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Tag: Bola Tinubu

  • NIMC Director-General Retires, New Acting DG Appointed

    NIMC Director-General Retires, New Acting DG Appointed

    By Daniel Edu

    President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has directed the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Aziz, to take a 90-day pre-retirement leave, leading to his retirement on November 24, 2023. Simultaneously, Tinubu has appointed Bisoye Coker-Adesote as the new Acting Director-General of the agency, with a full term of four years beginning on November 24, 2023.

    The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has welcomed this change, hoping it will bring improvements to the national identity system. NIMC has faced numerous challenges under the outgoing DG’s leadership.

    One of the significant challenges has been the handling of the National Identification Number (NIN) registration process, particularly during periods of high demand. The platform’s inability to accommodate the influx of registrations has been a point of contention. It’s hoped that the new acting DG will address these issues.

    Despite the challenges, NIMC reported that over 100 million people have enrolled for NINs, which is seen as a testament to the former DG’s efforts. During his tenure, the agency introduced electronic NINs and embraced blockchain technology for identity management.

    According to Adedeji Owonibi, Founder of Convexity, the outgoing DG’s tenure witnessed improvements, including decentralizing registration efforts, leading to a significant increase in the number of registrations.

    The appointment of a new acting DG is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to address the challenges and bottlenecks in the national identity system.

  • Dokubo-Asari Praises Tinubu for Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs Reinstatement, Calls for NDDC Name Change

    Dokubo-Asari Praises Tinubu for Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs Reinstatement, Calls for NDDC Name Change

    By Daniel Edu

    Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, expressed his approval of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to reinstate the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, considering it a positive step. He acknowledged that this ministry plays a crucial role in addressing the unique needs of the Niger Delta region, promoting sustainable development, peace, and stability. The Ministry’s exclusion from initial ministerial appointments had raised concerns that it might have been abolished.

    Dokubo-Asari also urged President Tinubu to consider changing the name of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) back to the Oil Mineral Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC). He argued that the NDDC’s change in nomenclature inaccurately limited its scope to the Niger Delta region, excluding other oil-producing areas in Nigeria. He reminded Tinubu of the historical struggles and agitations of the Niger Delta people and called for the recognition of all oil-producing areas regardless of their geographical location.

    Dokubo-Asari commended Tinubu’s reinstatement of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as a sign of a listening and caring leader. He emphasized that the Niger Delta would remember this action and repay it in various ways.

  • Faleke Dismisses Claims of Receiving Presidential Directive from Tinubu for Fresh Board Appointments List

    Faleke Dismisses Claims of Receiving Presidential Directive from Tinubu for Fresh Board Appointments List

    By Daniel Edu

    James Faleke, the House of Representatives member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, has refuted allegations of receiving instructions from President Bola Tinubu to curate a new roster of candidates for board positions within government agencies and parastatals.

    Faleke, who also serves as the Chairperson of the House Committee on Finance, took to his Twitter account on Sunday to counter these assertions. He affirmed that there is no factual basis to reports asserting that President Tinubu rejected a previously submitted list of potential board members. Additionally, Faleke rejected claims that he was tasked with assembling a revised list exclusively comprising members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who contributed to President Tinubu’s electoral triumph.

    In a personally authored statement shared on Twitter, the influential APC figure labeled the circulating rumors as the handiwork of mischievous individuals and cautioned the public against giving credence to such speculations.

    Faleke’s statement read: “Certain individuals with malicious intent have propagated a baseless narrative regarding a purportedly rejected list by President Tinubu. This fabricated account suggests that high-ranking presidential aides submitted the list, and subsequently, I was directed to reconfigure it to encompass APC members who supported President Tinubu’s success in the recent presidential election. I categorically deny the veracity of these claims. Please disregard these unfounded allegations. Thank you.”

  • ‘Inadequate Governance’ Criticized by Former Presidential Contender against President Tinubu

    ‘Inadequate Governance’ Criticized by Former Presidential Contender against President Tinubu

    By Daniel Edu

    Adewole Adebayo, the former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the February 2023 elections, has expressed his disappointment in President Bola Tinubu’s call for Nigerians to transition from using petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in their vehicles.

    Adebayo has called on President Tinubu to set a better example by switching his own government fleet to CNG before urging Nigerians to do the same. He believes that it’s insufficient for the government to suggest CNG adoption without clear policy measures and actions.

    The recent removal of fuel subsidies and subsequent petrol price increase prompted the government’s suggestion of transitioning to CNG as a more affordable alternative. However, Adebayo believes the government lacks a comprehensive plan for the adoption of CNG and its implementation.

    Adebayo highlighted the absence of a well-defined white paper outlining the government’s strategy and goals. He criticized this approach, stating that governing in 2023 should be more organized and transparent, comparing it unfavorably even to governance in 1953.

    He outlined three strategies the government could employ to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal: focusing on CNG as an alternative fuel source, establishing clear targets, and converting government vehicles to CNG as a demonstrable commitment to the policy.

    Addressing the broader economic concerns, Adebayo noted that apart from the two policies of removing fuel subsidies and harmonizing the foreign exchange market, President Tinubu’s administration had not given adequate attention to the struggling economy, which is grappling with cost-push inflation.

    Regarding the government’s allocation of N5 billion palliatives to each state to alleviate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, Adebayo criticized such short-term handout approaches as ineffective and unsustainable. He suggested that the government should instead focus on implementing measures to reduce the cost of living and essential goods, rather than relying on temporary relief efforts.

  • Introducing Wale Edun: Distinguished Economist Named Tinubu’s Finance Minister

    Introducing Wale Edun: Distinguished Economist Named Tinubu’s Finance Minister

    By Daniel Edu

    In a significant announcement, President Bola Tinubu has unveiled the portfolios of ministerial nominees who recently received Senate approval. Among the appointees is Wale Edun, a respected economist with a rich background in international finance, corporate finance, and economics at both national and global levels. Edun will serve as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy in Tinubu’s administration.

    Here’s an overview of Wale Edun’s profile:

    1. **Educational Background:** Wale Edun hails from Ogun State and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of London. He also earned a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Sussex, England.

    2. **Professional Relationships:** Edun is associated with prominent figures like former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and he collaborated with former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo during their time in Lagos State.

    3. **International Experience:** Edun’s career spans 25 years in areas such as merchant banking, corporate finance, economics, and international finance. He has a wealth of experience at both national and international levels.

    4. **Banking and Finance Expertise:** He served as the Head of Treasury and Deputy Head of Corporate Finance at Chase Merchant Bank, where he oversaw activities in the treasury and money markets. His responsibilities also included capital market and financial advisory operations on behalf of local subsidiaries and affiliates of major multinational companies.

    5. **Entrepreneurial Ventures:** Edun founded Denham Management Limited and chairs Livewell Initiative, a health sector NGO. He is also a Trustee of Sisters Unite for Children, an organization dedicated to assisting children in need.

    6. **World Bank Experience:** He joined the World Bank/IFC in Washington DC through the Young Professionals program. His work at the World Bank included contributing to economic and financial packages for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as Indonesia and India.

    7. **Leadership Roles:** Edun has been the Chairman of Chapel Hill Denham Group since March 2008. He co-founded Stanbic IBTC Plc (formerly Investment Banking & Trust Company Limited) and served as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State for two terms (1999-2007) during President Tinubu’s governorship.

    8. **Prior Ministerial Nominee:** In 2015, Edun was among the ministerial nominees to be screened by the National Assembly under the administration of former President Buhari.

    With a track record encompassing diverse economic sectors, Edun’s appointment as Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy reflects his extensive experience and expertise in the field. His role in steering the nation’s economic policies will be closely watched, as he navigates the complexities of Nigeria’s financial landscape under President Tinubu’s administration.

  •  Nigeria’s Primary Weapon Against Poverty, Says Tinubu

     Nigeria’s Primary Weapon Against Poverty, Says Tinubu

    By Daniel  Edu

    President Bola Tinubu has highlighted education as Nigeria’s most potent tool in the fight against poverty. He also affirmed his administration’s commitment to embracing the potentials of the digital economy and telecommunications, which he described as “the future.”

    In a statement released in Abuja, Tinubu, while meeting with a delegation from global tech giant Google, expressed his determination to utilize digital technology to drive Nigeria’s much-needed socio-economic advancement for societal transformation.

    “We are here to shape our tomorrow, today, and I’m going to do it. Our youths represent over 65% of the aspiring development age in Nigeria. We place immense importance on education, and it stands as the foremost tool we possess against poverty,” Tinubu affirmed.

    Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of the digital economy and telecommunications in the country’s future, vowing to promote these sectors to foster the desired economic progress.

    Addressing Google, Tinubu emphasized the necessity of partnering with the government to leverage data in the public sector for enhanced service delivery.

    “We have been considering various proposals on database development, and you hold critical information that can also aid the less privileged in utilizing data. Ensuring transaction integrity across the nation to serve over 200 million people is no trivial task,” the President stated.

    In his quest for substantial progress, President Tinubu announced his intention to bring more young individuals into his administration to further drive transformative efforts. He extended an invitation to Google to actively participate as a leading development partner.

    Tinubu recognized the potential of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing and stressed the importance of harnessing their capabilities, while acknowledging that development is a step-by-step process.

    “Let me have breakfast before dinner,” Tinubu humorously remarked, highlighting the need for gradual, methodical progress.

  • Ali Pate: A Beacon of Hope for Nigeria’s Struggling Healthcare Sector

    Ali Pate: A Beacon of Hope for Nigeria’s Struggling Healthcare Sector

    By Daniel Edu

    In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has introduced the designated roles of 45 ministers, just over a week after their confirmation by the Senate following a comprehensive screening process.

    The formal induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday at the State House Conference in Abuja’s Aso Villa, where President Tinubu will officiate the swearing-in of the ministers.

    An outstanding figure in the realm of global health leadership, Prof. Ali Muhammad Pate, has been named by Tinubu as the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare. With a track record of accomplishments, Pate’s extensive experience makes him a fitting candidate for this role.

    Before his recent appointment, Pate was notably involved in various health-focused boards across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, while also holding prominent positions both within Nigeria and internationally.

    Here are key insights about Ali Pate:

    – Born on September 6, 1968, in the Misau local government area of Bauchi State, he was the first in his family to complete secondary education.

    – An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, he graduated from ABU and then worked in rural hospitals in Gambia for several years.

    – Pate is a physician specialized in internal medicine and infectious diseases, holding an MBA from Duke University in the United States. He also studied at University College London and earned a Master’s in Health System Management from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

    – Joining the World Bank Group as a Young Professional in 2000, Pate focused on health matters across various regions, including Africa and East Asia-Pacific.

    – Serving as the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Agency from 2008 to 2011, he introduced policies that significantly decreased instances of wild poliomyelitis.

    – His contributions earned him recognition, including the Harvard Health Leader award from the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Programme in 2012 for his work in developing countries’ healthcare.

    – Pate was later appointed as a professor at Duke University’s Global Health Institute in the USA and subsequently received the title of Chigarin Misau for his public service achievements in Nigeria. He founded the Chigari Foundation, aiming to engage Nigerian communities.

    – His tenure as CEO of Big Win Philanthropy from 2015 involved investing in children and youth in developing countries to enhance their prospects for long-term economic growth.

    – Pate took part in various elections, including contesting for the Bauchi state governorship under the Peoples Democratic Party.

    – He has also been a professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and fulfilled roles at organizations like the World Bank, Gavi, and the Global Fund.

    – In July 2023, Pate left his position as CEO of Gavi to return to Nigeria and contribute to the country.

    – His comprehensive involvement encompasses boards, panels, and committees on both national and international fronts, showcasing his commitment to healthcare advancement.

    Married and the father of six, Pate’s background and accomplishments underscore his potential to play a vital role in healing Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

  • Oil Workers Call for Action as Tinubu Takes Helm of Petroleum Ministry

    Oil Workers Call for Action as Tinubu Takes Helm of Petroleum Ministry

    By Daniel Edu

    In response to President Bola Tinubu’s decision to personally oversee the Petroleum Ministry portfolio, oil workers are urging swift and effective outcomes.

    Similar to his predecessor’s approach, President Tinubu has taken on the role of heading the petroleum ministry, with former Senator Heineken Lokpobiri assuming the position of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

    President Tinubu revealed the assignments of 45 ministers on Wednesday, following their Senate confirmation after a week-long screening process.

    The official swearing-in ceremony for the ministers is scheduled to take place on Monday at the Aso Villa State House Conference in Abuja. Each minister is allowed to bring two guests to the ceremony, as per a statement by Willie Bassey, the Director of Information at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    Lumumba Okugbawa, the General Secretary of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, voiced support for President Tinubu’s dual role as petroleum minister. Okugbawa emphasized that the key concern should be the President’s performance in the position, as all ministers ultimately report to him.

    Bala Zaka, a petroleum expert, emphasized the importance of addressing crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Zaka also called for policies that would attract investments and revitalize the industry in line with global standards.

    Emeka Akabogu, a maritime lawyer and Convener of OTL Africa Downstream, stated that President Tinubu’s competence as president implies competence in the role of petroleum minister. Akabogu stressed the importance of effective execution and hoped that the appointed ministers of state would contribute positively to Nigerian interests.

    The list of appointments also included the creation of new ministries and renaming of some existing ones. Notably absent from the list were the names of Nasir El-Rufai, Stella Okotete, and Danladi Abubakar due to objections and petitions. El-Rufai reportedly withdrew his nomination, suggesting a replacement to the President.

    Former Ebonyi State governor Dave Umahi and ex-Jigawa State governor Muhammed Badaru have been selected to head the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Defence, respectively. Despite local requests for an indigenous appointment, former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike was named Federal Capital Territory Minister, with Mariga Mahmoud as Minister of State for FCT.

    Tahir Mamman, a former law school director-general, has been entrusted with the leadership of the education ministry.

  • “Oil Marketers Recommend Gradual Subsidy Relaxation Amid Currency Struggles, While President Tinubu Stands Firm Against Fuel Price Hike”

    “Oil Marketers Recommend Gradual Subsidy Relaxation Amid Currency Struggles, While President Tinubu Stands Firm Against Fuel Price Hike”

    By Daniel Edu

    Oil marketers are suggesting to President Bola Tinubu that a gradual relaxation of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, might be beneficial due to importers struggling to access United States dollars and the resulting impact on businesses. However, President Tinubu has firmly stated that there will be no fuel price hike or reversal of the fuel subsidy.

    The oil marketers are advocating for a cautious approach to removing the subsidy, citing the negative consequences experienced by Kenyans when subsidies were abruptly removed and subsequently reintroduced due to the hardships they faced.

    These marketers are underlining the importance of considering the forex exchange rate and the potential escalation in the costs of imported goods, including petrol, if the exchange rate continues to rise. They propose that a gradual relaxation of the subsidy removal could be a prudent decision in the current circumstances.

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) is recommending that the government implements policies to attract investors to contribute to the repair and investment in Nigeria’s refineries. NEITI advises the adoption of deliberate policies to encourage private investments in refineries, potentially involving tax incentives and institutional support.

    In the midst of these ongoing discussions, the Presidency has clarified that Nigeria currently boasts the most affordable price for PMS in West Africa. The President’s spokesperson emphasized that although the market has been deregulated and liberalized, the government is committed to addressing inefficiencies within the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors in order to maintain prices without reversing the deregulation policies.

    The ongoing conversation surrounding fuel subsidies and market dynamics underscores the intricate challenges Nigeria faces in managing its petroleum sector, striking a balance between consumer affordability, economic stability, and investment.

  • N6.9bn Procurement Scandal: Federal Government to Bring Charges Against Emefiele and Associates on Thursday

    N6.9bn Procurement Scandal: Federal Government to Bring Charges Against Emefiele and Associates on Thursday

    By Daniel Edu

    The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, and his associates are set to be arraigned by the Federal Government on Thursday for alleged involvement in a N6.9 billion procurement fraud. The arraignment will take place at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

    The charges cover a range of allegations including procurement fraud, conspiracy, and conferring corrupt advantages. Emefiele, along with Sa’adatu Yaro, a female CBN employee, and her company April1616 Investment Limited, faces a total of 20 charges related to these offenses.

    The charges stem from accusations that Emefiele, who has been in detention since his suspension on June 9 by President Bola Tinubu, conferred corrupt advantages upon Yaro, a director at April 1616 Investment Ltd. The allegations are in violation of section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

    If found guilty, Emefiele could potentially face a prison sentence of five years without the possibility of a fine.

    The charges, signed by officials from the Federal Ministry of Justice including the Director of Public Prosecutions Mohammed Abubakar, detail the alleged purchase of a fleet of over 98 luxury vehicles and armored buses valued at approximately N6.9 billion between 2018 and 2020. The vehicles include 84 Toyota Hilux vehicles, 10 armored Mercedes Benz buses, three Toyota Land Cruisers, and one Toyota Avalon car.

    Emefiele is accused of using his position as CBN Governor to award contracts and confer corrupt advantages on Yaro and her company, among other charges. The charges also implicate other individuals and companies involved in the alleged procurement fraud.

    The trial is expected to involve testimonies from witnesses including officials from the CBN and the Ministry of Justice. Separately, in a related matter, a Federal High Court in Lagos is considering an application to withdraw illegal firearms possession charges against Emefiele. The defense has argued against the oral application for withdrawal, emphasizing the need for proper legal procedures.

    As the legal proceedings continue, the case has garnered significant attention due to its implications on matters of corruption and governance in Nigeria.