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Author: salif atojoko

  • Leaked documents on fiscal policy proposals not official – FG

    Leaked documents on fiscal policy proposals not official – FG

    Documents

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Presidency said that two fiscal policy documents in circulation being given wide coverage by the mainstream media and social media platforms were not official.

    Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

    He said one of the documents titled: “Inflation Reduction and Price Stability (Fiscal Policy Measure etc) Order 2024” was being shared as if it was an executive order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    According to him, the second one is a 65-page draft document with the title, “Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP), which contains suggestions on how to improve the Nigerian economy.”

    He explained that a copy of the draft was received by President Tinubu on Tuesday.

    “We urge the public and the media to disregard the two documents and cease further discussions on them. None is an approved official document of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “They are all policy proposals that are still subject to reviews at the highest level of government. Indeed, one has ‘draft’ clearly written on it,” said Onanuga.

    Quoting the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, he said, “It is important to understand that policymaking is an iterative process involving multiple drafts and discussions before any document is finalised.

    “We assure the public that the official position on the documents will be made available after comprehensive reviews and approvals are completed.”

    According to Edun, emanating from the two documents have been reports second-guessing government’s policy on customs tariffs, fuel subsidy and other economic matters.

    “The government wants to restate that its position on fuel subsidy has not changed from what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on 29 May 2023.

    “The fuel subsidy regime has ended. There is no N5.4 trillion being provisioned for it in 2024, as being widely speculated and discussed,” Edun stated.

    The Coordinating Minister of the Economy further clarified: “As previously stated by government officials, including myself, President Tinubu announced the end of the fuel subsidy programme last year, and this policy remains firmly in place.

    “The Federal Government is committed to mitigating the effects of this removal and easing the cost of living pressures on Nigerians.

    “Our strategy focuses on addressing key factors such as food inflation, which is significantly impacted by transport costs.

    “With the implementation of our CNG initiative, which aims to displace high PMS and AGO costs, we expect to further reduce these costs.

    “Our commitment to ending unproductive subsidies is steadfast, as is our dedication to supporting our most vulnerable populations.”

    He urged the media to always exercise necessary checks and restraints in the use of documents that did not emanate from official channels so that the members of the public would be properly informed, guided and educated on government policies and programmes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/VIV

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    Editing by Vivian Ihechu

  • Tinubu calls for transition to prosperous, clean economy

    Tinubu calls for transition to prosperous, clean economy

    Transition

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has called for earnest effort and action by citizens, stakeholders, institutions, and development partners to safeguard the environment and ensure a win-win transition to a prosperous and clean economy for all.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja that the president made the call on World Environment Day marked every June 5.

    Tinubu restated his commitment to ensuring the planting of 25 million trees by 2030, not only to protect the environment but also to provide opportunities for Nigeria’s youths within the green-economy value chain.

    While calling for a more proactive approach to protect the land and ecosystem through afforestation, water conservation and the cessation of indiscriminate felling of trees, the President emphasised that to “heal our world, we must begin by healing the land and its people.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Environment Day, established by the United Nations during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, is used globally to raise awareness on environmental matters.

    “The theme of this year’s occasion, ‘Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience,’ is very significant, particularly for Nigeria, where the scourge of drought threatens parts of the country.

    “According to the projections of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, about 40 per cent of the planet’s land is degraded, which directly impacts half of the world’s population.

    “The UN Convention to Combat Desertification also says the number and duration of droughts have increased by 29 per cent since 2000 and that without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050,” the president said.

    NAN also reports that to ensure Nigeria achieves carbon neutrality by 2060, Tinubu established the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions in May, which he chairs.

    The committee oversees the nation’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, as well as green economy initiatives.

    The president also approved the establishment of Nigeria’s first Green Industrial Zone, Evergreen City, which is poised to be the leading manufacturing hub in Africa for renewable energy technologies, green solutions, and climate-adaptation technologies.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/IS 

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    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Tinubu greets Pastor Kumuyi at 83

    Kumuyi
    By Salif Atojoko
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi on his 83rd birthday.
    This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, on Wednesday in Abuja.
    The president commended Kumuyi for his dedication and service not only to God but to humanity, especially the underprivileged and the downtrodden.
    “President Tinubu rejoices with the Founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry on this special occasion, and celebrates his many years of defining impact as a leader, author, and teacher within and beyond the frontiers of Nigeria.
    “President Tinubu notes the Spiritual Leader’s zeal in exercising his divine mantle for the promotion of peace, good neighbourliness, and pristine values as demonstrated by the Lord Jesus Christ,” said the statement.
    The president prayed for many more years in good health for the Lord’s servant and his family. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SA/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Tinubu congratulates Mexico’s 1st female president 

    Tinubu congratulates Mexico’s 1st female president

    Congratulation

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday congratulated Ms. Claudia Sheinbaum on her election as the first female President of Mexico.

