Day: September 11, 2024

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has called for urgent humanitarian aid to nine million community citizens displaced by conflicts and climate change disasters.

Dr Mohammed Ibrahim, Head of ECOWAS Humanitarian Affairs Division, made the plea at a mid-term consultation meeting of the regional committee for disaster management in West Africa (GECEAO), in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which aims to promote better coordination and harmonisation of disaster management efforts in West Africa, drew participants from across the sub-region and beyond.

According to Ibrahim, the goal of GECEAO is to develop and implement a unified strategy that builds community resilience to natural and man-made disasters.

‘In recent times, humanitarian actors have raised the alarm for the escalating humanitarian needs of nearly nine million people in West Africa displaced due to increasing violence, insecurity and extreme weather events.

‘People have become displa
ced multiple times, exacerbating their hardships.

‘The increasing interest of ECOWAS in disaster risk management has mainly been driven by efforts to fulfill its peace and security mandates, including the management of the humanitarian outcomes of conflicts.

‘The ability of member states to respond effectively to disasters depends on their internal response capabilities, both civil and non-civilian, and the ability to rapidly deploy such response mechanisms to emergencies before external assistance arrives,’ he said.

Ibrahim noted that the magnitude of vulnerability and exposure to hazards and losses from disasters in West Africa and the Sahel is expected to increase over the next decade.

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He said that countries were currently vulnerable to floods, land degradation, water scarcity, and coastal erosion, which had increased in occurrence and severity due to the adverse effects of climate change.

According to the ECOWAS Humanit
arian Affairs Division boss, conflict remains a primary driver of displacement but climate change has significantly impacted migration decisions across the subregion recently.

‘The overlap of conflict and climate disasters underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated responses to break the cycle of climate change and armed conflict.

‘It also underscores the need to increase humanitarian access and funding that supports resilience and adaptation to climate change,’ Ibrahim said.

Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director-General, Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in a remark, said that Nigeria was already working to enhance disaster risk management to reduce shocks and enhance population resilience.

According to the NEMA DG, Nigeria stands to benefit from the initiative which aims to provide guidance in addressing the cumulative destructive impacts from disaster risks.

She said that ECOWAS sub-region was confronted with diverse disasters which required collective efforts with enhance
d coordination to address them.

‘It is also compelling to tailor emergency response that will guarantee resilience building and sustainable development because none of the phases of the disaster management cycle exists on its own without an overlapping loop.

‘With this disaster scenario, the regional recovery roadmap, the regional resilience strategy, the roster of experts, among others, will have to be deployed for significant progress to be recorded in the management of disaster risk in West Africa in line with ECOWAS goal,’ she said.

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The Director-General, Ghana’s National Disaster Management (NADMO), Nana Prempeh, represented by Frank Nansam-Aggrey, said that Ghana was currently tackling disaster risks in a coherent and uncompromising manner.

He urged ECOWAS member states and stakeholders working to achieve disaster risk reduction to focus more on information sharing to understand disaster risks and its governance toward ensuring coordina
tion across in-country institutions.

According to him, member states can facilitate ongoing local response efforts and provide the necessary inputs to enhance the implementation of disaster risk reduction activities going forward.

He said that historical disaster events like the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that there is no place for a business-as-usual approach to efforts aimed at reducing disaster risks and vulnerabilities.

‘The reason is that disaster resilience as part of response to extreme weather events requires the cooperation, contribution and interventions of all state and non-state actors at global, regional, national and community levels.

‘This is why member states need to use forums like this to coordinate in-country and external resources to reduce disaster risks and ensure the safety of our people.

‘Discussions such as this will enable citizens and policy makers to properly shape policies and resource allocation to meet disaster management needs,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has called for the support and cooperation of Nigerians to combat insecurity in the country.

Lagbaja stated this during the inauguration of the Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation Projects on Tuesday in Okuku town, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun.

The army chief, who noted that the military could not overcome the security challenges alone, called for synergy and cooperation from all stakeholders.

‘It is pertinent to reiterate that the Nigerian Army is people-centric.

‘Accordingly, we are determined to ensure the peace, security, unity, and well-being of all Nigerians.

‘The Nigerian Army recognises the fact that our nation’s security and progress depend on the synergy and cooperation of all stakeholders.

‘We know that military action alone cannot overcome the security challenges we face as a nation.

‘Therefore, we seek the support and cooperation of well-meaning Nigerians to combat insecurity in the country.

‘I wish to reiterate tha
t under my leadership, the Nigerian Army will continue to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operation in collaboration with other security agencies and well-meaning citizens to improve the security situation in the country,’ he said

On Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation Projects, Lagbaja said the scheme was unique because it allowed the army to identify with communities where they deploy troops.

According to him, the army also identifies with communities where senior officers of the rank of Major Generals hailed to impact their lives positively.

Lagbaja noted that the army had delivered more than 200 projects to communities across Nigeria.

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In his remarks, the facilitator of the projects, Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola, said that Odo-Otin Grammar School was renovated and provided 200 desks and chairs under the scheme.

Oyinlola said the school’s entry and exit gates were renovated alongside the installation
of a 500KVA transformer for the electrification of Ogo-Oluwa, a community within the town.

He said the projects were intended to contribute to both human and infrastructural development in aid to civil authority.

He appreciated the COAS for his exemplary leadership and for providing adequate resources to execute the projects.

Also, a former governor in the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, appreciated the COAS for the gesture.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI), has expressed support for plans by the Federal Government to engage private firms to operate Warri and Kaduna refineries when they come on stream.

Mr Niyi Akinsiju, Chairman of IMPI said this while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that removal of subsidy on petroleum products was what was needed at this time to rescue the country’s economy.

He appealed to Nigerians, especially the leadership of the organised labour to beam attention to governance at the state and local governments levels, where more resources are now being allocated.

He said that the group was in support of the plan by the government to engage the private sector in the management of the two refineries presently undergoing rehabilitation.

According to him, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), recently invited companies to bid for operations and maintenance deals for the two refineries.

In a public notice on its official X handle, the national oil co
mpany explained that the move will help ensure reliability and energy security for the country.

Akinsuji said that under the prevailing economic circumstances, the government has no business in the petroleum refining business.

‘The refining business is a highly specialised form of venture. I think about two weeks ago, we saw a publication by the NNPCL requesting companies which have capacity to manage the refineries to apply.

‘When those refineries are fully rehabilitated and delivered it will be naive for the government to still insist that products of the refineries should be sold at subsidised price,’he said.

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He said that it was the policy of subsidy that killed the domestic refineries in the past.

According to him,the petroleum refinery produces so many bi-products other than petrol which can help turn around the country’s economy for better.

He said the fact that a poll showed over 73 per cent of Nigerians opposing the policy of deregulati
on, does not diminish its potency as the only viable option to ensure our economic recovery.

‘In spite of the common knowledge that fuel subsidies were excluded from the second half of the 2023 budget, about 73 per cent of Nigerians interviewed in an opinion poll said they were dissatisfied with the removal.

‘Nonetheless, this does not detract from the fact that fuel subsidies have become Nigeria’s equivalent of an economic weapon of mass destruction,’ he said.

On the skyrocketing prices of goods and services in the country, especially food stuff, Akinsuji said that the situation cannot be attributed to a single factor alone.

According to him, a combination of factors such as insecurity, currency floating and low production capacity are responsible for the present food crisis.

He said that the allusion that the removal of fuel subsidy had led to the current food crisis may not be entirely correct.

He said that the group’s findings showed that fuel, also known as Premium Motor Spirit, constitutes an insi
gnificant proportion to the cost elements affecting prices of goods in the country.

Akinsuyi said that the depreciation of the country’s currency has made our products cheaper and more attractive to our neighbours, thereby, causing scarcity of such products.

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‘We should understand that no single factor is responsible for the rising cost of products in the country.

‘In the case of rice, it is about insecurity, it is as a matter of fact the after effects of the devaluation of our national currency which has made our products cheaper.

‘This has attracted high patronage from our West African neighbours who come to Nigeria to purchase rice,’he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to enhance the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF) for effective service delivery.

Tinubu, who was represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said this on Wednesday in Abuja, at the public presentation of the OAuGF Strategic Plan 2024 -2028.

The president said that one of his administration’s goals was to enhance the independence of the OAuGF and empower it to perform its mandate seamlessly, towards deterring and detecting corruption in public institutions.

‘Nigeria must win the fight against corruption. It is an existential problem that requires that all hands are on deck, in collaboration to ensure success.

‘This is to ensure that the resources of the nation are deployed for the well-being of the present generation without hindering the aspirations of future generations of Nigerians,’ he said.

He commended the OAuGF for developing a five-year
strategic plan to promote public accountability and transparency in federal ministries, departments and agencies.

‘The strategic plan has taken cognizance of the National Anti-Corruption strategy 2022 to 2026 action plan, which will ensure that endemic corruption is tackled head on.

‘I am aware of the administrative and financial constraints faced by the OAuGF.

‘I want to assure you that all necessary legislative processes will soon be concluded on the Federal Audit Service Bill, which is now before the Senate.

‘I will not hesitate to sign it into law. This will underscore my determination to ensure the independence of this institution,’ he said.

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The AuGF, Mr Shaakaa Chira, said that the strategic plan was designed to contribute to the Federal Government’s agenda to stem the tide of corruption.

Chira said that it would also help to reduce waste and revenue leakages to the barest minimum, as well as guard against diver
sion of public resources.

‘It will help to improve governance by holding public office holders accountable without fear or favour, through the delivery of high quality and timely audit reports,’ he said.

Chira said that the plan would achieve an enhanced independence and mandate of the OAuGF and reduce mismanagement of public funds through stronger follow-up of audit recommendations.

He said that the strategic plan would also help to improve financial reporting in the public sector and present the OAuGF as a model institution.

‘Let me assure you that OAuGF will ensure full implementation of the goals encapsulated in the strategic plan.

‘We will put in place measures that will ensure a cultural shift and a new orientation in the way the management and staff of the OAuGF perform their roles,’ he said.

He called for a truly independent OAuGF and an enhanced budgetary allocation to the office.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives, Rep. Bamidele Salam, comme
nded the OAuGF for putting the strategic plan together.

Salam said that the office, which was vacant for about one year, had started living up to expectations.

‘The office of OAuGF was vacant for more than one year, and there are deficits in the submission of annual reports.

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‘We were dealing with the 2019 report in 2024, but he has now submitted the 2020 report and part of the 2021 report.

‘Audit work is one of the most difficult jobs anyone can be called upon to do in Nigeria because there is a lot of resistance,’ he said.

Salam said that the OAuGF should always ensure that scarce resources are put to the best of use.

‘We are operating a budget where we use 75 per cent of our revenue to service debt.

‘The question is, to what extent has the debt impacted the quality of life of the average Nigerian?

‘The government is asking ordinary Nigerians to make sacrifices. What are the political elite doing to also shed s
ome of their weights?

‘The only way to ensure that is through an effective audit system. Both the pre-expenditure and post-expenditure audit are important,’ he said.

He called for a truly independent Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says, despite preparations, the severity of the floods in Maiduguri is most catastrophic in over three decades.

Shettima stated this on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the ravaging floods, in Maiduguri, Borno State.

He said the impacts of the floods exceeded estimation, but assured that the Federal Government would prioritise the welfare of the affected communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu had directed Shettima to, immediately, visit Maiduguri, to assess the devastating flood in the state capital.

‘The flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences.

‘The disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally, but particularly to North East region.

‘Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted time and again, as witnessed during the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022.

‘The factors contributing to thes
e recurring disasters are diverse, and it is for this reason that Tinubu has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges headlong.

‘Nonetheless, the Federal Government remains determined in its commitment,’ he said.

Shettima visits flood affected areas in Maiduguri, Borno

Shettima said, as with other states facing similar crises, the government is resolute in mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons.

Shettima, who commiserated with victims of the flood disaster, expressed the deepest sympathies of Tinubu to the victims.

‘I am deeply devastated by the flood that has engulfed Maiduguri and its environs.

‘My heart goes out to the families who have tragically lost their homes and livelihoods in this calamity.

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‘Our grief is shared, but so is our resolve to offer support and comfort as you begin to recover from this disaster.

‘Now, more than ever, we are compelled a
s a nation to come together to overcome the losses suffered, and we are committed to finding lasting solutions to this recurring issue,’ he said ‘

The vice president added: ‘The flood, which began over the weekend and worsened in the following days, was the direct result of excess water from the Alau Dam.

Floods submerged Maiduguri

‘The collapse of the spillways unleashed a significant surge of water downstream, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding communities.

‘As we speak, efforts are ongoing to evacuate and resettle residents in the affected areas, while ensuring the provision of food, shelter, and medical assistance until the situation stabilises’.

Shettima said in response to the 2024 flood Outlook, government had implemented comprehensive contingency plans and adopted proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts.

According to him, the government intensifies its interventions in flood-prone areas characterised by erratic rainfall patterns and complex river basin dynamics.

He said the
areas had been prioritised in flood mitigation strategies to safeguard communities, protect agricultural zones, and reinforce critical infrastructure.

He commended the government of Borno State for its swift and effective response to this tragic situation.

‘I also want to acknowledge the remarkable resilience of the good people of Maiduguri and surrounding areas, who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion by being their neighbours’ keepers.

‘I am in Maiduguri to oversee the implementation of comprehensive flood mitigation measures.

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‘We will overcome this tragedy as long as our resolve remains strong, as long as we remain united, as long as we remain compassionate, and as long as we prioritise strategic actions to emerge from this even stronger than ever,’ he assured.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is restoring confidence in Nigeria economy through measures aimed at reducing inflation, stabilising the foreign exchange market, and improving fiscal management.

Tinubu, represented by his Vice, Kashim Shettima, gave the assurance on Tuesday at the 17th Annual Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Banking and Finance Conference held in Abuja.

He described theme of the CIBN Conference, ‘Accelerating Economic Growth and Development: The State of Play and the Way Forward,’ as timely and imperative.

The President noted that the conference came at a time the nation was grappling with interrelated challenges.

He identified the challenges as, high inflation, rising costs of living, unemployment, infrastructure deficits and effects of global economic shifts.

Tinubu observed, however, that the challenges also present opportunities for growth and development.

In addressing the challenges, the President said that the administration had taken bold but painf
ul steps to reform the macroeconomic environment.

‘Though painful in the short term, the removal of fuel subsidies is designed to free up budgetary resources for critical investments in infrastructure and social services.

‘The adjustment of the monetary policy rate, a move aimed at curbing inflation and fostering a more market-oriented exchange rate system,’ he said.

Tinubu also noted that his administration was committed to strengthening infrastructure development in the ongoing bid to grow Nigeria’s economy.

‘We are committed to upgrading Nigeria’s infrastructure to support economic growth.

‘ We are investing in roads, railways, and energy projects through public-private partnerships to reduce transportation costs and improve market access,’ he said.

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He added that the administration was prioritising the digital economy, to drive innovation and enhance financial inclusion.

‘ We are expanding broadband pene
tration and encouraging the growth of tech startups through initiatives such as the Digital Nigeria program.

‘ For example, we currently train three million Nigerian youths in digital technology and essential skills and then deploy them to innovation hubs.

‘These efforts are designed to create jobs, increase productivity, and make financial services more accessible to Nigerians in all corners of the country.

‘ It is essential to state that we are committed to achieving a 70 per cent digital literacy level by 2027 through innovative approaches in delivering initiatives, continuous collaborations and stakeholder engagement,’ he said

The President called for collaboration across all sectors, including the government, private industry, and civil society organisations.

‘ To achieve sustained economic growth, we must intentionally align our policies and actions with the changing global landscape.

‘The government is committed to implementing reforms to enhance macroeconomic stability, reduce inflation, and sup
port infrastructure development.’

Tinubu expressed hope that the conference would provide a platform for the sharing of ideas, exchange of knowledge, and exploration of innovative solutions to the challenges bedevilling the country.

‘The conversations during this event will allow us to dissect the critical problems affecting our financial system and economy, identify growth opportunities, and collectively shape the future of banking and finance in Nigeria,’ he added.

Earlier, President/Chairman of CIBN, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, called for urgent introspection on Nigeria’s economic challenges, stressing the need for innovative solutions.

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‘We are on a journey to economic growth and prosperity,’ Olanrewaju stated, acknowledging however that ‘the current challenges are things of concern.’

He emphasised that while the Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced several monetary policies to address the issues, their success hinges on ‘the
professionalism and patriotism of operators in the financial services sector.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria