Category: General

Nigeria’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 from 5.3 per cent in the fourth of 2022.

Mr Adeniran Adeyemi, the Statistician General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said this on Thursday during the inauguration of the New Nigeria Labour force Survey (NLFS) in Abuja

Adeniran said that the drop in NLFS from 33.3 per cent in the fourth quarter 2020 to its present rate was based on change in methodology adopted and not government performance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new NLFS unveils a set of labour force indicators designed to provide unparalleled insights into the dynamics of the workforce in Nigeria.

The NLFS was conducted by the NBS in collaboration with the World Bank (WB) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in response to the labour market dynamics

Adeniran said, “let me at this point clearly state that this methodology review has nothing to do with whitewashing the image of any government or political party.

“This process is routine for any responsible statistical office, and we have no reason to continue to ignore the adoption of new methods, when the evidence clearly indicates the need for it.

“As a national statistical office, our responsibility is to provide government and all users with accurate data for evidence-based decision making, adhering to the highest possible standards, and our commitment in this regard is unwavering”.

According to Adeniran, the new method which indicates that not less than 73 per cent of Nigerians are engaged in one form of work, recognises all forms of engagements from which individuals earn income.

He said using the new ILO definition, the survey showed that the unemployment rate for the fourth quarter of 2022 stood at 5.3 per cent and 4.1 per cent for the first quarter of 2023.

“This figure aligns perfectly with neighbouring countries around Nigeria. Ghana (3.9 per cent); Niger (0.5 per cent), Chad (1.4 per cent), Cameroon (4.0 per cent), Togo (4.1 per cent), Benin Republic (1.7 per cent) amongst others.

“In responding to the shifting global landscape and the ever changing data ecosystem, it is imperative for us to continuously adapt the way in which we collect and analyse data.

“This is to ensure that we are producing data that reflects reality and the experiences of Nigerians.

“These changes also includes a revision to the design and methodology applied in the conduct of the actual survey.

“Which is the survey that produces commonly known headline Unemployment and Underemployment rates as well as other labour market indicators that guide policymakers, researchers, and other users,” he said.

According to him, the results indicates a scarcity of wage-employment, as the share of those employed in wage-employment during the reference quarters was 13.4 per cent in Q4 2022 and 11.8 per cent in Q1 2023.

Adeniran said that the working age population which was defined previously as persons aged 15-64, is now defined as persons aged 15 and above.

He said this was a very important change particularly in the Nigerian context as it recognises the labour contributions of persons above the age of 64 which was not done previously.

The NBS boss said the unemployed appeared to be the most controversial amongst the changes announced under the review.

According to him, the new standard defines the unemployed as persons within the labour force, who within the reference period did not work for pay or profit for a minimum of one hour.

“In the real sense, nobody works one hour a week and then sits down and does nothing else when there are opportunities for more hours of work.

“The statistics show that only 7.1 per cent of those working, work between 1 – 19 hours per week. So, one hour is just a benchmark and nothing more than that,” he said.

The survey revealed that about three quarters of Nigerians in the working age population, 73.6 per cent in Q4 2022 and 76.7 per cent in Q1 2023 were engaged in some form of work for pay or profit in the quarters under review.

Earlier, the World Bank’s Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri pledged the continued support of the bank to ensure a robust, regular national LFS data for the country.

Chaudhuri said a reliable data provided the government with knowledge about the nation’s welfare and ensured the right intervention and programmes needed to address its challenges.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, said data was key to national planning and development.

According to Bagudu, President Bola Tinubu believes in reliable data for planning, and will support anything towards production of appropriate data.

“To create jobs for youths, we need this kind of data, a lot needs to be done to address the high rate of unemployment in the country. The President is desirous of reducing unemployment.

“Nigeria is one of the countries with absorptive capacity, so what we need is to provide better environment and more incentives,” he said.

While commending the NBS and its partners in revising the methodology, Bagudu said, henceforth, the ministry would use the revised data more practically.

Also, the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mohammed Tumala said labour statistics was one of the most important inputs to economic policy and business decisions.

Tumula said labour was the most important factor of production and determined both the quantity and quality of utility of other factors.

While lauding the NBS, he stressed the need for synergy with communication experts to ensure proper linkage and dissemination of data to the public.

Similarly, Prof. Mike Obadan, Non Executive Director and member MPC, CBN, also reiterated the need for NBS to ensure robust strategy for communicating its survey findings to the public in simple language.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, has assured that the reconstruction work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway would be completed by the first quarter of 2024.

Umahi made this known while inspecting the project on Thursday to assess the progress made so far by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contractor handling the project.

The minister, however, frowned at the slow pace of work on the project awarded in 2017.

Umahi noted that insecurity and poor funding were the major challenges affecting the timely completion of the road.

”Work on the 375.9 km dual-carriage Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road is in three phases, with phase three (Zaria-Kano) at 100 per cent completion.

”The phase two (Kaduna- Zaria) was at 60 per cent completion and phase one (Abuja-Kaduna) was only at 20 per cent completion level,” he said.

He said President Bola Tinubu was committed to sort out all impeding factors to ensure that the contractor delivers the project in 2024.

“I am here on the directive of Mr President, who has directed that I must be on site to see most of this ongoing projects before I can put figures together.

“Mr president has asked me to assure Kaduna people and everyone that this road is very important to him as part of his renewed hope agenda for Nigerians.

“He is committed to finishing the road, in 2024 and not 2025 as stated in the contract earlier, and we will match his word with action.

“We are satisfied with the quality of work but we are not satisfied with the pace of work, so we have to find out what are the problems.

“This road is very important, if it is security we will tackle it and provide security in each section where they are working and we also want to deploy solar lights on the roads,” the minister said.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work on the road but urged the contractor to increase the pace of work.

He directed the contractor to deploy more men and equipment to other sections of the road to ensure that work goes on simultaneously.

He also called on the contractor to introduce concrete in parts of the road to deliver a more durable and lasting road to Nigerians.

The minister, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government in its commitment to deliver a durable road that would stand the test of time.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Office in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMCDE) and Galaxy Backbone (GBB) organized a knowledge exchange programme in Rwanda to promote eGovernment development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday reports that the collaboration that involves Nigeria, Rwanda, and the Republic of Korea via the South-South and Triangular Cooperation and is designed specifically for the Nigerian Government Service Portal (GSP) team.

According to Mr Kayode Adebisi, Assistant Manager/eGovt Project Manager KOICA, in a statement made available to NAN, said the event held in Kigali, Rwanda.

It featured study visits and discussions related to policies, strategies, and programmes for Rwanda’s digitalization journey.

Adebisi said: “During the study visit, the Nigerian GSP team embarked on a six-day working visit from August 21st to 26th, 2023.

“The study visit was organized as part of an effort to promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences between Nigeria and Rwanda through KOICA, with a specific focus on enhancing eGovernment development.

“The primary emphasis was on the efficient delivery of government digital services through a one-stop portal model.

“The delegation from Nigeria sought insights from Rwanda’s successful Irembo GSP, which serves as a prime example of GSP deployment.

“Notably, the timing of this study visit was well-suited, given that Nigeria’s GSP full deployment is still in its early stages.”

According to him, the study visit forms part of project activities under ‘the Project for Building Foundations Towards Digital Governance in Nigeria (2020 – 2026).’’

Adebisi added: “The project, which is fully funded by the Korean Government through grant aid is expected to enhance capacity for the further execution of key initiatives of the National eGovernment Master Plan, strengthen the deployment of government-wide Enterprise Architecture (EA),

“This study visit was made possible through the facilitation of Rwanda Cooperation in Kigali and Sangmyung University from the Republic of Korea.

“Improve competencies for eGovernment service delivery through capacity building programs, expand the delivery of government digital services.

“This is through the activation of the GSP www.services.gov.ng and create increased access for National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment through the establishment of additional NIN enrolment centres.”

Adebisi also said that during the study visit, the GSP team identified key factors that were crucial for successfully implementing a functional and effective Government Service Portal.

He added: “These factors include having a strong governance structure that enforces policies at the highest level and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders, including users (citizens and businesses) and service providers (government agencies).

“Additionally, it’s important to ensure inclusivity for seamless access, a robust digital infrastructure, and the development of necessary skills.

“A significant highlight of the study visit was the collaborative workshop involving the Smart Africa Alliance and the Nigerian GSP team.”

Prof. Muhammed Abubakar, the Managing Director of Nigeria’s Galaxy Backbone, expressed gratitude to Mr Minjae Kang, Deputy Country Director of KOICA, for his contributions to Nigeria’s eGovernment development.

He said that the success of the GSP hinged on hosting it on a national infrastructure to reach underserved areas and ensure system interoperability among various government agencies in Nigeria.

Adebisi added that the insights gained from the study visit in Rwanda would play a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s ongoing digitization efforts, especially as the GSP achieved full functionality.

In his remarks, the Deputy Country Director of KOICA, Rwanda, Mr Kim Kwonho, who represented the Country Director commended it’s efforts in driving a convergence point between Rwanda and Nigeria, in the area of digital governance.

He re-echoed the importance and benefits of cooperative efforts among different countries through knowledge sharing and exchange programs.

NAN also reports that the Nigerian GSP team consisted of representatives from nine government agencies, some of whom will contribute their digital services to the GSP once it becomes operational.

The activation of Nigeria’s Government Service Portal is the central focus of this project and development of the portal is expected to be completed within an 18-month period.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The case against owners of the infamous Enyobeni Tavern is expected to continue at the East London Regional Court in October for the beginning of the defence.

The owners, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, were charged with selling or supplying alcohol to teenagers after some 21 young people – some as young as 15 – died while partying at the tavern in June 2022.

The two also face charges of “responsibility for conniving with and permitting employees and agents to sell or deliver intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18 years”.

National Prosecuting Authority Regional Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the prosecution has completed presenting its case to the court.

“The state has led its last witness in the case against the Enyobeni Tavern couple, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, in the East London Regional Court. Police Detective Captain Gerhard Swart was the last witness to be led by senior state prosecutor Advocate Tango Pangalele during the trial.

“Among the evidence led was from a neighbour of the Ndevu couple, eyewitnesses who were present at the establishment when the incident occurred, Eastern Cape Liquor Board officials and the CCTV footage taken from the establishment on the fateful night,” he said.

Regarding the main case into the cause of death of the 21 youth, Tyali said an inquest is expected to resume in the East London Regional Court next week Thursday.

“The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barry Madolo, decided that an inquest be held by a Regional Court Magistrate, to establish if anyone can be held criminally liable, by commission or omission, for the deaths. At this moment, it is unclear what caused the incident and hence the state declined to prosecute.

“The matter is referred for formal inquest, which is inquisitorial in nature, and will assist the state to establish the cause of death in order to reach the appropriate legal conclusion. More than 30 witnesses, including experts and eyewitnesses, are expected to give evidence,” Tyali said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Department of Public Enterprises has entered into a Collaboration Framework Agreement with the China Development Bank (CBD) which the department says will enhance the sustainability of State Owned Companies (SOCs).

The CBD already has funding agreements with Eskom and Transnet for locomotives and the building of power stations, Medupi and Kusile.

“We are laying the foundation for a more sustainable path to ensure that our developmental goals as a country stay on track. This agreement is also a sign of our commitment as government to create an enabling environment for our SOCs. They are a critical lever to drive service delivery and economic opportunity to improve the lives of millions of South Africans,” DPE Minister Pravin Gordhan said.

He added that the agreement will open new paths for SOCs.

“This agreement is a culmination of the discussions and engagements that we conducted with the CDB during our visit to Beijing in May this year. The DPE is confident that this agreement will allow us to better position our SOCs for future growth as we leverage the exchange of expertise, technical skills and other strategic catalysts that this collaboration framework agreement makes possible,” Gordhan added.

The agreement was signed on the side lines of the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg and is one of the key initiatives to deepen China-South Africa relations following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Official State Visit to Pretoria on Tuesday.

CBD Vice Chairman and President, Tan Jiong, said: “We view this agreement as one more step in our efforts to enhance cooperation across a range of key strategic sectors to enable further development that is underpinned by a strong relationship between our two countries”.

“The CDB already has a close relationship with Transnet and Eskom, but now we also have the opportunity to work with the DPE in other areas of mutual interest, including mining and forestry”.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Continued exclusion of developing countries from holding permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council and under representation in world institutions, is a recipe for serious world fragmentation which could lead already existing tensions to boil over.

This is according to the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres who was addressing the media on the last day of the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

“I believe, two areas require a particularly important reform effort. One is the Security Council; the second, the Bretton Woods system. If we are not able to reform our institutions to make sure they reassume a truly universal character, we risk fragmentation, and fragmentation can be one day, a factor of confrontation.

“[History] has shown time and again that multi-polarity without strong multilateral institutions is no guarantee for stability; it might even become a catalyst for chaos. We must urgently restore trust and reinvigorate multilateralism. This requires the courage to compromise for the common good,” Guterres said on Thursday.

The UN Security Council, considered one of the world body’s most powerful groups, is made up of 15 permanent and non-permanent members. The five permanent members are the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, China and Russia.

Africa’s 54 states are represented on the council by three non-permanent seats currently held by Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique.

Driving home his point further, Guterres added that reforms in powerful global institutions require “a special focus on Africa”.

“The Security Council, the Bretton Woods system and other international organisations reflect the world of 1945 when many African countries were still part of European empires. To this day, the continent is under represented in the global financial architecture just as it lacks a permanent seat on the Security Council.

“The world has changed and so, global governments, must change with it. It must represent today’s power and economic relations and not the power and economic relations of 1945,” he said.

He further emphasised that these reforms must transverse institutions “at every level” and also bear greater inclusion of long marginalised groups such as women and youth.

“My message to the leaders assembled here was clear. Our world is in dire straits. We face existential challenges from the worsening climate emergency and escalating conflicts to the global cost of living crisis, soaring inequalities and dramatic technological disruptions. So this is the time to come together and work together,” he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency