News

NASS Open Week: Tinubu Reiterates Commitment To Work With Arms Of Government

Published

10 months ago

July 3, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…urge NASS to embrace citizens’ engagement

…as Speaker Abbas Emphasises Transparency, Acountability

By Gloria Ikibah

As the 10th House of Representatives celebrates its legislative Open Week,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the commitment of the Executive to work with other Arms of Government to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Present administration.

He assured that his administration would continue to respect the principle of Check and Balance as enshrined in the Constitution.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the Open Week anniversary 2024 is aimed at opening up the parliament to strengthen democracy and boosting relationship between the National Assembly and the people.

The President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, also charged the National Assembly to create platforms where citizens can air their concerns and actively participate in public hearings to enhance law-making.

According to him, citizen’s participation in the governance process was key to achieving true democracy where the well-being of the citizens would be given the desired priority.

President Tinubu further noted that the event will serve as a constant reminder to the National Assembly of its responsibilities to the people.

He said: “The chosen theme improving inclusion through citizens engagement is apt timely and vital because it undersvores the importance of no doubt the need of executive and legislative collaboration but also the significance of effective oversight for greater accountability to all Nigerians that elected us into office in different capacities.

“Our gathering here today, I must say, is happening at a critical point of our nation’s journey, journey to greatness.

“The challenges before us demand collective efforts that obliterate political differences in all forms”.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in his address said it was imperative that every Nigerian has a feeling of inclusion.

Represented by the Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Lola Ashiru, reiterated that when citizens are engaged, they become active participants in democracy; and that the open week and other related events bring about you proper feedback.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said that the event was especially significant as Nigeria celebrates 25 years of uninterupted democracy and legislature in the country.

He said: “An open parliament is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy. By ensuring transparency, openness, and accessibility, we can build trust between the legislature and the citizens we serve.

“This House Open Week provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with the public, fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect. By opening our doors, we invite scrutiny and dialogue, which are essential for improving governance and strengthening democratic institutions.

“The 10th House of Representatives has been committed to running an open House that actively incorporates citizens’ input in lawmaking and oversight processes. We have made concerted efforts to listen to the voices of our constituents and reflect their aspirations in our legislative activities.

“Through town hall meetings, public hearings, and stakeholder engagements, we have ensured that the legislative process remains inclusive and participatory. This approach not only enhances the quality of our laws but also ensures that our decisions are rooted in the genuine needs and desires of the Nigerian people”.

According to Speaker Abbas, one of the most critical aspects of citizen engagement is accountability.

“Today, we take a historic step by presenting the Scorecard of the House in its first year. This is the first time any chamber of the National Assembly has undertaken such an initiative. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to transparency and readiness to be held accountable by the people we serve. Presenting our Scorecard publicly allows us to showcase our achievements, acknowledge our challenges, and highlight our plans for the future. It reinforces the idea that the parliament is not just a body that makes laws but an institution that is responsible to its constituents for its actions and performance”, he added.

News

Spokesperson Warns Nigerians Against Fake Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Recruitment Scam

Published

29 minutes ago

April 30, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised alarm over a fake recruitment scam circulatingonline, falsely claiming to be from the ministry and offering jobs in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the public should disregard any such messages, stressing that the ministry does not recruit directly.

“We want to put on record that the ministry don’t recruit officers directly, not at all,” Ebienfa said. “Recruitment of foreign service officers is done by the Federal Civil Service Commission and not by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

According to him, the scam started with online advertisements falsely signed by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, and in the last 24 hours, scammers have moved further by sending fake employment letters to unsuspecting Nigerians.

“One of the fake messages reads: ‘We are pleased to inform you that your application has been considered for diplomatic services at the Embassy of Nigeria in Juba, South Sudan to take effect 12 May 2025.

“It even directs candidates to pay N165,800 for a diplomatic passport”, he said.

Ebienfa described the offer as entirely fake. “This did not emanate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,.

“There is no way you will be recruited into the Nigerian Diplomatic Service and without going through the process of training, which is the Foreign Service Academy”, he said

He clarified that all recruits into the Foreign Service go through a clear and formal process: recruitment by the Federal Civil Service Commission, training at the Foreign Service Academy, then eventual deployment abroad.

“The first deployment is one year of attachment. Subsequent postings last three years,” he said.

He therefore warned that no Nigerian should believe any job offer claiming to be directly from the ministry, or pay for a diplomatic passport.

“Diplomatic passports are free. “Even official passports for civil servants are free. So nobody should fall victim”, he said.

Ebienfa noted that the scammers are using the names of top officials of the ministry, including his own. “They are sending out emails with my name as the signatory,” he said.

In response to questions from journalists about efforts to stop the scammers, Ebienfa said the ministry would involve security agencies. “What the ministry intends to do is to write officially to the relevant security agencies to track the persons behind this website and the emails,” he said. “If someone is paying money, definitely there will be an account that will be provided for the payment.”

He warned that if the scam continues unchecked, it could damage Nigeria’s image abroad. “Tomorrow you will see unsuspecting Nigerians arriving in different countries with fake documents. When real officers show up, there could be confusion.”

He promised that more disclaimers would be issued via the ministry’s social media platforms, and that action would be taken to protect both Nigerians and the integrity of the foreign service.

“This is not just about fake news. It is about protecting Nigerians from losing their hard-earned money and protecting the name of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs”, the spokesperson stated.

News

CBN announces revised documentation requirements for PAPSS transactions

Published

2 hours ago

April 30, 2025

ADMIN

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a revised documentation requirement for transactions conducted through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the apex bank’s acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali

The CBN said the new initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to foster seamless intra-African trade, financial inclusion, and operational efficiency for Nigerians engaging in cross-border payments within Africa.

Launched by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat in January 2022, PAPSS serves as a centralized payment and settlement platform that enables instant, secure, and efficient cross-border transactions throughout Africa.

By facilitating payments in local currencies, PAPSS minimizes reliance on third-party currencies, reduces transaction costs, and supports the rapid expansion of trade under the AfCFTA.

In a recent circular referenced TED/FEM/PUB/FPC/001/006 issued on April 28, 2025, CBN outlined the key changes to the documentation requirements associated with PAPSS transactions.

The key changes it added take effect immediately and include simplified documentation for low-value transactions, which allows customers to now use basic KYC and AML documents provided to their authorized dealer banks for low-value transactions of up to $2,000 and $5,000 equivalent in naira for individuals and corporate bodies, respectively.

“For transactions above the thresholds, all documentation as stipulated in the CBN foreign exchange manual and related circulars remains mandatory,” the bank said.

Also, the CBN added that applicants are responsible for ensuring all regulatory documents are available to facilitate the clearance of goods, as required by relevant government agencies.

“Authorized dealer banks may now source foreign exchange for PAPSS settlements through the Nigerian foreign exchange market, without recourse to the CBN.

“All export proceeds repatriated via PAPSS shall be certified by the relevant processing banks.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria urges all banks to adopt PAPSS and commence originating transactions in line with this new policy.

“In addition, CBN encourages exporters, importers, and individuals to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and leverage PAPSS for cross-border transactions within Africa,” the statement said.

News

Reps Set Stage for Nigeria’s First Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy

Published

2 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives is set to host the country’s first National Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy, aimed at driving new laws, attracting investment, and pushing Nigeria further along its energy transition journey.

This was revealed during a press briefing by the Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Afam Victor Ogene, who described the event as a turning point for energy legislation in Nigeria.

He said: “The conference aims at bringing together key stakeholders and industry players to discuss renewable energy legislations, energy transition, renewable energy financing, investment opportunities and related matters.

“It’s about developing a national legislative framework on renewable energy”.

The conference, which is being organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy in partnership with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will take place under the UNDP Parliamentary Development Program.

Rep. Ogene noted that recent legal reforms have created space for state governments to play a more active role in Nigeria’s power sector. He pointed to the Fifth Alteration Bill 2022 (No.33), now signed into law, which allows states to legislate on electricity matters within the national grid. Before now, states could only act on off-grid power.

In addition, he highlighted the Electricity Act of 2023, which came into effect in February 2024.

“It permits states to issue licenses for all electricity activities – generation, transmission and distribution across the entire power sector value chain,” he said.

The Committee Chairman further stated that the new National Integrated Electricity Policy, expected in 2025, will guide states in forming new electricity markets, where solar power and other renewable sources will be key to reaching underserved communities.

Ogene explained, “The conference has three clear objectives:

“To promote dialogue among legislators, experts and stakeholders on critical legislative priorities.

“To establish a coordinated platform for federal and state lawmakers, and to produce a clear, time-bound legislative action plan.

“International partners are also on board. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will participate, and parliaments from South Africa, Ghana and Gambia have confirmed attendance. Ghana is sending a three-man delegation led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin”.

In another major highlight, the Netherlands-based platform INCLUDE will host a Pan-African Legislative Dialogue session on renewable energy, to be chaired by the Hon. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.

“The session will focus on how to establish a unified legislative framework on renewable energy development, investment and financing.

“The time has come for us to act. This is not just another conference – it is the foundation of Nigeria’s renewable energy future”, Ogene added.

Expected outcomes from the conference include new policy and legislative reform proposals to boost renewable energy use, as well as draft laws that will encourage public and private sector investment.

Other goals are to enhance collaboration between federal and state lawmakers, raise public awareness, and roll out a practical roadmap for implementation and progress tracking.

The event will also feature a technology showcase of renewable energy innovations and business opportunities.