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Category: National

  • Reps pass bill mandating portfolios for ministerial nominees

    Reps pass bill mandating portfolios for ministerial nominees

    The House of Representatives has advanced a bill to its second reading, aiming to mandate the inclusion of specific portfolios in the nomination lists for Ministers and Commissioners submitted by the President and State Governors.

    Leading the debate, Okechukwu Dibiagwu highlighted that attaching portfolios to nominees would allow lawmakers in the national and state assemblies to conduct more effective and targeted scrutiny during confirmation processes.

    In related developments, a separate bill proposing an extension of the retirement age for health workers across Nigeria has also progressed to its second reading.

    This bill could bring significant changes to the healthcare workforce by retaining experienced health personnel in service for extended periods.

    A brief update on this was shared by the Nigerian Television Authority on its X account on Friday.

    It read, “The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking mandatory inclusion of portfolios in the nomination list of Ministers and Commissioners by the President or State Governors.

    “In his lead debate, Sponsor of the Bill Representative Okechukwu Dibiagwu argued that attaching portfolios to the list of nominations for ministerial positions will enhance thorough scrutiny of nominees by lawmakers at the national and state assemblies.

    “Another bill proposing an extension of the retirement age of health workers in Nigeria also scaled second reading.”

  • War against Drug abuse hots up as NASS seeks Parents’ Inclusion

    War against Drug abuse hots up as NASS seeks Parents’ Inclusion

    The National Assembly Thursday stepped up the war against drug abuse and trafficking by seeking for inclusion of parents in the battle.

    Call for parents’ inclusion in the war by the National Assembly came from its joint committee on Drugs and Narcotics during one day sensitization programme organised in collaboration with National Association of Nigerian Drugs Monitoring ( NANDRUM).

    In his speech at the event themed : ” Parents Inclusion in the Fight Against Drug Abuse and Reckless Behaviours “, the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly , Godswill Akpabio, said involvement of parents in the fight very necessary and critical .

    Akpabio who was represented by the Deputy Leader of the Senate , Senator Lola Ashiru , said the epidemic of drug abuse and trafficking, should be tackled right from the home fronts led by Parents.

    ” Getting parents involved in the fight against drug abuse is taking the battle to the basis and tackling the menace right from the home front since those indulging in it, come from different homes before hitting the streets as drug addicts or traffickers .

    ” The theme of today’s sensitization programme on the dangers of drugs abuse , is very apt and very necessary for effective fight against the menace of drug abuse .

    “The fight against drugs abuse is indeed , a fight for our posterity requiring parents to be on the front lines being the guiding force in their Children’s lives .

    ” I urge all parents to take up this mantle of responsibility with unwavering determination sice the greatest gift any parent can give to Children is not riches but the spirit of adventure, the virtue of integrity and the gift of courage .

    ” Let us equip our children with the required tools they need to navigate life ‘s challenges without falling victim to the perils of drug abuse “, he said .

    In his remarks , on behalf of Chairmen , Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics , Mallam Isa Garba , said the sensitization programme was collaboratively organized to step up the fight against drug abuse .

  • Tinubu asks senate to confirm seven ministerial nominees

    Tinubu asks senate to confirm seven ministerial nominees

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday sent a letter, demanding the Senate to confirm seven new ministerial nominees.

    This was contained in a letter from the executive and read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the upper legislative chamber.

    President Tinubu on Wednesday sacked at least five ministers and scrapped two ministries.The president also assigned new portfolios to some Ministers in the Wednesday cabinet shake-ups.

  • Anambra Withdraws From Suit Against EFCC, NFIU, ICPC

    Anambra Withdraws From Suit Against EFCC, NFIU, ICPC

    The Anambra State Government announced on Tuesday its decision to withdraw from a legal suit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    This lawsuit, initially filed by the Kogi State Government, seeks to declare the operations of the EFCC, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) as unconstitutional.

    Through a notice dated October 20, Anambra’s Attorney General, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, informed the Supreme Court of the state’s decision to step back from the case.

    Meanwhile, Osun State, represented by its Attorney General, Mr. Oluwole Bada, sought to join the suit and consolidate its own grievances against the EFCC with those of Kogi State. Osun State is pursuing similar reliefs, seeking to challenge the EFCC’s authority.

    At Tuesday’s hearing, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, also noted the absence of Sokoto State, which had previously been a co-plaintiff but did not send a legal representative.

    Other states present in the case include Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Oyo, Benue, Plateau, Cross River, Ondo, Niger, Edo, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, and Nasarawa.

    Representing the federal government, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, did not oppose Anambra’s request to withdraw from the case.

    The case stems from a collective legal action by 16 states against the EFCC, arguing that the anti-graft agency was not constitutionally established by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    The states claim that section 12 of the 1999 Constitution was violated, as the EFCC Act, passed by the National Assembly in 2002 and later amended in 2004, did not receive the required approval from a majority of state Houses of Assembly.

    The plaintiffs assert that the EFCC’s establishment under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption did not comply with constitutional requirements, rendering its operations illegal in states that did not consent to the law. They argue that, based on the supremacy of the 1999 Constitution, any act inconsistent with it should be considered null and void.

    Kogi State, in its submissions to the Supreme Court, raised six key issues and sought nine major reliefs. Among them is a request for a declaration that the EFCC, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), or any other federal agency does not have the power to investigate or manage funds belonging to Kogi State or its local government areas without state consent. Kogi also contends that federal agencies lack the authority to issue directives regarding the administration of state funds.

  • Tinubu arrives Nigeria after two weeks Overseas leave

    Tinubu arrives Nigeria after two weeks Overseas leave

    President Bola Tinubu has returned to the country after weeks of annual leave in London, United Kingdom and Paris, France.

    Presidential aide Dada Olusegun wrote on his X (Twitter) account on Saturday: “Welcome home Mr President.

    “The eagle has landed.”

    Tinubu arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, this (Saturday) evening after his working leave.

    Daily Trust reports that the President was received on arrival, among others, by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Ministers, including Wale Edun (Finance), Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning), Nuhu Ribadu (National Security Adviser), and Abdullahi Ganduhe (National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Although the presidency announced that Tinubu’s overseas trip would last for two weeks, checks by Daily Trust showed that he spent extra days.

    On the day Tinubu was supposed to return, Vice-President Kashim Shettima proceeded on a 2-day trip to Sweden.

    The Presidency however, insisted that there was no vacancy in leadershop.

  • Honour NASS Invitations – Presidency tells MDAs

    Honour NASS Invitations – Presidency tells MDAs

    The Presidency on Monday admonished heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to honour invitations by the legislature in line with existing harmonious working relationships between the two arms of government.

    The admonition is coming 24 hours after the Senate committee on Ethics , Code of Conduct and Public Petitions threatened issuance of a warrant of arrest against those ignoring its invitations .

    In a statement, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters , Senator Basheer Lado, said collaboration between the two arms of government is very critical for actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

    He said : ” The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is built on the premise of quick and efficient governance, one that brings tangible democracy dividends to the people without delay.

    “A critical part of realizing this vision involves a proactive, respectful, and transparent relationship between government bodies and the Senate in its oversight role.

    “The Office has noted some concerns that some agencies may not have consistently adhered to Senate invitations or requests for appearances before committees.

    “While we acknowledge that competing official engagements may sometimes make it challenging for agencies to respond promptly to Senate invitations, it remains essential that these opportunities for engagement are prioritized to demonstrate our continued collective commitment to accountability and good governance.

    “Engaging with Senate committees is an important opportunity for agencies to showcase their dedication to public service and accountability, while further reinforcing the people’s confidence in government”.

    He added that his office will continue working for the very important constructive collaboration between Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies, and the National Assembly, particularly its Senate committees, as a cornerstone of good governance and accountability

  • FG Set to jack up Value Added Tax

    FG Set to jack up Value Added Tax

    The federal government has put forward a proposal to raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 10%. 

    This proposal is encapsulated in an executive bill currently under consideration by the National Assembly. 

    Reports indicate that the government plans to implement further increments, targeting a VAT of 12.5% by 2026, increasing to 15% starting in 2030. 

    The legislative document outlines a gradual increase in VAT rates across several assessment years. 

    Earlier discussions around VAT included insights from Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, who previously stated the necessity for a VAT increase.

     In contrast, Finance Minister Wale Edun had clarified that the VAT rate had not yet been modified.

    In addition to the VAT hike, the bill also suggests a reduction in the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) from 30% to 27.5% by 2025, with a further decrease to 25% in 2026. 

    Small businesses with annual turnovers below ₦20 million will not be subject to this tax. 

    The document further stipulates that companies falling under certain categories with an effective tax rate below 15% must pay an additional tax to meet that minimum threshold. 

    This measure aims to bolster compliance among larger corporations.

    Furthermore, the federal government recently published new withholding tax regulations, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, as part of its ongoing tax reform agenda.

     These proposed changes reflect the government’s intention to adapt the taxation framework to stimulate economic activity while managing fiscal responsibilities.

  • On protracted overseas stay: Tinubu can go anywere he desires – Presidency

    On protracted overseas stay: Tinubu can go anywere he desires – Presidency

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent travels from the UK to France have sparked public reactions, especially given Nigeria’s current economic situation.

    After spending nine days in London, Tinubu is now heading to France for undisclosed engagements.

    Many Nigerians have voiced concerns on social media about his continued absence from the country.

    Responding to the criticism, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reacted that Tinubu has the right to travel for personal reasons and official business, as his two-week leave allows him the freedom to move as he chooses.

    Onanuga in a post in his X handle wrote: “President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks.

    He is not restricted to the UK.“It is his private time. He can go anywhere he so desires.“He is still observing his leave.”

  • Improved Human Capital Development: Vice President Shettima Advocates for Quality Education, Healthcare

    Improved Human Capital Development: Vice President Shettima Advocates for Quality Education, Healthcare

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that every child must have access to quality education, equitable healthcare must be the norm, and our workforce must be equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st-century economy.

    He made this statement on Saturday ehile launching the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development (HCD) Strategy Document and Gender Transformative Human Capital Development Policy Framework at the Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall, Lafia.

    Senator Shettima emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve educational outcomes and healthcare access in Nasarawa State.

    He pointed out the alarming rates of out-of-school children and the high maternal and infant mortality rates, stating that Nasarawa Sate cannot afford to overlook these pressing issues.

    “The future of our nation depends on the quality of education and healthcare we provide today.

    We must work together to ensure that our children are not left behind,” he asserted.

    The VeePee called for a collaborative effort among government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society to implement effective solutions.

    The Vice President also highlighted the importance of equipping the workforce with relevant skills, noting that education should align with the demands of the modern economy.

    He urged the state government to focus on vocational training and skill development to enhance employability and reduce unemployment among the youth.

    Shettima commended Nasarawa State for its commitment to the HCD programme, emphasizing that successful implementation requires adequate budgetary allocations, particularly in education.

    He noted that Nasarawa’s allocation of over 15% of its budget to education exceeds international benchmarks, showcasing a significant step toward achieving these goals.

    As the state moves forward with its Human Capital Development initiatives, Shettima reiterated the importance of partnerships and collaboration in achieving sustainable progress.

    “Together, we can create a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed and every citizen has access to the services they need,” he concluded.

  • Tinubu Departs UK for France

    Tinubu Departs UK for France

    While Nigerians battle excruciating hardship caused by government economic policies, President Bola Tinubu, after spending nine days in London, proceeds to Paris, France. 

    Tinubu initially traveled to London for a two-week break, as stated by his media team, marking his first official leave since taking office in May 2023. 

    The vacation was described as a period for both rest and reflection on his administration’s economic strategies.

    A close associate, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, who visited the President in London, announced they would be traveling together to France.

     Although the specific purpose of this trip is yet to be disclosed, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the engagement in France.

     It remains uncertain if the President informed the National Assembly about his vacation, as required by the constitution.