News

South East has Potentials to Drive National Economic Growth – Deputy Speaker

Published

3 months ago

October 4, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…hail President Tinubu’s support to small, medium scale businesses

By Gloria Ikibah

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has said that the South East region has great potentials to drive national and economic development, as it is home to some of the most enterprising individuals and communities in the country, with a rich history of commerce that spans generations.

Kalu stated this while delivering his goodwill message, at the launch of the 5th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Enugu State by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday.

The initiative is one of the federal government’s strategies for ease of doing business in Nigeria, with the first, second, third and fourth editions launched in Benue, Ogun, Ekiti and Jigawa States respectively.

The Deputy Speaker stated that locating the 5th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Enugu is another proof that the South East region holds a special place in administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as it recognizes the region’s potential to drive national economic growth through MSMEs.

He also stated that the MSME Hub in Enugu is not just a facility; but a vital and strategic platform that taps into the latent economic power of the South East.

Kalu noted that the hub was well-positioned to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity, empowering the hardworking men and women of the region to transform their dreams into successful enterprises, even as he expressed optimism that it will serve as a center of innovation, providing entrepreneurs with the resources, training, and mentorship they need to scale their businesses.

The Deputy Speaker also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President doe their commitment to supporting Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Enterprises (NMSMEs), noting that the government’s strategic interventions are directly targeted at removing the obstacles small business owners face, and their efforts has created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He also commended the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah for his efforts in prioritizing small and medium scale businesses in Enugu, with collaborative efforts between the Federal Government and the State.

Speaking further, the Deputy Speaker reiterated the commitment to the 10th House of Representatives, under the leadership of the Speaker Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, towards supporting economic growth and entrepreneurship using legislative instruments.

He said that the parliament is aware that a conducive legislative framework is critical to the success of initiatives such as the MSME Clinics, hence why they have sponsored an adoption of the famous Igbo Apprenticeship System, the Igba-Boi System into a National Apprenticeship Scheme, adding that the bill is currently at a crucial stage of consideration in the House of Representatives.

Kalu said, “I bring you all warm greetings from the Speaker and all the members of the House of Representatives. This event not only symbolizes our collective commitment to the growth and sustainability of MSMEs in Nigeria. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have witnessed bold steps that are breathing new life into Nigeria’s economy.

“Today, we acknowledge the monumental strides taken with the introduction of various funding schemes tailored to support businesses across the nation. The establishment of three funds totaling N200 billion, including the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), the FGN MSME Intervention Fund, and the FGN Manufacturing Sector Fund, is a testament to President Tinubu’s recognition of the critical role MSMEs play in driving sustainable growth. The Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), providing financial support to nano business owners with a N50 billion grant, is reaching one million small businesses nationwide. By supporting sectors such as food services, ICT, artisanship, and more, this scheme ensures that even the smallest enterprises are not left behind in the journey toward economic prosperity.

“As we gather here in Enugu for the commissioning of this strategic MSME Hub, we must acknowledge the significance of this location. The South East zone of Nigeria has long been renowned for its entrepreneurship and industrious spirit. It is no secret that this region stands as a beacon of commerce, apprenticeship, and innovation, and establishing this hub is a direct recognition of the entrepreneurial dynamism that flourishes here. In a zone known for its industrious culture, this hub will harness that energy, creating a thriving ecosystem where businesses can flourish, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic prosperity. It also feeds into our Peace in South Project (PISE-P) ethos of a non-kinetic approach to engineering peace and prosperity in the South East. Let us leave here today with renewed hope—hope in the potential of our small businesses, hope in the resilience of our people, and hope in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Sen. Kashim Shettima, whose commitment to the progress of Nigeria remains steadfast. Thank you, and may we continue to strive toward a prosperous future for all Nigerians.”

News

Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

Published

19 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

News

Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

Published

27 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

Federal Medical Centre, Bida
Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Yola
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Cross River Basin Development Authority
Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
National Examination Council (NECO)
Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
Presidential Amnesty Programme
Galaxy Backbone
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

News

Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Published

37 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.

Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.

He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”

Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.

In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.

He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.

He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”