigerians.

In his remark, the chairman of the NESG Board of Directors, Kyari Abba Bukar, commended the government for the “pragmatic approach’’ in engaging with citizens of Niger Delta region which had translated into steady rise in oil production.

“Your Excellency, we salute your courage in providing support to the states that have had fiscal challenges. We recognise that without the intervention of the Presidency, many state governments would have been unable to pay salaries last year,’’ he said.

Bukar said the outlook on the economy remained upwardly positive, projecting a 3.5 per cent GDP growth, urging the President to pay more attention on the herdsmen attacks, which could reverse the gains recorded in the agricultural sector.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President(Media & Publicity)
January 22nd, 2018

Press Release: We Are Making Steady, Remarkable Progress In Agriculture, Says President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja said the agricultural sector had witnessed steady and remarkable progress in the last two years, significantly reducing the food import bill of the country.

At a ceremony to receive Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of Democratic Republic of Greece, People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Republic of Portugal, President Buhari said the commendable performance in the agricultural sector had further fuelled the government’s effort at repositioning the economy, with more focus on export of commodities.

“We are very busy in the agricultural sector, and more Nigerians are getting involved,’’ the President told the Ambassador of the Republic of Bangladesh, His Excellency, Maj. Gen. Kazi Sharif Kaikoband.

President Buhari said the boom in the agricultural sector had also attracted more people, especially younger Nigerians, to pick interest in farming with long term plans for large scale farming and export of products.

In his remark, the Ambassador of Bangladesh commended the President for the courageous steps he has taken in eliminating terrorism in the country.

“We have had the terrorism problem in Bangladesh for more than 36 years,’’ he said, “Bangladesh denounces terrorism in all forms irrespective of colour or country.’’

Kaikoband said education and sports provide new opportunities for improved relations as more Nigerians in Bangladesh are in schools or into sports, especially football.

The President also received Letters of Credence from Her Excellency, Ms. Maria Saranto, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Greece and His Excellency, Mr. Anthonio Pedro Da Vinha Da Silva, Ambassador of the Republic of Portugal.

In separate meetings, the President congratulated the ambassadors on their postings to Nigeria, urging them to use the opportunity to explore the potentials of the country and improve on the good relations that had been built over the years.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President(Media & Publicity)
January 18, 2018

Press Release: There is now a New Orientation To Grow Business In Nigeria – VP Osinbajo

“I think a new orientation has been birthed which is that as bureaucrats, we are meant to facilitate trade and commerce and business in our environment”, says Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Speaking today at the State House to heads of Federal Government regulatory agencies at a meeting convened to review the implementation of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Clinic (MSME Clinic) in the out-going year, the Vice President congratulated the implementing agencies saying “ I think that a tremendous improvement we’ve seen in the quality of service to the people is worthy of commendation and I want to congratulate you all.”

The Vice President told the implementing agencies not to rest on their laurels noting “next year will also be a more intense period where we will be required to double our efforts.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo later presented certificate of recognition to agencies who contributed to the success of the MSME Clinics namely; Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank of Industry (BOI), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), National Export and Import Bank (NEXIM), National Food and Drugs Administration & Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) as well as the project coordinator, Brown Valley Partners Ltd.

Earlier at the review session chaired by Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, the heads of agencies namely Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank of Industry (BOI), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), National Export and Import Bank (NEXIM), National Food and Drugs Administration & Control (NAFDAC), and Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), during their various presentations lauded the visionary leadership of the Vice President, commending him for ensuring that the clinics were held in 11 (eleven) cities across the six geo-political in the country.

It would be recalled that the MSME Clinics was launched by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Januray 24 in Aba, Abia State. It was conceived in view of the Buhari administration’s consideration of MSME space as critical to the growth and diversification of the nation’s economy from oil given its capacity as a potential contributor to the GDP.

The Clinics are driven by the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in conjunction with 14 MDAs which are critical to the operations of MSMEs in Nigeria.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity)
Office of the Vice President
December 19, 2017

Press Release: Working Together Will Boost Economic, Technological Growth, VP Osinbajo Tells Young Innovators

Nigeria’s youths will achieve more if they collaborate more on projects that will benefit them and also boost the nation’s capacity in innovation and technology, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo said this when he received a delegation of young Nigerian innovators and beneficiaries of grants from the Growth and Employment (GEM) Project, an initiative of the Federal Government under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, which is supported by the World Bank and the DFID.

In furtherance of the Buhari administration’s economic empowerment initiatives, the project empowers young Nigerian innovators and entrepreneurs with sustainable and innovative business models that will create more jobs for Nigerians and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

“I am happy that everyone is a co-founder; it speaks to what we say about collaboration and working together, and also with international players,” the Vice President said.

At the meeting, the young entrepreneurs showcased their business models during short presentations to Vice President, who commended them for their efforts and engaged them with questions on the sustainability of their laudable projects.

It will be recalled that the innovators were selected following the Aso Villa Demo Day (AVDD), a technological innovation competition organised by the Presidency earlier in the year.

Also, at the meeting was the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole.

In his remarks, the Project Coordinator of the GEM Project, Mr. Ugo Ikemba, thanked the Vice President for all the support the Buhari administration has given to the project since its inception. He said the project will continue to find platforms to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by enabling them get more access to funding.

In the same vein, the Director-General of Nigerian Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Jelani Aliyu, thanked the Presidency for providing leadership that supports and empowers young Nigerians to dream and innovate.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
18 December, 2017

Factcheck: Programme To Provide Uninterrupted Power Supply For University Students, Not A Mere ‘Streetlighting’ Project – Ministry

Contrary to a report by Punch Newspaper, the misrepresentation of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) as merely a “solar-powered streetlight project” is false.

Serving as a critical investment in the education sector, the EEP seeks to reinvigorate the system through electrifying 37 federal universities and 7 university teaching hospitals, with the Independent Power Plants (IPPS).

In addition to providing rural electrification- areas where these institutions are located, the EEP will partner with world- class schools in facilitating training on renewable energy; and provide security on campus through the installation of streetlights.

The installation of streetlights is only a small component of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP).

Other components of the program include: provision of off grid captive power plants for these institutions and rehabilitation, strengthening and extension of the existing electricity distribution networks.

The EEP will provide access to power in Phase I to a population of 224,800 people in 9 Federal Universities and one Teaching Hospital across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University–Gubi Campus, Bauchi State; Bayero University–New Campus, Kano State; Usman Danfodiyo University–Main Campus, Sokoto State; Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State; Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State; Nnamdi Azikiwe University-Awka Campus, Anambra State; Federal University of Petroleum, Delta; Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State; Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Osun State; University of Lagos, Lagos State.

Signed:
Ministry of Power, Works And Housing
15th December, 2017

Press Release: NEC 83rd Meeting

An update of the ongoing forensic audit of revenue accrued from revenue generating agencies and meant for the Federation Account was given today at the National Economic Council, NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee of NEC on the audit, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, of Gombe State said the forensic audit is ongoing and assured Council that the full detail of the report would be ready in January, 2018.

He mentioned the Nigerian Customs Service and the National Communication Commission as the two agencies that are now being audited in a review that has included other agencies including NNPC.

The report is expected to detail the extent of revenue meant for the Federation but never made it to the Consolidated Account under the past administration.

This was one of the highlights at the monthly NEC meeting earlier today at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Also the details of inflows and outflows of special accounts of the Federal Government would be provided beginning from 2015 to date, according to the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun.

The Minister also disclosed that several States have not been complying with conditions for the Budget Support facility as agreed under the Fiscal Responsibility Plan.

She added that particular states are yet to publish the mode of their financial disbursement, while some others have also not completed the Biometric Data of their staff list as agreed by the Council.

The Fiscal Responsibility Plan endorsed last year by NEC details the conditions State governments are expected to meet to qualify for FG’s Budget Support Facility which ranges from N800m to over N1B per State, per month.

BELOW ARE HIGHLIGHTS OF TODAY’S NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL MEETING PRESIDED OVER BY VICE PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN

(10TH IN 2017) 83rd NEC MEETING – THURSDAY, 14th DECEMBER, 2017

UPDATE ON FORENSIC AUDIT OF REVENUE ACCRUED FROM REVENUE GENERATING AGENCIES (RGAS) INTO THE FEDERATION ACCOUNT, EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT AND CONSOLIDATED REVENUE FUND BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, GOVERNOR OF GOMBE STATE,

His Excellency the Governor of Gombe State, and Chairman of the Forensic Audit Committee, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo, informed Council that the audit firm Messrs. KPMG, is still conducting the forensic audit of some establishment and that a full report will be ready by January 2018.

UPDATE ON THE BALANCE IN THE NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT FUND

Council was informed by the Accountant-General of the Federation that the balance in the Natural Resources Development Fund Account as at 13th December, 2017 stands at N106.984 billion.

REPORT ON EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT (ECA)

The Accountant-General of the Federation also informed Council that the balance in the ECA as at 13th December, 2017 stands at $2.317 billion.

UPDATE ON THE CURRENT BALANCE OF THE STABILIZATION FUND ACCOUNT

The Accountant-General of the Federation informed Council that the balance in the Stabilization Fund Account as at 13th December, 2017 stands at N7.78 billion.

UPDATE ON BUDGET SUPPORT LOAN FACILITY

Council was informed that payment for the months of June, July and August to States has been effected, and that preparations are underway to do same for the month of September, 2017.

GENERAL COMMENTS ON SPECIAL ACCOUNTS

Council would be furnished with details of inflow and outflow beginning from 2015 to date regarding some of these special accounts: stabilization fund Account and Natural resources development fund

The Honourable Minster of Finance informed Council that the Budget Support facility to States is based upon certain conditions as agreed to under the Fiscal Responsibility Plan. But most of the States are yet to comply, she added. She said most of the States are yet to publish the mode of disbursement and most of them also have not completed the Biometric Data of their staff list as agreed in Council.

A. PRESENTATION ON CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WATER RESOURCES SECTOR BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engineer Suleiman Adamu, presented a memo to Council, asking for urgent steps and action in the water sector if the country is to overcome the challenges of water supply, sanitation and water governance issues, as well as achieve the 2030 targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on water supply and sanitation.

He informed Council that Nigeria is lagging behind in terms of water supply, with access to pipe-borne water dropping from 32% in 1990 to less than 7% in 2017, with a corresponding increase of 25% in open defecation and the

prevalence of water-borne diseases.

He told Council that an estimated investment of N1.9 trillion is needed in the next 15 years to meet the SDGs by 2030.

He outlined a three-phase Action Plan to revitalize the water, sanitation and hygiene sector to include the following:

(a) A 12-month emergency plan beginning from the 2nd quarter of 2018 to April 2019.

(b) A five-year recovery programme to last up to 2022

(c) A 13-year revitalization strategy that will last till 2030

These plans, he said, will involve the urgent establishment of an institutional and funding framework for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Services, and the engagement of Urban and Rural (WASH) sectors on an accelerated development path towards 2030.

The plan also calls for tripling the current investment in water supply, establishment of a WASH fund, fast-tracking the development of the National policy on Sanitation and the presidential launch of a National Sanitation Campaign to eliminate open defecation.

Furthermore, the plan is seeking the massive rehabilitation of existing infrastructure in the sector, and sectoral reform towards cost recovery and promotion of private sector participation in the sector, all aimed at taking care of the estimated 182 million population.

The National Water Reserves Bill now before the National Assembly provides for the establishment of Catchment Management Committees, with representatives of States within each hydrological area as permanent members.

In a similar development, the Minister informed Council that Nigeria requires an average annual investment of N59 billion to attain 78,000 hectares of planned irrigation by 2019, and a total of N1.5 trillion to attain 500,000 hectares of irrigation by 2030.

Council was also informed that the River Basin Development Authorities across the country are undergoing structural reforms towards partial to full commercialization.

Council thanked the Minister of Water Resources and urged collaboration between stakeholders in the approach to National Water Supply.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS (AOB)

SECURITY

The Chairman Governor’s Forum, Alhaji Abdullazeez Yari, informed Council that Governors have offered to contribute over $1 billion to support Military Operations in the North East. Governors said money should be taken from the ECA.

SGF/SSG’S RETREAT

The SGF informed Council that there will be a retreat in the coming days, 18th – 19thDecember, between the SGF and all Secretaries to the State Governments for better collaboration on issues of security and governance in all tiers of government.

FUEL SUPPLY

Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, told Council that fuel queues will disappear nationwide in the next 48 hours. All logistic arrangements to this effect have been concluded. He assured that there is enough fuel in the strategic reserve to last till the end of January.

In his closing remarks at the meeting, His Excellency, the Vice President, wished the Governors and the people of their States Merry Christmas holiday as the meeting is the last in the year.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
14 December, 2017

Press Release: President Buhari Pledges To Reform and Decongest Prisons, Witnesses Release of 500 Inmates in Kano

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Kano reaffirmed that prison reforms and decongestion will be pursued with greater vigor by his administration.

Speaking at a ceremony in Kurmawa Central Prison Kano, at which 500 inmates were either pardoned or set free upon the payment of fines by the State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, President Buhari lamented that some of the freed inmates were young and charged prison authorities to make every effort to make better citizens of prisoners.

President Buhari pledged that prisons reforms and decongestion would continue to receive prompt attention from his administration.

The President stressed the need for prisoners to receive proper care, support and rehabilitation to make them better citizens after serving their prisons terms.

“I am pleased with this visit and I have learnt a bit more about the conditions of the prisons and inmates.

“This building in front of us was built since 1910. Rehabilitation of prisoners and training of inmates is very important to us and we would continue to invest more on this.

“I asked one of the inmates (released) how old he was and he told me he is only 19 years old.

“If we have people of 18 and 19 years in the prison, and there is no continuous training, then their lives will be completely destroyed. We will invest more in education and vocational training,’’ he said.

The 500 inmates granted pardon, including men and women, were drawn from various prisons in Kano state, including Kurmawa prisons, which has 1,398 inmates as opposed to 750, the established capacity.

Earlier, the President who arrived Kano to a tumultuous welcome by the Government and people of the State at the start of a two-day state visit paid homage to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

At the Emir’s place, President Buhari recounted his fond memories of Kano, as a symbol of peace, trade, commerce and industry in Nigeria.

‘‘If there is a problem here, the whole country has a problem. I remember the industry and employment people get in Kano.

‘‘Before the problem in the North East, I remember the number of articulated vehicles that leave this city to Maiduguri and the Cameroons, and the number of vehicles that come in from Chad and Niger, providing millions of jobs to Nigerians.

‘‘A lot of people in Nigeria didn’t realise how much the instability in the North East have cost the people and the industry here ’’ he said.

President Buhari, therefore, assured all Nigerians that the fight against the degraded Boko Haram will be sustained, in addition to the positive trends in the economy and the fight against corruption.

‘‘The three things we said in our campaign on security, economy and fighting corruption, nobody will be able to successfully disabuse the minds of Nigerians on our clear intentions for our country and our people,’’ the President declared.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President for Media & Publicity
December 6, 2017