News

Reps Leadership Visits Dangote Refinery On Familiarization Tour

Published

4 months ago

July 20, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as Speaker Abbas express desire of in-depth understanding of the sector

By Gloria Ikibah

The leadership of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, has paid a familiarization tour to the Dangote refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos.

The familiarization visit, which was on the invitation of the Dangote Group, was initially planned to jointly take place with the leadership of the Senate on June 3, 2024. However, the leadership of the National Assembly had to put the visit on hold to meet with the leadership of the organized labour on the strike it embarked on at the time.

The Senate leadership has since embarked on the visit separately, while the House leadership slated July 20 for its own.

The House leadership arrived in Lagos on Friday ahead of the familiarization visit.

Speaking when the leadership was conducted round the facility by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote on Saturday, Speaker Abbas noted that the tour was part of the continuous efforts to understand and support key industries within our nation’s economy.

Abbas said that the purpose of the visit was to provide the House Leadership and the relevant oil and gas committees with an in-depth understanding of the nature, scope, and activities of the Dangote Refinery.

According to him, this initiative aligns with the legislative agenda of the 10th House, which aims to support the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, focusing on economic transformation, growth, and development.

“This familiarisation tour underscores our commitment to engaging with and supporting critical sectors that drive our economy. Also, this visit provides valuable insights that will inform our legislative measures and decisions.

“We remain dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and development, ensuring that our legislative actions align with the broader goals of national progress as articulated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“We are acutely aware of the challenges facing the private sector in Nigeria, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure deficits, and access to finance. The House of Representatives is committed to addressing these issues and improving the ease of doing business in our country.

“We are working diligently to create a more business-friendly environment through legislative reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency. Our goal is to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors.

“In line with the renewed agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the House of Representatives are committed to creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. We understand that a robust partnership between the government and private enterprises like Dangote Group is essential for sustainable development. To this end, we are dedicated to enacting policies that support business growth, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and promote transparency and accountability”, Speaker Abbas stated.

While recognizing the importance of engaging with industry leaders to understand their challenges and collaboratively develop solutions, the Speaker urged Dangote to maintain an open line of communication with the National Assembly and the House leadership.

He said that constructive dialogue will ensure that the national assembly can address any operational challenges swiftly and foster an environment conducive to optimal economic growth.

“Together, we can drive Nigeria forward, harnessing the full potential of our resources and talents. I look forward to continued collaboration and a prosperous future for our great nation.

“Dangote refinery “symbolizes not only the strength and potential of Nigerian industry but also the dedication and vision of one of our most esteemed business leaders, Mr. Aliko Dangote.

“As we tour this state-of-the-art facility, it is impossible not to appreciate the significant contributions that Dangote Group is making to our economy. From job creation to the reduction of our import dependence, the refinery stands as a testament to the transformative impact that strategic investments can have on our nation. It provides thousands of jobs, promotes local content, and drives technological advancements within our borders. Such efforts are crucial in our collective pursuit of economic stability and growth.

“The economic significance of the private sector globally cannot be overstated. Across the world, private enterprises are the engines of economic growth, driving innovation, increasing productivity, and fostering competitive markets. They play a critical role in wealth creation, poverty reduction, and the overall improvement of living standards.

“By investing in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, the private sector propels nations toward sustainable development and economic resilience. It is through a vibrant private sector that economies can diversify, innovate, and compete on a global scale.

“However, the journey does not end here. There is always more we can do together to bolster our economy. I encourage Dangote Group to continue exploring avenues to complement government initiatives. By investing in renewable energy, enhancing corporate social responsibility programs, and fostering innovation through research and development, Dangote can further solidify its role as a key player in our economic landscape”, he stated.

The Speaker was in company of the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip, Rep. Usman Bello Kumo; Deputy House Leader, Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims; Deputy Whip, Rep. Adewumi Onanuga; Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa; Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi.

Also in the delegation were the Chairmen of relevant oil and gas committees and their deputies.

News

Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocation

Published

23 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Reps. Tajudeen Abbas, has lamented that the health sector is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries, despite the considerable amount is allocated annually by the Federal Government.

The Speaker also said alot more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.

Abbas stated this at a public hearing for four bills organised by the House Committee on Healthcare Services at the National Assembly Complex on Friday.

The Bills are “A Bill for an Act to to Amend the National Residency Training Act 2018”; “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Insurance Authority Act 2021”; “A Bill to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act”; and “A Bill to Establish the Institute of Healthcare Service Administrators of Nigeria”.

The Speaker who was represented by Rep. Obordor Mitema, member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, said it was for this reason that President Bola Tinubu, recognizing the urgency of this situation, prioritized healthcare as one of the pillars of his Renewed hope Agenda for Nigeria.

According to him, this was to revive the country’s healthcare sector and to ensure it receives the necessary support partnerships with the private sector within and outside Nigeria are being explored and hopefully in the not too distant future we shall see vast improvement.

He said, “Though the Federal Government appropriates a considerable amount yearly to the health sector, the amount is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries.

“It is no longer news that despite the committed efforts, the health Sector has sadly over the years faced several challenges associated with outbound medical tourism, emigration of skilled healthcare workers, poor salaries and insufficient budgetary allocation.

“It is also sad to note that even though Nigeria has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa the progress it has achieved in health has been rather slow and disappointing hence, more effort is needed if we are going to be at par with Western countries.

“Indeed more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.”

Speaker Abbas commended the Acting Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bassey Akiba and the entire members of the committee for organizing this hearing.

He said it is a reflection of their commitment and support to do their quota towards helping Nigerians achieve not only better health but having access to better healthcare.

