The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun has disclosed that a total sum of N1 trillion was injected into the manufacturing sector as palliatives in the last year by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The Minister said this while reacting to inquiries made by members of the committee that the manufacturing sector be considered as a beneficiary of the proposed tax on banks’ foreign profits (windfall tax), noting that the sector has already been taken care of.
Also, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue, FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, said the accelerated stabilization funds which focus on reinvigorating the manufacturing sector are being injected, aside from a series of legacy projects, geared towards putting in place infrastructure to make the sector more viable.
The stakeholders stated these on Tuesday during a public hearing on Finance Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, organized by the National Assembly joint committee on Finance.
“Palliatives worth N1 trillion have been injected into the manufacturing sector within the last one year with attendant positive results in terms of reinvigoration”, he said
Earlier in his presentation to the joint committee Chaired by Senator Sani Musa, the Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, said the proposed one-time windfall tax, is geared towards redistribution of wealth which according to him, would be beneficial to the various sectors.
He however explained to members of the joint committee that the strategic programmes of President Bola Tinubu led federal government, are targeted at reinvigorating the manufacturing sector.
“Accelerated stabilization funds focusing on helping the manufacturing sector are already being doled out aside legacy projects strategically targeted at making the sector more vibrant and viable.
“Some of these strategic projects that would, in terms of infrastructure, reinvigorate the sector, are the Badagry – Sokoto Highway which would make the journey from Badagry to Sokoto 11 hours.
“Also, the Lagos – Calabar Coaster Highway is another strategic road infrastructural project that will bring about the required connectivity for reinvigoration of the manufacturing sector.
“The plan of President Bola Tinubu on the economy, manufacturing sector and development generally is very robust “, he said.
Sharing percentage from the one-time windfall tax between the federal government and the banks, was, however, not agreed upon before the Minister, the FIRS boss and a representative of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, were excused from the meeting.
President Tinubu had in an executive bill forwarded for approval by both chambers of the National Assembly, proposed a 50% sharing formula for both parties, which some members of the committees suggested an upward review.
N1 trn injected into manufacturing sector in last one year – Finance Minister
N1 trn injected into manufacturing sector in last one year – Finance Minister
N1 trn injected into manufacturing sector in last one year – Finance Minister
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun has disclosed that a total sum of N1 trillion was injected into the manufacturing sector as palliatives in the last year by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The Minister said this while reacting to inquiries made by members of the committee that the manufacturing sector be considered as a beneficiary of the proposed tax on banks’ foreign profits (windfall tax), noting that the sector has already been taken care of.
Also, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue, FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, said the accelerated stabilization funds which focus on reinvigorating the manufacturing sector are being injected, aside from a series of legacy projects, geared towards putting in place infrastructure to make the sector more viable.
The stakeholders stated these on Tuesday during a public hearing on Finance Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, organized by the National Assembly joint committee on Finance.
“Palliatives worth N1 trillion have been injected into the manufacturing sector within the last one year with attendant positive results in terms of reinvigoration”, he said
Earlier in his presentation to the joint committee Chaired by Senator Sani Musa, the Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, said the proposed one-time windfall tax, is geared towards redistribution of wealth which according to him, would be beneficial to the various sectors.
He however explained to members of the joint committee that the strategic programmes of President Bola Tinubu led federal government, are targeted at reinvigorating the manufacturing sector.
“Accelerated stabilization funds focusing on helping the manufacturing sector are already being doled out aside legacy projects strategically targeted at making the sector more vibrant and viable.
“Some of these strategic projects that would, in terms of infrastructure, reinvigorate the sector, are the Badagry – Sokoto Highway which would make the journey from Badagry to Sokoto 11 hours.
“Also, the Lagos – Calabar Coaster Highway is another strategic road infrastructural project that will bring about the required connectivity for reinvigoration of the manufacturing sector.
“The plan of President Bola Tinubu on the economy, manufacturing sector and development generally is very robust “, he said.
Sharing percentage from the one-time windfall tax between the federal government and the banks, was, however, not agreed upon before the Minister, the FIRS boss and a representative of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, were excused from the meeting.
