News
Reps Seek Upward Review Of Budgetary Allocation For BPE
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to review the budgetary allocation of the Bureau of Public Procurement in line with current realities in subsequent budget estimates to enable successful discharge of the Bureau’s core mandate.
The House also urged the BPP to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organizations and the National Assembly to enhance the provision of a legal and institutional framework and professional capacity for public procurement in Nigeria for the holistic development of Nigeria.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Unyime Idem, on “the need to review the budgetary allocation of the Bureau of Public Procurement”, on Thursday at plenary.
Leading the debate, Rep. Idem said that there is a need for the attainment of transparency, competitiveness, cost effectiveness, value-for-money, and professionalism in the public sector procurement system.
The motion reads: “Also notes that the Public Procurement Act 2007 established the Bureau of Public Procurement as the regulatory authority responsible for the monitoring and oversight of public procurement, harmonizing the existing government policies and practices by regulating, setting standards and developing the legal framework and professional capacity for public procurement in Nigeria. “Further notes that the Bureau is empowered to, amdng other things, oversight over 800 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to ensure the implementation of established procurement policies, and due process compliance. The House recognizes the needs to ensure monitoring and surveillance of Federal Government Procurement Procedures and ongoing projects across the six serene zones”.
He explained that the budgetary allocation for the Bureau in the Appropriation Act 2024, is N2.2 billion.
“Concerned that the existing funds provided for the Bureau is grossly inadequate to meet the extensive responsibilities of the procurement audits, monitoring and surveillance in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the six geopolitical zones of the nation.
“Also concerned that given the prevailing trend of procurement irregularities in Nigeria, constituting over 70% of corruption in the public sector, there is an increasing need to ensure the implementation of procurement, policies, and due process compliance, in line with global best practices.
“Cognizant that the increasing rate of procurement corruption in the public sector necessitates urgent measures for effective oversight to ensure value-for-money, transparency, competitiveness and professionalism.”
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated the Committees on Public Procurement and Appropriations to follow up and ensure an upward review of the Bureau’s budgetary allocation in subsequent budget estimates.
News
Bill For Independent Candidacy Recommitted, Referred To Constitution Review Committee
News
Just in :INEC announces date for Anambra governorship election
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the date for the Anambra governorship election.
Addressing representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the election will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.
Hear him: “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.
In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.
“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.
“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
“In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”
News
Despite heavy hunger, World Bank Tells Nigerians Not To Oppose, Reverse Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Despite hunger, World Bank has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing economic reforms, warning that opposing or reversing them could have serious negative consequences for the country.
Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, emphasized that while the reforms may be challenging, they are crucial for the nation’s long-term stability.
Dr. Diop cautioned that rolling back these reforms would be detrimental, saying, “Reversing the reforms would spell doom for Nigeria.”
In the same vein, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the importance of staying committed to the reforms. He stated, “Any effort that is not sustained will be a waste. Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course.”
Edun further explained that the government’s focus is on reducing inflation while ensuring investments flow into critical sectors such as industry, where jobs can be created. “We are prioritizing market pricing and sat down with labor unions to explain why we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.”
On the removal of subsidies, Edun noted, “Every day without subsidies means more funds available for education, healthcare, and other essential expenditures.”
Also speaking, Central Bank Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the importance of promoting exports in light of the exchange rate adjustments. “The moderation in the FX rate should make our goods more competitive for export and discourage the importation of unnecessary goods,” he said
-
News18 hours ago
Just in: Shettima jets out in Tinubu’s absence
-
Sports18 hours ago
European Football Chiefs, FIFPRO Slam FIFA Over Schedule
-
Sports11 hours ago
Get ready for Libya rematch – Obi Tells Super Eagles
-
News8 hours ago
20 seconds after prayer my father suddenly died- Senator Zwingina’s son
-
News7 hours ago
Reps Pass For Second Reading Bill to create Ogoja state
-
Entertainment18 hours ago
Actress Bimbo Akintola reveals why she can never date an actor
-
News6 hours ago
Operation Delta Sanity: Why Nigerians must support CNS Ogalla in fight against Oil thefts -Agbese
-
News22 hours ago
Companies Blame Host Communities For Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalism