Day: September 4, 2023

Wike frowns at N85bn Wasa housing infrastructure, says project poorly negotiated

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has expressed dissatisfaction with the N85 billion contract for the provision of infrastructure for the Wasa Affordable Housing project in Wasa District, Abuja.

Wike expressed the displeasure when he led the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud and other government officials visited the road construction site for the housing estate on Monday.

Earlier, Mr Olusegun Olusan, acting Coordinator, Satellite Town Development Department, explained that the contract for the provision of the infrastructure was awarded in 2014 at N26 billion but revised to N85 billion in 2018.

Olusan told the minister that so far, a total of N21 billion had been paid to the contractor with a balance of N64 billion, adding that the percentage of work done so far is 21.4 per cent.

On the housing scheme, the coordinator explained that government’s role was to provide the land and infrastructure, while private developers will build houses and sell to the masses at affordable rates.

He added that at the conception of the project, a two-bedroom flat was to be sold to the masses at N7 million.

But the minister was not impressed with the arrangement made by the FCT, stressing that government should not spend N85 billion to provide infrastructure, land and benefit nothing.

“We are not impressed with the arrangement made by the FCT. Government cannot just cough out N85 billion in providing infrastructure and then give land out to private developers who will build and sell.

“This kind of arrangement is not commendable at all, at all. We think that the government must also participate, having provided the land and infrastructure.

“If we are partnering with private individuals or developers, the common sense is that you provide the land, provide infrastructure and they come and develop.

“Then government for example can take 10 per cent then the developers take 90 per cent, depending on the value,” he said.

Wike said that under such arrangements, the government would be able to determine the price the houses would be sold to the masses, saying that the masses could not afford N7 million for a house.

He said that the project would be revisited for proper planning in a way that the government would benefit from the project and ensure that the masses who the houses were being built for could afford it.

On the project delay, which was nine years and counting, the minister said that FCT would not be awarding contracts for awarding sake.

“We will award contact that we know we will finish before embarking on another contract.

“Every contract is abandoned because there is no money. So, we are going to look at everything,” the minister said.

Earlier, the minister visited the ongoing road construction leading to the Headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission and the Body of Benchers building.

The minister said that the contractor was invited for a meeting on Tuesday to work out ways to complete the road project.

“We have also been to Kabusa Junction, Abuja, where shanties were destroyed by development control. Like we said, we cannot allow shanties to take over the FCT.

“The development control has done well by making sure that the shanties in the area are destroyed and we are going to protect the area to ensure that the miscreants do not return to mess up the place again,” Wike said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Oyetola expresses need for major rehabilitation of Apapa, Tincan ports

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, says there is need for immediate rehabilitation of the critical infrastructure at the Apapa and Tincan Island ports

Oyetola said this during his maiden visit to the Tincan and Apapa Ports on Monday in Lagos.

The minister also urged terminal operators to support the Federal Government in the rehabilitation of the ports.

According to Oyetola, the rehabilitation of the port is going to be a collaboration between government and the terminal operators.

“My coming out today is to see things for myself. I have seen the challenges, the need to actually do a lot of things about our port.

“Infrastructure are almost collapsing from what I have seen, so a major rehabilitation has to be carried out.

“I am looking forward to the terminal managers beginning to contribute to the rehabilitation of the port.

“Its important and if they do that, they will make more money for themselves,” he said.

The minister pointed out that he was impressed with the management of the ports so far, adding that he would support them.

As regards the quay wall, he noted that he had asked NPA for a report of what they had carried out so far, adding that they need to know the numbers to be able to sort them out to get the president’s approval.

Oyetola said he believes that the blue economy is a sector that will generate revenue for government, adding that the country needs the infrastructure to balance up.

“If we have the right infrastructure in place, it will be a way of domestication of the economy.

“We rely so much on oil. So a lot of other opportunities have been untapped for so many years. I think we must commend the president for taking this initiative, I believe we can do it.

“To address the collapse of the port, there is need to rehabilitate the port as a matter of urgency, dredging has to continue,” he said.

The minister added that as regards access road, it would be looked into it and he would engage the Minsters of Works and Transportation to see what they could do together.

“I have discussed with the Minister of Transportation in respect of the rails. With all these things in place, I think we are good to go.

“On issues at the other ports like the eastern one, it will also be addressed. We are looking at the totality of the port,” he said.

On his part, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) commended the minister for visiting the port and for supporting the agency.

He assured the minister of the agency’s support in line with the Federal Government’s agenda.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Shettima urges political aides to promote integrity of Tinubu administration

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Monday in Abuja, advised political aides to avoid any actions that could tarnish the reputation of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima made the call at the opening of the retreat and sensitisation programme for political aides and senior civil servants on administrative procedure and governance in the public sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat is being organised by the State House in conjunction with Direct Knowledge Consult L.td., from Sept. 4 to Sept. 22, at the Army Resource Centre.

He said “It is essential to exercise discretion in both your public and private lives and to avoid any actions that could tarnish the reputation of the government.

” From today, your words and actions will undergo more intense scrutiny, occasionally even rigorous criticism.

” The responsibility you carry isn’t merely about fulfilling your role; it encompasses the aspirations of our entire nation.”

Speaking on the topic: “Forging a Path to Responsible Governance: A Call to Political Aides,” Shettima explained that the retreat was designed to equip participants with tenets of public administration.

” The retreat is designed to facilitate your transition and equip you with the fundamental tenets of public sector administration and governance.

” Our mission is to uplift the lives of our citizens impartially and inspire lasting change. Leadership, for us, means breaking down barriers of inequality and fostering a safe, peaceful society.

” To truly expand educational opportunities and empower our youth with knowledge for self-reliance, we must fully dedicate ourselves to our duties within the State House

” As many of you take your initial steps into the realm of public service, especially at the federal level, let it be clear that your competence is beyond doubt.

” You are here because of your formidable skills, and our confidence in your potential to catalyze change.We yearn for fresh and imaginative ideas to harmonise with established practices,” he said.

On the sensitive nature of their roles as political aides, Shettima said “from this very moment, you are bound by the laws of our land in all matters of official correspondence.

” These laws outline the consequences for both intentional and unintended mishandling of the information entrusted to your care.

” Should you falter in this duty, the consequences would ripple far beyond the intricate fabric of governance.

” They could erode public trust, jeopardise national security, and undermine the very integrity of our administration.”

He reminded the participants to understand that their credibility, that of their team, superiors and the entire government rest in the balance.

Shettima also reminded the participants that the State House is a bastion of order and the engine room of the nation’s public service.

The vice president, therefore , emphasised the need for synergy and team work, noting that there is no room for rivalry.

” Within its precincts, operations pivot upon a hierarchy, wherein each role and position adheres to well-defined protocols and communication procedures.

” Your primary instinct should always revolve around the recognition that you are part of a team, united in the pursuit of a shared objective.

” There is no need for rivalry. This, precisely, is the essence of your presence here,” he said.

Earlier, the Permanent, Secretary, State House, Mr Funso Adebiyi, explained that the training was aimed at registering the commitment of the political aides towards actualising the goals of the Tinubu administration.

He stated further that participants would be exposed to techniques of information and documents management systems in order to ensure the smooth running of the new administration.

In attendance were the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadeja and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Abubakar Rufa’i.

Others are the representatives of the Director-General, Directorate of State Services and other senior government officials.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Africa needs stability to attract investment, economic growth – SGF

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, says Africa requires political stability to attract foreign direct investment to achieve sustainable economic growth and development.

Akume said this while delivering Graduation Lecture for participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 31, on Monday in Abuja.

The lecture, which has the theme; “Economic Growth and Regional Development: Strategic Options for Africa”, is part of activities lined up by the college for the graduation of its Course 31 participants.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, OSGF, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, he said that the African region and Nigeria, in particular, must do everything possible to ensure political and economic stability.

This, he noted, would help to gain the confidence of investors for sustainable regional development.

He identified income inequality, environmental impact, and resources allocation, vulnerability to global economic and political instability as major challenges of economic growth at national levels.

The SGF, however said that opportunities abound for sustainable economic development in the continent such as abundant natural resources, agricultural potential, growing consumer market, youthful population, renewable energy potential as well as technology and innovation.

According to him, diversification of economies, infrastructural development, human capital investment, sustainable agriculture and agribusiness, inclusive policies and access to capital are strategies that can guarantee economic growth in Africa.

“By capitalising on sectors of comparative advantage, investing in infrastructure, and promoting innovation and technology, African nations can spur economic diversification and lay the foundation for inclusive growth.

“The interconnectedness of regional economies calls for collaborative efforts that transcend borders, fostering cross-border trade, investments, and knowledge sharing.

“Strengthening regional institutions and frameworks will facilitate coordinated policy actions, promote stability, and create an environment conducive to attract both domestic and foreign investments.