President Tinubu had in an executive bill forwarded for approval by both chambers of the National Assembly, proposed a 50% sharing formula for both parties, which some members of the committees suggested an upward review.
N1 trn injected into manufacturing sector in last one year – Finance Minister
Tinubu inherited rotten country, planned protest political
The Minister of the Federal Capital Terrority, Nyesom Wike, has said that the planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024, is political, and “political gimmicks” by some who sought to use the protest to gain popularity.
The minister stated this on Tuesday while addressing journalists following an inspection of the Apo-Karshi Road project, first awarded in 2011.
The According reports that a section of Nigerians on social media have been mobilising to hold nationwide protests from t August 1, 2024, with the hashtags #TinubuMustGo and #Revolution2024, over the economic hardships.
Wike called for patience among citizens, stating that the administration had only been in office for one year and was working to fix a lot of rot in the country.
“The country was rotten, you know that the country was rotten, and then a government has just come to see what it can do, at least to move from where we are to a certain level. And you say that a miracle must be performed within one year?
“You are here now; we were talking about a contract that was awarded 13 good years ago. What has happened? Nothing. And now a government has come, to say we will fix all these things and we are too much in a haste that it must be done now. That is not possible; the protest is political,” he said.
The minister also argued that the planned protests were ‘political gimmicks’, masterminded by ‘political jobbers’ who sought to gain popularity, ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that the efforts of the administration would take some to show.
“Everyone is not happy that there is hunger, everyone is not happy with the unemployment, but this unemployment was not started or was not created by this administration. The administration is just trying to put things together, which of course will take some time.
“And you know, I agree with Nigerians, when you’re hungry, you don’t want to listen to anything again because you’re hungry but understand that somebody is trying to solve that problem of hunger. So let us not listen to political protests, political jobbers, who just want to be popular. We are going to elections very soon, and these are gimmicks, political gimmicks,” the minister added.
Wike also lamented the politics and lack of capacity that had caused a delay in the completion of the Apo-Karshi Road project awarded in 2011.
He added that he would review the capacity of the contractors of each of the road sections and expect the project to be completed within six to seven months after they had shown the capacity to handle the project.
“It’s unfortunate, very unfortunate. For 13 good years, these roads have been abandoned, and I want to say clearly that part of the problem we have here is politics. Everything we politicise, and that is why the development can not get quickly to our people.
“I want to urge the contractor, that it will no longer be business as usual. I don’t care who you are, I don’t care where you come from, you must show that you will be serious. In the next few weeks, I want to see your equipment on the ground before funds will be released,” he said.
PRP blasts Gov Mohammed over Bauchi LGA polls
The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has rejected what it calls attempts by the Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration to whitewash his ‘shameless records’ in the state.
The PRP in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Secretary in the state, Abdulazeez Haruna, accused
Mohammed of presiding over a government marked by rigging, manipulation, and disregard for democratic principles.
The party also flayed the governor for trying to put wool on the peoples’ eye about the current realities in the state.
The statement read:
“The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi State Chapter, has been made aware of a misguided and deceitful statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, titled: ‘LG Elections: Bala Mohammed Will Stand by His Word’, in which he attempted to whitewash the shameful records of the Bala Mohammed-led government in Bauchi State.
“In his statement, Gidado shamelessly defended the indefensible, attempting to paint Bala Mohammed as a champion of democracy and good governance. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“The facts are clear: Bala Mohammed has presided over a government marked by rigging, manipulation, and disregard for democratic principles.
“We recall the 2020 Local Government elections in Bauchi State, which were marred by widespread rigging, violence, and manipulation by the PDP-led government. The elections were a sham, with winners announced even before the polls had closed. The people of Bauchi State were left disillusioned and frustrated, feeling that their votes did not count.
“Gidado’s attempt to rewrite history will not fool anyone. The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC), under the administration of Bala Mohammed, blatantly disregarded due process by hastily concocting and announcing the results and closed its offices without waiting for the actual data from the polling units to be collated.
“This egregious action left electoral officials without a means to submit the actual results, thereby undermining the integrity of the electoral process. In the end, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was declared the winner of all chairmanship and councillorship seats, with no effort made to ensure transparency, accountability, or adherence to ethical standards.
“In light of these facts, we are astonished that Gidado would have the audacity to claim that Bala Mohammed’s government has delivered “unprecedented developmental strides” in the state. What strides?
“Has he forgotten that our economic conditions are still abject, our healthcare system is in disarray, and our people are still struggling to access basic amenities? Has he forgotten that hunger and poverty kill people in Bauchi State currently while the state government is doing nothing about it? Has he forgotten that Bauchi State farmers are in limbo without receiving any assistance from the state government?
“The PRP demands an apology from Gidado for his half-truths and fabrications. We call on Bala Mohammed to acknowledge the mistakes of his government and work towards rectifying them. We will not be swayed by empty rhetoric and disinformation.
“Finally, we urge Governor Bala Mohammed to take concrete steps to address the concerns of citizens about the forthcoming local government elections. The people of Bauchi State deserve better than a government that is insensitive to their plight.”
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Kaduna LG Poll: Stakeholders call for more women in elective positions in Nigeria
A former chairperson of the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, SIECOM, Hannatu Binniyat, has decried the lack of women participation in elective positions in the country’s elections.
With the forthcoming council elections in Kaduna State in October, this year, she said women should stand out in their numbers to contest in the chairmanship and councillors election.
Speaking in Kaduna on Tuesday at a Women’s stakeholders meeting on “Advance: Women political participation project in Nigeria”, she said, “We women need to re-strategise our stand for us to have more women in elective positions in the coming council elections in the state.
“We need to build strategy, build relationships and work as a family irrespective of any differences because politics is a game of numbers and looking at the number of women, if we work as a family, women contesting elective positions will definitely carry the day.”
Earlier, the Program Specialist, UN Women, Chundung Ashley Dauda, explained that the programme is meant to ensure the promotion of women through economic empowerment.
She added, “It is also meant to promote women’s leadership and security that will go a long way to promote women in leadership as one of the ways of sustaining women’s development in any society.”
According to her, significant representation of women in leadership led to fast development, lamenting that Nigeria is far behind in women’s leadership positions.
She called on women to take a definite stand, especially in Kaduna State with the coming council elections to ensure more women are elected into various council positions.
Kaduna LG Poll: Stakeholders call for more women in elective positions in Nigeria
Students Loan: Kano APC conducts sensitization for students on easy access
The Kano State All Progressives Congress, APC, Students Council have organized a sensitization workshop on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to enable students to understand the modalities of application and access.
The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje represented by Suleiman Bichi, who underscored the importance of education, and encouraged students to apply for the education Loan to improve learning.
He said the aim of the sensitization was to reawaken the student’s consciousness about the readiness of President Bola Tinubu to increase access to Education in the country.
Suleiman Bichi noted that “we have a president who is visionary for a better Nigeria in the future.”
The President of the Kano State APC Students Council, Yahya Usman, on his part said the essence of the sensitisation was to enlighten students on the benefits of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund scheme.
Usman said the loan is accessible to all students as it will help in promoting Education at the tertiary institutions.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his resolve in assisting students and making it possible for Nigerian students.
Usman urged Kano State students to utilize the opportunity to advance their education.
While providing insights on the significance of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Dr Salim Hamza Ringim, drew the attention of the students to understand the responsibilities and conditions guiding the Education Loan Fund.
He described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as open-ended and accessible until a student completes his or her Education.
Ringim noted that because of its simplicity, the terms are easier and more flexible, taking into cognisance the student’s Financial status.
“The borrowers pay 15% of their income monthly for up to 25 years based on the income repayment plan while the standard repayment plan requires students to pay a fixed amount monthly for up to ten years.”
Dr Ringim tasked students in Kano to apply and obtain Education Loans to advance their careers.
The APC Chairman, Kano State Abdullahi Abbas represented by the organizing secretary Shafi’u Abdullahi called on Kano students to embrace the loan scheme for the benefits of education.
He urged them to support the party and policies of President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu recently signed the Nigerian Education Loan Fund into law. The Act allows Nigerian students to apply for and fund their education.
Students Loan: Kano APC conducts sensitization for students on easy access
NAPTIP denies claims of negligence by GBV victim
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has denied claims by a victim of gender-based violence, Jamila Sirajo, who in her viral video, said the agency did nothing regarding her complaint of domestic abuse.
“These claims are both shocking and utterly unfounded…we strongly refute the false allegations,” NAPTIP said in a statement signed by its communications officer, Adekoye Vincent, on Tuesday.
The statement is titled, ‘NAPTIP affirms commitment to justice amidst false accusations by Jamila Sidi Sirajo.’
On September 30, 2020, Jamila Sirajo reported a case of spousal battery and abandonment against her estranged husband, Mohammed Tafida.
NAPTIP said despite the commencement of investigations, she withdrew her petition on October 12, 2020, citing advice from family and friends to resolve the matter privately.
“In a twist of events, on November 9, 2020, Jamila requested the Agency to reopen her case, which NAPTIP promptly did, recommencing the investigation.
“Upon conclusion of the investigation, a two-count charge was filed against Mohammed Tafida at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, dated July 8, 2021 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Mohammed Tafida, Charge No: CR/226/2021).
“The Charge is presently pending before Hon. Justice Abubakar Shani sitting at Court 30 Apo, Abuja. The arraignment scheduled for November 9, 2021, was stalled due to the defendant’s absence, leading to multiple adjournments and the eventual issuance of a bench warrant. The matter was further adjourned to the February 24, 2022,” said NAPTIP.
The agency said at the resumed hearing, the defendant who was still absent from the proceedings was represented by counsel who filed processes to set aside the bench warrant against him.
In a considered ruling delivered on March 14, 2022, the court set aside the bench warrant and ordered the prosecutor (NAPTIP) to serve the defendant with a summons and all other Court processes.
Adekoye said, “Despite extensive efforts, including seeking cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other entities, the defendant’s whereabouts remained unknown until it was discovered he had been posted to Pakistan as a diplomat.
“The Agency was further compelled to apply for substituted service, granted on October 5, 2022, to serve court processes at the defendant’s last known address and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, being his office. The Baliff of the court effected service by substituted means as ordered by the Court.
“The defendant’s counsel repeatedly challenged the court’s jurisdiction and alleged bias, both of which were dismissed by the court after thorough consideration of the prosecution’s counter affidavit.”
The defendant’s counsel also petitioned the agency to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice alleging victimisation and persecution of the defendant.
Against the foregoing, NAPTIP said it had, “demonstrated unwavering diligence in prosecuting the case, countering unfounded accusations from Jamila Sidi Sirajo.”
The anti-trafficking agency said despite the overbearing conduct and unjustified imputations of compromise by the complainant on several occasions, its officers have maintained professional integrity and commitment to justice.
It concluded, “The officer originally prosecuting the matter had to request to withdraw from the case due to all the unfounded allegations by Jamila and the case was transferred to another officer to prosecute.
“NAPTIP will not be swayed by attempts to undermine its mission through baseless allegations by Jamila.
“The Agency remains steadfast in upholding the law and ensuring justice for all victims of sexual and domestic violence in the Federal Capital Territory. We continue to call on all stakeholders to support our efforts and ensure justice is served.”
Police dismisses rumour on sale of Falomo Barracks in Lagos
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed a rumour about the planned sale of the Falomo Barracks in Lagos State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the clarification on Tuesday in Abuja.
He was reacting to claims on social media on the sale of the barracks.
He said the police authority was carrying out comprehensive renovation of some police barracks in the state.
The spokesman said: “It has become pertinent for the Nigeria Police Force to address the shocking and unfounded trends of discussions on the dilapidated status of barracks and their redevelopment, specifically the Falomo Barracks and others in Lagos.
“While we appreciate the concerns and interests of concerned groups and individuals on the general welfare of police personnel, we aim to provide clear and accurate information about these unpalatable allegations.
“Due to the critical state of several police barracks (including the Falomo Barracks), the NPF leadership conceived a partnership arrangement with sub-national governments and reputable developers to unlock value in the assets by redeveloping the barracks into more befitting and modern barracks.
“The redevelopment of the barracks (including Falomo Barracks), will be speedily completed, after which the occupants will be duly offered fresh accommodation in the redeveloped sites.
“In specific terms, the occupants of Falomo Barracks Blocks A and B have each received a sum of N2 million only as temporary relocation allowances.
“This payment has been made to 347 families after a validation process to facilitate their temporary relocation.
“It is important to note that this initiative is not limited to Falomo Barracks alone.
“Similar redevelopment projects will be implemented across all police barracks nationwide over time.”
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Bandit Video: Turji mentally deranged – Shinkafi dismisses claims against Matawalle
A former governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has told wanted bandit kingpin, Kachalla Bello Turji that the law would soon catch up with him.
Shinkafi, who released a statement on the platform of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, said the criminal is struggling for a last breath as the military chases him down to his hideouts.
This was in reaction to a recent video released by the bandit kingpin, where he claimed to have received support from some top politicians in Zamfara State, including a former Governor of the state Bello Matawalle.
Shinkafi said the story was concocted and fabricated by a mentally deranged terrorist feeling the heat of a military onslaught.
He said that the Turji is nothing but a murderer long wanted by the military and will be captured to face the full weight of the law for crime against the fatherland.
On the allegation that arms were stored in Zamfara State Government House, he said the Zamfara Government House has no armoury or arms and ammunition facility.
“All arms recovered or submitted by repented bandits were handed over to security agencies and proper inventory taken,” Shinkafi, who served as a special adviser to the former Governor, said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle would discharge his duties without fear or favour and restore national security, safety and peace essential for sustainable development.
“The current synergy amongst security agencies in the fight against terror is an eloquent testimony of Matawalle’s leadership acumen and political savvy,” it added.
“It is this laudable synergy and cohesion amongst security agencies in intelligence sharing and taking the fight to bandits’ camps that provoked attacks on the minister.”
Before the recent video, the bandits had released other videos in which they attacked or praised some political leaders, including the incumbent governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal.
Shinkafi urged members of the public to ignore the ranting, saying it was that of a deranged terrorist seeking public attention.
He commended security agencies for their patriotism in the war against terror and for upholding the territorial integrity of the nation.
Bandit Video: Turji mentally deranged – Shinkafi dismisses claims against Matawalle
Wike, not our member, doesn’t attend meetings
The All Progressives Congress on Tuesday dismissed insinuation that the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, influences the decisions taken by the Rivers State chapter of the party.
The party buttressed his submission, saying the former governor of Rivers is neither a member of the APC nor attend any of their political meetings.
Addressing newsmen at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, the Chairman of Rivers APC caretaker committee, Chief Tony Okocha, disclosed that despite spirited efforts made to woo Wike over to the party, they are fully convinced the FCT minister will remain an ‘unrepentant’ member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He said: “When I hear this, I laugh because Wike is a member of PDP, unrepentant PDP. We are APC here. Will anybody suggest that because Mr Wike is a minister under our government of APC, we should be at dagger with him?
“Wike doesn’t attend our meeting. I have briefed you here. We have held meetings with stakeholders, but Wike was never there. So at what point does he influence APC in Rivers State? His influence, as much as you know, is because he is a minister under an APC government. So we can’t be in enmity with him. But to say that he influences us, how? Does he pay our bills or attend our meetings? The answer is no.”
Continuing, Okocha also explained why nobody from their camp refers to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as their member again.
Amaechi contested the presidential primary election with the incumbent President Bola Tinubu and lost in 2022.
The former governor has, however, stayed away from the activities of the party since then.
But the Rivers APC chair disclosed that Amaechi had warned the state party secretary not to extend an invitation for any meeting to him again.
“On the issue of Ameachi, I have no question to answer. I was Chief of Staff to Rotimi Amaechi. Recall that at one point, he got into law school and from that one year became incommunicado. You are also aware that after the presidential primary election, he disappeared into thin air.
“So on whether he is still a party member or not, I wouldn’t know because in all the meetings we called, he didn’t show up. Let me give you an example of a meeting we called for all former governors and ministers, he (Amaechi) sent a message to the secretary of the party and warned him to never dare send him a message about the party again.
“So when you meet him, ask him where he belongs. As for me, I don’t know where he belongs,” he explained.