“We all know the significance of having a Health Sector that works. Western countries have taken bold steps to make their Health sector first class and second to none and we must do the same.

“The House Committee on Healthcare Services and other Health related Committees of the House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly are fully committed to doing their part by initiating and amending laws that will always be people friendly with the aim of bringing succor and positive changes towards the Health sector in Nigeria.,” he said.

Rep. Akiba, said the healthcare sector in Nigeria over the past few years has gone through a myriad of challenges.

The challenges, according to him, includes the rising cost of healthcare services, financial challenges for providers, preventable medical errors, high mortality rates in both cases, lack of insurance coverage, the need for an improved mental health system, increased demand for personalized care, and a well-regulated health care system among others.

“As parliamentarians, it is our responsibility to discuss critical legislation that will not only shape the future of our nation’s health but impact possibly other people.

“Public hearings are essential because it is one of the crucial avenues used to sample opinions on any matter of public relevance and importance. Like I mentioned, there are four bills.

“Three of these bills are an amendment bill, three of the bills are an amendment bill, and one is an establishment bill. I wish to assure you all that as legislators and members of the Committee on Health Care Services.

“We are conscious of our constitutional and legislative resources towards the people. We are ready to partner with relevant stakeholders and support any genuine effort required to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria,” he said.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said, A Bill to Amend the National Residency Training Act should be dropped for more input by relevant stakeholders.

The Association said the Medical Residency Training Act was a bill primarily sponsored by Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), an affiliate member.

First Vice President of the NMA, Dr Benjamin Oluwatosin, said It was a surprise to them that the primary constituency on the Bill was never contacted for input.

He urged that the Bill be stepped down to get more input of relevant stakeholders.

“So, in solidarity to our affiliate NARD and the validation of the Medical Residency Training Act we strongly advise that this bill be stepped down until every stakeholder involved and primarily NARD and then NMA is on the table from the very beginning,” he said.

Stakeholders who attended the hearing included representatives of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Committee of Chief Medical Directors among others.

News

Reps Demand Details Of Project Undertaken From Ministry Of Solid Minerals In 2024 Budget

Published

39 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has directed the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to provide details of all projects embarked on in the last year.

The Chairman Committee on Solid Minerals, Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi gave the directive when the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mary Ogbe, appeared before it to defend the 2024 budget.

The committee members expressed displeasure with the inconsistencies in the presentation by the Permanent Secretary and resolved that all documents pertaining to all jobs carried out by the Ministry be made available before next Tuesday.

The lawmakers also queried the Ministry for not capturing most of the projects it embarked on in the presentation it made.

Gbefwi said, “We are expecting the budget and we cannot appropriate if we do not know the true status of the utilisation of what has been given you in 2024.

“We were quite detailed when we sent you then documents we required. You must provide details of all the projects, budget codes, budget items, appropriated amount, contractors, amount awarded, date of award, the status of the projects, the percentage with regards to performance, and the lot numbers among others.

“So all these individual items must be captured in detail in this document so that Nigerians would know how the money that has been appropriated has been utilised.

“There are a number of projects that were not captured in the presentation to the Committee. There was no explanation whatsoever.

“Don’t give us any half baked documents again. Every line must be adhered to. And give us the advertisment that was done, the code the contractors and everything. Even if it is before. FEC. Kindly put it in the remark section. Go and work on your documents again and make proper presentation. Let’s have a comprehensive submission,” he said.

Earlier the Permanent Secretary said a total of N25.05 billion was appropriated as expenditure outlay for the ministry in the 2024 budget.

“This comprised of 894.4 million as overhead cost and 23.15 billion as capital expenditure. The personnel cost of the Ministry was captured in the captured still in the Ministry of Steel Development for 2024 because the personnel separation had not been fully executed.

“On appropriation releases to the Ministry, she said for overhead, the total appropriation is N895, 441, 335. As at October 31st 2024, N745, 367, 779 had been released. Balances as at October 31, is N149, 073, 555. Percentage of releases of the appropriation for the overhead is 83 percent. Expenditure on release is the same amount that has been released. So there is a hundred percent performance. For capital appropriation it is N23, 150, 884, 863. Out of which N2, 724, 818, 977 has been released. 11 percent had been released and percentage performance is 100 percent.

“The Ministry achieved a 100 percent utilisation mainly of non debt recurrent expenditure and the percentage utilisation in capital as at the end October is 11 percent. This is because procurement process is still ongoing and some are awaiting FEC approval. With the bottom up cash plan, works must be executed before payment,” she said.

News

PDP leaders, critical stakeholders endorse Hon. Teejay Yusuf for National Chairman

Published

42 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

Key political figures and critical stakeholders from the North Central region of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rallied behind Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf as their preferred candidate for the party’s next National Chairman.

The endorsement comes from the group known as the PDP Conscience Vanguard, who believe Yusuf is the key to uniting and revitalizing the main opposition party

In a statement issued on Thursday in Lokoja, the North Central Coordinator of the group, Isaiah Akoh, emphasized that Hon. Yusuf possesses the experience, leadership qualities, charisma, extensive connections necessary to lead the PDP towards unity and strategic repositioning.

The statement outlined several reasons for their endorsement of Hon. Yusuf, particularly noting that the party’s future success lies in having a chairman from the North Central region.

The group pointed to his extensive political background and ability to bridge gaps within the party, especially in light of the challenges the PDP faces.

“We believe that Hon. Teejay Yusuf is the right candidate at this crucial moment,” the statement reads. “Yusuf is not merely a legislator; he is an experienced statesman with a proven track record. Serving three terms as the representative of Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and political acumen.”