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Stakeholders kicks against bill seeking to modify CBN’s autonomy

Published

6 months ago

May 28, 2024

By Francesca Hangeior.

Stakeholders in the capital market have voiced reservations about the proposed amendments to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act No. 7 of 2007, warning of potential adverse economic consequences.

In a statement signed by Joseph Kadiri, Team Lead, Public Relations and Internal Engagement, Group Communications and Partnerships of the NGX on Tuesday, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) expressed concerns that the bill could undermine the independence of the CBN.

The legislation, which has passed its second reading and is scheduled for a public hearing on May 30th, seeks to modify the CBN’s autonomy by subjecting its budget to National Assembly approval and establishing a new coordinating committee for monetary and fiscal policies.

Critics argue that these changes could introduce political interference in monetary policy decisions, hampering the central bank’s ability to manage the economy effectively and objectively.

The President and Chairman of the Council of CIS, Oluropo Dada, emphasized the pivotal role of the CBN in maintaining economic stability and preserving international credibility.

“Safeguarding the independence of the Central Bank of Nigeria is crucial for aligning with global economic best practices and ensuring decisions are driven by sound financial principles, free from undue influence,” Dada stated.

Similarly, the Chairman of ASHON, Sam Onukwue, highlighted the potential impact on investor confidence.

He said, “An independent central bank is a cornerstone for maintaining the country’s standing in the global financial community, which directly affects investor confidence, credit ratings, and the overall economic outlook.”

While both organizations acknowledged the merit of some proposed amendments aimed at enhancing corporate governance and compliance, they stressed the importance of considering the broader ramifications.

“It is imperative to ensure that fiscal authorities do not encroach upon the central bank’s operational independence, as this is vital for effective and timely monetary policy responses,” Dada emphasized.

As the public hearing approaches, financial market participants, economists, and analysts will closely monitor the proceedings and subsequent legislative actions.

“The outcome will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economic policy framework and its position in the global economic landscape.”

Related Topics:CBN’s autonomy kicks against Stakeholders

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HoR to Hold Interactive Session on Executive Tax Return Bills

Published

2 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives is set to host an internal Interactive Session on the four Executive Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly, on Monday, November 18, 2024, in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, on Sunday in Abuja.

According to him, this initiative, championed by the House Leadership, underscores our commitment to ensuring robust engagement and informed legislative action on critical policy reforms.

The statement reads in part: “It aims to provide Members of the House with a platform to engage directly with the principal promoters of the tax reform bills from the Executive arm of government.

“Thus, this engagement will enable Honourable Members seek clarifications, pose critical questions, and gain deeper insights into the proposed reforms. Such understanding is vital to strengthening the legislative process and enhancing Members’ contributions to the deliberations on these bills.

“Recognising the national significance of the proposed reforms and their implications for fiscal policy and governance.

“The 10th House of Representatives remains committed to its mandate of advancing the nation’s development through transparent, inclusive, and informed legislative processes.

“The public is invited to note that while this is an internal interactive session, it does not foreclose the customary public hearing—a crucial step in the lawmaking process. At such hearings, members of the public are provided with an opportunity to gain deeper insights into legislative proposals and make meaningful inputs aimed at shaping effective reforms”, Rotimi stated.

News

FG Commends Governor Bago For Intervention In Federal Road Projects Across The State

Published

2 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government has commended Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his intervention in several federal road projects across the state.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, gave the commendation during an interactive session in Abuja with Niger State Government, and contractors handling various federal road projects in the state, to reviewed ongoing federal road projects in Niger with the goal of addressing outstanding issues.

Umahi praised the Governor’s efforts, calling them “unprecedented,” and acknowledged his exemplary leadership in personally leading the state delegation to the meeting, this is even as he urged other state governors to follow the example set by Governor Bago, emphasizing the importance of effective and continuous project supervision.

The Minister also stressed the need for improved collaboration between federal legislators and the Ministry to ensure sufficient funding for the execution of these projects, and warned contractors to adhere strictly to project specifications, stating that failure to do so would result in contract termination.

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, who also lauded Governor Bago, described him as a hardworking and passionate leader, and highlighted that the Governor’s people-oriented programs reflect his deep commitment to the wellbeing of his constituents.

In his remarks the Niger Governor revealed that the state government is intervening in 18 federal road projects, aimed at complementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Bago suggested that such peer reviews should occur quarterly and encouraged his fellow governors to participate, as it would motivate the Federal Government to further support the people.

The Governor also applauded the Minister of Works for his courage, capacity, and competence in managing his responsibilities.

News

#OndoDecides2024: APC congratulates Aiyedatiwa, applauds Ondo electorate

Published

7 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Francesca Hangeior

The All Progressives Congress has congratulated the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on his re-election in the just-concluded governorship election.

Aiyedatiwa won the election, having polled a total of 366,781 votes across all 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

He defeated his closest rival — Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party, who got 117,845 votes.

In a statement issued by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Sunday, and made available to PUNCH Online, the party described Aiyedatiwa as a “clear attestation” that his administration’s policies “resonated deeply with the electorate.”

The statement read, “The All Progressives Congress (APC) heartily congratulates the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on his re-election.

“Your Excellency’s resounding victory in the just-concluded Ondo State gubernatorial election is a clear attestation that your administration’s policies and programmes and campaign message of hope and consolidation have resonated deeply with the electorate.