Akume also said that education and skills development stood as cornerstones for Africa’s success story.

“Empowering the continent’s youth with relevant knowledge and skills will drive entrepreneurship, create jobs, and nurture a workforce that can contribute to global value chains, enhancing competitiveness and sustainable development.

“A commitment to good governance, transparency, and the rule of law is imperative to build investor confidence, ensure effective resource management, and mitigate risks associated with corruption and political instability.

“Simultaneously, addressing social inequalities and promoting social safety nets will cultivate an environment of social cohesion, enhancing the overall resilience of African societies,” he added.

The Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, in his remarks, said that the topic of the graduation lecture was informed by the fact that the African continent had continued to experience slow pace of economic development.

This Olotu said was at a time when the rest of the world was developing at geometric proportion.

He added that the recent world economic outlook showed that African countries were only found at number 32, 39 and 40 occupied by Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt on the list of 40 fastest growing economies in the world.

This, according to him, is a clear indication that African countries still have a long way to go in growing their economies in order to impact positively on the overall development of the continent.

“A closer look at Africa indicates that the continent have to rest on endemic poverty, low technology capacity, over dependence on imports, minimum value change for natural resources amongst others.

“These have made Africa to be jumping around for all types of inferior quality goods and service,” he said.

Olotu noted that the African situation was further compounded by the political instability, insurgency and other security challenges as well as the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

These, he said, have impacted negatively on economic growth and regional development in the continent, adding that the African leaders could develop and implement viable strategies that would enhance economic growth and development in the continent.

He urged participants to pay attention to the lecture and thereafter evaluate how their services and organisations could better contribute to society, particularly on the issues surrounding economic growth and regional development.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Stakeholders want FG to overhaul national business, human rights

Some stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to constitute and inaugurate the National Working Group on Business and Human Rights (NWGBHR) to achieve meaningful progress.

The stakeholders gave the advice in a communique issued on their behalf by Ms Naomi Nwokolo, Executive-Director of United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria (UNGC-NN), in Abuja.

Nwokolo said the communique was unanimously adopted by the stakeholders on outcome of the 2023 National Business and Human Rights Roundtable held on Aug. 18, in Lagos.

The roundtable with the theme: “Giving effect to the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in Nigeria” centered on understanding and effective implementation of Nigeria’s recently approved “National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

The roundtable is a multi-stakeholder initiative which promotes dialogue between various businesses, government, regulators, business host communities, consumers and civil society as partners of business and human rights community in Nigeria.

The roundtable was coordinated by a National Steering Committee, co-chaired by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI) with Global Rights as Secretariat.

Other steering committee members include CSR in-Action, Accountability Lab Nigeria, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Paradigm Initiative, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Oxfam in Nigeria and EarthNews Nigeria.

“Government must constitute and inaugurate the NWGBHR provided in the Action Plan, to effectively develop strategies and closely monitor implementation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

“Government must set measurable targets, responsibilities and baselines for monitoring, and evaluating success of the implementation of the Action Plan.

“Strategies for implementing the Action Plan must of necessity include the key principles in the Child Rights Act, Labour Act, Data Protection Act, Persons with Disability Act and other relevant legislation.

“To ensure inclusivity and consideration of all interests in promoting human rights,” she said.

Nwokolo explained that once constituted, NWGBHR would create an independent body responsible for managing a grievance reporting mechanism.

Also, such body should channel grievances to appropriate public authorities or regulators, track response by the authority, ensure rapid response to grievances, and establish clear consequences for violations.

“Strategies for implementing the Action Plan must include recognition of good practices and strict sanctions for violations.

“Establish a centralized report for various actions and initiatives, ensuring all relevant matters are properly documented and accessible.

“Government must ensure that available stakeholder platforms for meaningful engagements remain open to all stakeholders, including business host communities, in designing the structure of engagements and reflecting inclusivity in participation.”

She further said that since the past eight years, Global Rights, which serves as the secretariat of the National Business and Human Rights Roundtable, facilitated the annual roundtable through partnership with NHRC.

Others include, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Integrity Organization Limited (Gte), CSR-in-Action, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), MAN and UNGC-NN, which co-convened this year’s roundtable.

The Action Plan enable the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) Framework, to ensure Access-to-Remedy for individuals or communities adversely affected by business operations in Nigeria.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Africa’s Small, Medium Enterprises Need to Be Supported to tap Their Potential: AU

Small and Medium Enterprises in Africa should be supported in various areas in order to tap their immense contribution to the continent’s economic development, African Union Commission official urged.

The second Annual MSMEs Forum being held under the theme "Start-up Acts: An Instrument to Foster Development and Innovation in Africa’’.

The five-day forum brought together MSMEs in Africa across the following value chains, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, agro-processing, apparel, logistics, and the creative industries.

The MSMEs are important drivers of economic growth and development in Africa, they account for over 90 percent share of the total employment rate on the continent.

However, MSMEs also account for about 30 percent of exports hence the need for support and development of this sector in Africa. Despite MSMEs’ significant role in the development of African economies, they have yet to be fully integrated into the regional value chain system and consequently the continental trading system.

Speaking at the occasion Commissioner of the Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM) of the African Union Commission, Albert Muchanga said “This is one of the important events in the implementation of the African Union Small and Medium Enterprises strategy.”

The African Union Small and Medium Enterprises strategy will greatly contribute to Africa's commercial and sustainable development, he added.

According to the World Bank; 600 million jobs will be needed by 2030 to absorb the growing number of youth needing employment worldwide. The same World Bank estimates that 7 in 10 jobs created in the developing world, including Africa will come from MSMEs.

“It is therefore important that we come together and support these enterprises. They require supportive legislation and capacity building in areas like product development, accounting and marketing” the commissioner underlined.

There also among others require access to cheap finance, he said, adding for many of them, they also needed to be exposed to the levers of clustering to competitively position themselves to take advantage of commercial offered by the large and growing market of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

In this connection, “we shall utilize initiatives such as cluster development, and industrial upgrading enterprise modernization and innovation programs being implemented by UNIDO to support micro, small and medium enterprises with respect to competitiveness and, in the process enhance their participation in the continental and international markets,” Muchanga said.

President of the All African Association for Small and Medium Enterprises, Innocent Iyalla Harry said the African Union on the edges of agenda 2063 and MSMEs as engineer room for growth would guarantee prosperity as enshrined in agenda 2063 to attain the Africa we want.

Following the establishment of the African Union Small and Medium Enterprises strategy framework, a continental policy that can only work if implemented, he elaborated.

He reiterated that the association has a political and social will as a part of progress to assist the acceleration of the implementation.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopia Urges Global Cooperation To Prevent Climate Change-driven Migration

Ethiopia's Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Asefa, has urged global cooperation to prevent climate change-driven migration.

She made the remark at the opinning of the African Climate Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, according to Ministry of Planning and Development.

She called on all countries to work together to address the root causes of climate change and to help Ethiopia adapt to its impacts.

Moreover, she pointed to the severe drought that Ethiopia has experienced in recent years as an example of the damage that climate change is causing.

The minister elaborated that the drought has displaced millions of people and has caused widespread food insecurity.

She also noted that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as floods and storms, which are also displacing people.

Noting Ethiopia is committed to addressing climate change she said, adding the Green Legacy Initiative will help Ethiopia to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the impacts of climate change, she reiterated.

She called on all countries to support Ethiopia's efforts to address climate change, stressing that climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution.

Fistum urged all countries to work together to prevent climate change-driven migration and to build a more sustainable future for all.

The African Climate Conference is being held from September 4 to 6, 2023, which brings together government officials, scientists, and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of climate change in Africa.

The summit provides an opportunity for leaders to make a united voice in order achieve the desired impact.

It is also expected to adopt a number of resolutions calling for action on climate change. These resolutions are likely to include calls for increased financial assistance to developing countries, for the development of more sustainable agricultural practices, and for the phasing out of fossil fuels.

The African Climate Conference is an important opportunity for African countries to come together and to discuss how to address the challenges of climate change.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Second Annual MSMEs Forum Kicks off in Addis Ababa

The Second Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum is being held in Addis Ababa under the theme "Start-up Acts: An Instrument to Foster Development and Innovation in Africa.’

The five-day event is organized by the Economic Development, Trade. Tourism, Industry and Minerals Department (ETTIM) of the African Union.

The Annual Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Forum is one of the initiatives to support the implementation of the African Union Small Medium Enterprises strategy.

Start-up Acts can significantly improve private sector development and consequently, economic development as they provide a framework and business environment that is predictable and makes it easier for start-ups to operate.

Moreover, the forum seeks to promote, upskill, and strategize for a better, more inclusive African SME sector to realize Africa’s Industrialization in the context of the integrated market.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency