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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it will forgo N188.37 billion in import duties following the Federal Government’s directive to remove tariffs and other import duties on key food staples.

The Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure in his keynote address at the second Economic Confidential Lecture and Book Presentation in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that to alleviate food inflation in Nigeria, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced on July 8 the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on certain food staples imported through land and sea borders.

These staples include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. The measure introduces a 150-day duty-free import window for these food commodities, to be implemented over a period of 180 days.

According to Adeniyi, the six-month tariff suspension could result in a revenue forfeiture of approximately N188.37 billion, which represents the government’s commitment t
o prioritising food security over short-term revenue goals.

He noted that the removal of tariffs and import duties on key staples for the next six months represented a considerable sacrifice in terms of potential revenue.

The NCS estimates that the total import of these food items between 2020 and 2023 was more than N3.8 trillion generating more than N191 billion in custom duties, and more than N562 billion in various levies paid to the government.

Adeniyi assured that the NCS would ensure seamless clearance of the listed foods, create special corridors to expedite their clearance, build the capacity of its personnel, and shore up its anti-smuggling measures to prevent the influx of unlisted food items.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, speaking on the theme of the lecture, `Leveraging on Effective Communication for Revenue Generation and Economic Development` said the President Bola Tinubu’s administration was implementing hard reforms aimed at salvaging Nigeria’s economy.

The Vice-President`s speech was
delivered by Dr Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Office of the Vice President.

He highlighted the government’s achievements, including growing foreign reserves to more than N37 billion and achieving a standard transmission of 4,500 megawatts of electricity.

He added that the Federal Government had provided conditional cash transfers to more than one million families to alleviate their living difficulties and had settled seven billion dollars in inherited foreign obligations, among other measures.

Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, Managing Director, Image Merchants Limited (IMPR), the organisers of the lecture series, commended the C-G for his efforts toward repositioning NCS and working in sync to implement Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Shuaib said that the book titled, `Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management` was written following the strategic communications adopted by NCS to provoke constructive engagement and healthy dialogue with its various publics.

NAN reports that
awards of excellence by IMPR were presented to the C-G of Customs, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Gov. Muhammed Yahaya of Gombe, Gov. Sanwo Olu of Lagos and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

While the President has signed into law the Public Procurement Act, the provisions of the Act are not in force yet.

‘The President will bring the provisions of the Act into operation through a proclamation in the Gazette,’ National Treasury said on Tuesday.

The Public Procurement Act, 2024 (Act No. 28 of 2024) was approved by the President and published as an Act in the Government Gazette on 23 July 2024.

READ | Public Procurement Act to direct public funds to where they are intended

The legislation aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state, with the necessary efficiency, cost-effectiveness and integrity.

As enacted by the President, the Public Procurement Act addresses weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services by organs of State that have in the past enabled various degrees of corruption, including State capture.

‘Section 69 of the Act enables the President to bring the provisions into operation on different
dates (phased approach) and to determine different dates for different categories of procuring institutions such as national and provincial departments, national and provincial public entities and municipalities and municipal entities.

‘The Act also allows for the repeal or amendment of different provisions of a law to be brought into operation on different dates. For example, the repeal of the Preferential Policy Procurement Framework Act, 2000 (PPPFA), and Chapter 4 of the Act (including provisions of other Chapters necessary for its implementation) and required regulations should take effect on the same date,’ National Treasury said.

Many provisions of the Act require regulations before the accompanying provisions of the Act could be brought into operation.

The process of making regulations involves consultation with affected Ministers, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and the public and Parliamentary scrutiny as outlined in section 64 of the Act. Different regulations for differe
nt categories of procuring institutions and for different types of procurement are provided in section 64.

‘The making of regulations regarding procurement of infrastructure and capital assets, and goods and services related to infrastructure and capital assets, are a mandatory requirement.

‘The recommendations on the effective dates of various provisions of the Act and the accompanying regulations will consider the readiness of the affected procuring institutions to implement.

‘The current procurement framework provided for under the Public Finance Management Act, 1999, the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003, the PPPFA and other applicable legislation, remain in place until the relevant provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2024, and accompanying regulations take effect,’ National Treasury said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Former presidents Muhammadu Buhari, Goodluck Jonathan, who attended the Council of State meeting on Tuesday physically, and all other former presidents who attended virtually, passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Council of State meeting in Abuja.

‘A lot of issues were exhaustively discussed at the meeting, and the governors were all in attendance as well as some ministers who were invited to make presentations.

‘We made presentations on our road map, on what we’ve been able to achieve, the prospects and the challenges in our various ministries. At the end, we all passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu,’ he said.

He said the ministers of Solid Minerals, Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Trade and Investment, Budget and National Budget, Agriculture, Works and Attorney General were invited to make presentations to the Council.

He said the
individual presentations by the ministers were well received based on the feedbacks received.

Alake said the Council also discussed the recent nationwide protest, which he said was an attempt to effect a change of regime by force.

‘And so the Council thanked Nigerians at large for resisting an unconstitutional move to change the government. If anybody is not satisfied with any government, there’s an election coming. So, wait for the election,’ he said.

He said Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, also briefed the Council on the security situation in the country.

‘We were assured that nobody will be allowed to truncate our hard-earned democracy.

‘Any change of government has to be through the ballot, and not through the barrel of the gun, or through insurrection, or through any other unconstitutional means.

‘We were reassured on the readiness of all security agencies in the country to secure our territorial integrity and to protect Nigeria’s democracy,’ said Alake.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
of Kwara and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), said one of the outcomes of the Council of State meeting was the unanimous passage of a confidence of confidence in President Tinubu.

‘Members, especially those of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, were satisfied with the presentation by the members of the Federal Executive Council.

‘Members of the NGF also, like the members of the Council of State, passed a vote of confidence in Mr President,’ said the governor.

Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said he gave an update on the progress of macroeconomic policies being implemented by the Tinubu administration.

‘These policies are anchored on eight priority areas; and the results to date have been very encouraging.

‘We looked at the data, we reported on the evidence of this half year, which we compared to the first quarter and the second quarter of 2023.

‘And in broad terms, the economy is growing. The balance of payments in particular, the trade balance and t
he currency balance are in surplus.

‘The exchange rate is stabilising, and inflation is not uncomfortably high. It is slowing and it is set to fall,’ said Edun.

According to him, there has been support for the economy from foreign and domestic investors who are participating in important private public partnerships, particularly in the infrastructure sector.

‘So, we reported that we will ensure that the interventions and the measures to ameliorate the high cost of living for individuals, for the agricultural sector, for industry, for small-scale businesses will continue to be implemented.

‘On that basis, we reported an optimistic outlook for the Nigerian economy and the Nigerian society in general,’ said Edun.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Minister in Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has congratulated Mia Le Roux who was recently crowned Miss South Africa 2024.

The 28-year-old Le Roux who was born in Sasolburg, Free State, and raised in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, was crowned Miss South Africa during a glittering ceremony held at the Sun Bet Arena in Menlyn, Pretoria East, on Saturday night.

Le Roux, who is deaf, became the first Miss South Africa and differently abled finalist in the history of the pageant.

READ | Mia Le Roux wins Miss South Africa

Prior to entering the competition, Le Roux worked full-time as a marketing manager for a start-up company. She is also studying a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing part time at Unisa.

In her congratulatory message, Chikunga said Le Roux’s incredible achievement speaks volumes, not just for her beauty and grace, but for her strength, resilience, and determination.

‘You have shown the world that true beauty shines from within, and that our
differences only make us stronger. You have broken barriers and redefined what it means to be a queen.

‘May your reign be filled with joy, pride, and the knowledge that you are a beacon of hope and inspiration to countless others. Wishing you continued success and happiness in all your future endeavours,’ Chikunga said.

The Minister also noted that her win will assist to carry the baton of hope and trust among young people.

‘We also wish to encourage Le Roux to become an ambassador to address the rights of persons with disabilities, while also assisting with dismantling social, psychological, and structural barriers, which remain major challenges for people with disabilities,’ Chikunga said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has pledged to support the development and infrastructural drive of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike in the territory.

Mr Michael Ango, the new acting Executive Chairman of the service made the pledge when he assumed office in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ango, while addressing the management staff of the agency pledged to run an open-door policy as well as ensure President Bola Tinubu’s vision to grow Nigeria’s economy.

He also promised to support the agenda of the Minister of FCT to create a modern and truly 21st century capital city.

This, he said, was being done through the provision of critical infrastructure, social services and a secure and friendly environment comparable to any developed nation in the world.

According to Ango, the FCT-IRS is the major source of revenue generation for the territory to fund its major projects with minimal dependence on federal allocation.

‘My mandate is straight forward, to implement the president’s vision for
making Nigeria a truly prosperous nation.

‘A nation that is able to provide its citizens with the opportunities and environment to meet their individual and collective aspirations, with particular focus on the FCT.’

He called for the support of members of staff of the agency including its immediate past acting executive chairman, Mr Haruna Abdullahi.

Ango commended Abdullahi, describing him as a friend, brother and colleague over the years.

‘We will work together to make the transition seamless, with minimal disruption to our day-to-day operations.

‘For all the staff, we will embark on a new journey from today and I need the cooperation of everyone.

‘I thank you all for warmly receiving me and I look forward to working with all of you starting from now,’ he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the outgone chairman, Abdullahi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity given to him to serve.

Abdullahi pledged to give the necessary support to the new acting chairman.

‘The institution has come a long way; we a
re excited with this development because Ango has always been part of this institution.

‘He has always been there for me when I needed him. He has never said no to me or the FCT-IRS. I am happy that this is happening. I have assured him that I will always be around if he needs me.

‘I will always be available for any clarity he may require. FCT-IRS has been my blood, my family for the last six to seven years so anything that pertains to the service I will be interested in being part of it,’ Abdullahi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ango was appointed acting chairman of the agency by Tinubu on Friday.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

With South Africa having doubled its tally of medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has set his sights on providing financial support to athletes who aspire to participate in the 2028 Olympics.

Addressing a media briefing welcoming the return of team South Africa at the OR Tambo International Airport, the Minister committed to taking 300 athletes to the 2028 Olympic Games taking place in Los Angeles, United States.

‘I can promise the nation that come 2028, the athletes will get [financial] assistance. This is a massive opportunity for our country to showcase the best of our athletes. The road to Los Angeles starts now at school sports and community sports,’ McKenzie said on Tuesday.

He said he was ecstatic about the performance of team South Africa at the Olympics.

‘They have doubled their tally. They got three medals in Toyko, in Paris we [were] standing on six medals. They have done very well under trying circumstances.

‘We must invest money in our
athletes. We are going to make sure that money goes to the right people. As the sports Minister, I am very proud of what our athletes have achieved in Paris,’ McKenzie said.

Swimmer Tatjana Smith, who the Minister described as ‘our most decorated Olympian’ and members of the athletics relay team, returned home to a hero’s welcome this morning, after winning medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

With her recent achievements, Smith has become the greatest Olympian produced by the country, with two gold medals and two silver medals in breaststroke swimming.

South Africa also secured a historic silver medal in the 4×100 meters relay, with the team comprising Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, Shaun Maswanganyi, and Akani Simbine.

‘Smith is the most decorated athlete that we have ever produced as a country. You have not only achieved on the field, but you have also achieved off the field. We as a country are proud of you. You have shown us what is possible. We are a sporting nation. You have brought this countr
y together. You are one of the greatest heroes that this country has ever had,’ the Minister said.

Sharing experiences

Smith announced her retirement at the Paris Olympics. However, she has offered to share her experience with other swimmers.

‘I am happy to engage with athletes and give my perspective on the sport. We can learn from each other. I am happy to inspire. I am available if you want to bounce [off] some ideas. I am willing to help and be there,’ she said.

Smith said knowing that this was the last time she gets to wear the country’s colours was a bitter pill to swallow.

‘It’s been 22 years since I have been swimming. It’s going to be a whole lifestyle change. I am also giving myself space to figure out what I can do. It was a bitter sweet moment when I made the decision to retire. Going into Paris, I wasn’t planning on retiring. It happened during the competition. I felt a lot of peace knowing that it’s okay.

‘Sometimes we don’t want to let go because we are unsure of what the future looks lik
e. I just had peace that I need to trust God in this and the He will provide. It is a bitter pill to swallow that I am finished. This is the last time I will be wearing the green and gold colours,’ she said.

The swimmer said while competing in sports comes with a lot of challenges, she managed to overcome them.

‘Sport is expensive, and the cost of living is expensive. You need financial backing to compete at international levels. Representing my country has had its challenges but we still rise above them. We need to get more people and more representation into sports. It’s important,’ she said.

Source: South African Government News Agency