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Tag: Stakeholders

  • NDDC, Stakeholders Parley On 2024 Budget

    NDDC, Stakeholders Parley On 2024 Budget

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has engaged critical stakeholders of the region to fashion out an implementable and desirable budget for the commission in 2024.

    The commission made this possible yesterday through a stakeholders engagement with the theme: “Partners for Sustainable Development Forum-NDDC 2024 Budget Conference”.

    The two-day conference holding in Uyo, has in attendance representatives of governments of the 9 Niger Delta states, international oil companies(IOCs), traditional rulers, youth groups, civil society organizations among others.

    The Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku in his remarks said the stakeholders forum was aimed at providing a veritable platform for achieving effective budgeting system in line with the ‘’Renewed Hope’’ project of the Federal Government.

    “This conference is very vital. For one, it helps to revive the platform of the partners for sustainable development forum which was created as part of the regional master plan implementation guideline, to bring all service providers and project implementers to the same table to fashion a common pathway based on shared vision for the development of the Niger Delta region.

    “For another, it affords all of us the incentive and opportunity to pool our resources together, initiate projects and programmes within the obligatory goal of building a better region and empowering our people.

    “By so doing, we would, arising from the conference, galvanize our energies for a common purpose, eliminate duplications and institutional suspicions in the development process, reduce incidence of working at cross purposes as well as reduce wastage of scarce resources allocated for regional developmental initiatives by all stakeholders.” Ogbuku said.

    In his keynote address, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore urged the NDDC to evolve budgets that will meet the development needs of the states and communities in the region.

    Represented by the Director of planning and statistics, Alfred Abbah, Belgore commended the current management of the Commission for the stakeholders forum initiative.

    “The way forward is to embrace robust and innovative pathways anchored on transparency and Stakeholder participation towards right-budgeting, thus maximizing the available resources to address the most critical needs of the people.” He said.

    In a wellcome remark, Maj Gen Charles Airhiavbere(Rtd), Executive Director, Finance and Administration said the review would help in the restructuring of the commission’s budgeting process for speedy accent by the National Assembly.

    Airhiavbere said the review would also integrate stakeholders to be key in the quarterly performance of the commission which is a mandatory requirement from the presidential level while it would also help to avoid duplication of projects.

  • Stakeholders Consent to Privacy Law for Nigeria

    Stakeholders Consent to Privacy Law for Nigeria

    …As World Bank Tasks FG on Data Protection

    No fewer than two hundred and fifty stakeholders, Wednesday, unanimously gave their nod to the steps towards enacting a principal Data Protection law for Nigeria.

    Rising from a two-day Policy Dialogue on Nigeria’s Data Protection law, held in Abuja, the participants were of the view that a data protection law for the country was long overdue.

    The Policy Dialogue, convened by the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, with support from Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project, had in attendance, representatives of relevant public institutions, the private sector and civil society.

    Speaking at the event, World Bank’s Country Director to Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri charged the Nigerian Government to take urgent steps towards enacting a Data Protection Law for Nigeria.

    Chaudhuri, who described digital identification as key to unlocking the potentials of nations, argued that a data protection law was critical for Nigeria.

    “Digital identification is key to unlocking the potential of nations. A data protection law is very critical for Nigeria. Nigeria’s potential for a digital economy is high. We are hopeful that Nigeria will be able to enact a data data protection and privacy law soon.”

    Speaking at the event, Honourable Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami commended the Nigeria Digital ID4D project for supporting the event, describing data protection as very important for the country.

    According to him, “data has become a highly sought commodity and more people are concerned about how their data is stored, processed, and transmitted.”

    Represented by the Director General, National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Aliyu Aziz, the Minister argued that a Data Protection Law would provide legal basis for challenging unlawful use of data.

    Adding his voice, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji assured that the proposed law will help to secure the data of citizens.

    Also speaking, Project Coordinator, Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project, Musa Odole Solomon said Data Protection was a constitutional matter, even as he made a case for a principal privacy law for Nigeria.

    Solomon highlighted the benefits of digital identification, adding that the drive for citizens’ enrolment for National Identity Number, makes timely enactment of the law expedient.

    “It is one thing to collate citizens’ data, and another to ensure that such data is utilized in a responsible manner. This can only be achieved through proper legislation. We need to continue to enhance the trust of the people. We must assure citizens of the security of their data.”

    Assuring stakeholders of the commitment of the National Assembly to enact a Data Protection Law for Nigeria, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security, Senator Yakubu Oseni said the National Assembly was willing to enact a privacy law for Nigeria.

    The Nigeria Immigration Service, represented by Acting Deputy Comptroller General, in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dora Amahian; National Population Commission, represented by the Director General, Ugoeze Patience Mbagwu, National Information Technology Development Agency, National Pension Commission, and several other public institutions took turns to justify the need for a data protection legislation for the country.

    Private sector and civil society actors all spoke in favour of a Data Protection Law for Nigeria.

    Highlights of the event were panel discussions, break-out sessions, plenary, among others.

    Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project is a Nigerian project, jointly funded by The World Bank, European Investment Bank and French Development Agency.

  • Buhari calls out Governors, Stakeholders to tackle Out of School Children menace

    Buhari calls out Governors, Stakeholders to tackle Out of School Children menace

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    As children in Nigeria celebrate the 2022 Children ‘s Day President Muhammadu Buhari has used the occasion to call out Governors and other stakeholders to collectively tackle the menace of out of school children in the country.

    Buhari made this call in Abuja yesterday during the Celebration and March past parade, as he noted it is worrisome to have some Children still very vulnerable and roaming the streets.

    The President who was represented by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, further urged State Governors to work towards the domestication and effective implementation of the Child Rights Act, 2003.

    He has also urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies, even  teachers, and all stakeholders to make more commitment towards the protection of Children, while resisting any practice that have been proven to be harmful to them. 

    He said, ” I call on all States to domesticate and effectively implement the Child Rights Act, 2003 and  the VAPP Act, 2015; remove our children  from  the streets and enroll them  in schools (both formal and informal); end harmful social norms and practices against children;  put a framework in place to ensure children access justice both as victims and as offenders and improve birth registration which is critical for national planning and governance functions as well as  serves as a foundation for achieving progress in child protection and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.”

    ” I urge all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, international partners, religious leaders, traditional leaders, the media, the private sectors, the teachers and most importantly parents to collectively renew our commitment to protect our children from all forms of violence in our homes, in schools, parks, child care centers, worship places and everywhere our children may be.”
    “We must be proactive and leverage on the legal frameworks and policy instruments that are designed for the safety of children. We must adopt and implement laws and policies that prevent violence against our children, create a safe and protective environment for children, change our perceptions of violence and redouble our efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and provide justice to victims of violence.

    The President also implored foreign partners to support government’s polices and programmes that promote children’s welfare and development.

    He added, ” I invite Donor Agencies and Implementing Partners across the Country to support Government’s efforts to strengthen capacities of  key stakeholders including psychosocial support services for children, social welfare and child friendly justice services that prevent and respond to violence against children, strengthen parental and caregiver support approaches, support the development, coordination and implementation of an inter-sectoral intervention programmes  such as the national multi sectoral plan of Action on Nutrition .”

    Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline  Tallen said government was giving serious attention to issues that affect women and children, as a measure to fortifying the family.

    Tallen who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Idris Mohammed, also urged all stakeholders to fight vigorously against all forms of injustice that affect the Women and children.

  • FCTA shares N3.6bn as statutory allocation to six Area Councils, Stakeholders

    FCTA shares N3.6bn as statutory allocation to six Area Councils, Stakeholders

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration today disbursed a total sum of N3,668,506,659.36billion as statutory allocation to the six Area Councils in the FCT and other stakeholders for the month of December 2021.

    In a release signed by Austine Elemue, SA Media to Minister of State made available to Daybreak the figure indicates a decline in revenue from N3,726,007,503.49billion disbursed in the month of November to N3,668,506,659.36billion in the month of December, representing about 1.54 percent decrease.

    FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu who presided over the 161st Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), commended all stakeholders for their cooperation, despite challenges recorded in the past..

    The statement read, The figures released also indicate that the sum of N1,615,340,273.24billion was made available for distribution to the six area councils, while the sum of N2,053,166,386.12billion was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N3,668,506,659.36billion.

    Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), received N328,034,790.92million, while Gwagwalada got N284, 273, 669.49million and Kuje received N259,674,786.45million.

    Other area councils include, Bwari Area Council received N250,649,903.10million, Abaji got N250,646,804.73million and Kwali received N242,060,318.55million bringing the total sum to N1,668,506,659.36billion disbursed to the six area councils.

    Furthermore, distribution to other stakeholders include: Primary School Teachers which gulped N1,682,152,924.31billion, 15 percent Pension Funds took N226,478,989.57 million, One percent Training Fund gulped N36,685,066.61million, while 10 percent Employer Pension Contribution gulped N107,849,405.63million, bringing the total sum to N2,053,166,386.12billion.

    Mainwhile, the minister pointed out that the ongoing FCT primary school teachers strike over the nonpayment of promotion arrears since 2013 arrears predates the present administration.

    She assured the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) that a 7- Man Committee has been set up to operate a workable template to offset the debts for over a period of time.

    She said, “our primary school teachers are at home over the nonpayment of their arrears that predates this administration. However, the quality of a good leader is to take responsibility, and we must work out ways to resolve this protracted issue. Workable template to offset the debts over a period of time has been put in place, and a seven man committee to look into the operation of the template will be set up.”

    Present at the 161st Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), meeting were the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Adamu Mustapha, Mandate Secretary Area Council Services, Malam Ibrahim Abubakar Dantsoho, FCT NUT Chairman, Comrade Stephen KnabayI, amongst others.

  • FCT disburses N4.1bn to Area Councils, Stakeholders

    FCT disburses N4.1bn to Area Councils, Stakeholders

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu has disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration had disbursed a total of sum of N4,119, 421,409.95 billion to the six Area Councils in the FCT and other stakeholders, as its share of statutory allocation for the month of July 2021,

    In a press release signed by Austine Elemue, made available to Daybreak today stated that Dr. Aliyu made this known when she presided over the 156th Joint Account Allocation Committee in Abuja.
    According to the release the figure shows an increase of revenue from the N2,660, 740, 632.40 billion disbursed in month of June, to N4,119, 421,409.95 in the month of July, representing over 50 percent increase

    Aliyu, commended all critical stakeholders for their cooperation, despite challenges recorded in the past explained that the decline in the allocation was as a result of increase in the statutory revenue allocation from the federation account.

    The statement read, the figures released indicate that the sum of N2,209,783,886.19 billion was made available for distribution to the six area councils, while the sum of N1,909, 637, 523.77 billion was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N4,119,421,409.95 billion.

    However, distribution to area councils show that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), received N435, 351, 708.77 million, while Gwagwalada got N409,111,766.45 million and Kuje received N347,756,153.64 million.

    Similarly, Bwari Area Council received N325,387,924.28 million, Abaji got N355,643,246.88 million and Kwali received N336,533,086.17 million bringing the total sum to N2,209,783,886.19 billion disbursed to the six area councils.

    Furthermore, distribution to other stakeholders include: Primary Teachers which gulped N1,534, 114,914.46 billion, 15 percent Pension Funds took N226,478,989.57 million, One percent Training Fund gulped N41,194,214.11 million, while 10 percent Employer Pension Contribution gulped N107,849, 405.63 million, bringing the total sum to N1,909,637,523.77 billion.

    The minister charged chairmen of the area councils to initiate projects that would benefit the rural communities, just as she decried infrastructural dearth in the area council.

    She said, “With the improved revenue allocation to your various councils, you should begin to initiate projects that will benefit the rural people. The infrastructural dearth in the area councils and satellite towns does not speak well of the administration. Much has been achieved in the city, but regrettably we have seen much in the suburbs. Use what you have now to do something for your people.”
    While calling on all stakeholders to show more commitment she commended them for showing understanding in the distribution of monthly allocation to area councils and other stakeholders.

  • Stakeholders In Kogi Proffer Solutions To National Security Challenges

    Stakeholders In Kogi Proffer Solutions To National Security Challenges

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    It was an assemblage of Opinion moulders and leaders of thought from different fields gathered at Miami Hotel, Lokoja to express their reservations on the pervasive state of insecurity in Nigeria.

    The leaders of different ethnic-based organizations, religious bodies, civil society organizations and media expressed concerns that security agencies and governments at all levels in the country are obviously overwhelmed by the current security challenges

    These opinion leaders were at a- day multi-stakeholder dialogue organised by Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, with support from the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy Democracy Development (SCDDD) in Lokoja, Kogi state capital, at Miami Hotel.

    In her submission, Muslima Itopa, a broadcast journalist, called on government to engage the services of traditional rulers in combating crimes and violence.

    Former Majority Leader, Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Alhassan Salisu Adakeke, submitted that the spate of banditry, upsurge in crimes and nationwide insecurity are ominous signs of impending revolution.

    Adakeke accused politicians of creating avenues for current state of insecurity to thrive.

    Representatives of youth groups bemoaned fraudulent activities by officials handling the various social intervention schemes introduced by the government.

    They warned that if government fails to proffer solutions to rising unemployment and dwindling education in the country, crimes and violence will remain attractive to the restless youths.

    Ahead 2023 general elections, the stakeholders review current state of the Nigerian nation and proffered solutions.

    Mike Abu, a journalist, called for dissolution of power, autonomy for judiciary, State Houses of Assembly and the local government.

    He called for the abolishment of state of origin, arguing that state of residency should be adopted for national integration and cohesion.

    The leaders of thought lamented that Kogi State is been neglected by the Federal Government. They decried the dearth of federal presence in the state.

  • Engage public, stakeholders in legislative processes, Gbajabiamila tells colleagues

    Engage public, stakeholders in legislative processes, Gbajabiamila tells colleagues

    …asks defaulting agencies to subject themselves to budget defence

    …as House passes PIB, Electoral Act amendment for second reading

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila on Tuesday urged the chairmen and deputy chairmen of the standing committees of the House to create innovative ways of engaging the public and relevant stakeholders in every legislative process.

    By so doing, the Speaker said, the House would have succeeded in building support for policy initiatives as well as promoting the relationship between the House and the public on one hand and the critical stakeholders on the other hand.

    In an address to welcome his colleagues from the budget defence break embarked upon in October, Gbajabiamila said the House has a lot of tasks ahead in the coming weeks.

    Gbajabiamila’s appeal to his colleagues came as the House debated and passed for second reading two critical Bills, namely: the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill.

    He said already, the Special Committee on Constitution amendment chaired by Deputy Speaker, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase, has since commenced work as it had called for memoranda from the public.

    He encouraged members to reach out to their constituents “to participate in both the Constitutional Review and Electoral Amendment processes by articulating and submitting the changes they wish to see. This too is part of the joint task of nation-building.

    “It is through the aggregation of the many and varied opinions of all Nigerians that we will arrive at a constitution that meets all the best expectations we have for our country.

    “As much as is possible, I encourage all the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the House Committees to seek out innovative avenues for public engagement, stakeholder collaboration and cross-pollination of policy ideas.

    “Increased public participation in the legislative process is also part of our Legislative Agenda,” Gbajabiamila said, adding that “When done appropriately, such interactions can build support for policy initiatives and promote relations between the House of Representatives and the public on the one hand, and the critical policy stakeholders on the other.”

    The Speaker said following the budget defence period, “Efforts are in full swing to ensure that we will pass the budget on time in keeping with the standard we set last year, and which the Nigerian people now rightly expect of us.”

    However, the Speaker observed that during the budget defence process, there were government agencies “that consider the exercise of the legislative authority to review their budget proposals as an undue incursion on the management of their offices.

    “This posture stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the legislative role in the appropriations process.

    “Let me at this time reiterate that when the Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate convene to review the heads of expenditure contained in the Appropriation Bill, we do so in the exercise of clear and concise constitutional authority.

    “Let me also state very clearly that this is a responsibility we take seriously, and will not evade, regardless of whatever objections may arise from any quarters.”

    The Speaker asked such agencies to come over and subject themselves to the budget defence process as it is part of the constitutional mandate of the House.

    “It is in the best interests of our country that all parties concerned subject themselves to this process in good faith, knowing that this too is an obligation of service to our country.

    “We will pass the budget, and we will do it early, and we will do it right. The Nigerian people expect as much from us. I thank all of you for the work you have put in thus far, and I encourage you to continue in this regard.”

    Gbajabiamila also called on the media to always ascribe comments made by individual members of the House to such members and not the entire House, saying whenever the House has a position on a matter, it would come out to say so.

    “There are no restrictions on the rights of members to speak to the press at any time and to espouse their ideas, and positions. However, these individual statements do not represent the official position of the House of Representatives. Treating them as if they were, usually to drive a particular narrative is a deliberate attempt to malign the House to further the known and unknown agendas of outside parties.

    “It is time to put a definite stop to this. When the House speaks as a collective, we will do so through our resolutions and the Spokesperson of the House. Any other pronouncements should be ascribed to the individuals that make them, as is the fair and proper journalistic practice.

    “I said this, because I read through the paper this morning and the headline said that the House said the 2021 Budget will not get us out of recession, and it was ascribed to the House of Representatives. That is why I feel it is important to mention it in our opening remark. If you don’t hear us say anything officially on any policy or any issue, do not ascribe it to the House. If the House needs to speak collectively as an institution, we will do so.”

    The House at plenary also prayed for the repose of the soul of Ifeanyi Okereke, the vendor that died from a shot fired by a security agent attached to the Speaker last Thursday.

  • Postponement of sports festival will benefit all stakeholders– Oyo Commissioner

    Postponement of sports festival will benefit all stakeholders– Oyo Commissioner

    Mr Seun Fakorede, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, says the postponement of the 20th National Sports Festival earlier scheduled for between March 22 and April 1 will benefit all stakeholders.

    Fakorede stated this on Tuesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Ibadan.

    He said the decision to postpone the festival by the host state, Edo, was rational and timely as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak globally.

    The commissioner said the postponement would not diminish the morale and enthusiasm of athletes from the state, adding that the team would sustain the tempo of preparation.

    He expressed optimism that the state’s athletes would excel at the competition whenever it held.

    232 athletes from Oyo State were billed to participate in 29 sporting events during the festival.
    (NAN)