    A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said the president also congratulated the Mexican people and called for the strengthening of bilateral ties between both nations across areas of mutual interest.

    “The election of Sheinbaum accents the voices of women in government and shatters political glass ceiling.

    “It sends a reverberating message across the world that women must not only be participants but principal architects in shaping and implementing decisions affecting the lives of many,” said Tinubu.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sheinbaum won the Mexican presidential election by a landslide, becoming the first female President in the country since its independence in 1821. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/IKU

    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Tinubu congratulates Indian PM on election victory

    Victory

    By Itohan Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday congratulated the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, on his victory in that nation’s parliamentary elections.

    A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said the president described the outcome of the elections as “a resounding affirmation of Modi’s exceptional leadership of the world’s largest democracy.”

    The President assured the South Asian nation of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthen relations and advance shared goals and values as strategic partners in the league of nations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Modi’s coalition – the National Democratic Alliance – wins a majority of the parliamentary seats, paving the way for a third consecutive term.

    NAN reports that the victory is considered a rare feat and the second time an Indian leader will retain power for a third term after Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • We ‘ve drawn plan to transform FCT to world-class city -Tinubu

    Plan

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu says his administration has drawn a comprehensive plan to transform the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into a world-class city.

    Tinubu who disclosed this at the inauguration of the Arterial Road N20, also approved the naming of the road after Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

    “This project is a critical component of our administration’s comprehensive plan to transform the FCT into a world-class city.

    “It equally aligns with our broader objectives of improving urban infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring that our cities are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future,” he said.

    Tinubu described the project as another testament to his administration’s developmental agenda of transforming every part of the country.

    He said the project reinforced his government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering sustainable development.

    “The completion of this strategic project underscores our dedication to building a robust and resilient infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing population and stimulates economic growth.

    “I am also aware that the project enabled the creation of employment opportunities for over 1,500 Nigerians.

    “This is commendable and serves as a credit to the Renewed Hope Agenda for creating job opportunities for our teeming youth.

    “As we commission this road today, we must also recognise the broader vision that it serves,” he said

    Tinubu noted that the successful completion of the road project should also served as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the nation.

    “I encourage other sub-nationals to take a cue from what is happening in the FCT and replicate them in their local communities,” he said.

    Speaking on why he approved the recommendation to name the road after Soyinka,  the President said, “he is our foremost playwright, novelist and Nobel prize winner.

    ”He has brought Nigeria fame, pride, and international acclaim”

    He thanked the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for recommending the naming of the road after Soyinka

    The president also commended Wike, the FCT Administration, the contractors, engineers, and all those who contributed to the completion of the project.

    “Your hard work and dedication have made this day possible.

    “The efforts of the minister and his team have brought to fruition a critical artery that will significantly enhance connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the quality of life for the residents of the FCT.

    “On that note, ladies and gentlemen, it is my singular honour to commission the full-scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) to the glory of the Almighty God and service to humanity,” the president said.

    In his remarks, Wike thanked the president for renewing and realising the hope of Abuja residents.

    ”I do not want to talk about politics now, but I know it will be very difficult for anybody to challenge the president in the FCT. The facts are there.

    “It is not about theory. It is about reality. You said you will do this, and you have done it,” the minister said.

    In a project overview, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, explained that Arterial Road N20 is a six-lane dual carriageway, crisscrossing two major sector centres.

    Ahmad added that the road comes with extensive underground infrastructure for utilities such as water supply, power supply, and drainage, and that it is also equipped with streetlights and conduits for telecommunication facilities.

    He said itruns from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Arterial Road N20 is one of the transverse arterial roads connecting ONEX and the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) through the sector centres.

    It is expected to enhance vehicular traffic circulation from the bounding districts of Mabushi, Katampe, Jahi, and Kado through the sector centres. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SA/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi