Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sustainable
Progress
for Nigeria’s Peace & Prosperity
A mid-term score card on the
President Muhammadu Buhari Administration
INTERIOR - Ensuring public safety – with tenacity..................187 SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION
- Supporting the attainment of the goals of Government.........293
JUSTICE - Making the law work for all, justly and fairly.........193
SPORTS AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - Wins.
LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT - Economy’s wheels rolling, Empowerment. Reforms.............................................................307
with little friction.........................................................................199
STATE SECURITY SERVICES - Intelligence recharged...........311
MINES AND STEEL DEVELOPMENT - Mr. President’s resolve -
and support - to reverse Nigerian economy’s TERTIARY EDUCATION TRUST FUND - Increased funding to
dependence on oil........................................................................209 improve quality of education in public tertiary institutions.....315
vi M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
P
art of the attributes of humans as sentient beings is the gift of reflection, which enables us to ruminate
on issues, challenges, opportunities and situations. Reflection is an integral part of human memory;
attempting to detach one from the other is to embark on an impossible mission.
Reflection is the signpost to our thinking faculties as it enables us to evaluate where we are
coming from, where we are and where we are headed.
The administration came into office two years ago on the promise of change; to sweep away the
filth in our national life which has been standing in the path of our manifest greatness. That promise was
not made lightly, nor has the government relented in its commitment to a sacred mandate to better the lot
of the citizenry.
Corruption, insecurity and the parlous economy were the challenges inherited at inception. They have been
addressed and are still being addressed boldly and honestly. Steadily, the culture of impunity is receding;
the affront of terrorists overawing security troops and encroaching on our territorial integrity has been
reversed. The task of revamping the economy remains a work-in-progress.
Reflection on the intrinsic link between the past, the present and the future is useful to help us come to
better terms with the challenges facing us as a people and a country. It is that reflection that is at the heart of
this commendable effort on the part of The Presidency’s information managers. Making Steady, Sustainable
Progress for Nigeria’s Peace and Prosperity, they have called it, and every objective observer will agree that,
in two years, Nigeria has indeed made steady progress in our journey of nationhood. It is our hope that as
we enjoy the rich content of this book, we all —young and old — will be encouraged to do more to make
steady progress a permanent feature of our national life.
M I D - T E R M R E P O R T C A R D O N T H E B U H A R I A D M I N I S T R AT I O N vii
N
ever mind the origin of the above quote which is usually attributed as an “African proverb”,
rather be content with our interpretation: Together, everyone achieves more.
Yes, indeed: this compendium has been made possible because we worked as a TEAM.
From the Buhari Media Support Group, which collated, sifted, and filed the contents.
To the ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and their staff; as well as the heads of
their departments and agencies and their staff, for the raw materials.
And, our “technocraft” – Taiwo Obe of Venturion Limited; and editor’s editor - Lanre Idowu of Diamond
Publications Limited, and the design wiz, Ogbenyi Egbe of PicaPoint Design – who literally burned the
midnight oil, to give this book its shape and sheen; working with our liaisons Mohammed Labbo and
Johannes Tobi. Not to forget Bayo Omoboriowo and Sunday Aghaeze for photography.
And, finally, Abdullahi Girei, CEO of Euphoria Press Ltd for undertaking the printing at no cost.
We must also pay due respects to the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who chairs the Presidential
Communication team for his inspiring leadership, and enthusiastic support from the Chief of Staff, Abba
Kyari, and the Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
It sure pays to “go together.”
Nevertheless, we shall accept responsibility for any error of omission or commission in this work; to err is
human.
Femi Adesina
Mallam Garba Shehu
Laolu Akande
Editors
M I D - T E R M R E P O R T C A R D O N T H E B U H A R I A D M I N I S T R AT I O N ix
x M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Manifestations of
exemplary leadership
and a will to do things
differently, courageously
I
t is two years this May that President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) has been in office. It is also two years to
the end of his four-year mandate. This compendium is, therefore, a midterm report on his administration.
It is a fitting documentation in text and visuals of how far the administration has gone; a reminder of where
it is coming from, and a look at what lies ahead.
It is important to remind ourselves that in seeking the presidency of Africa’s most populous country,
President Buhari was guided by three principal factors, constitutional provision, his political party’s
conviction and his personal motivation, that the end of governance is to promote the security of the nation
and welfare of the people.
This quest to secure the territorial integrity of the country and make a difference in the lives of the people,
in turn, guided the framing of three core concerns that the Buhari campaign team, two years ago, offered
the electorate: a pledged commitment to containing insecurity in the land, boosting economic recovery
and waging an honest war against corruption. Coming at a time the government’s armed forces were being
humiliated by terrorists and a large chunk of the country’s territory flew the terrorists’ flag; coming at
a time the administration could not differentiate between stealing and corruption, these were weighty
promises that many a cynic could scoff at. Not Nigerians, who, tired of the national shame, and worried
that darkness was clouding the light of the land, responded by voting massively for Muhammadu Buhari
and his promised dawn of a new era.
When he assumed office on 29 May, 2015, the problems were myriad; resources were dwindling. The
oil sector, mainstay of the national economy, was undergoing a global downturn. Violent conflicts had
turned many people into internally displaced persons and refugees in neighbouring countries. Vulnerable
members of the public—women and children, the aged and the challenged—were faced with a cloudy
future. Yet, expectations remained high that PMB was the one who could make things better. The burden
of expectations and the reality of the situation were enough to daunt the faint-hearted. In a newspaper
interview in 2014, he had been asked, “how do you first put your house (his political party, APC) in order
and then deal with the hydra-headed issue of corruption?” His answer:
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2 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
plans, programmes and other initiatives aimed at fast-tracking the development of the Niger Delta Region.
To the average person of the region, that has not happened. Two years ago, the situation had degenerated
into a crisis of confidence that had sacrificed development goals on the altar of politics, and self-interest
had dethroned communal trust. Today, the initial restiveness has yielded to calm, anchored on robust
engagement designed to correct the ills of the past and reposition the region for accelerated development.
Through a seven-point strategic plan, hope has been rekindled and efforts are being made to bring the
initiatives to fruition. Through a presidential initiative on agriculture and industry, new life is being
injected into the agricultural sector and the results are heart- warming. The construction/rehabilitation
of the critical East-West Road that had dragged on endlessly because of non- release of funds has received
timely attention and is due for opening in a few weeks. As a mark of its commitment to protecting the
region against environmental hazards, the
“Ogoni clean-up” has commenced and new initiatives put in place to engage stakeholders on the urgent
issue of environmental protection and remediation.
Steady progress is prevalent in the administration’s commitment to implementing Government’s policies
to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, its interest, the well-being of the citizenry and strengthening
international peace and stability. Through a careful review of the country’s security architecture, retuning
of the order of battle and the attendant reorganisation of the Armed Forces, the sad reality of territorial
loss of as many as 17 out of 68 local government areas to terrorists in the North East states of Adamawa,
Yobe and Borno at the inception of the administration two years ago has been reversed. No foot of Nigeria’s
territory is under alien or terrorist’s hold. Steady progress is being recorded in conflict resolution and
peace-building in that region, where the capacity of Boko Haram insurgents to wreak havoc has been
degraded, the dreaded Sambisa forest liberated, with no fewer than 12, 000 captives, freed including 103
of the Chibok girls. Troops’ welfare is receiving fresh attention; they are now being properly kitted, their
tenure on the field respected, and morale boosted. More hands are being recruited and enlisted. Arms
purchase, the source of much corruption and ridicule of our armed forces, is now being done through
Government to Government basis to remove vendors and reduce cost.
The commitment to meaningful change has been the lot of Nigeria under PMB. There is a lot to be hopeful
for; the recession that the economy faced in its second year is gradually easing. The rate of inflation has
dropped in the last three quarters. Hope wafts in the air that with greater resilience, more diligence, more
transparency and honesty of purpose on the part of government and the people, PMB’s message that
enduring change begins with the individual will continue to resonate in the land and the future will be
faced with greater cheer.
In the eternal words of Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, “forward ever, backward never.”
LANRE IDOWU
M I D - T E R M R E P O R T C A R D O N T H E B U H A R I A D M I N I S T R AT I O N 3
4 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
BAYO OMOBORIOWO
M I D - T E R M R E P O R T C A R D O N T H E B U H A R I A D M I N I S T R AT I O N 5
6 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Well on course to
become mainstay of
Nigeria’s economy -
again
P
resident Muhammadu Buhari made it clear from the outset that his administration will give utmost
priority to economic diversification and agriculture will be one of the areas of focus in this regard.
Since November 2015, when the duo of Chief Audu Ogbeh and Senator Heineken Lokpobiri
assumed the leadership of this ministry, the significance of agriculture as a veritable alternative to an
oil-led growth has been underscored.
These considerations gave birth to the Agriculture Promotion Policy (APP), otherwise
referred to as the Green Alternative Policy, with a clear policy direction: strengthening the agricultural
sector. The APP has brought out many areas of agricultural policy interventions never before given such
attention by government. The policy document produced, with inputs from the ministry’s officials, state
governments and the private sector, came into effect on 15 August, 2016, after its ratification by the Federal
Executive Council. The document has been hailed by the public and private sectors, the international
community and development partners, for its emphasis on avoidance of policy somersault and the building
on the earlier achievements of government under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), but with
certain modifications to fill the identified gaps.
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with membership drawn from SON, NAFDAC, NPA, FMITI, Dept. of Trade, FMF, CBN, NEPC, NCS,
NAQS, NASC, FDA, FMMS with technical support by UNIDO and the Office of the Vice President.
Thereafter, the ministry succeeded in the development, validation and adoption of the Methodologies of
Conduits of Excellence for public administration/Single Window Platform and has commenced work on
the development of a five-year (2017-2021) action plan on Single Quality Control Management Plan, as
recommended by the European Union, for meeting international standards, inter-state trading and global
acceptance of our commodities.
The commodities targeted for exports include cocoa, palm produce, groundnut, cashew, yam (flour and
tubers) sesame seed, pineapple, banana/plantain, tea, ginger, coffee, kola nut, shea butter, pulses, hides and
skins, potato, fruit and vegetables. The ministry has commenced an undertaking of strategic intervention
in the Kenaf value chain, for cultivation, processing, and manufacturing of Kenaf/Jute bags for packaging.
Not pleased to share the latest rejection of our produce at the EU Border Controls, the Minister of
Agriculture and Rural Development has commenced steps towards bringing the standards of Nigeria’s
agricultural exports to global standards. This culminated in two meetings, held in Lagos, in January and
February 2017, on food safety and zero reject of agricultural products. Standards and Quality Control
measures are now being developed in response to the rejection last year of exports (as in beans in the EU,
and some other commodities). The ministry is taking a pioneering role in the mechanisms to safeguard
Nigeria’s agricultural exports from being rejected at the frontier markets.
Agricultural exports
At the end of 2016, agricultural goods as share of total trade got N212.73bn and 4.02 per cent. Agricultural
goods’ exports were 2.7 per cent higher in Q4 2016 than Q3 2016. The products which contributed most
to agricultural product exports in the fourth quarter were sesame seeds with N6.46billion, frozen shrimps
and prawns with N4.4billion, flour and meals of soya beans with N2.59billion, cashew nuts in shell with
N0.95billion and crude palm kernel, N0.62 billion.
8 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
EMPHASIS ON MECHANISATION: AGRIC MINISTER OGBEH (MIDDLE) AND BORNO STATE GOVERNOR KASHIM SHETTIMA (2ND RIGHT) AT A
MECHANISED FARM IN BORNO STATE
M I D - T E R M R E P O R T C A R D O N T H E B U H A R I A D M I N I S T R AT I O N 9
LIFE
Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises (LIFE) is a programme aimed at bringing life back to rural
communities through the empowerment of youth, women and other vulnerable groups across the country.
LIFE, which design commenced within the past one year, is geared towards promoting community-based
on-farm and off-farm business activities as a model for job and wealth creation among unemployed youth
and women in rural and suburban households. Programmes under LIFE are expected to establish 150,000
cooperatives nationwide under commodity value chain groups, establish and operate up to 1,000 cottage
industries in the country, and ultimately engage about 1,995,500 youth and 997,500 women for enhanced
productivity and, through these interventions, add about 5,965,000 metric tonnes of foods to the national
food store. The key challenge leading to the late take-off of the programme is related to the cumbersome
procurement procedures.
Anchor Borrowers
The Anchor Borrowers programme is an intervention aimed at fast-tracking access of rural farmers to
finance for productivity. This entails provision of agricultural credit for financing the production of rice,
wheat, ginger, maize and soybeans in Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, Benue, Zamfara, Anambra and
Kwara States. Originally meant to meet national requirements of paddy and milled rice, the programme,
driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with FMARD, has provided substantial money for
dry season farming in 2015, wet season rice and wheat farming in 2016 and is currently supporting the
2016 dry season farming in many States. Through the programme for the out-growers in the past one year,
massive harvest is expected to meet the national requirements of paddy and milled rice within the shortest
possible time. (See: Unrelenting in ensuring liquidity, stability and financial inclusion, in the face of
persistent pressures on page 47).
Fertiliser supply
A resurrected interest in agriculture has brought in its wake growing interest in smallholders. Nigeria’s
fertiliser market is growing. Baring the restriction placed on the transportation of urea for security reasons,
Nigeria is launching into a new realm of responding to local fertiliser needs by promoting the blending
of fertiliser to suit specific soils based on findings in the national soil map. Field reports on the use of
micronutrient inclusion in fertiliser in some parts of Nigeria have justified the need for a widespread and
nationwide use.
Replacing the unbalanced NPK 15-15-15 with other formulations as basal application in the Urea Deep
Placement Technology has been reported to have led to increased yields by between 30 per cent and 80
per cent in some cases in rice, maize and sorghum. These results have inspired the Federal Government’s
policy directive to use fertiliser blends recommended from soil maps. Nigeria has 108 balanced fertiliser
10 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
FERTILISER DISTRIBUTION: FARMERS NOW HAVE ACCESS TO THE QUANTITY OF FERTILISER THEY NEED
recommendations for all crops and for all 36 States and the FCT, and the Government has signed an
agreement with the Government of Morocco for the supply of fertiliser raw materials on concessionary
terms to boost local blending to facilitate making soil and crop-specific fertiliser blends available and
accessible to smallholder Nigeria farmers. The first shipment from Morocco led to the the resuscitation of
11 blending plants which produced about 1.3 million tonnes of fertiliser; creation of 50,000 (direct) and
150,000 (indirect) jobs while farmers had access to the quantity of fertiliser they needed.
Seeds
The ministry, over the past one year, has emphasised the promotion of quality seeds / high yielding varieties
in crop production. Its activities included facilitation of timely access of farmers to appropriate quality
seeds; facilitation of seed trading locally and internationally, through the application of regionally agreed
principles and rules; creation of an enabling environment for private investment in the seed industry;
expansion of crop genetic base and seed business development which enabled over 24 entrepreneurs
including Vicampro, XGame, Romarey, FUTO, IFDC, Zenith Energy, Seed.Co, OLAM, Efugo, Kins and
Cole, Taraba Farms and Biocrops to import research materials to expand the national genetic variability to
develop superior varieties; and facilitation of the release of new and improved crop varieties for yam (7),
pepper (2), cabbage (2), potato (2) tomato (3), wheat (4), cowpea (4), soybean (2), sorghum (5), rice (3),
maize (20), amaranthus (1) and okra (1). The ministry will boost national production of other important
staples such as potato, soybean, wheat, and tomato, under its activities in the years ahead.
M I D - T E R M R E P O R T C A R D O N T H E B U H A R I A D M I N I S T R AT I O N 11
Bank of Agriculture
The minister has obtained presidential approval on restructuring, re-capitalising and repositioning the
Bank of Agriculture (BOA) for improved service delivery. One of the areas of focus is to ensure loan
disbursement at a single digit interest regime in the agricultural sector as obtainable in developed and
emerging economies. The federal government has secured the approval of a grant of $1.1 million from the
AfDB for the bank’s restructuring, aimed at staff training to strengthen service delivery.
Outstanding payment
Within the year, the ministry embarked on re-validation of the claims of agro-dealers and input suppliers
under the 2014 wet and 2014/2015 dry seasons to ensure that the government settles only genuine claims.
12 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
After this exercise, the payment of N20billion was facilitated, as part of the debts owed agro-dealers while
efforts are on to fully settle the outstanding liabilities. The challenges include pending settlement of the N47
billion outstanding claims of agro-dealers and suppliers carried forward from 2014 wet and 2014/2015 dry
seasons because of the immediate inability of state governors to defray their counterpart funds.
Mechanisation
A private sector-driven agricultural mechanisation is being promoted to operate a machinery hiring
enterprise scheme and to also facilitate the manufacturing of durable farm machinery which can withstand
the varying geographical terrains and climatic conditions of the country’s diverse ecologies. The scheme on
the Agricultural Mechanisation Framework for Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises Centre (AEHE)
of the past administration through which it provided machinery and maintenance facility to farming
communities at affordable commercial rate to suit the needs of small, medium and large scale farmers and
the requirements of commodity value chains, was continued in the past one year. Within the period, the
ministry established a N50billion Mechanisation Fund to facilitate AEHE’s second phase to roll-out 6,000
tractors and 13,000 harvest and post-harvest equipment units across the country. Tractors and implements
were rolled out in Ilorin and Abuja on 12 January, 2016, to support targeted commodity value chains.
Some of the components include the provision of 50 per cent support as GES to farmers on 252,000
hectares of land under a pilot scheme to encourage farmers to mechanise their operations; provision and
setting up of 80 AEHE centres under the MIP Phase I normal framework, 38 AEHE centres dedicated
to cassava value chain programme with machinery package of 190 tractors, 152 disc ploughs, 114 disc
harrows, 114 disc ridgers, 114 tipping trailers, 10 cassava planters, 10 cassava harvesters and 10 boom
sprayers; and partnership with China-Africa Machinery Corporation, Brazil’s More Food Programme,
friendly countries, donor agencies and relevant federal agencies and state governments on Agricultural
Mechanisation System to facilitate the manufacturing of durable farm machinery.
Grazing reserve
The rising spate of hostilities and attendant insecurity arising from clashes between crop farmers and
nomadic herdsmen raised serious concern within Government. Accordingly, the ministry has commenced
efforts towards resolution of pastoralists-farmers’ conflicts through the provision by II States of 55,000
hectares, as part of the 5,000 hectares each expected from the 19 northern states for the development
of pasture/paddocks grazing reserves. The ministry has also commenced efforts towards establishing
improved varieties of grasses for supporting livestock as efforts toward settling the pastoralists in ranches
gain traction.
To boost milk production in-country, a massive programme has begun on cattle breed improvement which
entails giving two or three heifers to a widow in the village, with off-takers going with the vans, picking
up the milk and processing. This programme is being piloted in Abuja and Iseyin, Oyo State. This will
complement the home-grown school feeding programme. On the school feeding programme, preliminary
work has started with the registration of farmers in participating states. In addition, the ministry, with the
support of donor agencies, is embarking on some nutrition interventions which are still at different stages
of implementation.
Silo complexes
Of the 33 silos complexes across the country with a combined capacity of 1,360,000 MT, 13 were completed
prior to 2011, and 20 were subsequently constructed, out of which five (at Yola, Bauchi, Ikenne, Ado-Ekiti,
and Gusau) were completed during the period under review. Work is on-going on the concessioning of
M I D - T E R M R E P O R T C A R D O N T H E B U H A R I A D M I N I S T R AT I O N 13
33 silos as well as facilitation of the construction of 48 of 2000 MT commodity warehouses under the
Millennium Development Goals (MDG) programme (now Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs) in
various locations within the country to aid the storage of agro-inputs and products. The ministry approved
of the release of 7,051MT of assorted grains to the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), and individual
livestock feeds’ producers and the release of 10,000MT of maize to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in
Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba States to ameliorate the humanitarian crisis in the camps.
Rice/Cassava
The ministry established 40 large scale rice processing plants and 18 High Quality Cassava Flour plants with
a stake commitment of China EXIM (85 per cent) and Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (15 per cent) through
concessional credit facilities of US$383,140,375.60 for the rice mills and US$143,722,202.40 for the HQCF
Plants. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is on-going for the ultimately private sector–driven
initiative. The locations are Abia (Abiriba), Kogi (Agbadu), Akwa-Ibom (Uyo), Kwara (Sare), Anambra
(Ihiala), Lagos (Epe), Benue (Makurdi), Nasarawa (Gbude), Cross-River (Obubra), Ogun (Ijebu-Igbo),
Delta (Mbiri), Ondo (Ore), Edo (Iraoko), Osun (Iwo), Ekiti (Itapaji), Oyo (Oke-Ogun), Enugu (Ebenebe),
and Oyo (Iseyin).
The ministry is now embarking on a programme of distribution of rice mills, of 10, 20, 40 or 50 tonnes per
day capacity, and a few 100 tonnes. Collectively, between them, the capacity for rice milling will be close
to 3,000 tonnes a day nationwide. That is expected to close the gap between paddy availability and mills to
process it.
The ministry also established 10 large scale rice processing plants and six High Quality Cassava Flour plants
to be owned and operated by the private sector. The mills would be funded by the Special Rice Processing
Intervention Fund and the WB Assisted Agricultural Development Policy Operation [AgDPO] Funds.
Necessary approvals were obtained for an “Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) contract” process
via the “Flourtech Engineer PVT Ltd, Ltd – Rice Mills” and the “Haiyang Union Machine & Equipment
Ltd, China & Korat SW Group 2007, Thailand – HQCF Plants.” Rice plants’ locations are Argungu (Kebbi),
Yargeda (Zamfara), Permabiri (Bayelsa), Badeggi (Niger), Katsina- Ala (Benue), Idah (Kogi), Kubau
(Kaduna), GidanMaiwa (Bauchi), Imope (Ogun), and Ezira (Anambra), HQCF plants locations are Ore
(Ondo), Ojoowo (Ogun), Abriba (Abia), Abraka(Delta), Obubra (C/River) and PakaLafia (Nasarawa).
Cash crops
The ministry procured 2,880 Kg Brazilian Jumbo and Indian dwarf variety cashew seeds through contract
14 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
M I D - T E R M R E P O R T C A R D O N T H E B U H A R I A D M I N I S T R AT I O N 15
agreement with College of Agriculture Kabba, Kogi State for distribution to cashew farmers in Kogi, Osun
and Kwara States and procured 70 bales of carbon-free jute bags for raw cashew seed storage. It also
supported the capacity building of 25,000 cocoa farmers to enhance productivity in 10 cocoa-producing
states; establishment of a Textile Skill School in Kaduna; and engagement in the development of Bt
technology for pilot adoption by 50,000 farmers for cotton production. Of the 80 One Stop Shop Agro-
Input Centres earmarked for development, 30 of the 70 completed had been leased out to agro-dealers,
while the remaining 40 were undergoing advertisement process.
Trade
A policy of low tariff on imported agricultural materials and equipment to enhance domestic production
in agribusiness undertakings in conformity with the provisions of the ‘ECOWAS Common External Tariff
and Trade Liberalisation Scheme’ is equally being sustained. Where necessary, legislative process is being
activated to reinforce existing laws, enact new ones and facilitate enforcement instruments for effective
management and regulation of trade and investment activities in the sector.
Contribution to GDP
As captured by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), there was a continuing strong growth in agriculture
(especially crop production) in the Q4 of 2016. Agriculture contributed 21.26 per cent to nominal GDP in
that quarter.
Crop Production was the largest sub-sector contributor (from among crop production, livestock, forestry
and fishing) to agriculture, accounting for 88 per cent of the sector in the fourth quarter. In nominal
terms, the sector grew by 6.45 per cent year-on-year. This was lower than the growth rate recorded in the
corresponding quarter of 2015. It was also lower than that in the preceding quarter, by 3.05 per cent points
and 0.92 per cent points respectively. Growth in the sector was driven by output in crop production, which
accounted for 87 per cent of overall nominal growth of the sector (as there were other activities outside
primary production).
16 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Real agricultural GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2016 was 4.03 per cent (year-on-year), which was an
increase of 0.56 per cent points compared to growth in the same quarter of 2015 of 3.48 per cent. However,
it was slightly less than the real growth rate of 4.54 per cent recorded in the previous quarter. In contrast to
the economy as a whole, for full year 2016, real GDP in agriculture grew by 4.11 per cent; it was 3.72 per
cent in 2015.
The contribution of agriculture to overall GDP in real terms was 25.49 per cent in the quarter under review,
higher than its share of 24.18 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2015, but less than its share in
the previous quarter of 28.65 per cent. Agriculture increased its share relative to 2015, to 24.43 per cent,
because of its relatively strong growth rate.
Value chains
At the Federal and State levels, government interventions are expected to explore the country’s human and
materials’ endowments to engender the right framework of social, political and economic paradigms to
actualise the envisaged outcomes of human capital development, domestic resource utilisation, productive
entrepreneurial enterprise, diversified employment opportunities, sustained food security and inclusive
wealth creation in the country. Stakeholders within the fold of national and multilateral bodies must
sustain their collaborations to fully actualise the goals, objectives and strategies of implementation of
the “commodity value chain concept” for economic growth and sustainable livelihood for the Nigerian
citizenry.
Leather
The ministry supported training of skin buyers/collectors, butchers/flayers, hides and skin inspectors on
standard methods of slaughtering and bleeding, hides and skin-flaying, curing/preservation and inspection
to ensure good quality hides and skins are supplied in desirable quantities and acceptable quality to the
tanneries. The ministry also provided 2283 bags of industrial salt to hides and skin dealers in 12 targeted
States (Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Adamawa and
Katsina).
Conclusion
Overall, the ministry will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders in the agricultural
sector to achieve President Buhari’s vision of revitalised agricultural sector that is enabled to serve as the
mainstay of the national economy within the shortest possible time through economic diversification and
modernisation of agriculture.
Please visit www.fmard.gov.ng.
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The Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) was introduced to
ensure that every item of expenditure in the budget
is justified. The ZBB also ensures that expenditure
is linked to government’s strategic reforms and
initiatives for economic growth and development
18 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
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Helping to reposition
the nation for inclusive,
diversified and
sustainable growth
T
his ministry was created in November 2015, from the merger of the Budget Office of the Federation
(BOF) and the erstwhile National Planning Commission (NPC).
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Centre for Management Development (CMD), and
Nigerian Institute for Economic and Social Research (NISER) are under its supervision.
M A N DAT E
Rendering policy advice to the Federal Government on national development, development of national
plans (long, medium and short terms) and annual budgets, monitoring and evaluation of Government
policies and programmes, surveillance on the economy, coordination of state-FG economic relations
(NEC) and management of development cooperation.
MILESTONES
A. BUDGET ISSUES
i. Introduction of Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) approach to the Preparation of Annual Budgets:
This was to ensure that every item of expenditure in the budget is justified. This is a marked
departure from the old envelope system of budgeting where funds were allocated without clearly
identified targets to be achieved. The ZBB ensures that expenditures are linked to government’s
strategic reforms and initiatives for economic growth and development.
ii. Development of the 2016 Budget: This was the first full-year budget prepared by the administration
titled “Budget of Change”. Despite the initial hitches, both the Executive and Legislature worked
harmoniously to come up with a budget of N6.06 trillion, with 30 per cent dedicated to capital
expenditure. The budget was intended to reflate and reposition the economy which was facing
difficulties arising mainly from the steep decline in crude oil prices and the dependence of
government revenue and forex on a single commodity with erratic price. The budget was also to
create jobs for the nation’s teeming youth and extend support to the vulnerable segments of the
society, while at the same time, lay the foundation for sustainable growth. The 2016-2018 Medium
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Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper guided the budget’s preparation.
In coming up with the 2106 Budget, the Federal Government made a deliberate choice to pursue
an expansionary fiscal policy, as the previous fiscal year was characterised by significant decline
in revenue and GDP growth, rising inflation, weakening balance of payment, declining foreign
reserves, rising public debt, weak capital market and rising unemployment. The 2016 Budget
focused spending on critical infrastructure and projects such as roads and bridges, power, railway,
aviation, water, housing, agriculture, education, health and special intervention projects. Despite
financial challenges, over N1trillion of the budget has been released to MDAs to finance their
capital projects and programmes. For the first time, the FG was also able to provide N500 billion in
the budget for social investment programmes for the poor and the vulnerable.
iii. Development of the 2017 Budget Proposal: The 2017 Budget Proposal reflects many of the
reforms and initiatives in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and in the 2017-2019
Medium Term Sector Strategies (MTSS), as well as the 2017-2019 Medium Term Fiscal Framework
(MTFF). Projects were linked to government policies and strategic priorities through the MTSS
process and the ZBB principles. The budget is designed to expand partnership between public
and private sectors to mobilise development capital for growth. Other key objectives of the 2017
Budget include:
a. Focusing on critical on-going infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, power and ICT,
with quick positive impact on the economy;
b. Utilising Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks as vehicles to accelerate domestic
economic activity for innovation and wealth creation;
c. Contributing to food security and creating platform for agro-business in agriculture supply
chains through the Agriculture Green Alternative policy;
d. Establishing a Social Housing Fund to deepen the mortgage system and expand its availability
across all states of the federation;
e. Encouraging and stimulating the growth of small and medium scale industries for innovation,
job creation, productivity and wealth creation; and
f. Providing social safety nets for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
B. PLANNING ISSUES
i. Development of Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) for the 2016 Budget: The SIP was
articulated by the ministry with the active involvement of the Economic Management Team, under
the leadership of the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo. It is a compendium of interventions
in key priority areas initiated by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in the 2016 fiscal
year. The Plan highlights the key socio-economic development strategies designed to reflate and
reposition the country for change, inclusive growth and sustainable development. It is based on six
major pillars of economic reforms, infrastructure, social development, governance and security,
environment as well as state and regional development. There are six key priority strategies in the
SIP namely: Policy, Security & Governance, Diversification of the Economy, Infrastructure (Power,
Rail, Roads & Housing), Oil & Gas Reforms, Ease of Doing Business and Social Investment.
ii. Development of Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 – 2020: The
Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which builds on the SIP, was developed
under the coordination of the ministry and was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on 5
April, 2017. It is a medium-term plan aimed at addressing the country’s economic challenges and
22 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
TOWN HALL MEETING ON BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION: L-R BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING MINISTER, SEN UDO-UDOMA; FINANCE MINISTER
MRS KEMI ADEOSUN; INFORMATION AND CULTURE MINISTER, ALHAJI LAI MOHAMMED; POWER, WORKS AND HOUSING MINISTER B R FASHOLA,
SAN; AND THEN ENVIRONMENT MINISTER MRS AMINA MOHAMMED
laying the foundation for economic diversification, inclusive and sustainable growth. The Vision of
the Plan is that of sustained inclusive diversified growth aimed at achieving maximum welfare for
the citizens. The following five principles guided the formulation of the ERGP:
(i) Focusing on tackling constraints to growth
(ii) Leveraging the power of the private sector to drive growth
(iii) Promoting national cohesion and social inclusion
(iv) Allowing markets to function
(v) Upholding core values that define the Nigerian society as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
The ERGP is a more comprehensive plan principally targeted at, among others, getting the economy
out of recession, getting people back to work, moving the country from a consuming nation to a
producing nation, providing conducive environment for doing business and creating jobs. The
strategic objectives of the Plan, therefore, are:
(i) Restoring growth from a negative trend in 2016 to 2.19% in 2017 and sustaining it to 7% by
2020
(ii) Investing in our people by increasing social inclusion, creating jobs and improving the human
capital base of the economy
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(SEC), Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority (SWIA) and Pension Commission (PENCOM)
to facilitate the establishment of Public Private Partnership Project (PPP) Fund to provide
a dedicated pool of funds for packaging of bankable projects by MDAs. A working draft
framework is being finalised.
b. The ministry is also collaborating with private sector partners to enhance the capacity of MDAs
for delivery of PPP bankable infrastructure projects.
vii. Deployment of Nigeria Asset Decision Support System (NADSS) for Planning and Evidence-
Based Decision-Making: The ministry is working closely with the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory
Facility (NIAF) experts to operationalise the NADSS, a tool that will facilitate planning and
evidence-based decision-making. The NADSS was excised from The Presidency and domiciled at
the NBS and key staff have been trained to man it.
viii. Economic Development Research, Statistical Coordination and Capacity Building: The three
departments and agencies under the Ministry, namely: Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic
Research (NISER), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Centre for Management Development
(CMD) have continued to provide research, statistical support and capacity development under
their respective mandates. The ministry has conducted several trainings for DPRS of MDAs in
various aspects of planning and budgeting.
C. M A NA G E M E N T O F D E V E L O P M E N T C O O P E R AT I O N
i. Donor Coordination and Management of Official Development (ODA) Assistance in Nigeria:
Cooperation Agreements were concluded and signed with major bilateral/multi-lateral development
partners, including the European Union, USAID, United Nations System, and Governments of
China, Germany, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom. Implementation of the Agreements is
being monitored to ensure alignment with national development priorities and aspirations. Major
activities here are as follows:
a. Federal Government of Nigeria signed the Financing Agreements with the European Union
for the implementation of the EU Support to the following programmes; EU Support to
Strengthening Resilience in Northern Nigeria in the sum €42,000,000 from December 2016–
December 2019; EU Support to Energy Sector in Nigeria in the sum of €64,500,000 from
August 2018–August 2020; EU Support to Health Sector in Nigeria in the sum €83,504,936
from August 2018 –August 2020; and EU Support to Technical Cooperation in Nigeria in the
sum of €4, 500, 000 from 2015 –August 2020.
b. USAID-Supported Programmes in 2016 as part of the Development Objectives Assistance
Agreements (DOAG) obligated funding of the 25th September, 2015 Agreement; to broadened
and Inclusive Growth in the sum of $94,323,556.33; A Healthier, More Educated Population
($565,112,695.48); and Strengthened Good Governance ($42,600,000).
c. The ministry had also approved the under-listed programmes for UK-DFID for implementation:
i. Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL) programme in the sum of €37,500,000
ii. North -East Nigeria Humanitarian Response Programme €46,000,000
iii. Anti-corruption in Nigeria (ACORN) in the sum of €20,000,000.
d. New International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGO) were registered for operation in
Nigeria while several had their Memorandums of Understanding renewed, including Africare,
Oxfam, Medicines Sans Frontiers-Spain and France, International Youth Fellowship, and
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MacArthur Foundation.
ii. Coordination of Humanitarian Activities in the North-East Region: The ministry serves as the
anchor for the coordination of the various humanitarian efforts in the North-East Region through
the Inter-Ministerial Task Force on Rehabilitation of the North East and Presidential Committee
on the North-East Initiative (PCNI). Remarkable success has been achieved in curtailing the
insurgency in the zone, both in terms of military success in securing the zone and return of normalcy
in the affected areas. The ministry ensures harmonisation of activities of relevant MDAs and Donor
Agencies targeted at improving service delivery. Focus is on reconstruction of schools, health
facilities and communities destroyed by the insurgency; procurement of drugs, tackling issues
of nutrition and support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). There is also an ongoing effort
to recharge the Lake Chad to return the region to economic prosperity through agriculture. The
ministry has also attracted more funding for the country from the Oslo International Conference
on Global Humanitarian Situation to support IDPs in the North-East
iii. Coordination of the Review of National Policy on Nutrition (Revision and Launch): The
ministry coordinated the review of the National Nutrition Policy to add value and strengthen the
synergy among sectors in the nutrition sub-sector. The wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari,
launched the policy document. The goal of the policy is to provide for a country where the people are
food and nutrition-secured with high quality of life and socio-economic development contributing
to human capital development objectives of Nigeria. The key objective of the policy is to attain
optimal nutritional status for all Nigerians with particular emphasis on the most vulnerable groups
such as children, adolescents, women, elderly, and groups with special nutritional needs.
iv. Coordination of FG’s Social Investment Programme (SIP): The Federal Government in its effort
NATIONAL POLICY ON NUTRITION: WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT AISHA BUHARI (CENTRE) FLANKED BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY IN THE MINISTRY
FOR BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING, NANA FATIMA MEDE, AND THE MINISTER OF STATE, ZAINAB AHMED
26 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
to reduce unacceptable level of poverty and socio- economic vulnerability in the country took a
bold step in formulating Social Investment Programmes for which N500 billion was appropriated
in the 2016 Budget. To ensure its smooth implementation, the ministry was mandated to serve
as the Accounting MDA for the programme. All financial transactions in its implementation,
including the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme,
N-Power Job Creation Programme, Government Economic Empowerment Programme (GEEP),
etc., are being coordinated by the ministry. The National Home Grown-School Feeding Programme
is aimed at providing a free nutritional meal for public primary pupils across Nigeria with the
objectives of improving school enrolment and completion as well as child nutrition and health.
So far, 2,000 youth have been empowered through the N-Power programme. The National Cash
Transfer has also given out loans to farmers, traders and business people to enable them secure
gainful employment. (See: Making life more meaningful for the poor and the vulnerable, p35).
v. Coordination of the State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) Project: The
SEEFOR Project is a World Bank-funded project in partnership with the EU, designed for four
Niger Delta States - Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Rivers. The project involves a concessionary interest-
free loan of US$200million from the World Bank with a grant element of about US$78.4 million
from the EU. The institutional arrangement for the coordination and supervision of the project is
the National Project Coordinating Unit (NPCU) domiciled in the ministry. Other key stakeholders
of the project at the federal level are the Ministries of Finance and Niger Delta. They play
complementary roles with the NPCU as the overall coordinating body. Some notable achievements
recorded include:
a. Design of a robust M&E Systems for the SEEFOR Project
b. Development of a Comprehensive Communications Strategy for the SEEFOR Project
c. Review of the SEEFOR Project Implementation Manual (PIM)
d. Embarking on several cross-states studies (baseline, informal sector, Needs assessment, mid-
term review, impact assessment, etc.)
e. Production of two editions of documentary on the SEEFOR Project
f. Generation of 18,597 jobs through labour-intensive public works
g. Training of 3, 392 people in Technical and Vocational agricultural skills
h. Training of 16,587 people in life planning and entrepreneurial skills
i. Implementing 182 Community/Local Government Development Projects
vi. Co-hosting of the 21st and 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#21 & 22): The Summits, jointly
organised by the ministry (representing the public sector) and the Nigerian Economic Summit
Group (representing the private sector), in a PPP arrangement, were held in November 2015
and October 2016 respectively; under the themes “Tough Choices: Achieving Competitiveness,
Inclusive Growth and Sustainability” and “Made-in-Nigeria”. The themes were based on the tough
choices that the country needed to make in 2015 and Government’s commitment towards the
diversification of the Nigerian economy.
D. NAT I O NA L E C O N O M I C M A NA G E M E N T C O O R D I NAT I O N
i. Coordination of State-FG Economic Relations: The ministry serves as the Secretariat for the
National Economic Council (NEC) which is strategic for strengthening economic cooperation and
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management between the Federal Government and the sub-national levels. NEC is being chaired
by the Vice-President with the 36 State Governors, FCT Minister, Minister of Budget and National
Planning as well as Minister of Finance as members. In addition, the ministry has continued to
forge stronger links with the States in terms of development planning through organising annual
Joint Planning Board/National Council on Development Planning (JPB/NDP) meetings. The last
of such meetings was held in Kano and was declared open by the Vice-President.
E. M O N I T O R I N G A N D E VA L U A T I O N
Monitoring and Evaluation of 2016 Capital Programmes and Projects: The ministry revised the National
M & E Framework that was employed to monitor and track the implementation of FGN capital projects/
investments; this is to ensure transparency and value for money in the implementation of programmes and
projects. The process involved physical inspection and other verifications, and impact assessments. Key
Infrastructural projects inspected under the 2016 Budget include projects in the FCT, projects under the
Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other federal projects across the country. For the first
time, fund releases were tied to specific projects in line with the Policy objectives of the Federal Government.
28 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
T
o guarantee high-level political authority and co-ordination for all the social protection programmes in
Nigeria, the Federal Government set up a National Social Investment Office within the Office of the Vice
President, to ensure:
• A credible method of targeting the poor and vulnerable for the reduction of poverty as well as the poor
human capital indices, with a view to reducing them
• Effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
• Standard delivery structures
• Clarity in roles and responsibilities; ensuring they are not duplicated
• Efficiency, transparency and accountability
• Proper coordination and synergy amongst key ministries, departments and agencies, as well as among
the Federal, State and Local Governments
The Office is headed by the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment, Office of the Vice President.
These programmes are designed to draw from the social protection policy framework in a manner that ensures
a life of dignity for those who have been constrained in one way or another from achieving their full potential.
Below is a brief description matrix of the five-pronged SIPS housed under the National Social Investment Office
(NSIO).
SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES
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For the 2016 fiscal year, the total amount appropriated for the programmes by the National Assembly was N500
billion. However, only N80b has so far been released to the Accounting Office of the programmes (being the Ministry of
Budget and National Planning), in the last quarter of 2016; which is why the implementation of various aspects of the
programmes are just commencing, with strategies to upscale. Scaling up extensively will require that the procurement
processes are completed to set up efficient systems and roll-out effectively. Procurement, being handled by the
supervising ministry, is ongoing.
A deliberate decision was taken to set up a lean team at the federal level, to ensure sustainability by building
capacity at State level in the spheres of education, health, agriculture and empowerment. The programmes remain
federal government special interventions and, therefore, need to be driven by the State for optimal results, in their
constitutionally-mandated spheres. While the framework and strategies for engagement are prepared at the federal
level, the States need to meet the criteria for payment to be made directly to the selected beneficiaries, through
their account numbers after verification at NIBSS, and their BVN. An additional concern was that setting up federal
structures at State level may deprive the beneficiaries of the much-needed funds, and may also create tensions
between the levels of government, which could then adversely impact on efforts at monitoring and accountability.
Consequently, after reviewing past efforts, it was agreed that focus should be on setting up structures and mechanisms
that would assure efficiency, transparency, accountability and cost-effectiveness for sustainability. By encouraging the
States to embrace the programmes by opening offices, providing equipment and the necessary wherewithal, as well
as appointing competent complementary staff, their capacity could then be built to drive the programmes interstate,
and within their communities. Appreciating the strategy and the impact, and realising that they have a stake in the
successful implementation of our programmes, the States have since opened their doors to our efforts.
Because the programmes cut across various ministries, such as Education, Health, Agriculture, Finance, Women
Affairs, Budget and Planning, as well as SUBEB and LGAs, extensive coordination is required at State level. All
the State Governors were briefed on two occasions on the programmes and the criteria for engagement, on two
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occasions. Each State Governor has since nominated one Focal Person to coordinate the activities of the implementing
ministries, publicise the processes, provide regular feedback, and escalate any bottlenecks or challenges that may
arise to the State Governor for timely resolution, if and where necessary. The Focal Persons meet regularly with us and
inform us when the State is ready for engagement, after meeting the laid-down criteria.
D E TA I L S O F T H E F O U R S I P S R O L L E D O U T
i. Summary of current level of implementation, immediate roll-out plans and guidelines
for performance of the SIPs
Programmes Current level of Implementation and Immediate Guidelines for Performance
Next Steps
N-Power The current scope of the programme is 200,000 • A centralised Project Management Unit is currently being set up to carry
graduate beneficiaries from all 36 States plus FCT. The out Monitoring & Evaluation of the N-Power programmes across the six
non-graduate component to kick-off once procurement geopolitical zones of the federation.
is completed. Next batch of 300,000 beneficiaries to be
selected soon. • In addition to this, an MoU has been signed with the National Orientation
Agency (NOA) to also carry out Monitoring & Evaluation in all 36 States
174,160 beneficiaries have been deployed so far out of the Federation including the FCT, as well as with the Ministries of
of the 200,000 selected N-Power beneficiaries. The Agriculture and Health, defining each party’s roles and responsibilities.
breakdown of balance 25,840 selected applicants is as
follows:
• Disqualified beneficiaries (after physical verification)/
beneficiaries with incomplete records: 11, 884
• Beneficiaries absent from physical verification (no-
shows): 13, 956
Home- Grown The current scope of the programme is 5, 245, 505 Monitoring and Evaluation systems have been set up at various levels:
School pupils for 18 States (Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi,
Enugu, Sokoto, Kaduna, Borno, Zamfara, Ogun, Oyo, • LGA (UBEC Officer/Agric Extension Officer) collect and collate data from
Feeding
Osun, Plateau, Delta, Kano, Benue, Abia, Bauchi and schools/CSOs and report to HGSF Coordinating Office at the State; reviews
Programme and verifies data collected from schools/CSOs
(HGSFP) Taraba). 58,833 cooks have been recruited by the
States so far. In addition to the 18 States above, Jigawa, • Schools and Community Level Implementation and Monitoring Committee
Cross Rivers, Kano, Imo, Lagos and three other States conducts routine monitoring of the implementation of school feeding and
have done their capacity building workshops but are enforce quality of services provided by food vendors
yet to recruit cooks and send in data on pupils. Feeding
has so far commenced for 1, 051, 619 pupils in 8, • Verification officers (youths recruited to support the exercise per State)
587 schools across seven States. Capacity building confirm location of the school; confirm that the cook is verified in the school
workshops to continue for as many States that have s/he was paid to provide service; ensure the cook is feeding the number of
shown readiness. Implementation spread to be pupils s/he is being paid for; identify cooks that are not providing the service
intensified this year amongst most ready States. they are being paid for; eliminate any form of ghost cooks that may exist
and ensure that the Federal funds are being expended in the most prudent
possible way with little or no leakages or waste.
Conditional Social Register: • State to sign MoU and establish offices to support Social Register and Cash
Cash Transfer Transfer
The current scope of the programme is based on the
(CCT) spread of the Social Register established across the • 30% poorest LGA across Senatorial Districts selected
following nine States: Bauchi, Cross River, Ekiti, Kogi,
Kwara, Niger,Osun, Oyo (YESSO States) and Borno (IDP • Community-based targeting teams constituted in each selected LGA and
Camps). The Social Register is currently being expanded trained
to reach 12 more States. More states are being included • Community-based targeting teams facilitate communities to identify the poor
with the aim of growing the number and spread of and vulnerable
states who have their registers by the end of 2017.
Plateau, Jigawa, Adamawa, Anambra, Benue, Enugu, • Selected HHs enumerated and data uploaded into State and National Social
Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna Register
• Beneficiaries of programme are mined from social register
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16 States have established State Cash Transfer Unit • Commercial Banks facilitate payment directly to beneficiaries, using
(SCTU) and staff trained. 84 LGAs have established LG agents, MFI’s or mobile agents.
cash offices and the staff trained. • Enrolment providers and payment agents at community level are engaged
69,870 number of HHs mined from NSR from across to provide service at community level.
eight YESSO States plus Borno IDP and enrolled.
Of this number, HHs with validated BVN records are
currently being paid.
Government The current scope of the programme is 500, 000 • Beneficiaries must have BVNs, and their cooperatives – or sponsors –
Enterprise and beneficiaries for Phase 1 (owners of small businesses need to stand in for them against loan default.
Empowerment registered with associations) from the 36 States.
• GEEP works through its growing agent networks who then visit accredited
Programme Disbursements have commenced in 28 States + FCT.
cooperatives, onboard their qualified members, and capture their
(GEEP) These are FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Ekiti,
information which is submitted automatically for loan assessment at BOI.
Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Lagos, Osun, Ogun,
Qualified beneficiaries receive disbursements – and agents collect weekly
Oyo, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Zamfara, Jigawa, Borno,
repayments from the beneficiaries over six months.
Cross Rivers, Taraba, Enugu, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kogi,
Gombe. • Six additional agent networks have been procured, making the total agent
networks eight in number. This will greatly impact positively on the speed
GEEP has so far disbursed a total of 34, 876 loans
of spread.
across 28 States.
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Assessment tests are conducted for candidates on the portal to ensure that they have basic
knowledge of English, General Knowledge of Nigeria and Quantitative Reasoning
State
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v. Successful deployment of duly selected (verified) beneficiaries across the 36 States of the country and FCT
2. Home Grown School Feeding Programme:
Progress Made So far:
Ready States invite the Programme to conduct a Stakeholder Capacity Building Workshop
States to provide Situation Analysis and provide data on agricultural production, health facility and
education indices of pupils in primaries 1
Feeding comences in the State after the States have sucessfully recruited cooks
i. Payment has been made to verified cooks for the feeding of pupils in communities for the seven States
engaged so far
ii. 26 States have so far conducted their capacity building workshops with the assistance of the Federal team
to kick-start the programme and set up their multi-sectoral teams
iii. Monitoring and evaluation systems have been set up at various levels – LGA (UBEC Officer/Agric Extension
Officer); Schools and Community-level implementation and monitoring committee; verification officers
(recruited youths) and the NOA. Third party monitors selection ongoing.
3. Conditional Cash Transfer Programme:
Progress Made So far:
i. Payment to enrolled (BVN generation and account opening) beneficiary households have begun in nine
States with Social Register
ii. 35 States have signed MoU for partnership
iii. SOCU has been established in 17 States
iv. Poverty ranking established in 29 States and used to identify 30% poorest entrant LGAs
v. Community-Based Targeting Teams (CBTT) have been established across 30% LGAs in 12 States
vi. 9 States have established SCTU and staff trained
vii. 84 LGAs have established LG cash transfer offices and the staff trained
viii. 3 banks were engaged as PSPs but because of delays encountered, 2 Mobile Money Operators have been
engaged to address the backlog of payments, so payment has begun
ix. For this year, 80 caregivers per ward would be selected as the cash transfer recipients, as the National
Social Register is created around the country.
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B U D G E T A N D N AT I O N A L P L A N N I N G
Signing of MoU by States, committing to comply with the designated roles and responsibilities of
Federal and State, as well as guarantees for LGA participation
States that have signed MoUs must proceed to establish their State Operations Coordinating Unit
in the Ministry responsible for Planning with full complement of Staff guided by job descriptions to
be provided for the deployment of competent Staff from within the State Civil Service
States must also establish/designate State Cash Transfer Unit in the most appropriate MDA with
The programme begins with only 30% LGAs in each State to achieve spread to the 36 States by
the end of 2017
Focal persons, as well as State Ministries of Women Affairs, Commerce and BOI to collate
information on credible associations and cooperatives in their State.
Assocations/cooperatives can also register independently through GEEP portal or agents, but
State agent networks already deployed to most States. List of agent networks per State is
available on http://marketmoni.com.ng/agent-network/
Aggregator and agents would then help provide full data on each group nominiated by the State
to the program
programme (via its portal)
Programme validates all nominated groups. Validated associations will then be given a login to
enter information on its members who should receive a GEEP loan. This list will be vetted by
BOI/GEEP
Loans are applied to States based on quota system, after an automated loan assessment by BOI
36 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Disbursements will continue to grow exponentially in these States, and new States will be added to the
wave of disbursements.
ii. Over two million beneficiary interests spread across the 36 States and FCT have registered via associations
nationwide, through the GEEP portal, paper forms via ministries, and focal persons.
iii. This programme has enabled financial inclusion by ensuring beneficiaries utilise financial services
and by generating BVNs for members of associations without BVNs. More than 50% of GEEP beneficiaries
are given their first bank accounts and/or mobile wallets via participation in the programme.
iv. GEEP works through its growing agent networks which then visit accredited cooperatives, onboard their
qualified members, and capture their information which is submitted automatically for loan assessment
at BOI. Qualified beneficiaries receive disbursements – and agents collect weekly repayments from the
beneficiaries over six months.
v. Given that the agent network is being developed and the States are engaging as the networks are developed,
beneficiary allocations have been reserved per State, based on population indices, as the programme
unfolds.
CONCLUSION
Action Aid is structuring a third-party monitoring process, to provide feedback Now that the
from the field. Civil society actors, as well as labour organisations have been processes have
briefed and remain available to render independent monitoring reports, along commenced, we
with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, which mandate it is to have witnessed
monitor the implementation of all government projects. The Delivery Unit a significant
within the Office of the Vice President is also collaborating in ensuring that increase in
bottlenecks within the programmes are resolved timeously. interest and
Several factors have impacted on the pace of programme implementation in engagement
the individual States. First, engagement can only happen where States meet from around
the criteria laid out by the Federal since the strategy is for States to embrace and the States and
take ownership of implementation for sustainability. States have been coming the expectation
back to the Office in varying stages, as they sign the MoU’s, appoint competent is that within
staff, open their offices and meet our criteria for payment, integrating our a period of six
insistence on transparency and objectivity for engagement. They are gradually months, given
being persuaded that the programme design is for the impact to bear primarily the pace of
on the citizens within their jurisdictions, so the success of the programmes is activity in the
measured by marked improvements in the welfare and well-being of the target
beneficiaries at State, LGA and community levels.
last two months,
a majority of the
It must be clarified that only targeted beneficiaries with BVN receive funds States around
directly from the Federal Government through their accounts, although States the country
prepare the ground for commencement by meeting the expectations set out would have been
in the MoU. The late release of funds in 2016, as well as the lack of adequate impacted by all of
publicity have hampered wide and rapid implementation. It would appear also
that cynicism that the programmes would take off in the manner promised,
the programmes.
could have attributed to the lack of engagement in the initial months.
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CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR GODWIN EMEFIELE TAKES PRESIDENT BUHARI ON A TOUR OF
THE BANK HEADQUARTERS IN ABUJA SHORTLY BEFORE THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN CENTRAL BANKS, AACB.
18TH AUGUST 2016
38 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
BAYO OMOBORIOWO
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THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA, ABUJA
LAYI OLAJUMOKE
40 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Unrelenting in ensuring
liquidity, stability and
financial inclusion, in
the face of persistent
pressures
T
he mandate of the Central Bank of Nigeria, derived from its statutes - The CBN Act (2007) - is to, among
others, ensure monetary and price stability, maintain external reserves to safeguard the international
value of the legal tender currency, and act as Banker and provide economic and financial advice to the
Federal Government.
Its corporate mission, is to be proactive in providing a stable framework for the economic
development of Nigeria, through effective, efficient, and transparent implementation of monetary
and exchange rate policy, and management of the financial sector.
In pursuance of this mandate, the Board of the CBN, through the Monetary Policy Committee and Committee of
Governors, monitors three key prices: interest rate, inflation rate and exchange rate. Since June 2014, monetary
policy has had to address steadily rising prices and increased demand for foreign exchange. Persistent shocks
to the global and domestic economy, associated with sustained weakness in global oil and commodity prices,
has continued to impact adversely on the accretion to foreign reserves and government revenues. The sustained
weakness in oil prices did not only reduce accretion to reserves, but also heightened perceived risk by foreign
portfolio investors, causing a rise in capital outflows and pressure on the exchange rate.
To address these identified pressures, the bank has had to revisit its foreign exchange policy with a view to
positioning it to respond adequately to changing market conditions. The macroeconomic response to dwindling
foreign reserves would ordinarily be to depreciate the currency within an agreed percentage within a fixed band
or allow it to enter a free float and settle at a point determined by market forces. However, the structure of the
Nigerian economy does not allow for the full operation of market forces and thus the need to compliment for
market failures.
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CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
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CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
Interventions
Determined not to budge in the face of threats from speculators, local and international financial analysts, the
bank went aggressively into the inter-bank forex market, ensuring access, boosting liquidity in all segments of
the forex market and forcing down the exchange rate.
In February 2017, the bank emerged with a new policy aimed at increasing the availability of foreign exchange
in the market and to ease the difficulties encountered by Nigerians, particularly retail end-users, in obtaining
funds for foreign exchange transactions for Personal and Business Travel, medical needs, and school fees, all of
which fall under the invisibles’ category. It also directed that all retail transactions are to be settled at a rate not
exceeding 20 per cent above the inter-bank market rate.
Following the clearing of a backlog of matured letters of credit at the inception of the current flexible exchange
rate system, the bank promised and indeed began to provide foreign exchange to all commercial banks to meet
the needs of both Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) and Business Travel Allowance (BTA) for onward sale to
customers. Under the arrangement, all banks received amounts commensurate with their weekly demands,
which were thereafter sold to customers who meet usual basic documentation requirements.
To further ease the burden of travellers and ensure that transactions are settled at much more competitive exchange
rates, the bank also directed all banks to open FX retail outlets at major airports as soon as logistics permitted them.
To further increase the availability of foreign exchange to all end-users, the bank equally reduced the tenor of its
forward sales from the hitherto maximum cycle of 180 days to not more than 60 days from the date of transaction.
Between February and May 2017, the bank has intervened in the wholesale and retail segments of the forex market
with over $3 billion, just as it has re-admitted operators in the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment, which receive
$20,000 each for onward sale to low-end users.
The bank also introduced two new forex windows: a special forex window for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
to enable SMEs import eligible finished and semi-finished items, and another for investors and exporters tagged:
“Investors’ & Exporters’ FX Window”.
Currency Convergence
The bank’s objective in creating these windows is to boost liquidity in the forex market and ensure timely
execution and settlement for eligible transactions. Ultimately, it aims to achieve the convergence of rates
between the inter-bank and Bureau de Change (BDC) segments.
Governor Emefiele publicly assured that the bank had sufficient dollar power to defend the Naira and as such
would not relent in the attainment of the goals of liquidity and stability.
How well it has done can be assessed by how stable the forex market has been recently. This strategy is now
yielding immense results as both the futures and spot prices are stabilising.
Analysts conclude that the CBN is headed in the right direction.
Whilst the bank has made commendable progress as it relates to monetary policy and foreign exchange
management, the pressures persist. However, Governor Emefiele, insists that regardless of current challenges,
the bank will act in good faith, with the best available information and in cognisance of current economic
conditions, to pursue the goals of price and financial system stability, as well as catalyse job creation and
inclusive growth in the country.
Meanwhile, the bank, in addition to its monetary policy goal, has continued the implementation of its
development finance initiatives as well as its payments system viz: the cashless policy, Bank Verification
Number (BVN) and Internet Banking, all of which are targeted at ensuring financial inclusion. The bank has
also continued to protect customers of Deposit Money Bank (DMBs).
44 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Development Financing
In terms of development financing, the bank has continued to act as a financial catalyst in specific sectors of
the economy, particularly agriculture, in its determination to create jobs on a mass scale, improve local food
production, and conserve scarce foreign reserves.
The bank’s interventions in this regard include: the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS);
Agricultural Credit Support Scheme (ACSS); Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF); the
N213 Billion Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility (NEMSF); the N300 Billion Real Sector Support
Fund (RSSF); the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YEDP), the Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF) and the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), which has been
widely commended as a masterstroke in the unlocking of agricultural potentials in Nigeria.
The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) launched in November 2015 has created economic linkages
between over 600,000 smallholder farmers and reputable large-scale processors with a view to increasing
agricultural output and significantly improving capacity utilisation of integrated mills.
Under the programme, the sum of N40 billion has been set aside from the N 220 billion Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises Development Fund for farmers at a single-digit interest rate of nine per cent.
As the Federal Government makes effort to ensure that Nigeria is sufficient in rice production and conserve the
foreign reserves, the ABP has as at 31 March, 2017 disbursed N33.34billion through 12 Participating Finance
Institutions to 146,557 farmers across 21 States, cultivating over 180,018 hectares.
Total rice output since the commencement of the programme currently stands at over 2.1million metric tonnes.
Participating States are currently making efforts to ensure that the farmers repay all outstanding loans as soon as
they are due before the next dry season cultivation. This is to enable the bank extend similar gestures to farmers
in other States which have indicated interest to participate in the programme.
Six commodities, namely, rice, wheat, maize, soya beans, cotton and fish under the programme have also been
cultivated by the farmers with appreciable yields achieved with Kebbi State alone accounting for about two
metric tonnes of rice.
Noteworthy also is the National Collateral Registry (NCR) designed as part of efforts to boost the flow of
credit to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
The NCR is a financial infrastructure that allows MSMEs to leverage the greatest part of their assets (movables
such as crops, vehicles and machinery) as collaterals for loans for growth. Domiciled in the Central Bank of
Nigeria (CBN), the NCR is a collaborative project between the CBN and the International Finance Corporation.
The NCR registers charges and collaterals created by borrowers to secure credit facilities provided by lenders.
It also provides information on the existence of relationships between lenders and borrowers as they relate to
moveable collaterals.
As at 20 April, 2017, the NCR had received over 10,535 financing statements by registrants, while the value of
financing statements by registrants had surpassed N174 billion.
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CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
Looking Ahead
The vision of the CBN is to be the model Central Bank delivering price and financial system stability and
promoting sustainable economic development. Thus, in keeping with these avowed set goals, the CBN has
consistently, through its real sector intervention mechanism and flexible exchange rate management, guaranteed
liquidity in the FX market thereby boosting domestic production and stabilising the foreign reserves.
It is envisaged that given this positive macroeconomic policy management, Nigeria would, before the end of
2017, climb out of recession. Furthermore, with the relative calm being enjoyed in the Niger Delta region and its
attendant salutary increase in crude oil output, coupled with the overpowering of the insurgents in the North-
East, it is hoped that the country will achieve increased growth and further accretion of foreign reserves.
46 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Roy Deepanjan
Managing Director, CHI Limited
The interventions received from the CBN have allowed us to invest in capital expenditure and expand our
processing facilities.
We’ve improved our total beverage production output.
We have increased our direct employments from 100 to 120 while we have 600 indirect employments in the
value chain.
It’s been a great initiative of the CBN and I think this is something that is very encouraging for bonafide
manufacturers and investors in this economy.
Our company buys some of the products on the CBN forex restriction list locally. For example, we buy palm
oil and margarine. We buy meat and beef locally for our sausage and snack business. In this, we have seen
prices increase because access to international imports is restricted. In our own efforts and initiatives we do
not pass on the entire impact to the consumers. This is a very powerful strategy and it is in the overall good of
the economy.
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CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
Nasso Sidirofagis
Deputy Managing, Director , Tempo Group
Basically, the aim of the CBN policy is to revive and boost manufacturing in Nigeria for Nigerian products. What
we had before was companies importing and dumping products in Nigeria and a lot of local manufacturers
were not benefiting. With the restrictions, you are not only helping existing manufacturers, but also inviting
companies from overseas to invest in Nigeria. Investment is about profit. If investors think it’s profitable to
invest, they will come to invest in Nigeria. This is the logic behind this policy and I will say it is very much needed.
My company is a classic example. We are a Nigerian company producing B.O.P.P films for the packaging
industry. Since the application of this policy, this is the first time we are making profit. The profit we are making
now is invested back for growth. We have placed orders for modern machinery from overseas to expand. This
could not have happened before now. We are a very good example of a company that was losing big money
because of the importation and dumping of products in Nigeria. And now we are in a better situation with the
profit we are making not only to sustain our business but also to grow.
Mohammed Abubakar
Managing Director, Umza Rice
Forex restriction is not just a good idea but a perfect idea. It is a good idea by the CBN, and it came at the right
time, though the country could have implemented a similar policy before now. This will make us look inward for
many things.
At a point, we became the highest importer of rice in the world. About 3-5 tonnes of rice are imported from
countries which do not even have the capacity or potentials to grow rice like Nigeria. When this forex restriction
was done, farmers started to look inward. Farmers got an opportunity. Farming has now become a business
and not a pleasure or hobby. Serious people are now going back to the farms. Production of paddies have
almost doubled or tripled. Prices of paddy have gone up, that means farmers are making so much money. This
is what we need to do.
Okey Nwude
Deputy Group Managing Director, COSCHARIS
I would say the policy has triggered a lot of interest in mechanised farming. It is not just Coscharis. You are
going to see the impact in two to three years from now. The programme has a long gestation period.
48 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Regie George
Vice-President, OLAM Rice Nigeria
Currently, as a beneficiary of the policy, we have put up a lot of investments in the country. We have started an
animal feed business and an integrated hatchery which is to the level of US$116million and it is expected to be
the largest in Africa.
We have also significantly enhanced our rice production capacity through our commercial farm which is in
Nasarawa State and also doubled the capacity, and numbers in our out-growers’ programme.
PRESIDENT BUHARI JOINS CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR GODWIN EMEFIELE AND OTHERS IN PLANTING RICE TO MARK THE LAUNCH OF
CBN’S ANCHOR BORROWERS PROGRAMME FOR FARMERS
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PRESIDENTIAL SELFIE: PRESIDENT BUHARI AND VICE-
PRESIDENT OSINBAJO MOMENTS AFTER THEIR MEETING WITH
FACEBOOK FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
MR MARK ZUCKERBERG. 2ND SEP 2016
50 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
BAYO OMOBORIOWO
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Significant strides in
ICT sector worth the
buzz
W
ithin the two years of the present administration, reforms have taken place in the ICT
sector in the areas of creation of enabling environment, ICT infrastructure development,
ICT exploitation and utilisation as well as ICT in Government.
These reforms have resulted in significant and remarkable achievements, even as
challenges such as power, low digital literacy, poor linkage between ICT research,
academia and industry, still lurk around. But, Government is unrelenting in
tackling the issues, while sustaining the gains and introducing new initiatives. In commemoration of the
administration’s two years in power, the activities and attainments in the ministry are hereby presented for
the records.
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C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
54 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
may contribute positively or negatively to Quality of Service issues. Presentations have been made to the
Governors forum, especially to draw their attention to the National Economic Council’s resolution on
multiple taxation and multiple regulations on deployment of telecom’s infrastructure. The governors are
also being engaged directly.
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C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
ICT IN GOVERNMENT
In its bid to reduce duplication of Government spending on ICT and to harmonise its different ICT initiatives,
Government has continued to support the activities of Galaxy Backbone, a central ICT service provider for
Government which provides a common platform for sharing of information among MDAs. Government
has expanded the i-gov.net platform which consolidates existing Government ICT infrastructure into a
common platform. The platform consists of a primary data centre as well as connectivity that links MDAs.
i-gov.net enables MDAs to exchange data in a seamless manner while allowing them to remain independent
and maintain their privacy and the security of the operatives. i-gov.net enables Government to use its size
to benefit from economy of scale. It also enables Government to have an overview of the sort of licences
required, and services it needs from a single point. Through i-gov.net, Government ICT infrastructure is
shared in an efficient manner which promotes transparency through capability to view transactions from
end-to-end in a single platform so as to block loopholes and leakages. As at date, 90% of all MDAs within
Abuja are linked with fibre backbone and 3,500 locations of different MDAs have been touched across the
country. About 270 MDAs’ websites and applications are being hosted on the network.
Government Applications
Government is supporting the development and sustenance of ICT applications which are driving cost-
effectiveness and transparency in Government’s service delivery. Applications supporting the Treasury
Single Accounts (TSA), IPPIS, Budget Portal and BVN, among others, are already resulting in huge savings.
56 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Since then, the Ministry of Communications has expanded the Open Government data portal which is
a part of the Federal Government Open Data Initiative. Over 60 civil servants have been trained across
MDAs on the use of the portal.
The Federal Government Open Data Initiative is aimed at making non-sensitive Government data open
to promote innovation and employment through technology. This is attainable through increased content
development and access to Government data assets by software and app developers, researchers etc. Help
desks accessible through phone lines and e-mails are being set up.
Strategic Roadmap: A strategic roadmap to address the issues in the IT sub sector has been developed. It
is a detailed strategy of initiatives required to transform and reposition NITDA and the Nigerian IT Sector
to deliver on its mandate.
IT Regulation: Through the efforts of the current administration, NITDA has been re-positioned from a
contract-award-focused institution to its main mandate of IT regulation. Guidelines regarding information
of IT infrastructure have been put in place and compliance among MDAs has reached unprecedented level
with the realisation by MDAs that violations of Guidelines attract penalties. (See “Propelling Nigeria’s IT
sector to maximum heights, p66).
Cyber Security: This stratagem seeks to provide trusted IT platforms, infrastructure and capacities to
safeguard the cyber activities of Nigerians by developing and implementing Guidelines for a healthy,
coherent and highly effective eco-system strategy to enable Government prioritise IT instruments to
eliminate waste and engender empowerment through information access, thereby increasing transparency,
accountability and aid in fighting corruption. The current TSA accounting system which has thrived on the
platform provided by the tools of IT is an example of the dividends of a digitally-enabled economy. It has
enabled the Government to have a bird’s eye view on public resources and fight corruption.
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C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
Capacity building
Since 2015, the current administration has motivated a new generation of highly-skilled personnel through
various capacity building programmes resulting in informed efficiency, innovations and productivity.
Across board, sponsorships, skill acquisition programmes, trainings and support for youths organisations,
NGOs, etc aimed at developing information technology are provided regularly to inspire innovation.
Digital inclusion
The role of IT in national and global advancement cannot be over-emphasised. The dwindling Government
revenue in the country makes diversification imperative. ICT being the factor that influences all aspects of
life including agriculture, health, education, Government processes, entertainment, innovation, community
entrepreneurship, is a handy option in this regard.
58 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
a total of 668 licences have been issued and renewed from November 2015 to September 2016.
Savings to government
The ICT-in-Government initiatives have been sustained. A number of Government Applications are up
and running leading to considerable savings to Government. Through Galaxy Backbone, government
has provided internet access to about 400 MDAs, over 11,000 nodes of wireless LAN to all MDA’s at the
Federal Secretariat, Abuja, over 40,000 email addresses for Government officials under the gov.ng and mil.
ng domains. This has ensured that government data is hosted locally on a secured website with data back-
up to MDAs and 200 servers hosting 94 MDAs.
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C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
Milestones
NITDA identified seven areas from President Muhammadu Buhari Administration’s priorities and crafted its
strategy on how it will help government achieve its objectives in the following areas:
i. Sustainable home-grown products
ii. Job creation and wealth generation
iii. Revenue generation
iv. Capacity building
v. Cost streamlining and waste reduction
vi. Anti-corruption
vii. National security
Thereafter, NITDA developed a Strategic Roadmap which cascaded the federal government’s priorities into
actionable points, to refocus and address the critical areas of its mandate. An Action Plan was developed to
outline the specific actions to be taken by specific departments/units to ensure the successful implementation
of this Roadmap. (See Figure 1)
The Agency has created a template to elicit information on IT projects from all MDAs for the purpose of
clearance, based on NITDA’s Mandate, to:
i. Harmonise the implementation of IT projects within MDAs
ii. Provide value-for-money for all projects funded by the government
iii. Avoid undue duplication
iv. Reduce the cost of implementing IT projects in Nigeria
All the MDAs have been provided with the template and the Agency is currently developing the procedure for
an objective analysis of all the IT projects submitted for clearance.
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C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
Nigeria’s start-up ecosystems, to increase ICT contribution to the country’s GDP - already ongoing with relevant
stakeholders.
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e-Learning Centre
This is purely educational resources packaged in accordance with Nigerian educational curricular and are
deployed in all the DCBCs. The project is to further enrich the rural communities’ quest for learning and for
continuous after-school reading and learning by both the students and teachers.
Eighty-five centres have been established in the country.
IT Innovation Hub
NITDA has seen in ICT the potential to change new and old forms of economic activities. IT innovation hub has
the capacity to produce e-literate groups out of low-skilled or low-paid workers, unemployed people and those
with disabilities without access to these ICTs. The modelled IT Innovation hub is designed to be a sustainable
physical centre with the necessary infrastructure to provide generic services such as tele-centres, desktop
publishing, network skills, business support, application development, training and information services to
the community. The project is planned to provide a structure which enables communities to manage their own
development, by providing access to appropriate information, facilities, resources, training and services.
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Two centres have been established, one in the northern part of the country and the other in the south.
Capacity building
To assist government develop a pool of ICT-skilled personnel to service the sector and other sectors; create
ICT SMEs to generate further employment and develop global ICT brands for revenue generation, the agency
embarked on some capacity building programmes.
The following have been achieved:
i. Training of 55 youths with disabilities, to empower them with ICT skills to take them out of the roads/
begging and be gainfully employed through ICT.
ii. Two hundred unemployed graduates were trained in web development and entrepreneurship over two
weeks with post-training support and mentoring.
iii. CERRT Awareness and Cyber Drills: Cyber awareness training for MDAs (55) on threats and
mitigation was conducted while arrangement has been concluded for the second phase
iv. Training on Online Outsourcing: Fifty youths were trained on how to secure online jobs through
outsourcing platforms.
v. Coding Talent Hunt for children: One hundred and fifty children aged 6-18 years participated in a two-
week computer coding workshop in four centres in Abuja; to instill problem-solving capabilities in them and
make them technology champions.
vi. Training on introduction to Single Board Computer (SBC) and Open Source Hardware: One
hundred participants were trained on the following: Arduino, Aguino. Raspberry Pi etc. The training was
aimed at developing IoTs solutions.
vii. Training on introduction to open source software: Sixty participants were trained on Python
programming and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design and fabrication. The training was aimed at developing
IoTs solutions.
viii. Training on sustainable entrepreneurship in ICT through emerging technologies: Fifty participants
were trained in this programme which was in collaboration with Growth and Empowerment in States
(GEMS), World Bank and IBM.
ix. Workshop on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology: Sixty participants made up of ICT
Heads from various MDAs participated in a three-day workshop on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Technology tagged “Know RFID Nigeria”.
x. ICT Training for Unemployed Graduates: One thousand two hundred persons were trained on Digital
Literacy, IT Essentials and Embedded System.
xi. Empower 3600: Aimed at training 100 youths each in the 36 States in generating revenue online through
blogging, etc. The first phase was launched in June 2016 in Abuja
xii. Successfully delivery of a Software Quality Assurance workshop titled ‘NITDA Penetration Testing Workshop’
(March 2016).
xiii. Successful delivery of Software and Penetrations Essentials Training (SAPTET) to over 50 delegates in
Lagos (August 2016).
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Scholarship Scheme
This scheme has helped some Nigerian youths to achieve higher degrees (MSc and PhD) in core IT disciplines.
In the period under review, NITDA sponsored 37 persons for MSc and six for PhD. There are four scholarship
schemes namely:
• National Information Technology Development Fund (NITDEF),
• Professor Angaye Scholarship Scheme (PASS),
• Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme for Innovation and Development (PRESSID),
• Staff Scholarship Scheme.
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and successful start-ups. Start-Up Clinic is a gathering for a few start-ups, mentors, successful entrepreneurs,
investors, industry specialists, business consultants and hub operators in an interactive session to give
maximum attention to start-up founders with the goal of solving problems and challenges their businesses are
facing.
NITDA in 2106 collaborated with The Presidency to organise the Aso Villa Demo Day in 2016. The event played
host to Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook and Michael Siebel, CEO/partner at Y Combinator, the famous
US-based Accelerator.
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Achievements/Status
i. First Data Localisation Summit- March 2016
ii. Data Centre Managers Focused Group Meeting - August 2016
iii. Data Classification Workshop in partnership with Microsoft Nigeria- September 2016
iv. Increased hosting of significant Government data in Nigeria by Government agencies in Galaxy Backbone
e.g. Budget Information Management System (BIMS), N-POWER portal, FIRS Integrated Tax Administration
Systems (ITAS)
v. Development of a draft framework for data classification
vi. Development of draft guidelines for data centre operations
vii. Due to increasing local demand for data services as a direct result of operation of Guidelines, Nigeria’s first
Cloud Local Cloud services (OUDONGROUND) has been hosted by a leading Tier-3 data centre in Nigeria
providing Infrastructure as a service ( Iaas) and Disaster recovery as a Service ( DRaaS) to local companies
in Nigeria.
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C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
Compliance with NITDA’s Nigerian Content Guidelines and other Government Circulars
This was designed to ensure systematic compliance and strategic surveillance of agencies (public and private)
responsible for implementation of the local content programme. This became necessary due to availability of
resources and the reach of ONC. The programme was designed to implement compliance and surveillance
through the following strategies:
i. Self-Compliance Strategy as enunciated in the “Compliance strategy manual”
ii. Partnership with key Government institutions to mandate NITDA’s Guidelines of Nigerian content. These
institutions include: The Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) and the Budget Office of the Federation (BOF)
iii. ONC also carried out routine surveillance to advise agencies to comply with Guidelines. Where breach
continues ONC escalates to NITDA and the Federal Ministry of Communications as the case maybe.
Achievements/Status
Sought the partnership of NCC to ensure compliance in the telecommunications sub-sector. Several meetings
were held.
i. Through the timely intervention of The Federal Ministry of Communications and NITDA, ONC enforced the
Guidelines for Nigerian Content to ensure consideration of local OEMs in the purchase of 500,000 laptops
68 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
for the N-power programme. Nigeria may have lost about N65bn if the purchases were made to foreign
OEMs.
ii. Through the Intervention of the NITDA DG, the ONC notified the Office of the Accountant General of the
Federation on provisions to the Guidelines on Nigerian Content and urged a supervised transition of the
Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GFMIS) and the Integrated Payroll and
Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to indigenous alternatives. This action will save Nigeria about N6bn
in 2017.
iii. As a result of the visit to BPP by an NITDA delegation led by the DG, as initiated by the ONC, NITDA has
been restored as the clearing house for ICT procurements for MDAs in line with a Federal Government
Circular of 2013.
iv. Developed the “Local Content Compliance Framework” to drive compliance and reporting requirements in
line with provisions of Nigerian Content Guidelines.
v. Successfully hosted an exhibition of local content ICT products to showcase alternative to imported ICT
products
vi. As part of the surveillance efforts of the ONC, about 315 ICT procurement from 70 MDAs were reviewed
and necessary actions have been taken.
vii. A level of self-compliance with the Guidelines has been achieved with ICT multinationals and MDAs.
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BAYO OMOBORIOWO
PRESIDENT BUHARI AND VICE-PRESIDENT OSINBAJO HOST SOME OF THE
CHIBOK GIRLS RELEASED BY BOKO HARAM, AT STATE HOUSE, ABUJA
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Implementing Government’s policies to defend the territorial integrity of the country, its interest, and well-being
of the citizenry as well as strengthening international peace and stability.
MILESTONES
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DEFENCE
The Armed Forces have instituted measures to increase its capacity. These include:
i. Major innovative strategy in the overall security architecture of the nation which involves the
reorganisation of the Armed Forces through the new ORBAT which will ensure sufficient number
of personnel and equipment to handle current and future security challenges.
ii. The establishment of Theatre Command in Operation LAFIYA DOLE has led to unity of command
and control which supports the counter-insurgency operation in the North East.
iii. Training of Special Forces and troops in counter-terrorism.
iv. Increased recruitments and enlistments to increase manpower in the Armed Forces.
v. Establishment of a naval outpost in the Lake Chad Basin.
vi. Establishment of 8 Task Force Division in Monguno to further strengthen military presence in the
North East. This has greatly helped in Command and Control in the theatre of operation.
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SOKOTO
KATSINA YOBE
JIGAWA
KEBBI ZAMFARA
KANO BORNO
GOMBE
KADUNA
BAUCHI
NIGER
ADAMAWA
PLATEAU
FCT
KWARA
NASARAWA
OYO TARABA
EKITI KOGI
OSUN
BENUE
OGUN ONDO
EDO
ENUGU
SOUTH SOUTH
LAGOS ANAM
-BRA
EBONYI Operations
CROSS DELTA SAFE &
DELTA IMO ABIA RIVER TSARETEKU
RIVERS AKWA
IBOM
SOUTH WEST BAYELSA
Operation SOUTH EAST
AWATSE Operation
PYTHON DANCE
threats in the Niger Delta necessitated the dismantling of the Operation and replacement with a new IS
Operation, “Operation DELTA SAFE”. The new IS Operation has helped to checkmate pipeline vandalism
and militancy in the Niger Delta. The Intelligence Fusion Centre has been activated to support the operation.
The NA also conducted Exercise CROCODILE SMILE to curtail the menace of miscreants, criminal
elements and militant activities in the region. Many suspected members of the “Niger Delta Avengers”
and other militant groups were arrested and destruction of illegal refineries carried out. Furthermore,
the Nigerian Navy (NN) carried out Exercise OBANGAME aimed at securing and protecting the Gulf of
Guinea. The exercise had participants from USA, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Cameroun, Gabon, Ghana,
Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Togo and Benin Republic.
A dedicated NN operation code-named “OPERATION TSARETEKU” was set up to curb incidences of
piracy, armed attack on shipping. It was flagged off in July, 2016 with remarkable success in curbing these
illicit activities.
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DEFENCE
PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON A WORKING VISIT TO ZAMFARA STATE WHERE HE INTERACTED WITH TROOPS OF HQ 1 BDE IN DANSADAU
AS PART OF THE 2016 NIGERIAN ARMY DAY CELEBRATION
PRESIDENT BUHARI REVIEWS PARADE BY TROOPS AT CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF GEN TUKUR BURATAI (LEFT)
DANSADAU AND THE PRESIDENT (MIDDLE) AT THE PARADE
CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF GEN TUKUR BURATAI SALUTES THE CAPTURE OF CAMP ZAIRO, BOKO HARAM’S STRONGHOLD
THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN SAMBISA FOREST BY NIGERIAN TROOPS
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PICTURES FROM OPERATION DELTA SAFE WHERE MANY ILLEGAL REFINERIES WERE DESTROYED AND MILITANTS ARRESTED
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DEFENCE
NNS UNITY
External operations
One of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives is to contribute to global security and project Nigeria’s image
in the international community. This administration has made adequate effort to assess and improve the
performance of the Nigerian contingent and their equipment status, to increase the country’s earning
from United Nations reimbursements. Nigerian troops are currently deployed in PSOs, which include
United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Sudan,
ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau (ECOMIB) and Multi-Dimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission
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A BUGLER SOUNDING A CALL TO THE POST AT THE NIGERIAN ARMY SMALL ARMS CHAMPIONSHIP IN CAMP ZAIRO,
SAMBISA FOREST, MARCH 27, 2017
(MINUSMA) in Mali. There are also Nigerian military personnel deployed as Military Observers/Staff
Officers in other UN Missions. Recently, Mr President and C-in-C approved the deployment of battalion
strength of NA personnel and their weapons to participate in the Islamic Military Alliance to fight global
terrorism.
Committees
During the review period, the ministry inaugurated the following committees:
i. White Paper Committee to review the draft National Defence Policy. Accordingly, the final draft
copy of the National Defence Policy and report of the White Paper Committee have been forwarded
to Mr President for his approval.
ii. Committee to advise on the planned handing-over of areas liberated by the military from Boko
Haram to civil law enforcement agencies. The report of the Committee has been forwarded to Mr
President and the implementation stage of the recommendation is in progress.
iii. Committee to collate actual troops’ strength in Operation LAFIYA DOLE aimed at establishing
a workable framework for the prompt payment of allowances of troops in theatres of operation
towards ensuring adequate welfare of soldiers. Accordingly, the Committee’s recommendations
approved by Mr President are being implemented.
iv. Consultative Committee on National Defence Statistics (CCNDS) to develop the Defence National
Statistics Compendium that would be used to store data on MOD and its departments and agencies.
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DEFENCE
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PRESIDENT BUHARI DURING A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION SHORTLY AFTER DELIVERING HIS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE COMMONWEALTH
ANTI-CORRUPTION CONFERENCE FOR CIVIL SOCIETY, BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT LEADERS AT THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT
MARLBOROUGH HOUSE LONDON. 11TH MAY 2016
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The EFCC has, in two years, shown what courage
and dedicated leadership can bring to the table in
our nation’s quest to be free from the vice grips of
corruption. Because, when all is said and done,
without the commitment and unflinching support
of President Muhammadu Buhari, this would have
been a different story altogether.
BAYO OMOBORIOWO
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EFCC OFFICIALS SEALING OFF AN
IMPOUNDED PROPERTY IN ABUJA
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Proof of what
courageous and
dedicated leadership
can bring to bear
T
hat corruption remains a major problem in Nigeria hardly does justice to the efforts being made to
tackle the malaise. Perhaps those who have had the opportunity of working closely with the anti-
corruption agencies can truly appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of the officers who daily toil to
tackle a malaise that has become virulent, undermining the nation’s economic health.
Indeed, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi, SAN, was spot on,
when he remarked recently at an awards ceremony organised by the EFCC that: “The men
and women that the nation shall remember are those like you who are serving selflessly and honestly.
The men and women that the world has immortalised are not those who sacrificed others, but those who
sacrificed themselves.”
The sacrifices which officers of the EFCC have made for their country can be better appreciated through a
dispassionate appraisal of the activities of the anti-graft agency, in the last few years, under Ibrahim Magu
as acting chairman.
Not many Nigerians would have forgotten the profile of the EFCC before Magu took the reins. The tempo
of activities was lukewarm, with some Nigerians remarking cheekily, that the Commission had gone into
a deep slumber.
That era of perceived docility seemed consigned to the trash can of history. Magu, in barely two years
of steering the ship of the Commission, has succeeded in restoring the credibility of the EFCC. This, he
achieved through a carefully-designed programme of re-professionalisation that set new benchmarks for
professional and ethical conduct among officers and men. The emphasis on professionalism meant that the
Commission had to set new ways of doing things, and a paradigm shift in its operations. The gains of the
reforms are manifest for even skeptics to see.
MILESTONES
In 2016, the agency recorded about 200 convictions, with assets running into billions of Naira recovered.
And there are reasons to be optimistic that the momentum will be sustained: in the first quarter of 2017, for
instance, the Commission recorded 62 convictions. Perhaps, more significant is that, among the convicts
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ECONOMIC & FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC)
are a number of high profile personalities, including a former governor, oil barons and top officials of the
Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Bala Ngilari, former governor of Adamawa State was
jailed five years on 6 March, by Justice Nathan Musa of the Adamawa State High Court for procurement
fraud. The conviction was significant not only on the score that the trial was completed in seven months,
but it was also the first conviction of a former governor to be recorded in nearly six years.
Walter Wagbatsoma, chairman, Ontario Oil and Gas Limited, and Ada Ugo-Ngadi, managing director of
the company, were in January convicted and sentenced to 10 years each by Justice Lateefa Okunnu of the
Lagos High Court on an eight-count amended charge, bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence,
conspiracy to commit forgery, forgery, and altering of documents, in a N1.9 billion oil subsidy fraud. Three
months later, precisely on 7 April, another oil subsidy fraudster, Jubril Rowaye, was convicted by Justice
Adebukola Banjoko of the FCT High Court, Abuja. He was jailed alongside his company, Brilla Energy
Limited, and Alminnur Resources Limited for allegedly duping the Nigerian government N1.05billion in
dubious oil subsidy claims for products that were not imported. Again, these two oil subsidy convictions
are remarkable given that trial had dragged since 2013 when the convicts were first charged to court.
On 1 March, 2017 a former Caretaker Chairman, Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State,
Gabriel Daudu, lost his appeal to overturn the guilty verdict passed on him on 25 April, 2016, by Justice
Inyang Ekwo, of the Federal High Court, Lokoja. Daudu had been convicted on 77 counts of fraud and
sentenced to two years on each of the counts, to run concurrently.
Other notable convictions include that of Innocent Clinton and Emmanuel Okanni, by Justice Sa’ad
Mohammed of Gombe State High Court on 23 March 23 for a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft.
They were found guilty of a N864,000 fraud, which they perpetrated by hacking into bank accounts using
“stolen” Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), through which they duped their victims. These convictions
are indicative of improved investigation and prosecution by the EFCC.
The profile of assets and monies recovered within the same period is more compelling. Perhaps the most
phenomenal achievement by the Commission is in the area of recovery of stolen assets. In the first quarter
of 2017, the Commission acting on intelligence from whistle blowers uncovered huge cash, some hidden
in the most unlikely places. The cash haul include the $43 million, £27,000, and N23 million stashed in a
private residence located on Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos and $9.8 Million and £74,000 from the building
of a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Andrew Yakubu,
located in the slum of Sabon Tasha, Kaduna. Equally, another whopping sum of N448,500,000 was
recovered from a shop at LEGICO Shopping Plaza, Victoria Island, Lagos. Still in Lagos, N250million was
uncovered in Balogun Market.
The EFCC also intercepted a cash haul of about N49 million at the Kaduna International Airport. The list,
which is by no means exhaustive, does not include monies suspected to be proceeds of crime traced to the
accounts of some suspects and frozen by the Commission. Some have also been temporarily forfeited to the
Nigerian government following application by the EFCC. They include the controversial $15m which the
wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience Jonathan, is contesting ownership in court.
In the vigorous pursuit of its law enforcement mandate, the Commission in the last two years sent a forceful
message that impunity would no longer be condoned by taking on the high and mighty in the society. For
the very first time in the history of Nigeria, senior military officers including former service chiefs were
investigated and arraigned on corruption charges. The now infamous Armsgate saga has witnessed the
prosecution of the likes of Air Marshal Alex Badeh, former Chief of Defence Staff; former Chiefs of Air
Staff, Adesola Amosun and Mohammed Umar and several other serving and retired generals, for allegedly
siphoning monies meant for the procurement of arms for the fight against insurgency in the North East.
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INNOCENT CLINTON AND EMMANUEL OKANNI, CONVICTED ON N449,597,000 FOUND AT AN ABANDONED BUREAU AT VICTORIA
MARCH 23, 2017 FOR FRAUD, USING BVN NUMBERS ISLAND, RECENTLY FORFEITED TO THE COMMISSION
Others who are facing prosecution for complicity in the alleged looting of the arms procurement funds
include a former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, former Director of Media for
the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode, former PDP Chairman and Minister
of Defence, Mohammed Haliru, former Chairman of Daar Communications, Raymond Dokpesi, and
former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa.
There is also the investigation into the $115million which former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-
Madueke allegedly used to bribe officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, to influence
the outcome of the 2015 Presidential Elections. Prosecution of many politicians and INEC officials is
ongoing. Serving judges and very senior lawyers are equally standing trial for corruption. They include
Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, Justice Innocent Umezulike, Rickey Tarfa, SAN and Joseph Nwobike, SAN.
Prevention
While it has taken its law enforcement endeavours to new heights, the EFCC has not lost sight of its
preventive mandate. Compelled by a realisation that the fight against corruption can only acquire the
needed traction if all Nigerians get a buy-in to the campaign, the Commission created a project to mobilise
Nigerian women to become combatants in the anti-corruption army. The “Women Against Corruption”
programme was flagged off on 7 December, 2016 at the International Conference Centre Abuja with the
wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari, as co-convener and guest of honour. Zonal rollouts of this
programme commenced almost immediately, starting with the South West Zone, held in Lagos. Other
zones are billed to follow suit.
The Commission also hosted the first-ever Anti-Corruption Summit, at the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja,
tagged “Building National Anti-Corruption Consensus in a Multi-Agency Environment”, on 27 March 2017.
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ACTING CHAIRMAN MAGU ADDRESSING MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ON ITS 14TH ANNIVERSARY
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Present were, among others, Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo State governor; Chukwuka Utazi, chairman,
Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes; Kayode Oladele, chairman, House of Reps
Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes; and Justice Joseph Oyewole of the Court of Appeal.
At the Summit, Magu assured Nigerians that “Every kobo taken illegally from the treasury would be traced,
recovered and returned.”
Furthermore, the Commission has strengthened its communications section with the creation of a
Directorate of Public Affairs which in the last couple of years, stepped up the Commission’s sensitisation
on anti-corruption through three units: Media and Publicity, Public Interface and Enlightenment and Re-
orientation.
Using various media platforms including the traditional and social media, the department stepped up the
tempo of sensitisation and public education on financial crimes issues. Besides producing enlightenment
publications, the Commission’s media presence is buoyed through the extension of the broadcast of its
weekly electronic media programme, The Eagle to more stations. It currently airs on four English and one
Hausa stations.
The Commission is active on Facebook , Twitter, Google+, Audioboo and Instagram.
New offices are bringing the EFCC closer to more Nigerians. In the last two years, new state offices were
opened in Ibadan, Kaduna and Benin City. The Maiduguri office was re-opened while the fifth office in
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State is coming on stream.
Indeed, slowly but steadily, the anti-graft agency is altering the narrative of criminal prosecution in Nigeria,
and setting a new benchmark for law enforcement.
Furthermore, global confidence in the Commission has been restored, with more donor organisations and
foreign law enforcement agencies eager to have relationship with the EFCC; thus opening fresh lines of
partnership and collaboration with the attendant implication for improved capacity.
The Commission is closely working with, among others, the US Department of Justice, the FBI, UK National
Crime Agency, UK Serious Fraud Office, and the Netherland Police. These relationships are geared towards
seamless investigations of trans-national economic and financial crimes, as well as the tracing and recovery
of looted funds and assets. The Commission has been actively involved in the tracing and recovery of
stolen assets both within and outside Nigeria. It has also been instrumental in securing the cooperation of
countries such as the UAE in supporting the anti-money laundering efforts of the Nigerian government.
The EFCC has, in two years, shown what courage and dedicated leadership can bring to the table in our
nation’s quest to be free from the vice grips of corruption.
Because, when all is said and done, without the commitment and unflinching support of President
Muhammadu Buhari, this would have been a different story altogether.
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PRESIDENT BUHARI AND OSUN STATE GOVERNOR RAUF AREGBESOLA
ACKNOWLEDGE CHEERS FROM THE CROWD AT THE COMMISSIONING OF OSOGBO
GOVERNMENT HIGH SCHOOL OSUN, IN CELEBRATION OF OSUN STATE’S 25TH
ANNIVERSARY. 1ST SEPT 2016
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Enhancing education
at all levels, to boost
Nigeria’s socio-
economic development,
amid serious challenges
T
he administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, places high premium on education as
a key success factor in the drive to fast-track the nation’s socio-economic development towards the
attainment of, among others, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, Vision 20:2020, Agenda
2030, Agenda 2063. To actualise these developmental goals, the ministry developed “Education
for Change: A Ministerial Strategic Plan (2016-2019)” and has been implementing it, along 10
key lines.
Before reeling out the attainments, it is important to appreciate some serious challenges which the sector
had been facing. Foremost was the unacceptably large number of school-age children and adolescents not
enrolled in school, many of whom are the almajiris, the disadvantaged and the vulnerable, especially in the
rural areas. The almajiri schools constructed by the Federal Government’s UBE intervention funds were
largely underutilised by the States. Gender disparities in education especially at the basic level and ensuring
full and equal access to quality education for both girls and boys in all parts of the country needed to be
addressed.
Secondly, the insurgency in the North East since 2009 and the resultant destruction of schools, which
were often targets, had caused disruption in the school system for many children and adversely affected
education delivery in general.
In addition, the poor quality of teaching, inadequate textbooks and learning materials and large class sizes
were serious challenges affecting education quality. There were shortages of necessary infrastructure and
essential supplies in almost all public schools. Learning achievements at all levels were unsatisfactory and
the quality of the products of our public higher educational institutions needed to be upgraded. The quality
assurance institutions were operating under a weak legal framework which rendered the enforcement
of quality standards in schools ineffective. Consequently, teaching and learning at all levels needed
improvement. The lack of political will in some States to replicate laudable Federal Government initiatives
M I D - T E R M R E P O R T C A R D O N T H E B U H A R I A D M I N I S T R AT I O N 93
aimed at improving access, quality and equity has been a huge challenge.
At the Non-formal and Adult Education level, lack of political will by States and LGAs to implement
and sustain non-formal education programmes, especially, payment of the approved N7,500 minimum
allowance to facilitators in literacy centres; inadequate social provision in grazing reserves to serve the
needs of nomads and problems created by rustlers, which render pastoralists jobless, were challenges
needing attention. Consequently, progress in adult literacy as a continuum of skills for empowerment had
been slow.
Add to this: inadequate access to University education, dearth of qualified academic staff, existence of
illegal universities notwithstanding existing laws; unstable academic calendar resulting from incessant
industrial action by staff of Nigerian universities.
Teacher Education was plagued by the continuous shortfall in funding of programmes and projects,
coupled with the need to expand the curricula to ensure that the products of Colleges of Education are
able to effectively deliver basic education at pre-primary, primary, JSS and adult and non-formal levels and
inclusive education. In addition, poor quality entrants leading to poor quality products from our teacher
training institutions continued to affect education quality negatively. The non-implementation of 27.5%
teachers’ peculiar allowance by some State Governments; the violation of National Council on Education
(NCE) ban on recruitment of unqualified and unregistered teachers, contrary to the provision of Teachers’
Registration Council Nigeria Act of 2004, were problems.
The negative public perception of technical/vocational education, gross gender imbalance, dearth of
qualified and competent instructors/teachers, poor learning outcomes because of lack of training materials
and ill-equipped training workshops were the bane of the promotion of skills’ acquisition for manpower
development. The sector also faced the issue of low enrolment in TVET institutions, particularly science
and technology-based programmes because of the B.Sc/HND dichotomy.
The Federal Scholarship Board has been facing the challenge of poor funding and inadequate release of
appropriated funds for its activities. The situation worsened in 2014 to the extent that it could not service
old awards and process new ones. In 2015, the Board was unable to settle all the allowances of schools
on Nigerian Awards (NA), Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Awards and the Commonwealth (CW)
Awards. In 2014 and 2015, there were no fresh awards because of non-release of appropriated funds.
The non-availability of reliable and timely statistical data for effective and efficient educational planning,
management and policy-making largely because of poor response from States and Agencies in giving
education data for national and global reporting, as well as inadequate funding, were serious drawbacks to
the education system.
i. Out-of-School children
In response to the high rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria and the recognition of the right of all
children to Basic Education as supported by Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 4, attention has been
given to the expansion of access to all levels of education. The ministry fast-tracked the implementation
of Pre-Primary Education and the establishment of Community-Based Early Childcare Centres (CBECC)
in 16 States to enhance their transition to the Basic Education, as well as reduce the incidences of Out-of-
School Children and cost of child care for working parents. In this regard, the ministry constructed and
renovated 85 selected public primary schools across the country to provide accommodation for the new
intakes.
To improve on the quality of Basic Education delivery, efforts were channelled towards developing
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guidelines for the implementation of Model Cluster Schools for teacher professional development and
periodic reviews on the modalities for its implementation for effective service delivery. A total of 31,520
teachers across 27 States were trained to improve their teaching proficiency.
Other achievements include:
i. Pilot-tested 2016 National Assessment of Learning Achievement items in Basic Education (NALABE)
in Abia, Gombe, Delta, Oyo, Plateau and Zamfara States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
to determine the difficulty and discrimination indices and effectiveness of distracters to ensure the
reliability and validity of the test items
ii. Quality-assured 179 LGEA Schools, 389 ECD Centres, 740 Primary Schools and 181 Junior
Secondary Schools
iii. Conducted Quality Assurance training for 2,856 officers across the 27 states
iv. Published Basic Educationist Magazine, 1st issue 2016
v. Trained 120 Basic Education Data Managers from Akwa Ibom and Imo States/Universal Basic
Education Boards (SUBEBs) including their Data Desk Officers on data generation, management
and utilisation
vi. Trained 78 staff in various long and short term courses on effective classroom management
vii. Carried out mid-term monitoring of the 134 schools/centres which benefitted from the 2014 and
2015 Special Education Funds disbursed to private providers of education for children with special
needs in 36 States and FCT
viii. Completed/Furnished 25 Junior Girls (Boarding) Model Secondary Schools
ix. Completed eight Boys (Boarding) Vocational Schools in South-South and South-East geo-political
zones
x. To ensure proper funding of Basic Education, N42,205,872,257.88 UBE Matching Grants were
disbursed to 26 States and FCT. The sum of N851,502,975.66 Special Education Grants were
disbursed to 23 States and Private Providers of Special Basic Education and N2,220,000,000.00
Teachers Professional Development Fund to 33 States and FCT.
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Scanners, Braille machines and books for examination purposes such as capturing of objective scores for
candidates and physically-challenged learners were purchased.
The ministry carried out accreditation of 487 programmes in 51 Technical, Vocational
and Entrepreneurial Institutions (Accreditation-207 Programmes, Resource Inspection-
253 Programmes and Carrying Capacity-27 Programmes). Thirteen new Innovation Enterprise Institutions
were granted provisional approvals.
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E D U C AT I O N
2017/2018 nomination interviews for 2,208 qualified Nigerian candidates were conducted.
To ensure that all lecturers in tertiary institutions acquire teaching pedagogy, the National Teacher
Education Policy (NTEP) has been introduced for efficiency in teaching delivery. Two thousand and nine
FME Operational Guidelines for the establishment of IEIs were reviewed and approved at the 61st National
Council on Education (NCE). One hundred and forty-five Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs) were
licensed in the years under review.
The ministry mobilised 260 accreditation panels which approved 500 programmes across 48 universities.
To ensure uniformity in academic quality in tertiary institutions, the following Benchmark Minimum
Academic Standards (BMAS) were developed:
a. Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) for Gender Studies and Aeronautical and
Astronautical Engineering
b. Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) for Agricultural Extension and Software
Engineering
c. Curriculula Course Specifications for HND in Aviation Management; and ND Legislative
Studies
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has upgraded all Computer-Based Test Centres to a minimum
of 250 carrying capacity and successfully automated the following services: Change of Course/Institution,
Printing of Admission Letter, Printing of Result Slip and Correction of Data. So, all these services can now be
done online by candidates. It has also introduced Web Payment: ATM issued cards (Visa, Verve and Master card),
Online Quickteller, ATM Payment, Quickteller Mobile Application for UTME registration and installation of
CCTV Cameras in some CBTCTs for effective conduct of its examination.
The 2016 Unified Matriculation Examination (UTME) was conducted from 27 February-17 March in at least
500 centres across the country along with eight foreign centres and 20 Braille-note Apex Computers for visually-
impaired candidates were procured to enable them participate fully in UTME, with minimal stress.
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In recognition of the efforts of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) at improving the teaching and learning
of mathematics and mathematical sciences as well as the development of Science & Technology Education
in Nigeria, the Scientific Board of the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) established a Chair in Mathematics at the Centre.
This has opened up a strong bilateral relationship and is addressing some challenges.
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One of the first approvals President Buhari gave the
Environment Sector, on assumption of office, was the
implementation of the UNEP Report on the clean-up
of Ogoniland, which has been ravaged and polluted
by oil spills.
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MILESTONES
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President signed the Paris Agreement (PA) on 22 September 2016. The Federal Executive Council
(FEC) has approved of the Paris Agreement and necessary processes are being undertaken by the
Ministry of Justice to enable Nigeria deposit the instrument of ratification at the UNFCCC
d. Nigeria submitted an ambitious Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), which was
approved by President Muhammadu Buhari on 26 November 2015. The INDC is a roadmap for
Nigeria’s effort to reduce emission by 20% unconditional and 45% conditional by 2030. Currently,
the ministry is at the implementation stage of the INDC following the development of a roadmap for
the INDC Strategic Implementation, which includes its socialisation and development of sectoral
plans
e. Nigerian technical delegation led by the Minister and the Minister of State was at the UNFCCC COP
22 held in November 2016 in Marrakech, Morocco. The COP 22 was designed to be the platform
toward NDC implementation. The ministry successfully hosted three side events and effectively
collaborated with the Africa Union Commission (AUC) in hosting the African Day side event at the
Marrakech COP
The following are national engagements/tasks:
i. The ministry prepared its First Biennial Update Report (BUR) Document in line with the decisions of
the Conference of the Parties (COP) to UNFCCC. The BUR is a form of enhanced reporting, containing
updates of national greenhouse gas inventories and information on mitigation actions, financial/
technical needs, support received and an update to Second National Communication. The first BUR
contains information on National Circumstances, GHG Inventories, Mitigation Actions, Analysis of
Constraints, Gaps, related Financial, Technical and Capacity Needs and other related information
along with information on Domestic Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) arrangements
as requested and to the extent possible. The Nigeria BUR will strengthen technical and institutional
capacity to enable it respond effectively to climate change challenges and meet its obligations under the
UNFCCC. Within the year, the following activities were undertaken:
a. National Circumstances (NC) reviewed and updated; institutional arrangements relevant to the
preparation of NCs identified and characterised
b. Report on identification and assessment of constraints and gaps related to financial, technical and
capacity needs was provided
c. Completed report on National Measurement, Reporting and Verification actions in the country is
available
d. The meeting of the Local Project Appraisal Committee (LPAC) for the Development of Nigeria’s
Biennial Update Report (BUR) and the Project Initiation Workshop were held in 2015
e. The minister signed the BUR project documents for the implementation of the Nigeria First BUR.
ii. The ministry strengthened partnerships with Development Partners such as UNDP, UNEP, GEF,
UNFCCC and UNIDO
iii. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Despite the low price of carbon, Nigeria continued to explore
projects on CDM for national sustainable development. Some of the specific activities include:
a. Impact Water Programme of Activities – a water purification programme in Lagos and Ogun States.
About 20 other projects are in line with article 6 of the P.A
a. Building/enhancing capacities towards stabling an international transaction log/registry system
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ENVIRONMENT
c. The Jigawa State Government hosted the 2016 World Desertification Day (WDD) which was
successfully commemorated on 17th & 18th June, 2016, with a tree planting campaign as a major
component in Jansa, Babura Local Government of Jigawa State in a collective resolve to create
awareness to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in the drylands
d. On-going projects in 2016 include: Combating desertification through reforestation for climate
change mitigation and sustainable land management in Bauchi, Jigawa and Sokoto States. The
procurement process has been completed and the contractors will soon move to sites. The
objectives of the project are: reducing soil erosion and combating desertification, empowering
rural communities, generating employment and increasing income, improving soil fertility and
agricultural productivity and enhancing climate change resilience and food security.
e. In September 2015, “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” was agreed including
17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 196 targets. Goal 15 urges nations to “protect,
restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat
desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss”. Target 15.3 aims to
“combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification,
droughts and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world by 2030.” The Honourable
Minister made it possible for Nigeria to be amongst the first to indicate willingness to participate
in the Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Process. Nigeria also participated in inception
workshop held in Konya, Turkey from May 28-30, 2016; confirmed commitment and support to the
LDN TSP: and commenced the LDN TSP with the identification of stakeholders.
f. Under the able leadership of the Ministers, the Desert to Food Project which is a new concept
in desertification management is being proposed for approval to enable its implementation. The
project is an integrated management approach to combat desertification. It comprises of all activities
that are capable of transforming desert to productive lands to enhance livelihoods, resilience to
climate change and food security.
iv. Forestry
a. Supported the FMENV/NYSC Collaborative Partnership on Afforestation in Kwara and Oyo States,
which has the potential of creating 250,000 direct labour (particularly youths), apart from the regular
and annually mobilised NYSC members. The programme is still in progress
b. The ministry established three hectares of natural vegetation in Nanka Village, Orumba LGA,
Anambra State with impact on landscape stabilisation for development in the area earlier lost to
gully erosion
c. The ministry successfully celebrated the International Day of the Forests on 21 March, 2016
d. The sustainable management of selected critical wetland ecosystem and strengthening of community
livelihoods at Hadejia – Nguru Wetland in Yobe State is also in progress
e. Facilitation of the UNEP–GPA and NIMASA partnership on sustainable management of marine
litter in Nigeria’s beaches and waterways
f. Inspection visits to sawmills at different locations across the country for information and
improvement; extension and processing of Letter of Support to export processed and semi-processed
wood products. The ministry has been able to create awareness among wood exporters on value-
addition or chain before exporting as well as creation of jobs for the teeming youths in the wood
industry.
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g. Participation at COP17 to co-sponsor the transfer of African pangolin from CITES Appendix II to
CITES Appendix I and listing of the following species:
i. African soft-shell turtles in CITES Appendix II
ii. African pygmy chameleons in CITES Appendix II
iii. African lions in CITES Appendix I
iv. Pterocarpus erinaceous in CITES Appendix II
v. African grey parrot in CITES Appendix I
vi. Enforcement and demand-reduction decisions
h. The ministry was able to document the volume of trade in pterocarpus species, generate revenue
for the Federal Government and apply necessary measures to monitor exploitation and encourage
reforestation
i. The ministry is involved in Donor Agency Project/Activity like the REDD+ Programme being
funded by UN REDD+ and the World Bank. Its impact is the expected carbon sequestered and
contribution to carbon emission reduction from deforestation and other forestry-related activities
in the adjoining forest communities.
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creation of employment opportunities and restoration of degraded and arable lands for productive use
b. Installation and monitoring of Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), in collaboration with all
relevant stakeholders including NEMA, NIHSA, NIMET, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and
Housing and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, towards effective environmental governance
for adequate nationwide flood forecasting and monitoring to provide flood warning in advance to
reduce flood disaster impact and ensure prompt response to impending flood.
The projects, which cut across the federation, and are providing some relief to communities hitherto
threatened by flooding and gully erosion, include:
i. Establishment and monitoring of web-based FEWS with 307 locations (towns/cities)
ii. Installation and monitoring of 17 community-based FEWS stations nationwide
iii. Installation and monitoring of 4 automated FEWS facilities along Ogun-Osun and Benin-
Owena River Basins (two in each)
c. In collaboration with the World Bank, the following have been achieved on the West Africa Coastal
Area (WACA) management programme:
i. Submission of the Concept Note to the World Bank Programme for Nigeria
ii. Inspection visits to affected States (Lagos and Akwa Ibom) with World Bank officials
iii. Setting out a working programme for the WACA
iv. Preparation is in top gear for meetings with all the relevant stakeholders in Nigeria to provide
well-articulated synergy for the success of the WACA Programme in Nigeria
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and Sahel Observatory (OSS), and the World Bank Group (WBG).The Conference had in attendance
delegates from many African countries including the GGW implementing countries, international
organisations, research institutes, civil societies and grassroots organisations.
The roundtable afforded the ministers the opportunity to provide insight into the implementation status of the
GGW Programme in their respective countries. The roundtable also focused on discussing the following:
• Gaps and Investment Opportunities for GGWSSI;
• Communicating results toward GGW;
• Engaging in transformational actions;
• Leveraging the Private Sector;
d. The 2016 World Desertification Day was celebrated on 17 June, 2016 with the establishment of 1.0
ha of community orchard and 2 ha of woodlot in Jansa Community, Babura Local Government Area
of Jigawa State.
e. The ministry participated in the Committee of Forests (COFO) High Level Event on the Great Green
Wall Sahara Sahel Initiative (GGWSSI) held on 17July, 2016 at the FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy
f. The ministry hosted the International Environment Dialogue 1 on Diversification of the Economy -
the Role of Jatropha (Jatropha carcus) from 4-5 October, 2016
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FINALLY THE HISTORICAL PROCESS FOR THE CLEAN UP OF NIGER DELTA STARTING FROM OGONILAND
WAS LAUNCHED ON JUNE 2, 2016 IN BODO, RIVERS STATE
THEN MINISTER AND MINISTER OF STATE TOURING SITES AROUND FORCADOS, RIVERS STATE
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i. Committee for the Centre of Excellence and the Integrated Contaminated Soil Management
Centre
ii. Committee for Trainings and Livelihoods
iii. Committee on Communication and Strategy
iv. Committee on Emergency (Interim) Measures
e. The ministry, through its agency (NOSDRA), held a two-day mandatory training/retreat for
NOSDRA’s accredited consultants in Port Harcourt from 10-11 November, 2015 to improve their
capacity in environmental management in line with health and best practices in the oil industry
f. To regulate environmental/laboratory consultancy in oil spill clean-up/remediation and ensure that
only competent consultants operate in the industry, NOSDRA has interviewed and accredited 418
consultants; additional 145 were interviewed in 2016, and awaiting accreditation
g. Forcados Terminal oil spill incident on 14 February, 2016: A Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) was
conducted on 17 February 2016 by NOSDRA but it was inconclusive as the affected pipeline was
buried about five metres under water and not physically visible because of high turbidity. Although
SPDC divers suggested that the cause of spill was third party interference during the first JIV,
NOSDRA insisted that final determination of the actual cause of the spill would be made when
the pipe is exhumed for repairs and the spill point examined. The quantity spilled as at the time of
the JIV was 5,434 barrels. As at 26 April 2016, about 819.20 barrels were recovered. A follow-up
JIV was conducted from 25-29 August 2016 by NOSDRA and a team of SPDC officials, Delta State
Ministry of Environment and community representatives. The cause of spill was established to be
external force, which severely damaged the pipe at the point of impact (third party interference).
Clean up and mechanical activities were concluded on 22 April. Close out and certification will be
determined by the laboratory analytical report
h. The ministry, through its agency and Global Initiative for West, Central and Southern Africa (GI-
WACAF), organised a two-day national workshop on oil spill trajectory modelling from 25– 26
October 2016; to support Nigeria, by encouraging knowledge exchange on spill modelling, paying
special attention to the increase in oil exploration and production in our marine environment,
particularly the exclusive economic zone.
Other tangible achievements were:
Programme Year Location % Impact on Deliverables
Completion Communities
Procurement and installation of laboratory equipment, 2016 Port Harcourt 15% To enable proper Laboratory
Instrumentation, Wet Analysis Lab, Wet Analysis Lab, and independent lab equipment
Microbiology Lab and Toxicology Lab analysis of samples
Environmental Baseline Study in Ogbia Federal Constituency In 2016 Bayelsa State 15% Research to ensure Research report
Bayelsa State healthy environment
Equippint the Environmental Law Library with m anuals, 2016 Abuja 15% To promote Environmental
Journals, Books, Reports and other Relevant Literatures on research on oil spill law books,
Environmental and Oil Spill Management management manuals and
journals
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ENVIRONMENT
manuals
d. Capacity building of staff members of the NBMA through local and international biosafety
trainings
e. Purchase and launching of biosafety enforcement uniform for NBMA
f. Monitoring and GMO surveillance of super stores in Abuja
g. Relocation to the National Park Service Headquarters building which provides more office
accommodation
h. Relocation, from the premises of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA)
to its new office location, and strengthening of the Biosafety GMO detection and analysis
laboratory
i. Development of MOUs for inter-agency collaboration with the following relevant MDAs:
Nigeria Customs Service, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control,
Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, National Varietal Release Committee and National
Agricultural Seed Council
j. Sensitisation and awareness creation for stakeholders and the public
k. Hosting of the 1st National Biosafety conferences at Enugu (November 2015) and Abuja
(November 2016)
l. Issuance of permits to Monsanto Agriculture Nigeria for Confined Field Trial (CFT) of maize
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modified for herbicide tolerance (MON 89035 NK 603) and commercial release of Bt cotton
(MON 15985).
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PRESIDENT BUHARI VIEWS THE ABUJA CITYSCAPE WHILE TOURING
THE NEW NIA HEADQUARTERS IN ABUJA, 19 DEC 2016
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BAYO OMOBORIOWO
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ASO ROCK, ABUJA
LAYI OLAJUMOKE
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E
stablishing effective and efficient administrative framework for the provision of critical infrastructure and
services to the FCT residents, as well as ensuring safe and secure environment conducive for peace and
progress in the Territory.
MILESTONES
Financial prudence
Achieved through strict implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) where all revenues accruing
to the administration are pooled for easy tracking. Currently implementing new accounting software
at internal revenue generation sources such as Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), Abuja
Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and the FCT Water Board.
Roads
The 10-lane Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX), which is the expressway providing rapid East-West
movement to the southern flank of the city linking the Abuja-Keffi road. This will help to decongest the
traffic originating from the Keffi-Abuja axis towards the city.
Following the settlement of the outstanding liabilities by the present administration, work resumed on
the Murtala Mohammed and Umar Musa Yar’Adua expressways and they are almost completed. The 10-
lane Airport (Umaru Musa Yar’Adua) expressway is the primary road that links the Federal Capital City
(FCC) and the National Expressway to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for quick movement and
elimination of traffic congestion. What is left for completion on the Airport Road is the trumpet interchange
at the airport junction by Bill Clinton Drive. The Circle Road which envelopes the Central Business District
has been completed.
Work has resumed on the sites of the B6 and B12, which contract was awarded since 2007 but abandoned.
The portion of the Nyanya-Gbagalape road (an important road linking the residents of Nyanya Labour Camp
and the sprawling Gbagalape community) which failed, because of a deep gully, and cut off thousands of
residents, has been fixed. The contractor has been mandated to complete the entire road project including
asphalting.
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Rail transportation
The Federal Government spared no effort in ensuring proper funding of the on-going Abuja Rail Mass
Transit system; to meet a target completion date of 31 October, 2017. Most of the train stations are at
finishing stages. There are 13 railway bridges, 50 culverts, 15 flyover bridges and nine pedestrian overpass
bridges that are all completed. The total length of the rail double track laid is 45.245 kilometres, thereby
making it completed, of the entire Lots 1A and 3. Test run should be between 1 and 30 November while
temporary operations should start on 1 December, with commuters enjoying train rides from the Abuja
Metro Station to the airport. Furthermore, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March 2017 approved
of the award of the contract for Phase II of the rail system at the cost of US$1.792billion, to be funded
by the China Exim Bank. This phase includes the procurement of rolling stocks and coaches, signal/
communication equipment, depot equipment, management and operation of the metro system, as well
as the construction of a 27-km rail track to cover the Lot 1B section from Ring Road I and terminating at
Gwagwa station.
KUBWA
BYAZHIN
Layout of Abuja Rail Mass
Transit system
GBAZANGO
LOT 3
LOT 1A
JIBI LOT 1B
DEIDEI
GWAGWA
KARMO
GWARINPA
KARMO RING ROAD III EMPLOYMENT
JABI II UTAKO CENTRE
JABI WUSE
ABUJA TRANSPORTATION
STATION CENTRE
IDU STADIUM
NATIONAL PARK
WUPA
RING ROAD 1
AIRPORT NORTH
AIRPORT
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Water
The Greater Abuja Water Works is a project involving the linking of water pipelines to 10 concentric tanks
strategically located on the periphery of the city and the drilling of water boreholes in the 62 wards of
FCT’s six Area Councils. The drilling of the boreholes is part of the short-term strategy the administration
adopted to tackle perennial water shortage in the satellite towns; while work is going on assiduously to
complete all ongoing water projects for constant supply of potable water to all parts of the territory. FEC
has approved USD470,764,457.28 for Greater Abuja Water Supply Project with funding from China Exim
Bank.
Environmental Sanitation
A change of management at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and improved funding of
the board’s activities resulted in improved environmental sanitation.
The introduction of FCT Household and Community Sanitation Exercise Scheme in the Area Councils
and satellite towns also led to a more efficient mobilisation of the communities to keep their surroundings
clean.
Vocational training and youth empowerment centres are being resuscitated, for the benefit of street beggars
and hawkers (who are being taken off the streets) and interested youth in the Territory.
Land Administration
No fewer than 986 Certificates of Occupancy which had piled up because of, among others, the dormancy
of institutions such as the Land Use and Allocation Committee (LUAC) – now reconstituted in line with
the provisions of the Land Use Act - have been signed and issued to their owners. Similarly, the operations
of all FCTA land-related departments have been re-organised and harmonised.
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Financial obligations
In the first quarter of 2016, the FCTA released the sum of N5,744,835,928.38 to various development partners
being counterpart funds for the projects that they are executing in the FCT. This includes N1.7billion paid
to cover all arrears and various debts owed the Universal Basic Education since 2013 and N46.5million
paid to the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as counterpart funding for improvements
on FCT water supply. The latter payment made the FCT’s engineers benefit from JICA’s technical training
programme on Renewable Energy Micro-grid Utility, which can harness energy for electricity supply.
The FCT Administration has paid out over N6billion to contractors owed various sums below N20million;
while over N19billion has been paid to major contractors to enable them return to sites. The administration
also settled over N2billion owed cleaning and maintenance contractors to enable them resume work on the
evacuation of solid waste in the city centre and satellite towns. Arrears of fees and allowances owed all FCT
students as various forms of scholarship amounting to N128million have also been paid.
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has been able to secure full accreditation for Maitama, Asokoro and Wuse District Hospitals to train
resident doctors to specialise in family medicine and obstetrics & gynecology. The FCT School of Nursing
and Midwifery graduated over 100 nurses and midwives during this period.
Education
While Government Science and Technical College was established in Kwali and Government Day Secondary
School in Abaji, Government Science Secondary School Pykassa moved to a new location in Maitama and
Government Secondary School Mpape moved to its permanent site to cater for the educational needs of the
over 5,000 pupils and students in the area.
Two hundred and twenty-one classrooms, 22 blocks of 4 compartments toilets, seven science/intro-
tech laboratories, two fence and gatehouses, three boreholes, one Administrative block, one library, and
one volleyball court were constructed for the FCT Universal Basic Education Board schools. Thirteen
classrooms, three science/Intro-tech laboratories, one library hall, one Administrative block and a staff
quarters were rehabilitated. Other projects: a kitchen/dinning facility at Government Secondary School
Jikwoyi; renovation of blocks of eight classrooms at Government Secondary School Bwari and Government
Secondary School Abaji as well as the perimeter fence of Government Secondary School Gwagwalada.
Collaborations with international agencies such as Korean International Cooperation (KOICA) have
opened several windows of opportunities for manpower training, besides the donation from the South
Korean government of a model primary and junior secondary school, currently under construction at
Piwoyi, along Airport Road.
Staff Welfare
Twenty-five large capacity buses were rehabilitated, to cushion the effect of economic hardship and difficulty
in vehicular transportation of members of staff thereby boosting the welfare of the staff for improved
productivity.
The sum of N1.6billion was also released as bail-out funds to the six Area Councils to settle salary arrears
owed their staff and thereby restoring industrial peace and harmony in the councils.
Multilateral cooperation
The FCT Administration has completed the first phase of renovation of the United Nations House (which
suffered a huge bomb attack in 2011) while the second phase comprising of security equipment and
furnishing is being fast-tracked to enable the UN agencies return into the building.
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PRESIDENT BUHARI ADDRESSING THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT IN STRASBOURG FRANCE ON 3RD FEB 2016
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PRESIDENT BUHARI WALKING WITH GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL
AT HER OFFICE IN BERLIN, GERMANY, ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT, 14TH OCT 2016
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Remarkable progress
in representing and
protecting national and
citizen’s interests abroad
B
eyond its traditional diplomatic and representational duties, the promotion of Nigeria’s interests
abroad and being the channel of communication between the Government and foreign governments
and international organisations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also facilitates the foreign content of
the activities of other ministries, agencies and departments (MDAs) of the government.
President Muhammadu Buhari made it clear from the inception of the administration
that Nigeria’s national interest will guide the focus of the country’s foreign policy under
his leadership. Underpinned by this, Nigeria’s foreign policy is being strengthened under the Buhari
administration to ensure that Nigeria maximises and benefits from its relationship with other nations in
such a way that it will impact positively on Nigerians at home and abroad. Meanwhile, the administration
also focused on West Africa sub-region and is partnering with other countries in Africa to guarantee the
free movement of people to boost economic potentials of the continent.
To efficiently and effectively pursue these objectives and facilitate government’s efforts aimed at attaining
the aforementioned objectives, the ministry must be properly positioned and empowered. Guided by this
understanding, one of the key achievements of this administration in foreign policy, was the institution of
measures to re-position and re-engineer the machinery of the ministry for optimum performance. These
measures included the appointment of seasoned technocrats to handle and administer the ministry’s affairs.
Resulting from this, as the succeeding sections would further confirm, under the present administration,
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its diplomatic missions and consulates around the world, has
recorded landmark achievements in maintaining and sustaining cordial relations with states within and
outside Africa as well as with international organisations. It has also recorded a remarkable progress
in representing and protecting the interests of the country and its citizens abroad, and has efficiently
implemented government’s foreign policies.
Further to this, the ministry re-aligned its foreign policy machinery with the president’s “Change Agenda”
which are: security, anti-corruption and revamping of the economy. From this standpoint, it has achieved
tremendous success in facilitating the foreign activities of MDAs, including dealing with issues concerning
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international cooperation for development and humanitarian aid. In addition, the ministry has made giant
strides and recorded huge successes in supporting efforts which promote Nigeria’s economy as well as
tourism, technology and science in the country. Through the ministry’s activities, Nigeria has remained
committed to the overall efforts of well-meaning countries of the world in building a safe, secure, peaceful,
stable and prosperous world and the pursuance of a just world economic order. Besides, the ministry is
actively engaged in addressing topical issues such as climate change and environmental challenges, poverty
reduction, gender equality, democratic values, respect for human rights and the rule of law and taking
prominent role in the overall fight against terrorism.
More visibility for Nigeria and enhancing the country’s image globally
This administration has recorded achievements in projecting Nigeria globally thereby engendering and
fostering positive international image for the country. On assumption of office, the president undertook
several foreign trips both within and outside Africa to re-establish Nigeria’s position in the global arena and
solicit support for Nigeria and Africa. These visits, to France, South Africa, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany,
etc, enhanced Nigeria’s global image and consequently Nigeria has continued to enjoy the goodwill of many
nations.
The administration successfully mended the hitherto frosty relationship with several countries including
the United States of America. The sour relations with these countries was caused by what they described as
slow response or inaction of government to the abduction of the Chibok School girls, the alleged human
rights’ abuses perpetuated by the Nigerian military, allegations of unbridled corruption and other factors.
One of the most significant foreign trips by Mr. President in the past two years was the one he made to
China, which was at the instance of the Chinese authorities. This trip yielded clear results, which included
an offer of a Yuan-Naira currency swap and a $6bn loan.
PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES A MODEL AIRLINER AS A GIFT WHILE TOURING THE COMAC AIRCRAFT FACTORY IN CHINA
130 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS PRESIDENT MAHAMADOU ISSOUFOU OF NIGER AT STATE HOUSE, ABUJA
Combating insecurity
The Buhari administration has continued to assert that peace and security are fundamental to Nigeria’s
socio-economic well-being. Among the security challenges confronting Nigeria are the Boko Haram
insurgency, the Biafra agitation, farmers/herdsmen clashes, inter-communal conflicts, pipeline vandalism/
economic sabotage, kidnapping, piracy, oil theft and cybercrimes. While the various security challenges
deserve attention, the case is even more so with respect to the Boko Haram terrorism as it constitutes an
existential threat to the country and its immediate neighbours. In this regard, it is noteworthy that the
ministry coordinated Mr. President’s official visits to Chad, Niger, Benin and Cameroon, aimed at forging
a more robust alliance with our immediate neighbours and to galvanise further international support and
cooperation in the fight to end the insurgency. The administration also revamped the Multi-National Joint
Task Force (MNJTF) comprising troops from Nigeria and these countries.
As a follow-up to the regional security summits held in Paris, London and Washington, under this
administration, Nigeria hosted the Extra-Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake
Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in Abuja in June 2015, as well as the follow-up meeting in Niamey,
Niger Republic. This led to the re-adjustment and concretisation of the command structures, funding
and deployment of the MNJTF. Beyond our immediate region, President Buhari succeeded in garnering
a more positive international support for the fight against Boko Haram. In this regard, the administration
succeeded in forging strong partnerships with key countries, including the United States, the United
Kingdom, France and Germany.. These international partnerships facilitated the acquisition of much-
needed weapon platforms, intelligence and tactical training needed by the Nigerian military for its counter-
insurgency operations. In the light of Mr. President’s commitment to addressing the challenges of Boko
Haram insurgency, Nigeria received the unflinching support of the ECOWAS, the AU and the UN. This has
resulted in the degradation of the fighting capabilities of the Boko Haram insurgents to the extent that they
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have been technically defeated and dislodged from communities where they had held sway.
One of the major consequences of the insurgency in the North East was the displacement of at least two
million people from their homes in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. While government has acted to
address this new challenge, the need for international support to address the plight of the Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs) was given adequate attention. In this wise, Nigeria is receiving assistance from
relevant United Nations agencies and various developmental partners. An example in this regard was the
pledge of US$300million secured by Nigeria at the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
PRESIDENT XI JINPENG IN COMPANY OF PRESIDENT BUHARI EXCHANGE COMPLIMENTS WITH NIGERIAN DELEGATION WHICH INCLUDES L-R:
MINISTER OF POWER, WORKS & HOUSING BABATUNDE FASHOLA (SAN); MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, ROTIMI AMAECHI; MINISTER OF SCIENCE
AND TECNOLOGY, OGBONNAYA ONU; GOVERNOR OF BENUE STATE,DR. SAMUEL ORTOM; GOVERNOR OF YOBE STATE, ALHAJI IBRAHIM GEIDAM;
GOVERNOR OF OYO STATE ABIOLA AJIMOBI; GOVERNOR OF JIGAWA BADARU ABUBAKAR; AND GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, IBIKUNLE AMOSUN.
132 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
PRESIDENT BUHARI WITH PRESIDENT OF MALI IBRAHIM BOUBACAR KEITA, PRESIDENT OF GHANA JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA AND PRESIDENT
OF GAMBIA SHEIKH YAHYA JAMMEH AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE AND
GOVERNMENT IN ABUJA
PRESIDENT BUHARI, PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON AND PRESIDENT SERETSE KHARMA OF BOTSWANA AT THE COMMONWEALTH GROUP
MEETING ON CORRUPTION IN MALTA, ON NOVEMBER 28, 2015.
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PRESIDENT BUHARI AND CROWN PRINCE OF UAE, SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN AL NAH YAN WITNESSING THE SIGNING OF FINANCE AGREEMENTS BY
MINISTER OF FINANCE MRS KEMI ADEOSUN AND UAE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS H.E. OBAID AHAYAD
PRESIDENT BUHARI SPEAKING AT THE DAKAR INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON PEACE AND SECURITY IN AFRICA, DECEMBER 2016
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PRESIDENT BUHARI AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER GEOFFREY ONYEAMA AT THE 4TH NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMIT HOSTED BY U.S. PRESIDENT,
BARACK OBAMA MARCH 31 - APRIL 1 2015
PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF, PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF SENEGAL MACKY SALL AND
FORMER PRESIDENT OF GHANA JOHN MAHAMA POSE IN ABUJA ON JANUARY 9, 2017 DURING 1-DAY TALK ON GAMBIAN POLITICAL STALEMATE
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BAYO OMOBORIOWO
PRESIDENT BUHARI AND HE PAUL BIYA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CAMEROUN, REVIEW A LINE-UP OF FRAMED IMAGES OF PAST
PRESIDENTS OF NIGERIA, IN THE DIPLOMATIC ROOM, DURING A STATE VISIT. 3RD MAY 2016
BAYO OMOBORIOWO
PRESIDENT BUHARI IS WELCOMED BY PRINCE CHARLES AND ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, JUSTIN WELBY, AS HE ARRIVES CLARENCE HOUSE
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, FOR A VISIT. 12TH MAY 2016
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NONO ISIORO
VICE-PRESIDENT OSINBAJO DURING THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM 2017 IN DAVOS, SWITZERLAND 17TH JAN 2017
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS QUEEN ELIZABETH OF GREAT BRITAIN AT THE COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING (CHOGM) IN
MALTA, NOVEMBER 27, 2015
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NONO ISIORO
VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO AT THE 2017 OECD GLOBAL ANTI-
CORRUPTION & INTEGRITY FORUM, PARIS -FRANCE, 30TH MARCH 2017
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b. India’s pledge of US$10 billion at the India-African Forum Summit as concessionary loan to
the continent
c. US$1 billion budget support fund from the African Development Bank
d. Increased cooperation with multinational ICT companies which resulted in visits to Nigeria of,
among others, Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg
e. Several infrastructure projects in power and energy sectors like the solar power projects being
undertaken by Germany in the country
In pursuit of the country’s revamped economic diplomacy, the ministry reviewed and re-negotiated some
Joint Commissions and bilateral agreements. These include Bilateral Air Services Agreements, Investment
Promotion and Protection Agreements, Agreements on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation,
Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement etc, with China, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa and India, etc.
Furthermore, in continuation of efforts to attract foreign investments in support of Nigeria’s economic
rejuvenation, the ministry held the following Bi-National Commission Meetings, Strategic Partnerships
and Political Consultations:
a. Nigeria-United States Bi-National Commission
b. Nigeria-Canada Bi-National Commission
c. Nigeria-Germany Bi-National Commission
d. High Level Political Consultations with Algeria
e. Strategic Partnership Consultations with Switzerland and Netherlands.
f. Nigeria-EU Dialogue
Anti-Corruption Agenda
The third pillar of the Buhari administration’s priority programme is the war against corruption. In addition
to the various domestic actions taken by government to address the scourge of corruption, government has
been engaged in diplomatic pursuits, particularly regarding repatriating Nigeria’s stolen public funds, and
active participation in international conferences aimed at tackling corruption.
Consistent with this objective, since the inauguration of the administration on 29 May, 2015, President
Buhari has stridently sought foreign support for his government’s anti-corruption stance and for the
fight against terrorism. The administration has recorded huge gains through the President’s foreign
visits seeking global assistance to recover Nigeria’s looted funds and in the fight against Boko Haram, which
equally has a dimension related to the fight against corruption.
Notable in this regard is Mr. President’s prominent participation in the London Anti-Corruption Summit
and the Commonwealth Conference on Tackling Corruption Together which were held back-to-back in
May 2016 in London. A major outcome of these events is the establishment of a Global Forum for Asset
Recovery to be hosted by the governments of the US and UK this year (2017), to focus on assisting Nigeria
and three other countries to reclaim their stolen assets.
Furthermore, a significant achievement in Nigeria’s external exertion on the anti-corruption front was
the signing, in August 2016, of an MoU in Abuja with the UK Government on modalities for the return
of Nigeria’s stolen assets in the UK. This is a follow-up to the London Anti-Corruption Summit. The
Government also engaged the governments of Switzerland, Jersey Island, United States, United Arab
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Emirates, and Liechtenstein, among others, in a bid to ensure the repatriation of Nigeria’s stolen assets. So
far, the Swiss government has agreed to repatriate illicit loot of about US$320 million while another tranche
is expected from the Jersey Islands.
A major success of the ministry in the fight against corruption is the successful proposal and adoption
of a resolution at the 71st United Nations General Assembly on the recovery of proceeds of crime. The
ministry, through the Nigerian Permanent Missions in New York, initiated and coordinated the process
for the adoption of the resolution entitled “Facilitating International Cooperation in Asset Recovery and
Return of Proceeds of Crime.” The landmark resolution seeks to garner greater authority and international
support to the anti-corruption stance of this present administration. In the same vein, Nigeria signed an
Agreement on the identification and repatriation of Illicit Funds with the United Arab Emirates during the
president’s visit in 2016 to that country.
Another component of the anti-corruption agenda on the external front is geared towards combating oil
theft in Nigeria and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Government has therefore continued to seek the assistance
of key countries in tackling this menace.
140 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
• Re-election of Mrs. Oby Nwankwo to the Committee on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination
Against Women (CEDAW)
• Appointment of Dr. Olufemi Elias as the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Registrar, Mechanism
for International Criminal Tribunals (UN MICT)
• Selection of Nigeria for the new WIPO Regional Office in Africa.
Recognising the importance of economic integration and inter-African trade, the administration continues
to promote and encourage Nigeria’s private sector investment in other African countries. For instance, Vice
President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo was in Zambia on 4 August 2015 to commission Dangote Cement’s
factory there. Nigerian businesses, especially financial institutions and banks, which had opened offices in
countries such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Mali, Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Gabon, Kenya and Liberia continue
to enjoy support of the present administration.
Nigeria recently adopted a National Migration Policy, which is guiding our interactions with the outside
world on the issue of Refugees, Migration and IDP. Nigeria has continued to enter into and implement
Migration Partnership Agreements with countries such as the UK, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Austria,
Germany, the Netherlands, Malta, Turkey, South Africa, Belgium, and international organisations such as
FRONTEX, and the European Union. Negotiations on revised Migration Partnership Agreement are on-
going with the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and the European Union.
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Developing and implementing policies that
strengthenthe National Health System for effective,
efficient, accessible and affordable delivery of health
services in partnership with other stakeholders for a
healthy Nigeria.
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144 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Ensuring a healthy
Nigeria
VISION
To develop a world-class government institution that ensures a healthy Nigeria.
MISSION
To develop and implement policies that strengthen the National Health System for effective, efficient
accessible and affordable delivery of health services in partnership with other stakeholders.
MILESTONES
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H E A LT H
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iv. Finalisation of National Guideline, Protocol and Training Manuals for Reproductive Health/HIV
Integration - 22-26 June 2015
v. Finalisation of Expanded and Modified Essential Newborn Care Course training packages - June
2015
vi. Nationwide advocacy for life-saving commodities with special reference to 4% Chlorhexidine gel
- June 2015
vii. Distribution of contraceptive commodities to the 36 States and FCT - July 2015
viii. Conduct of National Health Facility Survey (NHFS) in 36 States and FCT: 7 – 21 July 2015
ix. Dissemination of Female Genital Mutilation Policy and Plan of Action in 5 States (Abia, Edo,
Kano) and FCT: 27 July-13 August 2015
x. Documentation of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Best Practices in Nigeria – July 2015
xi. Commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week - 1-8 August 2015
xii. Finalisation of the curriculum for Community Health Workers: 4-6 August 2015
xiii. Quantification of the 13 United Nations Commission Health on Life Saving Commodities in Niger,
Katsina and Rivers States - 5 -10 August 2015
xiv. Quarterly Supportive Supervision to States to monitor implementation of Integrated Community
Case Management in:
a. Kebbi State - 9 -14 August 2015
b. Adamawa State - 9-14 August 2015
xv. Monitoring of ACTwatch and FPwatch integrated outlays survey in two States (Lagos: 17 – 21
August and Taraba: 24– 28 August, 2015)
xvi. Institutionalisation of Maternal Perinatal Death Surveillance and Review (MPDSR) in Nigeria:
a. Guideline and tools for MPDSR developed
b. National Steering Committee inaugurated: Inaugural meeting of Maternal Perinatal Death
Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) Committee supported by the World Health Organisation
and Save the Children, Nigeria, Abuja, 15 September, 2015
c. Nine States (Lagos, Ondo, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Ogun, Kwara, FCT and Oyo) are currently
being supported on implementation by UNFPA, WHO, Save the Children and SOGON
d. National Orientation of the State Steering Committee on Maternal Perinatal Death Surveillance
and Response (MPDSR) in Nigeria supported by World Health Organisation (WHO) and
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
xvii. Training for Community Health Extension Workers on Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive
methods (IUDs & Implants) - 1 November, 2015
xviii. Training of 20 Private Health Sector nurses and midwives from Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Lagos States
on Life Saving Skills (LSS) supported by Society for Family Health – LSS Centre, Adeoyo Maternity
Teaching Hospital, Ibadan - 9 – 22 November, 2015
xix. Conduct of Global Programme to Enhance Reproductive Health Community Survey in 36 States
and FCT - 16– 28 November, 2015
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xx. Distribution of Contraceptive commodities to 36 states and FCT - 30 Nov. -10 Dec 2015.
xxi. Update training of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) on Modified Life Saving
Skills (MLSS); 50 CHEWS trained (20 from Borno, 20 from Yobe, 10 from Adamawa) supported
by World Health Organisation (WHO)
xxii. Finalisation of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive Training Manuals for Physicians /Nurses
Midwives and Community Health Extension Workers
xxiii. Development of Behavioural Change Communication materials on Lassa Fever preventive
measures
xxiv. Development of website and publication of Saving One Million Lives Performance for Results
e-Newsletter www.somlpfor.org - January 2016
xxv. Launch of the UNFPA/UNICEF joint programme on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FMG/C)
in Nigeria.
xxvi. Launch of the “dasubjectmatter.com” an online website on Adolescent Health and Development
xxvii. Development of National Advocacy kit on Youth-Friendly Health Services
xxviii. Distribution of Family Planning Commodities to 36 States and FCT from 16– 31 May, 2016
xxix. Finalisation of Monitoring and Evaluation component of National Chlorhexidine strategy
document
xxx. Launch and disbursement of funds to all the 36 States and FCT on Saving One Million Lives
Performance for Result (SOMLP4R)
xxxi. Commemoration of 2016 World Breastfeeding Week
xxxii. Successful development and update of the national post-partum family planning guidelines and
training curriculum for healthcare workers
xxxiii. Training of Community Resources Persons (CORPs) and frontline health workers for Satellite
IDPs on Community Integration and Management of Childhood Illnesses (CIMCI)
xxxiv. SOMLP4R Health Facilities Survey; data collection and data entry analysis
xxxv. Finalisation, printing and launching of the National Guidelines on the use of catheter for the
prevention and treatment of Obstetric Fistula
xxxvi. Commemoration of 2016 World Prematurity and Pneumonia Day
xxxvii. Launch of Every newborn Action Plan and Chlorohexidine scale up Strategy
xxxviii. Conduct of the UNFPA Supplies Programmes Survey
xxxix. Review of Reproductive Health (RH) Policy and Strategic Framework and Plan in Nigeria
xl. Push Diarrhea Away Campaign
xli. Workshop on sensitisation of farmers on preventive measures against Lassa Fever held in the six
geo-political zones
xlii. Official Signing of the European Union Development Funds (EDF) to scale up Maternal New-born
and Child Health (MNCH) outcomes in Adamawa, Bauchi, and Kebbi States on Health System
Strengthening (HSS)
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1 Printing and Distribution of the National Standards and Guidelines The guidelines document has been distributed to all relevant
for the Conduct of Medical/Health Missions in Nigeria (developed in stakeholders: regulatory organisations and the State Ministries of
2014) Health
2 Development of National Policy Guidelines on incentivising of The 59th NCH has approved of the Guidelines document for
Healthcare Investments and presentation of the Policy Guidelines to implementation. The next step is printing
the 58th National Council on Health (NCH)
3 Development of Guidelines for Public Private Partnership/other The 59th NCH has approved of the Guidelines document for
Partnerships in the Health Sector implementation. The next step is printing.
4 Facilitation of the Joint Venture Agreement (Trauma and Multi- The Trauma Centre is to commence operation after the resolution
Specialist Centre Limited) between Crystal Thorpe Nigeria Ltd and of the crisis because of the misconception of the project by union
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) for the operation/ organisations at the UATH
management of the Trauma and Multi-Specialist Centre at UATH
5 Facilitation of the ongoing Transaction Advisory Service for the PPP The Outline Business Case has been reviewed by the Infrastructure
management of the Warehouse in a Box (WIB) project. Concession Regulatory Commission and a certificate of compliance
has been issued by the Commission. The next step is to get the
approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC)
6 Facilitation of the process for the Joint Venture Agreement between Honourable Minister’s approval for the Joint Venture Partnership
Federal Ministry of Health and Clinotech Turnkey and Management and Commencement of registration for the Joint Venture Company
td to operate and construct world-class hospitals. Agreement with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
150 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Legal Unit
S/N NAME/TITLE OBJECTIVE/GOAL OUTCOME/ACHIEVEMENT REMARK
1 Legal representation of the Defending the Ministry and its 4 cases were concluded and Case management should be
Ministry and its Parastatals Parastatals in Court cases 2 were settled out of Court encouraged
amicably
2 Preparation and vetting of PPP arrangement /collaborative Many were executed The Unit attends NASS Public
MoU between the Ministry, Partnership and Joint Venture Hearing on Bill related to FMoH
International and Local Donor Agreement
Agencies and others
3 Preparation and vetting of To achieved standard Some contract awarded by
Contract Agreement awarded by the MTB of the Ministry were
the MTB of the Ministry executed
4 Proffering legal opinion relating to To update our old legislations and Bill was drafted
the Ministry and its parastatals legislate new laws
Were vetted
5 Proffering legal opinion relating to To avoid unnecessary litigation Some number of court cases Save for the Ministry a lot of
the Ministry and its parastatals and to attend due process of law were reduced money
6 Membership of Committee in the To give legal opinion/making
Ministry useful contribution on legal issue
7 Monitoring of Legal Unit To checkmate ongoing activities Litigation against our The monitoring should be
and activities of Agencies in our Departments and Agencies Departments and Agencies were encouraged.
and Department under the to meet standards reduced to minimal
supervision of Federal Ministry
of Health
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To end the lingering crisis of unpaid workers’
salaries in many States of the Federation,
the Federal Government came up with an
intervention to salvage the situation by extending
loan facilities to them.
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BAYO OMOBORIOWO
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NONO ISIORO
A MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT TEAM, MAY 15, 2017
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T he following are the notable achievements recorded by the Department since the inception of the current
administration on 29 May, 2015 till date:
Trade Relations:
i. Implemented the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) on Pre-shipment Inspection Agents and
Monitoring/Evaluation of import and export processes to facilitate trade in Nigeria
ii. Automation of trade processes through the deployment of Nigeria Integrated Customs Information
System (NICIS) which has enabled more agencies to be integrated into the Nigeria Trade Hub
(NTH)
iii. Review of the Import and Export Guidelines
iv. The Ministry is the Deputy Chief Negotiator in the African Continental Free Trade Areas–
Negotiation Forum (CFTA-NF), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is an establishment of African
Union (AU) Heads of State and Government with the mandate to remove all barriers to trade and
enhance trade within the African continent
v. The Ministry is a member of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF), which is
implementing the World Trade Organisation Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO-TFA).
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H O M E F I N A N C E D E PA R T M E N T
The Federal Government recognised the financial difficulties being encountered by the States
in the payment of salaries, which is a paramount obligation of every Government. Payments
of salaries stimulate demand and grow the economy and about 27 States were unable to pay
salaries of their workers before the BSF. 35 States were granted 14.6 billion each at an interest
rate of 9%, nine years repayment and moratorium of one year
b. The Federal Government Excess Crude Account (ECA) Backed Loan was part of the measures
to cushion the effect of dwindling oil price and resultant reduction in State’s revenue. It was
expected that the State Governments will use it to invest in infrastructural development projects
in their States. The loan was granted at a low interest rate of 9%. The ministry has processed
ISPO requests from 35 States for N10 billion each.
c. Commercial Agricultural Guarantee Scheme (CACS). This facility was granted by the Federal
Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria to participating banks for on-lending to the
State Governments to enable them to improve in their agricultural activities at the various State
level with a view to diversifying the economy in line with the present Administration’s agenda
Ecological Funds
The Ecological Fund which was an intervention fund belonging to the Federal Government was established
156 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
to assist in ameliorating ecological problems in the country. The president is responsible for authorising
expenditure from the Fund, while the Accountant-General of the Federation effects the release on the
directive of the Hon. Minister of Finance. The Division processed Mr. President’s approval of Ecological
Fund to tackle ecological challenges in various States across the country.
i. Inclusion of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) in accessing 10% of the 1% of the
Secondary Market transactions fees in the Capital Market, as it applies to other key stakeholders, i.e.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) and Central Securities
Clearing System (CSCS). This has improved the funding of the Tribunal to enable it perform its
mandate
ii. Reviewed the Insurance Consolidated Act, 2013 and re-enactment of Insurance Consolidated Bill,
2016 towards addressing the challenges in the insurance industry and repositioning it in conformity
with international best practices
iii. Facilitated the payment of the lingering severance benefits of the 43 ex-staff of the defunct National
Board for Community Banks (NBCBs) by both the ministry and Central Bank of Nigeria
iv. Facilitated the payment of judgment debt of two ex-staff of the defunct National Board for
Community Banks (NBCBs) - Friday David Udo and Uwem Asukwo Nkop by both the ministry
and Central Bank of Nigeria
v. Secured a truce in the trade-off over the lingering industrial dispute between the managements
and unions of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC)
vi. Mediating in the crises between the management and union of the Investments and Securities
Tribunal (IST) over some lingering issues
vii. Recommended the setting up of the Administrative Committee on the Administration and Financial
Management of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST), which made recommendations to
management with a view to reform the Tribunal
viii. The ministry had approved for the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to do an upward
review of the current Maximum Deposit Insurance Coverage (MDIC) for Primary Mortgage Banks
(PMBs) from N200,000.00 to N500,000.00 per depositor as well as extend the Different Premium
Assessment System (DPAS)
ix. The ministry had made significant contributions in the Capital Market Implementation Plan
(CAMMIC) e.g. review of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA), 2007, re-assessment of the
application of pension fund etc
x. The ministry has been relating with Africa Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) which paid the
sum of USD1,023,000.00 to the Federal Government as dividend for 2014
fiFOR
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NONO ISIORO
VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO AND TRANSPORTATION MINISTER ROTIMI AMAECHI AT THE LAUNCHING OF PORT SERVICE SUPPORT
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Fulfilling mandate –
more spiritedly
T
M A N DAT E
o carry out enforcement, prevention and public education and mobilisation against corruption.
The prevention mandate empowers the Commission to examine the systems and procedures
of public institutions for corruption vulnerabilities and where they exist, direct a review of
such procedures and processes to prevent corruption.
The nature of corruption in Nigeria is systemic as internal controls in government agencies
have been largely ineffective, while regulatory oversight has remained too weak to ensure
proper accountability in governance. The Commission exploits its unique power of prevention through
improving integrity systems in the public sector to ensure the delivery of government programmes. It
also appropriates its mandate for public education and mobilisation to further its prevention strategies by
providing channels for and encouraging report of corrupt acts.
While enforcement serves as deterrence, institutions require the capacity to deliver on their respective
mandates, and prevention plays a key role in strengthening governance institutions as corruption weakens
and renders public organisations incapable of providing service delivery. It is for this reason that the
Commission, based on the leverage of System Study and Review, has given institutional strengthening the
key focus of its anti-corruption war.
MILESTONES
Convictions secured
The Commission secured 19 convictions from various courts across Nigeria with varying sentences. The cases
which began years before the start of the present administration, involved private individuals, elected public
officers and public servants, cutting across abuse of office, bribery, visa racketeering, falsification of document,
conferring unfair advantage and cheating. Meanwhile, within the last two years, 119 cases were filed.
Recovery of funds
Recovery of funds wrongly appropriated by public officers is one of the responsibilities of the Commission.
During the period in focus, cash totalling N620,031,357.79 was recovered into the ICPC TSA Recovery
Account while immoveable assets such as buildings and plots of land worth N456,000,000.00 were
recovered.
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Recovery of vehicles
The Commission recovered 111 government vehicles. While 40 were recovered from retired directors of
the Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR), who made away with them after leaving service, the rest
were recovered from different agencies – not individuals – after SURE-P had ended. The FMWR vehicles
were returned to the ministry on 25 January, 2017.
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a. The Nigerian Ports Sector - A Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) of six seaports (Apapa,
Tin Can, Warri, Onne, Port Harcourt and Calabar) was conducted in 2013 and since 2015,
an inter-ministerial Project Steering Committee has been working on the implementation of
the Integrity Plan of the CRA. One of the hallmarks of the Plan is achieving coordinated
and seamless inter-agency operations at the ports. To this end, a web-solution tagged Port
Service Support Portal (PSSP) - housing the Standard Operating Procedures - of all agencies
was launched by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on 23 June, 2016. The portal also
serves as a mechanism to redress service and integrity shortfalls. The work of the Committee
is still ongoing.
b. Corruption Risk Assessments in the following sectors, which were ongoing in 2015, were
finalised and reports presented to the public on 9 December, 2016.
• Education Sector - Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
• Health Sector Development - National Primary Health Care Agency (NPHCDA)
• Water Sector - Water Supply Department and 3 River Basin Development Authorities
(RBDA)
• The Aviation Sector - Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Murtala
Muhammed International Airport, Lagos
The next phase of these exercises is the implementation of the Integrity Plans by relevant stakeholders.
i. CRA of e-Governance platforms
The myriad of corruption issues in government e-platforms necessitated the Commission to
ICPC CHAIRMAN MR. EKPO NTA PRESENTING A BANNER TO THE FEDERAL AIRPORTS AUTHORITY (FAAN) DURING
THE PRESENTATION OF THE CRA REPORT ON AVIATION
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I N D E P E N D E N T C O R R U P T P R A C T I C E S A N D O T H E R R E L AT E D O F F E N C E S C O M M I S S I O N ( I C P C )
commence in 2016, a Corruption Risk Assessment of the e-governance platforms namely: Integrated
Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS), Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Government
Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). The project is on-going and as
part of the preliminary steps, a stakeholder meeting was successfully held on 14 December, 2016
in Abuja. Major stakeholders include Central Bank of Nigeria, Office of the Accountant-General
of the Federation, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and SystemSpecs. The
exercise is expected to be concluded in the third quarter of 2017 and the Commission would share
its findings for policy directives.
ii. ECOWAS Meeting on CRA
The Commission participated in the Economic Community of West Africa’s (ECOWAS) Extra-
Ordinary Meeting of the Executive Committee of Civil Society Platform on Transparency and
Accountability in Government (ECSOPTAG) to explore South-South cooperation in building the
capacity of other ECOWAS nations to conduct Corruption Risk Assessments. The meeting was
held in Ghana from 13-14 September, 2016. The invitation to ICPC to lead the discussion on the
conduct of CRAs was in acknowledgement of the Commission’s expert status in systems analysis
for corruption prevention.
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I N D E P E N D E N T C O R R U P T P R A C T I C E S A N D O T H E R R E L AT E D O F F E N C E S C O M M I S S I O N ( I C P C )
broadcast media. A Media Parley was held on 13 Feburary 2017 to give a report to the Nigerian
public on ICPC performance in 2016 and project its action plan for 2017
h. Maintenance of ICPC Toll-free Lines and SMART Number (0800-CALL-ICPC) for enquiries
and report of corrupt acts by the public
i. Anti-corruption Summits in States of the Federation: The Commission started this initiative
in 2016 as a public enlightenment and mobilisation strategy for behavioural and systems change.
The initiative is undertaken through the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the
training arm of ICPC, in collaboration with state governments. The Summit has so far been
held in Bauchi, Plateau, Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa States
j. Citizens Engagement Forum (CEF ) This is a grassroots mobilisation platform designed to get
ordinary Nigerians on board the behavioural change campaign. In January 2017, the CEF was
mounted in five Local Government Areas in Benue State (Kwande, Katsian-Ala, Gwer East,
Obi and Ogbadibo)
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Diaspora Intervention
Investigation/Corruption Risk Assessment
ICPC has committed itself to treating all petitions from investors and Nigerians in Diaspora expeditiously
through continuous/speedy investigation, prosecution and conduct of Corruption Risk Assessments in
relation to any person or public institution that creates corruption bottlenecks for investments, especially
in the areas of property acquisition, incorporation of companies or licensing and business partnerships.
One critical government sector that has direct impact on Nigeria’s economy and on which ICPC has
successfully conducted Corruption Risk Assessment is the ports sector. Assessments of the ports revealed
wide discretionary powers and delay in the processing of documents, multiple and overlapping procedures,
amongst others which create opportunity for unwholesome practices.
ICPC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transportation, has launched a central online
mechanism for receiving and resolving complaints by port users called Port Service Support Portal (PSSP),
a component of the recommendations of ICPC Corruption Risk Assessment.
The mechanism provides online real-time opportunity for Nigerians in the Diaspora and other port users
to send service support complaints simultaneously to all port agencies, and resolution of all such issues is
monitored by inter-agency team including ICPC.
Diaspora Housing Scheme
ICPC in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President and Federal Housing Authority (FHA) is driving
a major residential scheme expected to yield 15,680 housing units by 2018.
The scheme, christened FHA Diaspora City project and targeted at Nigerians abroad is expected to provide
a non-oil window for sustainable flow of foreign exchange to the economy annually, when eventually
completed.
The project, which is designed to provide a secure and sustainable home ownership for Nigerians living
and working outside the country, as well as workers of Nigerian Diplomatic Missions would commence in
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four Nigerian cities, namely, Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt and Lagos, while the second phase of the project
would start in Enugu, Kaduna, Asaba and Ibadan.
ICPC, which serves as promoter of the project, also has the responsibility to strengthen systems to enable
it work efficiently.
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ACAN. The centre has facility to process at least 5, 000 candidates per day. It is suitable for the
conduct of confirmation/promotion examinations for the public service . The Joint Admissions
and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been using the centre for its candidates.
BEFORE
AFTER
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The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is key in
the drive towards economic diversification and growth of
Nigeria from an oil-dependent economy. In the two years of
the Muhammadu Buhari administration, it has made what
can be described as a remarkable progress in this direction.
What is clear is that if it continues with the same zeal and
support from Government, the country’s immense potentials
will be realised; leading to the transformation of this country
to a vibrant economy globally.
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BAYO OMOBORIOWO
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VICE-PRESIDENT OSINBAJO INTERACTING WITH A PARTICIPANT AT A MSME CLINIC IN KATSINA, 11TH MAY 2017
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Doing everything
possible to wean Nigeria
off oil – with backing
from the top
T
he Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is key in the drive towards economic diversification
and growth of Nigeria from an oil-dependent economy. In the two years of the Muhammadu
Buhari administration, it has made what can be described as a remarkable progress in this
direction. What is clear is that if it continues with the same zeal and support from Government,
the country’s immense potentials will be realised; leading to the transformation of this country to
a vibrant economy globally.
M A N DAT E
The ministry is charged with, among others, the
i. creation of enabling environment to stimulate domestic investment and attract foreign direct
investment in all sectors of the economy and make Nigeria the most preferred investment
destination in the continent;
ii. facilitation of trade in goods and services and maximising the benefits of international trade
through functional bilateral relations and multilateral trade relations with other countries;
iii. acceleration of the growth of the industrial sector and enhancing productivity; and
iv. boosting the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) as the engine of
economic growth.
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MILESTONES
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NONO ISIORO
ABIA GOVERNOR IKPEAZU; INDUSTRY, TRADE & INVESTMENT
MINISTER OKECHUKWU ENELAMAH AND VICE PRESIDENT
OSINBAJO WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEPC, MR OLUSEGUN
AWOLOWO DURING A VISIT TO ABA MANAFUCTURERS,
JAN 26, 2017
ii. Commencement of production of brown sugar by Golden Sugar Company in Sunti, Niger State
iii. Increase in sugar production from 6,000 metric tonnes to 12,000 metric tonnes by Savannah Sugar,
Numan, Adamawa State
iv. In collaboration with other relevant ministries, the ministry developed a new tomato policy to
increase local production of fresh tomato fruit required for fresh fruit consumption and processing;
increase local production of tomato concentrate and reduce post-harvest losses
v. Registration of 22 Automotive Assembly Plants in Nigeria including Honda, Tata, Coscharis Auto,
Kewalram, Charai, Perfections, and Aston Motors, Century(Toyota), Higher, Leventis, Belben
vi. Securing Integrated Textile and Garment Parks (ITGP) for use of 30-39 textile and garment plants
throughout the federation
vii. Indorama Petrochemical Plant has expanded the single Urea Plant facilities with a total investment
outlay of $ 1.5b for 1.4m ton/annum capacity Urea Fertiliser Plant, 83 Kilometre Pipeline
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E. Facilitation of market access and integration into Regional and Global Value
Chains through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
Given the need for global competitiveness and the importance of promoting Nigerian goods and services
through inclusive market access and regional integration, the following achievements were recorded:
i. In the process of establishing the Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiations, an institutional framework
and foundation for Nigeria’s Trade Policy Infrastructure, to address challenges arising from absence
of a coordinated and integrated infrastructure for trade policy
ii. Strengthening ties with strategic partners and international organisations to foster regional and
international trade, by developing and signing of Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement
(IPPA) with some partners, including Qatar, China, Kenya, and Singapore
iii. Updating Nigeria’s trade policy priorities (e.g. correct imbalances in Nigeria trade relationships;
reverse negotiating failures e.g. with the ECOWAS CET)
iv. Facilitated the ratification of the Trade Facilitiaton Agreement (TFA) which would reduce general
trade costs including export and import time and ties into the enabling business environment
objectives of the government
v. Set up the National Committee for Continental Free Trade Area Negotiations (CFTA), a consultative
forum between Government and the Private Sector, to serve and advise government as the national
multi-stakeholders’ technical platform on the CFTA negotiations across all the negotiating areas,
identify the opportunities and challenges facing the country in trade with other African countries
both intra- and inter-Regional Communities (REC)
Digital Economy
MITI has started the process of developing the “Smart Digital Nigeria Economy Project”, as the baseline
strategy for the digital-led growth of the Nigerian economy. Nigeria’s digital economy could add US$88
billion and create over three million new jobs over the next 10 years, according to estimates of a study
carried out by McKinsey Global Institute (MGI).
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PRESIDENT BUHARI, VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO AND OTHER
MEMBERS OF THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL POSE FOR A
GROUP PICTURE DURING THE LAUNCH OF “THE CHANGE BEGINS
WITH ME” CAMPAIGN
180 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Rekindling cherished
values, strengthening
creativity, boosting
tourism and interfacing
with the media
N
C U LT U R E A N D TO U R I S M
igeria is back as a key member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, UNWTO,
after a long break. After attending a meeting of African Tourism Ministers, tagged UNWTO
CAF MEETING in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, in 2016, the minister visited - upon invitation - the
headquarters of the UNWTO in Madrid, Spain. The result is the decision by the UNWTO to
work with the ministry in taking tourism in Nigeria to a higher level. The UN agency has already
dispatched a team of experts to Nigeria to work with the ministry, especially in resuscitating the
Tourism Master Plan, which had been inactive. In the aftermath of the visit by the UN experts, the Presidential
Council on Tourism (PCT) has been revived, and a meeting of the Steering Committee of the PCT has already
been held under the chairmanship of the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.
At the last edition of the UNWTO CAF Meeting in Addis Ababa, Nigeria won the right to host the meeting
in 2018. On the side lines of the meeting, the minister met the Cable News Network (CNN) and UNWTO
officials and sealed a deal to promote tourism in Nigeria, leveraging the country’s comparative advantage
in filmmaking through Nollywood.
Following a CULTURE AND TOURISM SUMMIT held in April 2016 by all policy makers, academicians,
financial institutions, development partners and other experts to chart a new course for the nation’s
creativity industry, the Presidential Committee on Tourism has been revived while a Task Force on the
creative industry was set up.
The ministry signed an MOU with the British Council to train festival managers while another one
was signed with the Tony Elumelu Foundation to strengthen Nigeria’s creative industry and increase its
contribution to the federal government’s economic diversification.
To encourage domestic tourism, the minister has begun visits to tourist sites. The first site visited was the
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INFORMATION MINISTER MOHAMMED SIGNING OF A MOU WITH BRITISH COUNCIL TO TRAIN FESTIVAL MANAGERS
TO ENCOURAGE DOMESTIC TOURISM, THE MINISTER HAS BEGUN VISITS TO TOURIST SITES
Owu Falls in Owa Kajola, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.
Talks are ongoing with the Lagos State Government on the rehabilitation, by the state government, of the
National Theatre and the rebuilding of the National Museum at Onikan in Lagos.
The minister set up a committee to review the proposed Bill for the establishment of the Motion Picture
Council of Nigeria (MOPICON) in preparation for its submission to the National Assembly. The plan is to
ensure a proper regulation of the burgeoning movie industry to position it for greater achievements.
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PRESIDENT BUHARI AND INFORMATION MINISTER LAI MOHAMMED AT THE LAUNCH OF THE “CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME” NATIONAL
RE-ORIENTATION PROGRAMME
National Re-Orientation
To restore the nation’s time-tested values of honesty, integrity, diligence, timeliness, hard work, good
neighbourliness, abhorrence of corruption, etc, President Muhammadu Buhari, on 8 September 2016,
launched a national re-orientation programme, tagged CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME. The programme
has since been adopted by many agencies of government, especially the military and the police. If we can
restore those values that served us well as a nation, we will be on the way to resolving most of the problems
plaguing our society today: indolence, dishonesty, widespread corruption, lateness to work and events,
unbridled quest for wealth, etc
Information
i. Regular meetings have been institutionalised with organisations such as the Broadcasting
Organisations of Nigeria, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of
Journalists, National Association of Women Journalists, Radio and Theatre Arts Workers Union,
On-Air Personalities and social media activists. This is aimed at regularly interfacing with the
groups to exchange ideas on the policies and programmes of the Buhari Administration as they
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I N F O R M A T I O N A N D C U LT U R E
INFORMATION MINISTER MOHAMMED WITH TWO OF THE BRING BACK OUR GIRLS ADVOCACY GROUP EMBARKING ON AN AERIAL TOUR OF THE
SAMBISA FOREST
184 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Sambisa forest and the operational base of the Nigerian Air Force, which has been flying daily
sorties over Sambisa in search of the missing Chibok Girls. This has thrown more light on the
efforts of the FG to find the remainder of the girls.
iv. To better inform Nigerians of the activities of the government and get feedback directly from
the people, the minister launched the TOWN HALL MEETING series which has now been held
across the country. With cabinet ministers briefing Nigerians and taking questions from them in
no-holds-barred sessions, the Town Hall Meetings have succeeded in bridging the information
gap between the government and the people. Participants in the Town Halls have included the
civil society, market women, youth groups, faith-based groups, the political class, the physically-
challenged, students, academia, artisans and farmers. The indigenous version of the Town Hall
Meetings has also taken off in Kano, while the special edition has been held in Abuja as well as the
edition for the youths.
v. When the sole runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja iwas being
reconstructed between March and April 2017 – which led to the closure of the airport for six
weeks, and the re-direction of all Abuja-bound flights to Kaduna - it became imperative to keep
Nigerians duly informed of the massive logistics involved, especially for air travellers to and from
Abuja. The ministry, led by the minister, took aviation correspondents from Abuja to Kaduna by
rail and returned to Abuja by road, so they could assess and report on the measures put in place for
the safety and comfort of travellers.
They also inspected facilities at the Kaduna Airport, with a view to informing and boosting the
confidence of the travelling public that the airport is safe. The correspondents were also taken
on an inspection visit to the runway, to convince Nigerians that the job would be delivered on
time. Ahead of the closure of the Abuja airport, the minister organised a World Press Conference
which allowed the relevant ministers and the Inspector General of Police to brief Nigerians on the
measures put in place to ease the pain that may be caused to air travellers by the diversion of flights
to Kaduna. A tour of the Kaduna Airport was also facilitated for the Vice President, ahead of the
closure of the Abuja Airport.
vi. To ensure the widest dissemination of the activities of the Federal government, to Nigerians at
home and in the Diaspora, the minister launched the FGN-iAPP which allows anyone with a
handheld device to download the free app, to keep abreast of developments. So far, this has been
downloaded in tens of thousands across the world
vii. The minister also took foreign and local journalists on a tour of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural
Gas Limited, Bonny Terminal. The visit was an eye-opener on the massive investment in LNG. The
minister used the visit to drum up support for investment in NLNG’s proposed Trains 7 and 8.
The minister is currently spearheading Nigeria’s bid to host the annual world assembly of journalists
under the aegis of the International Press Institute (IPI) in 2018.
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NEWLY NATURALISED CITIZENS POSE WITH THE INTERIOR MINISTER ABDULRAHMAN DAMBAZAU
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T
he merger by this administration of the Ministry of Police Affairs with the Ministry of Internal Affairs gave
birth to this ministry which expanded mandate includes the fostering and maintenance of security and
citizenship integrity for the promotion of good governance.
MILESTONES
In the past two years, the ministry has recorded, among others, the following major achievements aimed at
delivering on the Change Agenda of this administration:
i. EASE OF DOING BUSINESS: Following the signing of the Executive Order by President
Muhammadu Buhari on the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, the Federal Government established
the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) under the chairmanship of the
Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. The Ministry of Interior is represented on the Council by
the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede. As part of efforts
of Government to diversify the economy and attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into the
country, the ministry has
a. Instituted the issuance of visa on arrival at various international airports in the country. This
is to attract and ease the movement of genuine investors
b. Harmonised Arrival/Departure Cards: The ministry, through the NIS, launched these cards
in all Nigerian international airports. The harmonised cards ended the era where international
travellers filled multiple cards issued by various agencies at the ports; which often led to waste
of time in passengers’ clearance. The introduction of the cards has created a platform for
enhancing the ease of doing business in Nigeria, as specific migration entry and departure
encumbrances and cumbersome processes are removed.
c. The ministry has granted Establishment Quota Positions to 3, 426 wholly-foreign companies,
which generated 8,852 jobs within the period. Altogether, 5, 645 companies with the minimum
share capital of N10 million were established in Nigeria, which created 16, 772 jobs. One
thousand two hundred twenty-eight joint venture companies were established, which also
created 4, 654 jobs within the period. Worthy of note too, is that 991 indigenous companies
were established during the period, leading to the creation of 3, 266 jobs.
ii. INTERNAL SECURITY: One of the major planks of this administration is the provision of
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INTERIOR
security to its citizens. The ministry plays a key role in the realisation of that objective. When
the Government assumed power in May 2015, it was besieged by the problems of Boko Haram
insurgency, particularly in the North-East. This was also gaining grounds in some other parts of
the country. There was palpable fear of the insurgents over-running the whole country, as bombs
exploded in many parts, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The government took a
bold step to fight the insurgents which resulted in subduing the Boko Haram insurgents. This was
followed by :
a. Establishment of Civil Authority in the North East: With the defeat of Boko Haram in the
North East, the ministry and its agencies established civil authority in the areas affected by
the insurgency. The Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC have deployed officers in liberated
areas to take over effective civil responsibility from the military, to secure and maintain law
and order in the affected areas. The NSCDC deployed 5,000 personnel to protect the Internally
Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps and re-occupy the reclaimed towns and villages from the
military. The IDPs and refugees have since been returning to their liberated communities.
b. Establishment of the Multi-Agency Situation Room: The Hon. Minister, Lt Gen (rtd)
Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, initiated a centralised command and control room at the
ministry, where incidents around Nigeria are monitored and communicated among the
ministry and its agencies. The Situation Room also provides collaboration with national
defence and intelligence institutions.
c. National Policy on Public Safety and Security: The ministry has finalised work on the Draft
National Policy on Public Safety and Security, with input from stakeholders and now awaits
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M I D - T E R M R E P O R T C A R D O N T H E B U H A R I A D M I N I S T R AT I O N 189
n. Reactivation of Police Training Colleges across the country: The ministry, through the NPF,
has reactivated the hitherto moribund Police Training Colleges across the country into Model
Training Colleges, to enhance capacity building of officers and men of the NPF
o. Resuscitation of Aerial Border Surveillance: The ministry, through the NIS, has revamped the
ailing NIS aircraft to fully commence normal aerial border surveillance across the frontlines.
The NPF has equally reactivated its helicopter aerial surveillance to guarantee internal security.
In like manner, the NSCDC has acquired motorised boats to protect oil pipelines in the riverine
communities
p. Establishment of Agro Rangers: As part of efforts to boost investments in the agricultural
sector, the ministry has entered into strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development where an elite corps of 3,000 Agro Rangers, drawn from
within the NSCDC establishment, will provide security to investments in the sector, and will
also play a major role as mediators in conflict resolution in various agrarian communities,
particularly in pastoralists/farmers conflict-prone areas. The same partnership is being
extended to the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development where NSCDC officials will provide
security to investors in the sector, as well as curb illegal mining
q. Re-invigoration of the Federal Fire Service: The services of the Federal Fire Service have
been grossly limited because of lack of fire-fighting equipment. In this regard, the Federal
Government has approved the purchase of modern fire-fighting engines and water tankers to
reposition the Service for effective service delivery. The Service is also collaborating with state
governments in building the capacity of State Fire Services
r. Local Production of e-passports: The ministry, under the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP)
arrangement, is working assiduously to localise the production of e-passport in the country.
This will help conserve foreign exchange, create jobs, build the capacity of Nigerians in passport
production, and make available passport booklets
s. Relocation of prisons across the country: The ministry is to partner with state governments
to relocate prisons across the country. This is because of growing urbanisation which has
adversely affected the location of the prisons. So far, a Memorandum of Understanding has
been signed with the Akwa Ibom State Government for that purpose. Discussions are similarly
ongoing with the Lagos and Osun States
t. Reactivation of Prison Farms across the country: The ministry is resuscitating the hitherto
moribund prison farms across the country as part of contributions towards meeting the food
needs of inmates as resources become scarce. This is a multi-sectoral approach with relevant
stakeholders including the Ministries of Finance, and Agriculture and Rural Development,
Central Bank of Nigeria, among others.
u. Ministry–ACSS Integration and Cooperation Capacity Development Seminar: The ministry
developed the concept of partnering with the African Centre for Strategic Studies (ACSS) by
engaging the leadership of the ministry and its Services on a Strategic Leaders Seminar on
Public Safety and Security: Interagency Coordination and Cooperation.
190 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
to protect pipelines and oil installations across the nation, especially the Niger Delta region. The activities
of the NSCDC have reduced pipeline vandalism from 58 per cent, as recorded in December 2016, to 20
per cent. It has granted licences to 87 private security guard companies and has received the licensing and
renewal fees of over N7000m, while 80 erring private guard companies have been closed.
Others
a. The ministry is collaborating with the European Union (EU) on Chemical, Biological,
Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation (CBRN) Centres of Excellence initiative, which seeks
to address the mitigation of, and preparedness against risks related to CBRN material and
agents
b. The ministry initiated the first-ever Ministry of Interior Games (MIGA) in 2016 to forge
harmony among the Services under the ministry to effectively achieve the ministry’s mandate
of ensuring public safety.
c. In collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the
ministry
d. Hosted the Regional Protection Dialogue on Lake Chad Basin aimed at identifying the
protection risks in the region resulting from conflict-induced crisis, with a view to proffering
solutions to them; as well as the voluntary return of some Nigerian refugees in Cameroon.
The tripartite agreement has been signed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Republic of
Cameroon and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and is in force
e. The ministry established three new marriage registries in Owerri, Port Harcourt and Benin,
thus bringing services closer to the citizenry and improving revenue generation for government.
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PRESIDENT BUHARI AND CROWN PRINCE OF UAE, SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN AL NAH YAN WITNESSING THE SIGNING OF LEGAL AGREEMENTS BY
MINISTER OF JUSTICE MR ABUBAKAR MALAMI AND UAE MINISTER OF JUSTICE H.E. SULTAN BIN SAYED
192 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
T
he Federal Ministry of Justice is essentially a service ministry established to provide legal support
services to other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to enable them discharge their
statutory functions in line with the overall policy thrust of Government.
The ministry also supervises the activities of the following departments and agencies:
a. Nigerian Law Reform Commission
b. Legal Aid Council
c. Council of Legal Education
d. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
e. National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons
f. Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
g. Nigerian Copyrights Commission
h. Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, Lagos.
VISION
To make justice accessible to all, consistent with the ideals of democracy and Rule of Law.
MILESTONES
i. Anti-Corruption War
The Nigerian Government signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAE to ensure the
following:
a. Judicial Agreements on Extradition and Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
b. Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters etc.
This MoU will ensure recovering and repatriation of looted funds and assets.
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Government and its MDAs (including many other civil suits and appeals which were on-going before 29
May, 2015) bordering on different claims including the enforcement of fundamental human rights actions
relating to title to land, wrongful termination of appointments by various MDAs, constitutional questions,
contractual matters, ECOWAS Community Court, arbitration matters and electoral matters.
The ministry concluded 125 matters. It also received and successfully proffered 1002 legal opinions to
different persons and MDAs.
Most of the concluded matters were decided in the Government’s favour and the ministry saved N38,
088,836,935.50 in claims against the Government.
v. Counter-Narcotics Efforts
Government’s efforts at sustaining the counter-narcotics wars in the country have been relentless in the
face of ever-growing sophistication of the methods employed by perpetrators.
Through the ministry’s supervision, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has maintained
intensive and extensive coverage of all the nooks and cranny of the country, despite numerous challenges,
to ensure drug supply and demand reduction in the country. Details of activities of NDLEA with respect
to seizures, arrests/prosecution and rehabilitation are listed below.
DETAILS QUANTITY
Drug seizure (various) 1,153,956.31kg
Number of drug suspects arrested 17,013
Number of suspects prosecuted 9,890
Number of suspects convicted 4,984
Number of clients counselled and rehabilitated 3,408
Drug farm destroyed 109,590 hectares
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GERMAN AMBASSADOR AT THE HANDING OVER OF TRAINING EQUIPMENT FOR NAPTIP’S TRAINING CENTRE
a. NAPTIP collaborated with neighbouring countries of Cameroun, Benin Republic, Chad and
Niger Republic to strengthen mutual cooperation to stem trans-border trafficking;
b. Strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and EU Member States; and
c. NAPTIP collaborated with the British Government to train and equip a Joint Border Task
Force to enhance intelligence-led detection and mitigation of human trafficking at Nigerian
international airports and land entry points.
Summary of the activities of NAPTIP
NUMBER OF TRAFFICKING NUMBER OF TRAFFICKING NUMBER OF TRAFFICKING VICTIMS
CASES REPORTED SUCCESSFULLY CONVICTED RESCUED AND REHABILITATED
1,045 41 1,484
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a. Ten million and fifty thousand assorted confiscated pirated copyright works and contrivances
seized from Kaduna State, Kano State and environs with an estimated market value of N1,
400,000,00 were publicly destroyed by burning in Kaduna on 22 October, 2015
b. Similarly, 17,266,187 units of pirated copyright works and contrivances seized from Enugu
State, Abia State and environs with an estimated market value of N2,400,000,000.00 was
destroyed publicly by burning in Enugu on 2 March, 2016
c. As a result of the Commission’s robust enforcement and prosecutorial activities and Nigeria’s
active participation in WIPO, secured the establishment of an external office of the World
Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Nigeria. WIPO is a United Nations agency
responsible for global intellectual property administration and promotion
d. Nigeria remained delisted from the United States 301 List of countries that are not seriously
addressing copyright piracy and other IP crimes
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NONO ISIORO
VICE PRESIDENT INTERACTING WITH LABOUR UNION REPRESENTATIVES AT STATE HOUSE, ABUJA, 9TH FEB 2017
198 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Economy’s wheels
rolling, with little
friction
VISION
T o have a society where full and productive employment, industrial harmony, social security, safe and decent
work are guaranteed for sustainable economic development.
MISSION
To create an enabling environment for national economic growth and development through best practices
in labour administration.
MILESTONES
The following will show how, despite some challenges and constraints, this ministry has discharged its
statutory mandate within an existing legal framework guided by its vision and mission. There has been
a paradigm shift in line with the “Change” mantra of the Buhari Administration. Proactive mechanisms
in apprehending trade disputes have resulted in record low number of strikes. Decent Work Agenda is
also pursued rigorously and the Government’s social intervention programmes are accordingly targeted at
creating and sustaining jobs by ensuring viable Skill Acquisition Centres nationwide to impact skills and
alleviate poverty. The ministry is critical in the nation’s attainment of sustainable development and growth
as well as the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations through its numerous activities
outlined as follows:
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review their actions. This move yielded immense dividend as banks were made to recognise the need to
abide by the Redundancy Law as embedded in the labour laws.
Oil and Gas Sector – With global decline in the price of oil, the multinational companies were inclined to
save cost and protect their profit margins. They realised this inclination by the closure of some operational
facilities which would consequently lead to massive loss of jobs. The situation was made worse by the
massive destruction of oil and gas facilities by militants. The minister promptly intervened and held a
mini–summit with the social partners i.e. the employers and employees/workers in the sector. A consensus
was reached to save jobs and at the same time ensure sustainability of enterprises in the sector.
The Health Sector - Has experienced relative industrial peace because of regular dialogue with the
registered trade unions under the auspices of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) on the need to work
harmoniously with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to stabilise the sector for effective healthcare
delivery.
Employment, Job Creation, Skills’ Development and Certification: The ministry, through its Skills
Development and Certification Department, has impacted development of skills, training, skills certification,
and trade testing. These are highlights of some of the achievements in this regard.
a. Eight thousand one hundred and ninety-two candidates, both employed and unemployed,
were tested and certificated with different grades of Trade Test Certificates
b. The sum of N9, 988,500 was generated and paid to Treasury Single Account (TSA), from the
activities carried out
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j. African Union Specialised Technical meeting of Labour and Social Affair Commission, 24-28
April 2017
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LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
f. Holding the 3rd National Workshop for Private Employment Agencies (PEAs) to promote
decent and productive employment through fair recruitment practices. The members of the
Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HUCAPAN) were trained on operating the
Recruiter’s Licence regime
g. Review of National Employment Policy in collaboration with International Labour Organisation
v. Inspectorate Functions
Under the ministry’s Labour and Factory inspectorate activities, the ministry has six Zonal Labour Offices,
36 State Labour Offices and FCT Office and 23 District Labour Offices nationwide. Achievements under
Inspectorate functions include:
a. 560 Labour inspections of workplaces
b. 56 Ministerial interventions on labour complaints effectively resolved
c. Capacity building of 52 professional Labour Officers
d. Awareness creation and sensitisation meetings held by the National Steering Committee and
State Steering Committees on Elimination of Child Labour in Nigeria
e. Facelift of State Labour and District Labour Offices in the federation
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b. Collaborated with the Foundation for Greater Access Support to Rural Dwellers (F-GAS) to
organise a one-day Youth Cooperative Dialogue to educate unemployed Nigerian youth on
best cooperative practices and how to earn decent livelihood
c. The ministry participated in the Social Investment Summit organised by the Social Investment
Unit of the Office of the Vice President which attracted all MDAs involved in social intervention
programmes and implementation.
d. Attendance at Social Security Workshop organised by African Regional Labour Administration
Centre
e. Participation at the ISSA Academy workshop on Good Governance at Nairobi, Kenya, 19-21
April, 2016
f. Submission of memorandum for the Second Reading of a Bill for an Act to Establish the
National Poverty Eradication Commission
g. Member of the Technical Committee on the National Social Protection Policy Framework. The
Ministry of Budget and National Planning developed a Draft National Social Protection Policy
which is undergoing the re-validation. During the re-validation workshop which was held on
23 June, 2016, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment was chosen as a member of the
Technical Committee
h. Participation at the Stakeholders’ Training on Ageing organised by the Institute On Ageing,
UN-Malta And Dave Omokaro Foundation, to empower policy drafting on ageing, promote
income security at old age, intergenerational bonding and access to health care needs
i. Attendance at the National Cooperative Annual Summit organised by the Cooperative
Financing Agency of Nigeria (CFAN) which brought together co-operators, co-operative
practitioners and regulators and stakeholders from the 36 States and FCT
j. The ministry carried out free medical checks and general health counselling on emerging and
re-emerging diseases for senior management staff in realisation of the enormous burden of
work on them
k. The ministry organised a one-day project/partnership development meeting on ageing in
collaboration with the International Federation on Ageing Nigeria (IFAN) to commemorate
the International Day of the Older Persons 2016 and stimulate the need for a Policy on Ageing
and social inclusion of the older persons in the society
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the Ministry of Labour, of which the N-Power Teach is a sub-part, and the ministry facilitated
the engagement of about 200,000 graduates in the education, health and agricultural sectors.
Preparations for the Second batch of beneficiaries have also been worked out by the committee
d. Implementation of part of the LB-CCT Project, in the 2016 budget, has started, after a delay in
the release of funds
e. The 2017 Budget contains provision for the implementation of two intervention projects
designed to bridge skills’ deficit and competency mismatch among graduates for improved
employability, and to deliver safety net job opportunities for unskilled persons
Deliverables:
i. Sustained professional input to the implementation of the NSIP
ii. Full implementation of the LB-CCT to engage 1,500,000 unemployed persons in labour intensive
jobs to reduce unemployment (subject to availability of funds)
iii. Continued facilitation of the N-Power programme through the Strategy Implementation
Committee, to create at least 350,000 jobs yearly for graduates and various artisans, post -training,
iv. Implementation of the Graduate skills upgrade and safety net projects for unskilled persons, as
contained in the 2017 Budget
v. Contribute to reduction in youth unemployment in these large numbers and towards abating the
many attendant socio-economic problems
K E Y A C H I E V E M E N T S I N T H E M I N I S T R Y ’ S D E PA R T M E N T S
AND AGENCIES
i. The Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) is a quasi–court of original jurisdiction in trade dispute
204 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
matters.
Cases before the IAP since 11 November 2015 –
PERIOD CASES REFERRED SECTOR CONCLUDED AWAITING AWARD PENDING
Nov 2015-Oct 2016 18 Public – 5 15 1 2
Private 13
ii. National Productivity Centre (NPC), Abuja provides a sustainable frame for achieving an
efficient and effective work system for the attainment of higher level of productivity in all sectors
of the economy. Charged with the observance of National Productivity Day (NPD), conferment
of National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award. The NPD has been observed twice since
the inception of the Buhari Administration; and Productivity Awareness Lectures held for Middle
Cadre (Grade Levels 07 – 12) officers
iii. National Directorate of Employment (NDE): Created in 1986, it has its vision as “jobs for all” and
mission as “to design and implement Job Creation Programmes that will promote attitudinal change,
employment generation, poverty reduction and wealth creation.” Its activities and achievements in
the past two years:
a. Commissioning an ICT Skills Acquisition Training Centre in Ugwunagbo LGA of Abia State
in November 2015
b. Completed the framework for the online registration of unemployed persons in Nigeria in
December 2015
c. Trained 1,750 persons under the Enterprise and Finance Counselling Clinic (NDE-EFCC)
d. Exposed beneficiaries through participation in the 2016 Kaduna International Trade Fair in
March and the 2016 Enugu International Trade Fair. The minister was special guest at the NDE
Special Day at the fairs
e. Trained and resettled 100 women in collaboration with the Bida Emirate Council in income
generation
iv. Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Hitherto called the National Provident Fund, with
a mandate to protect employees in the Nigerian private sector who were mostly in non-pensionable
employment, it is one of the foremost social insurance organisations in Africa with a long history
of service dating back to 1961. Its activites/achievements:
a. Submission of Position Paper for the Second Reading towards the NSITF Act Cap N88, Laws
of The Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004 Amendment Bill
TYPE OF CLAIM NO OF BENEFICIARIES AMOUNT PAID
Medical Refunds 3,449 359,352,569.19
Disability Benefit 1,837 34,732,980.76
Death (dependants) Benefit 1,844 274,816,319.01
Loss of Productivity to Employers 985 16,081,571.73
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MINISTER OF MINES AND STEEL DEVELOPMENT,
KAYODE FAYEMI, AND MINISTER OF STATE
ABUBAKAR BAWA BWARI, SHOW PRESIDENT BUHARI
A MAP OUTLINING NICKEL DEPOSITS IN NORTHERN
NIGERIA, IN HIS OFFICE. 2ND SEPT 2016
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ITAKPE IRON ORE MINING
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T
he mandate given by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 to the ministry was to reposition the
Mining Sector, to contribute optimally to the achievement of his administration’s strategic goal of
diversifying Nigeria’s economy’s revenue base, creating jobs, and broadening the range of economic
opportunities available to Nigerians.
After a diagnosis, the following were found to be the main challengers facing the sector:
• Insufficient funding
• Lack of geological data
• Weak institutional capacity
• Limited supporting infrastructure
• Limited cooperative federalism
• Low productivity
• Illegal mining and community challenges
• Weak ease of doing business and perception issues
• Protracted litigations on legacy assets
The ministry embarked on key reforms but it must be remembered that a lot of the efforts started in 2016,
perhaps one of the toughest years since the world emerged from the great recession of 2008. Much of
the world has struggled to achieve growth seen in prior years, with slowing growth in China and India;
continued depression in commodity price levels; escalating conflict and tensions in the Middle East; as well
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MINES AND STEEL DEVELOPMENT
as the rise of populism and anti-globalisation sentiment in the West, with its uncertain effect on the future
of markets, e.t.c.
Both the IMF and the World Bank revised their projections of global growth for 2016 and 2017 downwards,
from those issued at the start of the year. Consequently, earnings for many African countries have been
significantly affected by the fall in commodity prices and many of them are, as a result, experiencing a
recession for the first time in a long time – Nigeria not being an exception.
In August 2016, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced that Quarter 2, 2016 Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) declined by -2.06%, signalling a recession. GDP further contracted by -2.24% (year-on-
year) in real terms in the third quarter, exacerbated by the steep decline in oil and gas production due to
acts of vandalism and sabotage of oil export facilities.
According to the NBS, however, growth in the non-oil sector of the economy returned to positive territory
in Quarter 3, largely because of improved performance of agriculture and mining – the two frontiers of this
administration’s deliberate push of the nation’s economy from dependence on a mono product, towards
diversification. Mining sector growth averaged 7% in the same quarter.
Much of what has been achieved has been a result of the collective efforts of all stakeholders, based on a
shared vision for the sector which has been articulated in the mining sector’s roadmap (download here:
http://www.minesandsteel.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Nigeria_Mining_Growth_Roadmap_
Final.pdf.), a product of intense consultations and stakeholders’ engagements.
The President, supported by the Vice President, has continued to provide the much-need inspiration,
leadership and encouragement. Unflinching support has also come from the Senate and House of
Representatives Committees on Mines and Steel, as well as the committees on Appropriation, Privatisation
and Public Accounts. Sister government ministries, departments and agencies; development partners, State
Governments and other community stakeholders; members of the roadmap drafting committee; partner
embassies and high commissions; the Nigerian Miners Association; the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences
Society; the immediate past permanent secretary of the ministry and the incumbent permanent secretary
of the ministry; and all staff of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and its entities deserve
appreciation for the ministry’s modest achievements.
Partnerships with the governments of Australia, Canada, China, South Africa, the United Kingdom and
the United States of America, and with organisations such as the UNDP, ECOWAS, the Ford Foundation,
and OSIWA, on areas such as geosciences data generation, knowledge sharing and capacity building, were
also consolidated in 2016.
On the regional level, expectedly, Nigeria continues to take the lead in the implementation of the Africa
Mining Vision (AMV). Two Nigerians have been elected to the leadership of renowned mining-related
regional bodies including the Director General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, Mr. Alex
Nwegbu, who has been elected as the President of the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS),
and Prof. Gbenga Okunlola, who was elected President of the Geological Society of Africa (GSAF). These
are platforms that will improve the visibility of Nigeria within the African mining community as well as
ensure that we remain relevant on issues relating to our national interests in the sector.
The Federal Executive Council approved of the Nigerian Mining Growth Roadmap on 31 August 2016.
The implementation began formally on Monday, 19 December 2016. The Mining Implementation and
Strategy Team (MIST), chaired by a foremost professor of geology, Prof Gbenga Okunlola, is responsible for
coordinating the implementation of the plans and proposals in the roadmap. Co-coordinating is through
the ministry’s Directorate of Planning, Research and Statistics.
210 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
MILESTONES
Some of the modest achievements which account for the growth being recorded are as follows:
i. Increased Funding
a. The 2016 Capital Budget for the ministry and its agencies increased from N1bn in the previous
year to N7.3bn. This has been expended on strengthening the Mines Inspectorate, geological
data generation and IT infrastructure.
b. The ministry sought for N30bn (approx. $100m) intervention fund from the Federal
Government, partly to focus on exploration, formalisation of artisanal miners, and providing
access to funding for genuine miners. For the first time since 2004, the ministry got approval
for this amount by securing access to the revolving mining sector component of the Natural
Resources Development Fund.
c. The ministry is working with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, the Nigerian Stock
Exchange and others to assemble a $600M investment fund for the sector. This is expected to
be concluded and operationalised by the second quarter of 2017.
d. The ministry has secured support from the World Bank for $150m for the Mineral Sector
Support for Economic Diversification (MSSED or MinDiver) programme, a critical component
of which is to provide technical assistance for the restructuring and operationalisation of the
Mining Investment Fund, which would make finance available to ASM operators through
development finance, micro-finance and leasing institutions. The fund will also help to bring
back on stream previously abandoned proven mining projects: tin ore, iron ore, coal, gold and
lead-zinc.
e. The ministry has also commenced capacity building on Mining Finance within banks and
financial institutions, to build their knowledge assets in the sector, for them to better evaluate
and finance bankable feasibility studies and business plans by enterprising miners.
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L-R: ACTING GENERAL MANAGER PRODUCTION, NIGERIA COAL CORPORATION, ENGR FRANK AMANOH; MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINES AND STEEL
DEVELOPMENT, HON ABUBAKAR BAWA BWARI; MINISTER OF MINES AND STEEL DEVELOPMENT, DR KAYODE FAYEMI; AT THE OKPARA COAL MINE,
DURING THE MINISTERS’ TOUR OF COAL MINES IN ENUGU STATE
Environmental
ENUGU-MINES-04.JPG Protection and Rehabilitation Programme to ensure sustainable mining in
Nigeria
e. Working with partners, the ministry has carried out several capacity building workshops for
different aspects of the industry, including a two-day policy and capacity building workshop on
the mining sector organised in collaboration with the Australian Government, with the aim of
building the sector’s capacity to deliver enhanced mineral exploration and mining regulations,
and promote ongoing education and training in mineral policy governance
f. Mines Surveillance efforts have been reinvigorated with the deployment of newly trained and
empowered officers across the federation. This has led to veritable improvement of security in
the sector
g. In January 2017, the ministry handed over 38 new vehicles to mines officers in the 36 States and
the Federal Capital Territory for greater efficiency in field surveillance.
iv. Ongoing investments in supportive infrastructure
a. Infrastructure required for the proper functioning of the minerals and mining ecosystem such
as railroads, competitive financing systems, mine and asset security and related support services
are being developed in concert with other government entities. For instance, as part of the
ministry’s efforts to de-risk the sector, it is in discussions with the Bank of Infrastructure, as part
of a consortium, to attract private capital investments for critical mining infrastructure, which
will help to jumpstart necessary investments. Equally, the ministry is working collaboratively
with the Ministry of Transportation to develop the Central Rail Corridor and with the Ministry
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MINES AND STEEL DEVELOPMENT
Attractiveness Index
ix. Resolving legal issues on Legacy Assets
a. Progress has been made in resolving the legal issues around legacy projects, particularly
Ajaokuta. A Modified Concession Agreement (MCA), which allows for the commencement of
the return of the entity to the Federal Government of Nigeria has been signed. Once an audit
of the plant is concluded, the FGN will take it over. The next stage would be to determine the
most appropriate steps to select a new core investor with the requisite financial, administrative
and technical capabilities to ensure Ajaokuta is finally put to work after several false starts in
the past. We expect this process to be fully on stream by the second quarter of 2017
216 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
i. Priority Minerals
Nigeria’s priority minerals will be those for which data exists around their continued commercial
viability (e.g. proven reserves). Seven such mineral resources – iron ore, coal, bitumen, limestone,
lead/zinc, gold, and barite – have been identified as key for Nigeria’s domestic industrialisation and
infrastructure requirements. In addition, selective emphasis will be placed on other mineral assets
that are critical to existing downstream projects (e.g. manganese for the steel industry).
ii. Served markets
Nigeria will initially focus on the domestic market, trading ore and processed materials to domestic
buyers at a quality level comparable to imported materials to win market share from imports.
As global commodity markets recover, Nigeria will then seek to serve both domestic and export
markets. Nigeria will also seek to exploit its mineral assets in such a way as to preserve and extend
the life of its holdings for future generations and manage cash earnings carefully.
iii. Potential Operators/Participants
Nigeria will focus on building a competitive enabling environment and sector for all entrants, rather
than attempt to pre-select winners and losers. While an explicit bias will be in place to encourage
formalisation of artisanal miners, the broader goal is to encourage a competitive industry structure.
iv. Target Customers
Nigeria’s initial customer focus is to serve companies and end users already buying minerals and
process materials from offshore sources. These will include customers in the cement, oil, power and
industrial sectors. For instance, substituting imports of coal with domestically-sourced coal would
be an example of such a step.
v. MinDiver
The ministry expects the full commencement of the substantive World Bank support programme–
the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver), which will be part
of an overall mechanism through which the initiatives of the roadmap are expected to be realised.
MinDiver will be financed primarily through a loan from the bank and is designed to deliver results
in three phases: the short-term results (1-2 years post implementation), medium-term results (3-5
years) and longer-term results (5+ years), in line with the roadmap.
As such the MinDiver project will seek to develop the downstream sector and enhance
competitiveness (by providing practical technical assistance based on “proof of concept” investment/
transaction) and bring assets to a higher developed stage within the conventional mining cycle.
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REFUGEES FLEEING BOKO HARAM
ATTACKS QUEUE FOR DAILY SUPPLIES
AT A CAMP
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Repositioned to help
refugees, migrants and
IDPs get back their lives
T
he National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons is the Federal
Government’s humanitarian agency responsible for offering protection to asylum seekers and
refugees, coordinating migrant issues, and providing durable solutions to Internally Displaced
Persons (IDPs).
Natural and man-made disasters in various parts of Nigeria have caused massive internal
displacement of people, and resulted, in some cases, in very severe humanitarian crises. The
Commission, is focused on alleviating the suffering of persons in these circumstances.
In the last two years, the Commission has re-positioned itself to carry on the responsibility of coordinating
the humanitarian efforts for IDPs in the North East as well as other areas affected by internal displacement
by focusing on providing durable solutions through empowerment, improving access to basic social
amenities, psychosocial rehabilitation, peace building and conflict resolution, protection, and setting up
community-based structures and interventions.
The conflict in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States has rendered at least one million people homeless;
implicitly affecting more than 10 million Nigerians. Trade, agrarian and other livelihood activities have been
disrupted due to the conflict, which has consequently resulted in extreme poverty, severe food insecurity,
human rights’ violations and many other protection–related concerns; In the South-South Region,
environmental and man-made events have adversely affected many communities. These are only some
of the many challenges faced by IDPs daily. Although much aid and a long list of interventions by various
actors are being delivered to IDPs, these solutions have remained ineffective because of poor coordination
and planning, mismanagement of resources, inaccurate needs’ assessments and unsustainable projects.
The survival of IDPs consequently is the responsibility of everyone, from private citizens to corporations,
Governments and Non-Government Organisations. NCFRMI recognises this enormous responsibility and
what it must do to improve the living standards and general well-being of the affected persons.
The Commission is therefore working on innovative and sustainable initiatives that will have an impact on
the lives of many displaced persons as well as the affected communities, while promoting the realisation
of durable solutions to internal displacement. For the socio-economic conditions of the affected regions
to improve, the consequences of internal displacement must be reversed through ending insecurity and
environmentally-harmful practices and providing durable solutions to affected populations. Durable
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solutions can be offered through three flexible options: (i) returning IDPs to their original homes, (ii)
resettling them in another location or (iii) integrating them into the local communities they have fled to.
Durable solutions also involve activities which enable displaced persons to rebuild their lives in safety,
dignity and independence. They must therefore be holistic and multi-sectoral to be effective, incorporating
the elements necessary for survival such as food security, improved access to healthcare, sanitation,
education, clean drinking water, protection, livelihood support and empowerment and the freedom to
enjoy their fundamental and constitutional rights.
The Commission provides Refugee Status Determination to asylum seekers in Nigeria, which is the first
phase of obtaining the Status of “Refugee”. It also provides the most vulnerable of its asylum seekers with
transit housing until they can get back on their feet. Through a joint project with the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as a counterpart refugee protection agency, the Commission
provides healthcare access through a health insurance scheme and education access through a scholarship
scheme for refugees under its care. We currently have 1,250 refugees and 560 asylum seekers registered.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The Commission had been striving to ensure that necessary legislation is passed to enhance the quality of
service being provided to IDPs, migrants and refugees. To this effect, a National Migration Policy, which is
warehoused at the Commission was passed into law just before the President Muhammadu Buhari assumed
office. The policy and its implementation plan provide an appropriate legal framework for monitoring and
regulating internal and international migration, and proper collection and dissemination of migration
data. The Commission is also striving to see that a National IDP Policy and the Kampala Convention on
Protocols are also adopted so that the coordination of assistance to displaced persons and finding the best
solutions to internal displacement are properly done.
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MILESTONES
The following interventions were carried out from 2016 till date
i. Medical Intervention in Lagos State (2016)
ii. Needs’ assessments in Bama, Borno State (2016
iii. Empowerment and income generation training, distribution of relief materials in Yobe, Adamawa,
Borno States (2016)
iv. Needs’ Assessment for IDPs in Edo State (Uhugha Community in Benin) and Distribution of Relief
Materials (2016)
v. Situation Assessment of Rann IDP Camp in Borno State (2016)
vi. Needs’ Assessment in (three locations) in Kano State for IDPs and CAR Returnees, and Refugees
(2016)
vii. Registration of Turkish asylum seekers in Kano State (2016)
viii. Situation Assessment and distribution of relief materials in Ebonyi State (2017)
HON. YAKUBU DOGARA, SPEAKER OF THE FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES VISITS AN IDP CAMP IN ADAMAWA STATE
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N A T I O N A L C O M M I S S I O N F O R R E F U G E E S , M I G R A N T S A N D I N T E R N A L LY D I S P L A C E D P E R S O N S ( N C F R M I )
ICRC
222 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
ix. Distribution of relief materials to Bakassi returnees in Cross River State (2017)
x. Review of the National IDP Policy in Abuja, FCT (2017)
xi. Grassroots’ sensitisation on the National Migration Policy (all geopolitical zones) (2017)
xii. Distribution of relief materials to refugees’ transit camp in Nyanya Gwandara in Nasarawa state
(2017)
xiii. Distirbution of relief materials to people of Dikwa LGA residing in Maiduguri, Borno State (2017)
xiv. Psychosocial Needs Assessment at Dalori Camp, Borno State (2017)
xv. Distribution of farming tools to formerly displaced persons in Damaturu, Yobe (2017)
xvi. Re-opening of the Borno State Office (North East Zonal Office) (2017)
xvii. Pilot psychosocial interventions programme in Maiduguri, Borno State (2017)
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VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO IN RIVERS STATE CONTINUING THE FG’S NIGER DELTA DIALOGUE,13TH FEB 2017
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N IG E R DE LTA A F FA I R S
T o formulate and execute plans, programmes and other initiatives aimed at fast-tracking the development of
the Niger Delta Region.
MILESTONES
At the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2015, the fragile peace in the region
began to fall apart because the ministry had yet to meet the expectations of the ordinary people to speed
up the region’s development, restore peace, regulate the activities of oil companies, complete the East-
West Road and touch their lives. Thus, bombing of oil installations resumed and the threats of instability
increased. The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs developed a strategic plan with the following priorities:
i. Transparency/Accountability
ii. Laying of new foundations for development
iii. Boost in economic activities
iv. Economic empowerment of youth and women
v. Peace building
vi. Completion of projects with emphasis on the East-West Road
vii. Improvement of household economies
viii. Coordination of activities of development partners and stakeholders
As at 30 March 2017, the ministry has achieved 92% implementation of procurement in its 2016 budget.
Transparency/Accountability
The ministry carried out a Technical Audit of all its capital and recurrent projects from 2006 to 2015. This
exercise unveiled various malfeasances, which explained why the region’s development had stalled.
The audit led to the following:
i. Review of procurement instruments to curb liabilities
ii. Review of the Niger Delta Action Plan. From this emerged a policy on ethics and leadership
development in the region.
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N I G E R D E LT A A F F A I R S
NONO ISIORO
VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO IN AKWA IBOM CONTINUING THE NIGER DELTA DIALOGUE, 2ND MARCH 2017
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and inject new life into the agricultural sector that will involve women and youths. It is a new
roadmap to create pedestrian value chain in agriculture and manufacturing and it is specifically
designed to boost household economies in the Niger Delta. So far, the minister has held meetings
with commissioners of agriculture and industry from each of the States. The list of industries to be
revamped has been received by the ministry. The possible agricultural activities are being compiled
and strategies developed to engage youths and women. Furthermore, the ministry has received the
commitment of heads of NEXIM Bank, Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry on funding the
programme
ii. Five cassava processing plants in the following communities were completed during the period
2015-2017:
• Gbarantoru Ekpetiama-Epie, Bayelsa State
• Igbotako, Ondo State
• Bah Lueku Nyokalena, Rivers State
• Isiaku Afara-Ukwu, Abia State
• Wanakom, Cross River State
The processing plant in Okwekenta, Imo State is 70% completed.
a. Contractors have been mobilised to start work on nine oil palm processing plants.
b. The Ministry has taken steps to actualise its vision to develop industrial parks in each State of
the Niger Delta. So far, land has been acquired and consultants are working on the designs.
This is expected to be a giant leap towards the region’s industrialisation and definitely stimulate
robust economic activities and creation of new jobs
iii. Economic empowerment of youth and women
a. Agribusines, Entreprenurship and ICT training and seed funding
In collaboration with the Bank of Agriculture and the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation,
130 youth were trained in poultry, aquaculture and crop production enterprises. After the training,
they were each given N1m as start-up loans.
Another set of youth and women, numbering 214, was trained in poultry and snail production,
entrepreneurship and computer appreciation. They received between N350,000 and N500,000 each.
In yet another empowerment drive, 198 women and youths are being trained in community-shared
ICT and business hub, poultry, fish production, and other agricultural value chain. They will also
be empowered with seed funds to set up their businesses.
Other training/empowerment programmes include:
• 60 youth on specialised ICT training.
• 60 youth on assemblage and repair of cell phones with other computer accessories
• 15 youth from Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Abia State on confectioneries
• Partnership with the National Expatriate Mentorship Strategy Steering Committee in mentoring
and training young people in the region in areas of trade, science and technology as well as
specialised life vocations to build up the Niger Delta human capital to world standards
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N I G E R D E LT A A F F A I R S
SUPPLIES FOR HEALTH CENTRE IN RIVER STATE FURNITURE FOR CLASSROOM BLOCK IN DELTA STATE
FURNITURE FOR CLASSROOM BLOCK IN CROSS RIVER STATE FURNITURE FOR CLASSROOM BLOCK IN BAYELSA STATE
FURNITURE FOR CLASSROOM BLOCK IN AKWA IBOM STATE SUPPLIES FOR HEALTH CENTRE IN ONDO STATE
• The ministry is also collaborating with the National Mentorship Office for ethical reorientation
of the youths, peace building and entrepreneurial development.
iv. Completion of projects with emphasis on the East-West Road
Many portions of this strategic road had been abandoned for non-release of funds. The Muhammadu
Buhari Administration has shown commitment towards completing the road. As at March 2017,
the percentages of completion are: Section 1: 99.98%; Section II-I: 78.3%; Section II-II: 67.95%;
Section III: 99.22% of Section IV: 97.7%
v. Coordination of activities of Development Partners
a. Creation of a platform for ambassadors of EU, United Kingdom, Japan and the United States
of America, for smoother coordination of the activities of agencies, communities, donors and
other stakeholders for the strategic development of the region
b. Facilitation of EU water projects in five Niger Delta States through a counterpart funding of
30% by the respective States and 70% by the EU
228 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
c. Partnership with the UNDP to galvanise the much-needed support for effective delivery of
development solutions in the region
d. Partnership initiated with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO) on the “Priority Africa” programme, to promote knowledge-sharing in science and
technology between Europe, America, Asia and Africa
e. Creation of a platform for all Development Agencies and coordinating projects in the region
involving the ministry, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NDDC, State governors and
International Oil Companies
MISCELLANEOUS
Security
In overseeing the implementation of Government policies on the development and security of the Niger
Delta, the ministry set up a joint task force comprising the Army, Navy (which currently chairs it), Air
Force, Police, Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps and other para-military outfits to stem the incidence
of militant activities in the region.
Environmental Protection
The ministry is playing a vital role among stakeholders in the Ogoni Clean-up alongside the Federal
Ministry of Environment and with the creation of different platforms involving the Governors Forum,
Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Niger Delta, PANDEF and oil companies, the structures have been set
for the ministry to engage stakeholders on the urgent issue of environmental protection and remediation.
Communication
The Ministry is working on its vision to partner with investors to lay broadband fibre optic cables throughout
the region. A major telecommunications company has indicated interest in the project. Consultations have
been concluded with stakeholders and five states of the region have already signed up. This project will
place the region as one of the most advanced places in Africa for high speed internet access and reliable
communication systems.
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NONO ISIORO
VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO IN RIVERS STATE CONTINUING THE FG’S NIGER DELTA DIALOGUE,13TH FEB 2017
230 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Back to work…seeing is
believing
ABIA STATE AKWA IBOM STATE
Uzoukwu-Owaza-Iguruta Road Nsasak Junction–Akon Road In Essien
Udim Lga
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N I G E R D E LT A D E V E L O P M E N T C O M M I S S I O N
Ididep-Ekpeyong-Ikot Etim Afaha Itiat State. Contract had been awarded in 2012 for
Road N3,876,287,081.63. The project is practically
completed with much of the works achieved by
the contractor in the last two years, because of
improved funding by the Commission. The sum
of N3,579,132,481.17 has so far been spent on the
project. In addition to this wall is the construction
of a new jetty.
Ogbia Nembe Road
232 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
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N I G E R D E LT A D E V E L O P M E N T C O M M I S S I O N
EBONYI STATE
Inter-State Road Along Ozara/Acha-Ivo
Road Abia /Ebonyi State
Tebu-Gbokoda Road, Olero Creek This project involves the construction of 18km
Community (Lots 1-3), Warri-North Lga asphalt pavement road with 15.5m bridge which
connects the impacted communities namely
Amaba-Ezere, Ozara, Acha, and Ivo with Abakiliki
–Afikpo Express Road, Ebonyi State. It was awarded
in 2012 at the cost of N3,480,857,061.00 and stands
at 40% completion with the beams of one of the
bridges already launched.
EDO STATE
Udo Ofunama Road, Udoofunama, Ovia
South-West LGA
234 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
IMO STATE
Dualisation of Port Harcourt/Owerri
Road Junction – Avu Etekuru Road COMPLETED ASPHALTED SECTION OF THE ROAD
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N I G E R D E LT A D E V E L O P M E N T C O M M I S S I O N
ONDO STATE
132Kv Transmission Line And 132/33Kv
Substation at Okitipupa
This project was awarded by the Commission in
2012 at the cost of N6,073,379,900.87. The contract
covers the construction of 45km double circuit
33KV feeder lines from Omotosho Power Station
(hook-up point) to Okitipupa and two 30MVA,
132/33KV injection substations at Okitipupa. The
project is aimed at complementing the Federal
Government’s effort in the power sector by
improving power supply to Okitipupa, Igbokoda
and other neighbouring communities with direct
value chain in small and medium scale industries, A WORK BARGE NAVIGATING THROUGH THE DREDGED WATERWAY
236 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
The project comprises of construction of a 9km Currently at about 53% completion, the scope
long canal with dredged depth of 2m and width includes the construction of 2km double lane single
of 30m. The canal starts at Yonren in Ilaje Local carriageway and two bridges with a combined
Government Area of Ondo State and terminates at length of 1152m and 2,000m reinforced concrete
Oghoye on the Benin River. Prior to the award of side drains.
this project, the only route to access Benin River
from the riverine communities in Ilaje LGA was NDDC Rivers State Office
through the narrow pathways within the mangrove
swamps. These channels were so narrow that two
small boats travelling in the opposite directions
could not easily manouvre. Thus a 15-minute road
trip would take at least one hour.
On completion, speed boats and other rivercrafts
can conveniently travel through the canal, thereby
boosting the socio-economic activities of the area
and the state, to a large extent.
RIVERS STATE
Kaa-Ataba Road/Bridges
This facility is one of the prototype office
accommodation planned for each of the NDDC
states. It is the first to be completed amongst the
nine awarded in 2012. It comprises of four floors
including a basement.
Executed at a final contract sum of N992,821,595.00,
this project was completed and commissioned in
July 2016 and has since been occupied by over 100
staff of the Commission who moved from a rented
facility, thereby saving the Commission millions of
FINISHED PILE CAPS
naira.
This major infrastructural project was conceived
to facilitate trade and other economic activities
amongst the communities in Andoni kingdom in
Andoni/Opobo LGA and their neighbours in Kaa
and other communities in Khana LGA in Ogoni
kingdom.
Upon completion, travel time will be reduced
between adjoining communities within the road
alignment and beyond who hitherto could only
assess one another by the tedious and sometimes
dangerous travel by water.
Originally awarded in June 2012 at a contract sum
of N3,062,385,032.98, the project now has a revised
contract value of N10,930,414,996.45.
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SOME OF THE 661 PUMP ACTION RIFLES SEIZED IN LAGOS
238 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Consolidating on
Reform & Restructuring
– and raising revenue
along the way
T
he major policy thrusts of the Nigeria Customs Service under the Administration of President
Muhammadu Buhari are essentially “Reform and Restructuring to enhance efficiency, transparency,
integrity and raise revenue.”
The Reform and Restructuring are aimed at removing defects, amending weak structures and
transforming the Service by re-orientating the officers and adopting simplified procedures in
line with international best practices for efficiency and optimum productivity.
REFORMS
i. Enhancement of discipline for moral rebirth.
ii. Strict compliance with Public Service Rules and laws governing operations of the NCS.
iii. Introduction of professionalism in the Service through trainings.
iv. Promotion of 3,487 senior officers and 1,561 junior officers based on merit.
v. Dismissal of 46 senior and junior officers indicted for various offences on revenue generation and
anti-smuggling activities and other disciplinary matters.
vi. Robust international engagements, particularly with the World Customs Organisation and World
Trade Organisation for trade facilitation and optimum revenue collection.
vii. Providing regional leadership for effective border management with neighbouring countries.
RESTRUCTURE
i. Development of Standard Operational Procedures to ensure transparency in posting, promotion
and recruitment.
ii. Building of an e-Auction platform to ensure transparency and equal opportunity for all citizens.
iii. Alignment of the NCS Ranking Structure with that of the Nigeria Police Force to give officers
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NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE
CUSTOMS CG COL ALLI BRIEFING NEWSMEN ON ARMS SEIZURE IN IDP DONATION - ALL SEIZED PERISHABLE FOODS ARE
LAGOS DISTRIBUTED TO REFUGEES
MINISTER OF FINANCE AND CUSTOM CG VISIT TO AIRPORT RICE SEIZURE AT TINCAN ISLAND PORT
TRADE BILATERAL MEETING WITH BENIN CUSTOMS IN COTONOU TRADE BILATERAL MEETING WITH BENIN CUSTOMS IN COTONOU
BENIN REPUBLIC BENIN REPUBLIC
240 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
RAISE REVENUE
vi. Banning of importation of rice and vehicles through the land borders to reduce rampant cases of
smuggling.
vii. Setting up of Compliance Team to ensure conformity with trade regulations and block all illegal
routes for smuggling.
viii. Holding regular meetings with stakeholders in trade to consolidate efforts of the Service in revenue
collection drive.
ix. iv.Vigorous anti-smuggling activities resulting in huge seizures of goods, including 661 units of
pump action rifles.
R E V E N U E TA R G E T A N D C O L L E C T I O N
T O T A L N U M B E R O F S E I Z U R E A N D D U T Y PA I D VA L U E
YEAR NUMBER OF SEIZURE DUTY PAID VALUE (N)
2015 5, 485 7,512,544,036.00
2016 6,150 10,252,408,422.00
JAN – MARCH 2017 1,291 2,366,891,453.61
D I S T R I B U T I O N O F R E L I E F M AT E R IA L S T O I D P S
In line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed
Ibrahim Ali (rtd), that all seized and condemned perishable goods be given to the Internally Displaced
Persons (IDPs) affected by insurgency, various quantities of rice, vegetable oil, spaghetti, macaroni, sugar,
clothes, shoes and bags were distributed to the IDPs in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Benin Camps between
February 2016 and March 2017.
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L-R: HON. MUAZU LAWAL, CHAIRMAN HOUSE OF REPS COMMITTEE ON PENSION, ADAMU SHEKARAU, CHAIRMAN HOUSE OF REPS COMMITTEE ON
APPROPRIATION, BALA DAWAKI, FORMER DG PENCOM, CHINELO ANOHU-AMAZU, HON. LINDA CHUBA IKPEAZU AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, HOUSE
OF REPS COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATION, ABDULKADIR RAHIS AT AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP ORGANISED BY PENCOM FOR HOUSE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS ON PENSION IN ABUJA
242 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
President’s commitment
to pensioners’ welfare
paying off
T
he Pension Reform Act 2004 (PRA 2004) established the National Pension Commission (PenCom)
as the apex regulator to superintend all pension matters in Nigeria. This includes supervision and
regulation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), the Defined Benefits Scheme and the
administrative structures established pursuant to the provisions of the PRA 2004. Prior to the
enactment of the PRA 2004, Nigeria operated a Defined Benefits Pension Scheme, also known as
the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) Scheme in the public sector. The scheme was unfunded, which meant
that pensions were paid solely through budgetary allocations which were hardly made available. In addition, its
administration was characterised by inefficiency, lack of transparency and prevalence of sharp practices. The private
sector, on the other hand, was marred by low compliance because of lack of effective regulation and supervision.
After 10 years of implementing the PRA 2004, the PRA 2014 was enacted on 1 July, 2014. The review of the Act
was primarily to improve on some aspects which were identified while implementing CPS with the ultimate
objective of enhancing the retirement process for the benefit of the contributors/retirees. The Commission has
been diligently fulfilling its mandate.
MILESTONES
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growth of over 29%. The consistent growth in pension assets since the introduction of the CPS emanated
from the sound regulatory structures and diligent implementation by the Commission, boosted by the
current administration’s support. Indeed, the cardinal principle of separation of custody from management
and supervision of pension assets has resulted in a pension scheme with sound internal mechanism for
transparency and accountability. Whereas the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) manage the pension
funds, they do not have access to same as custody is vested in the Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs). The
Commission, on its part, ensures that both parties adhere strictly to regulations governing pension fund
investments. The pension fund assets are being invested in safe and structured financial instruments,
thereby deepening the Nigerian economy.
244 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Commerce, etc., has been ongoing. In addition, the Commission is in the process of deploying adequate
Information Technology infrastructure to facilitate seamless operations of the Scheme. Implementation of
MPS would soon commence with some incentives planned to encourage participation by the target groups.
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T
BACKGROUND
he Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) was established in August 2013 in compliance with the
provisions of Section 30 sub-section (2) (a) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) of 2004 (amended in 2014) which
provides for the establishment of an independent pension department for the Public Service of the Federation.
At its creation, PTAD inherited a myriad of problems which had bedevilled the old pension offices.
Historically, the old pension offices (Police, CIPPO, Civil Service and Boards of Trustees of Parastatals and
Agencies) were underfunded and poorly and disparately managed. As at 2004, they had pension liabilities
of at least N2trillion (USD 13billion) No formal database of pensioner’s records existed and there were reported instances
of ghost beneficiaries as well as allegations of pervasive fraud in their operations.
PTAD also inherited incomplete payrolls and has since November 2013 when it effectively took over pension payments,
worked on building a comprehensive and credible database of pensioners. The key activity for building the database is
the biometric capture and verification of 223,000 pensioners; from the Police (16,000), parastatals (98,000), Civil Service
(96,000) and paramilitary (12,000) which PTAD currently manages.
PTAD’s establishment was necessitated by the need to reform the pension sector. Thus, through every initiative and
activity, PTAD makes efforts to turn around the administration of all the pension sectors under its management for the
better.
Since the inception of the Buhari administration on 29 May 2015, the PTAD has recorded a good number of achievements
despite the recurring issues of dwindling revenue. The challenges of funding have however not impacted such that PTAD
is not able to meet its obligations to the pensioners. This is tied to the level of seriousness attached to pension matters
and ameliorating the plight of pensioners by this administration. The last two years have witnessed great strides as the
Directorate has, in a lot of ways, set out to deal with the challenges. Through reform initiatives internally and externally,
gains have been made and more will be recorded in the coming months.
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where necessary, PTAD has boldly undertaken many impactful reform actions that have strengthened the Defined
Benefits Scheme (DBS) pensions to ensure that it does not go back to the old state of mismanagement and fraud.
Key areas of reforms are around:
• Automation of payment processes and the use of Government-to-Person’s electronic payments platform:
Automation has removed the need for manual processing of pension payments which hitherto allowed
fraudulent groups to thrive on pension scamming. All payments are now made through GIFMIS and REMITA
directly to the pensioners’ bank accounts. That means staff of PTAD no longer have any contact with funds.
• Verification/Digitisation of pensioner’s data and records for secure archiving: The conversion of thousands
of old physical pension folders to e-files through verification, allows PTAD to create a robust database of all
pensioners’. The verification captures permanently the biometrics, photo, and documentation details of every
eligible pensioner.
PTAD commenced the verification of pensioners in December 2014 with the Police Pensions Sector and
concluded it in May 2015. The Customs, Immigration and Prisons (Paramilitary) Pensions was concluded by
31 August 2015. The Civil Service Pensions commenced in November 2015 and the following zones have been
concluded – South East, North West, North East and South South. The South West and North Central zones are
outstanding, but we expect to conclude them by mid-2017, subject to availability of funds.
During verification, pensioners are treated with care and empathy. Biometric verification ensures that only
genuine pensioners are captured. Within a short processing time, all pensioners who are on the inherited
payrolls, identify themselves in person, verify the authenticity of their documents, electronically capture and
upload their finger prints, photos and documents to a secure server for archiving.
Payroll Clean-Up with financial benefits
The Police Pension Sector liabilities inherited at inception was put at N30.01billion. As at the end of 2015, after all
the verification and the pay roll clean-up, PTAD had invalidated over N18.5billion. PTAD was also able to save about
N10billion from the clean-up of all sector payrolls since its takeover of pension payments in November 2013; saved
another N5.7billion from the efficient administration of the pensions of Parastatals and Universities pension payrolls
which it took over in August 2015. The value is projected to increase in 2017. This can only be made possible with the
conclusion of the Civil Service verification in the South West and North Central zones, the verification of the Parastatal
Pensioners and further payrolls’ clean-up. Ultimately, everyone wins: the Federal Government makes huge savings
and the pensioners do not go through any stress to collect their entitlements. Introduction of a Client-focused service
orientation that shows Care and Empathy during verification: Pensioners had in the past been treated with disregard
during verifications. Many had also been treated with disrespect in their bid to follow up on the payment of their
outstanding entitlements. PTAD introduced the concept of ‘pensioner care and welfare’, whereby pensioners are provided
with a conducive seating atmosphere during verification, food and water as well as wheelchairs for those with mobility
challenges. Infirmed pensioners are verified at their homes or medical facilities to ensure everyone is captured regardless
of their health challenges.
• Automated Computation of Benefits: Using an automated computation tool, pensioners’ benefits are calculated
quickly and accurately using the available data provided during verification. The tool reduces errors that may
arise from manual computation and provides a standard for determining entitlements across all categories of
pensioners under the DBS. The automated computation further reduces the number of complaints resulting
from human error during manual computation.
• Engagement of Professional Staff: A team of skilled and technology-savvy staff manage the operations of PTAD.
Their ability to apply technology in all areas of operations has enhanced the organisation’s overall efficiency and
productivity.
248 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
• Introduction of interactive stakeholder engagement sessions and communication: PTAD regularly holds
stakeholder meetings and workshops where important issues are raised and treated. Training on new policies,
processes and tools are also organised to ensure that pensioners have a clear understanding of its activities and
are carried along. Communication of pre-verification schedules and processes are also communicated during
such engagements.
Verification
Creation of a credible online database
PTAD has carried out the consolidation of payrolls inherited from the defunct pension offices at inception. This has
formed the baseline information used for the verification. Data retrieved from the field verification are cleaned up and
uploaded on the database. This is how the Federal Government determines what the pension liabilities are and from this,
the DBS would be included in its budgeting and planning.
Complaints Management Process
PTAD runs an integrated complaints management system, which is automated and centrally administered. A dedicated
Call Centre with trained staff daily receives and channels over 200 calls and queries from pensioners to the appropriate
departments.
PTAD inherited at least 60,000 complaints from the old pension schemes, most of which originated from the Civil
Service pensions and relate to short payments/overpayments, non-harmonisation and requests for payment of their 33%
arrears. These numbers notwithstanding, the complaints from various pension sectors have reduced significantly in the
last quarter of 2016 because of the verification for the Civil Service. Further re-computation of benefits and subsequent
payments of outstanding due to various categories of pensioners have helped reduce complaints to about 31,000.
The plan is to extend client service to the States, such that pensioners do not need to travel long distances to sort out
their issues. All complaints can be logged into PTAD’s complaints management system in the State offices and they are
processed from the head office in Abuja.
Internal Activities
Under the direction of the Executive Secretary, the organisation is being strengthened institutionally through a number
of initiatives and internal activities.
i. The development of PTAD’s Standard Operating Procedures – This document represents a major milestone
for the Directorate. Showing who does what, when and how in PTAD, this document will increase efficiency,
professionalism and accountability.
ii. The development of Pension Administration Policies – These ensure that all the Pension Administration is
standardised. They help to ensure that public funds are not misappropriated or embezzled, and the organisation
operates in line with global best practices.
iii. The development of PTAD’s Organisational Policies –Ensures that the pension administration is devoid
of sharp practices and corruption thereby providing cost savings to the Federal Government. Organisational
policies shape organisational culture and this impacts on the staff professionally.
iv. Audit of all PTAD Staff - The Directorate, in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service, has
conducted an audit of all staff to ensure that staff in PTAD meet the requisite employment requirements. This
is tied more importantly to the desire of management to have a professional, highly-skilled and motivated
workforce.
v. The inauguration of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) – The Directorate is serious with
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its zero tolerance on corruption and the inauguration of the ACTU backs the anti-corruption drive PTAD is
championing.
I M PA C T O F A C H I E V E M E N T S
These achievements have contributed to the following:
• A drastic reduction in the public outcry and complaints from the pensioners
• An increased level of trust in Government’s ability to administer pension payments in a professional manner for
the Defined Benefit Sector
• Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme have an increased livelihood because of the resumption of the
payment of arrears and monthly pension payments
• The Federal Government has realised savings from the clean-up of the database and verification. The savings
from the reduction in monthly pension liabilities are applied to pay pensioners with complaints
250 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
seeks to add meaning to the lives of the pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
PTAD will go beyond the prompt payment of pension entitlements to pensioners. The following are in the development
phase and will soon be completed.
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LAYI OLAJUMOKE
252 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
Ensuring maximum
production for Nigeria’s
benefit
A
new approach aimed at entrenching transparency, integrity and probity has been introduced in
the management of the ministry. This approach was integrated through the deployment of new
templates which encourage goal-setting for meetings and assessing key performance indicators
at the end of tasks. Implemented across at all levels, this approach has yielded positive results and
made meetings more proactive and reports more result-oriented.
The various departments and agencies under the ministry have come together to develop
an industry-wide IT platform to provide online, real-time information on product supply and distribution.
This initiative leverages the various IT solutions and when the solution is deployed, the ministry is able
to predict any imbalance in the supply and distribution chain and take appropriate proactive measures to
avert future fuel crisis.
The following significant achievements are notable:
i. Deregulation of Downstream Sector
Through the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, the administration opened the
downstream sector to private players, private investment and diversification of products sourcing
through the introduction of Price Modulation Mechanism (PMM), and subsequently, Appropriate
Pricing Framework (APF) and deregulation in 2016; thus reigniting the commercial vibrancy of
the downstream sector.
With the introduction of PMM and APF, the Government, between May and November 2016,
saved about N1.4 trillion, which would have been expended as subsidy payments. The average daily
PMS consumption before the implementation of the policy was about 45 million litres per day; this
has now reduced to 35 million litres per day. (Please visit http://pppra.gov.ng/)
ii. Enhancement of domestic refining capacity
The ministry embarked on reforms to reposition the nation for petroleum products’ sufficiency
and ultimately becoming a net exporter of such products. In line with these reforms, there has
been an enhancement of domestic capacity for refining products through the partial resuscitation
of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries as well as the repair of pipelines supplying products
to various parts of the nation.
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During the Nigeria/ World Bank/IGU Workshop on gas flare out, the ministry unveiled the National
Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, a key component of the draft Gas Policy awaiting the
approval of the Federal Executive Council. When fully implemented, it will unleash a gas revolution
that will lead to tremendously improved power generation, full scale industrialisation and LPG
penetration at the domestic levels. Approximately 140 billion cubic meters of natural gas is flared
annually causing more than 300 million tons of Co2 emitted to the atmosphere. Such gas could
be utilised to generate about 750 billion KWh of electricity which is estimated to surpass the total
annual electricity requirement of African countries.
viii. Investment Drives and Infrastructure Development
An inter-Ministerial Committee is currently working to transform MoUs signed during road
shows in China and India in 2016, for investment in infrastructure worth $80billion into tangible
investments in the downstream, gas infrastructure and refineries. The initial phase is about US$5.5
billion.
India signified intention to procure a substantial quantity of Nigeria’s crude from 2017 to 2019 on
a forward-sale basis.
ix. Niger Delta Security
President Muhammadu Buhari hosted a meeting with Niger Delta leaders and representatives which
led to an agreement of 60-day ceasefire by militant groups to allow for more consultations; while
there were engagements with host communities to ensure security and protection of infrastructure
as well with IOCs to take more responsibilities for infrastructure security.
x. Petroleum Industry Governance Bills
In 2016, the ministry completed work on the draft of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill
to be followed by the draft Bill on Fiscal Terms; while collaboration with the National Assembly
intensifies
xi. Deployment of technology for effectiveness
A Knowledge Centre equipped with productivity tools has been established in the ministry
in collaboration with the Nigerian Technology Development Agency (NITDA); for effective
generation and sharing of data; monitoring of projects, communication and reporting.
N I G E R IA N NAT I O NA L P E T R O L E U M C O R P O R AT I O N
In October 2015, the “20 Fixes” project was launched to tackle key business issues to reposition the
corporation for commercialization and profitability. First step was restructuring the Directorates from
eight to four and appointment of competent people from within and outside the system.
Since August 2015, to improve transparency and probity, NNPC began publishing its performance monthly
(NNPC Monthly Oil & Gas Report) in newspapers and various new media platforms and most importantly
on the NNPC website to improve transparency and probity.
For the first time ever, bid openings for crude oil term contracts and marine contracts from 278 and 91
companies respectively were televised.
Ongoing efforts to stem bleeding of the Corporation have so far resulted in a 74% improvement in the
corporation’s performance. The deficit position was N11.86 billion in December versus N46.492 billion in
September.
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The corporation has embarked on aggressive cost cutting to manage its bottom-line in this low crude oil
price regime. About ₦58 billion has been saved from reducing spend by 30% on 15 big-ticket budget items
including consultancy, marine throughput, freight charges, demurrage and aircraft charter. Another $95
million saved on reduction in contract sum from oil and gas projects being handled by NNPC.
The corporation replaced the Offshore Processing Arrangement (OPA) with the more efficient Direct Sale-
Direct Purchase (DSDP) alternative saving the Federation $207 million. The new option allows for the
direct sale of crude oil by NNPC and direct purchase of petroleum products from credible international
refineries thereby eliminating the activities of middlemen in the crude oil exchange for product matrix.
NPDC (which is NNPC’s upstream company) has increased daily crude oil equity production by 39%
between August and December 2016 - from an average of 99,000 Despite continuous security threat to
critical infrastructure, the corporation brought back on-stream some of the breached oil and gas pipelines.
The worst hit pipelines have been the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and the Trans Forcados Pipeline (TFP).
While the TNP has a crude carrying capacity of 150,000 b/d, the TFP has a capacity for about 300,000
b/d. The Forcados Oil Terminal (FOT) which receives the TFP’s throughput volume experienced the most
outage of over eight months in 2016 because of the sabotage of the 48-inch export pipeline in February and
October 2016. Similarly, the ExxonMobil operated Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT) 36-inch and 42-inch crude
export lines with capacities for 200,000 b/d each were also breached within the year. The corporation has
successfully restored the lines. But for the breaches of these critical pipelines, the corporation would have
produced beyond the 2016 National Budget Target of 2.2Mbopd.
The success of NNPC/Chevron JV $1.2bn multi-year drilling package for the development of 36 offshore/
onshore oil wells spurred further alternative funding arrangements such as Sonam-Okan integrated project
(NNPC/Chevron JV). In recent times, national production has increased by 5% from average of 2.1mbopd
in Jan – July 2015 to an average of 2.2mbopd for the period August 2015 to December 2015
To support the national aspiration for energy sufficiency, NNPC has incorporated NNPC Power Limited.
The company will invest in power generation to add about 461MW to the national grid by 2017 and an
additional 2,990MW by 2019.
The corporation is recording steady progress on the key gas infrastructure projects. The ELPS 2 pipeline,
a 342 km gas pipeline from Oben to Itoki is at about 95% completion. When completed, it will double
the capacity of the ELPS pipeline system to about 2bscf/d. Similarly, the OB3 pipeline – a 130km pipeline
of 48-inches in diameter is about 80% complete and will also add about 2bscf/d of gas supply capacity.
In addition, the evaluation of bids for the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline (614Km and 40 inches
pipeline) has reached advanced stages. Upon completion, these projects will ensure the delivery of gas to
major demand centres and also spur growth across the country.
Site preparation and sand-filling operations are on-going at the Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park
(GRIP) in Delta State. A renewed vigour has been put in this project with the constitution of a Steering
Committee of key stakeholders involved in the delivery of the project.
Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru, FNSE, was on 5 July 2016, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as
the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the corporation from his position as Group Executive Director,
Exploration & Production.
While taking over, he pledged to continue with the comprehensive restructuring of the corporation begun
by his predecessor, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, who as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources doubled as the
GMD. In this task, he promised to exploit the immense experience of the corporation’s staff to maximise
output in the restructuring.
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In the spirit of enshrining accountability, the corporation has taken far-reaching measures towards
recovering over 130m litres of missing PMS (worth N14bn), stored in the facilities of some depot owners
whom the corporation has throughput agreement with. One of these operators has fully complied by
returning the expropriated volumes while the NNPC is working with the security agencies to recover
about N11bn from the second operator. Some members of staff involved in the saga have been sanctioned
accordingly.
Similarly, the corporation is determined to achieve full recovery of the outstanding crude-swap-product
under-deliveries from three companies: AITEO Energy Resources, Televaras Group of Companies and
Ontario Oil & Gas Limited. So far, the corporation has recovered $202m from Aiteo and $6m from
Televaras, while the process of recovering $103m from Ontario is in progress.
The NNPC Frontier Exploration Services and Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) have mobilised
to the Benue Trough and have since resumed activities in the Chad Basin. Recent visits to Bauchi and
Gombe States were clear indicators to the corporation’s unflinching commitment towards achieving this
Presidential mandate. The aim is to further grow Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves, taking advantage of low oil
prices which make inland exploration cost bearable.
The refineries have been challenged because of years of neglect. Hence, their restructuring is being tackled
from three fronts: i) re-streaming after fixing certain critical equipment and machines, ii) revamping
to achieve sustainable 70% capacity utilisation and ramping up to 90% within a given timeline and iii)
expanding local refining capacity through co-location of new plants.
For more details and updates on NNPC and its various business and subsidiaries, please visit http://
nnpcgroup.com/.
D E PA R T M E N T O F P E T R O L E U M R E S O U R C E S ( D P R )
Approved seven new field development plans (FDP) with the potential to increase the nation’s oil and gas
production capacity by 155,600 barrels of oil per day when fully commissioned.
Secured approval for the extension of the tenure of 17 marginal fields which expired in 2015.
Commissioned one Eremor marginal field to first oil. Thus, increasing the number of producing marginal
fields to 12. Similarly, commissioned Aje field in Offshore, Benin Basin to first oil marking the historic
declaration of Lagos State as an oil-producing state.
Granted licences for the establishment two additional crude oil export terminals at Aje, offshore Lagos and
Ajapa, offshore Escravos and commissioned same.
Facilitated further reduction of gas flare by 0.36% and enhanced the deepening of gas utilisation by 0.36%
during the year under review.
Improved gas supply availability by 16% through the enhancement of Domestic Supply Obligation (DSO)
administration and review of 2016 National Gas Requirement (NGR).
Increased compliance on operator’s data transmittal via the National Production Monitoring System
(NPMS) platform thereby improving efficiency in the administration of crude oil export, production
accounting and timely reporting.
Enhanced the distribution of petroleum products in Nigeria by licensing additional 1050 retail outlets
across the federation.
Facilitated increase in national petroleum products’ storage capacity by licensing additional four depots
M I D - T E R M R E P O R T C A R D O N T H E B U H A R I A D M I N I S T R AT I O N 257
with combined storage capacity of 3,529m3 of PMS, 39,691m3 of AGO and 36,021m3 of HHK respectively.
Launched web based edition of the annual oil and gas industry report (OGAIR) to enhance availability of
reliable oil and gas data to all stakeholders.
Revised and issued new DPR Procedure Guide for the determination of quantity and quality of petroleum
and petroleum products in Nigeria to support Government’s downstream liberalisation policy.
Please visit https://dpr.gov.ng/index/
N I G E R IA N U C L E A R R E G U L AT O RY A G E N C Y
In line with Mr. President’s declaration, and as part of efforts, at meeting Nigeria’s international obligations
on nuclear security, a Nuclear Security Centre is being established to serve as a training and coordination
centre in capacity building. It is also expected to be a Centre of Excellence in Africa.
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Overall, 1,215,400 and 1,172,240 project-based training man hours were achieved for 2015 and 2016
respectively to close skill gaps in design engineering, HSE, project management etc.
Under the Board’s Equipment Component Manufacturing Initiative (ECMI), manufacturing and value
adding activities have been domiciled in Nigeria. Ongoing investments in oil and gas facilities:
a. N305.5 billion General Electric Corporation multi-modal manufacturing & service centre in
Calabar
b. N152.75billion Kaztec integrated fabrication yard in Lagos
c. N91.65billion Ladol/ SHI FPSO integration yard in Lagos
d. Yard expansions in Aveon, FMC at Onne etc.
e. Pipe mill projects by Yulong Nigeria in Lagos and Brentex Petroleum Services in Calabar
f. Expansion of SCC Pipe mill capacity from 100,000 MT/ annum to 280,000 MT/annum
g. N4.57 billion Solewant 3 LPE, 3 LPP and 5 LPP pipe coating facility, single and double layer
fusion bonded epoxy anti-corrosion coating system with capacity to coat all pipeline sizes from
3inch – 56inchix.
h. Commissioning of Hy-lok valves assembly plant
i. Hyperbaric chamber testing facility established at FMC. Testing of subsea structures (manifold,
Xmas trees etc.) now carried out in Nigeria
Please visit http://ncdmb.gov.ng/
P E T R O L E U M E Q UA L I S AT I O N F U N D ( M A NA G E M E N T )
B OA R D
Railway Equalisation
The Board is working closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Connect Rail Services Limited,
Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and other stakeholders to start movement of
petroleum products by rail.
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Gas Equalisation
The Board is working on a proposal to extend the equalisation scheme to the gas sector to enhance
penetration of usage and help save the climate.
Please visit http://www.pefmb.gov.ng/
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Improving
infrastructure
nationwide, creating
jobs towards economy’s
recovery
T
hese sectors of the economy have been identified as a hub in the drive to improve infrastructure
across the country, create jobs and serve as a springboard to reflate the economy. In general terms,
the three sectors, having been better funded in the 2016 Fiscal Year, are well on the way to achieving
those objectives.
The following report provides an insight into the performance in the last two years of each of
the sectors which make up the ministry
POWER SECTOR
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COMMISSIONING OF THE NIPP 330KV SWITCHING STATION BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE NIGER DELTA POWER HOLDING
COMPANY LIMITED AT IKOT EKPENE, AKWA IBOM STATE
10WM KATSINA WIND FARM IN LAMBER RIMI , RIMI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE
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MINISTER OF POWER, WORKS & HOUSING INSPECTING THE NEW 10WM KATSINA WIND FARM IN LAMBER RIMI,
RIMI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE
include: the Kashimbilla Hydropower plant is 99% completed and the dam was impounded in the second
week of March 2017. The spillway is expected to spill in 45 days depending on the rainfall, meaning that
the turbines are set to generate power. As at 30 March, 2017 works on the evacuation of power including
transmission lines, switchyard and substations from the power plant to Takum, to Wukari to the Yandev
132KV existing substation was 45% completed. The evacuation should be completed by the second quarter
of 2018, subject to availability of funds.
Other projects include:
a. The Katsina Wind Farm which has an installed capacity of 10.175MW and is currently 95%
completed
b. The 3050MW Mambilla Hydro Power Plant- is under negotiation and rapid progress is being
made to start construction this year. The project is to be financed by the Chinese Export-
Import Bank (CEXIM)
c. Government has given approval for N701bn payment assurance guarantee to ensure liquidity
stability in the sector so that gas-generating companies are paid for their services
d. The 215MW Dual-Fired Plant in Kudenda, Kaduna, which was conceived as a source of power
aimed at reviving the ailing textile industry in the State, is nearing completion
e. Fourteen solar power projects have had their Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) concluded
and all have paid their development deposits. When completed, the process will lead to the
production of 1200MW of solar electricity
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f. The Azura 450MW Independent Power Project located in Edo State, is going on as scheduled
as all legal, technical and financial transactions have since been concluded
g. The 1.2MW solar power plant financed by the Japanese International Agency, JICA, has been
completed and commissioned and it is to energise the Water Treatment Plant at Lower Usuma-
Dam, in Bwari, Abuja
h. The Federal Executive Council approved of the concessioning of these small Hydro Electric
Power plants namely Bakolori, Oyan, Challawa, Tiga, Kampe, Zobe and Jibia. Expressions of
Interest which were received are being evaluated for further procurement
i. Major transmission projects captured in 2016 Appropriation, which would steadily increase
the wheeling capacity of the grid, are progressing and some have been completed. The grid has
grown from 5000 MW to 6,200 MW wheeling capacity
j. The Rural Electrification Implementation Plan which ought to have been approved since 2006
was finally approved by President Buhari in 2016 and implementation will boost electrification
of the rural areas and, by extension, electricity supply in the country
k. The Renewable Energy Policy is expected to help the Power Sector explore other sources of
energy such as solar, wind, coal, biomass, small hydro, etc, to have a robust energy mix and
remove overdependence on gas-to-power energy
l. Human Capacity Development: Training and retraining of technical officers in renewable
technologies by National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN)
m. The Power Sector Investments Guidelines and Opportunities were launched during the 2nd
edition of National Council on Power in July 2016. The objective is to develop a strong energy
mix, prevent single source reliance, utilise energy sources like coal, solar, wind and guide
domestic and foreign investment to the Power Sector
n. The Ikot-Ekpene Transmission sub-station was commissioned on 21 November 2016; this
facility is enabling the evacuation of power from the Calabar and Alaoji power plants; these
plants could not evacuate their power before now
o. With the passage of the 2017 Budget, Government is now set to deploy power to 37 universities
and seven teaching hospitals as part of the access-to-power commitment and incremental
power plank of the sector’s roadmap
p. To enable Power Sector contractors collect their imported electricity equipment stranded in
the ports for almost a decade, Government has paid the backlog of charges under the 2016
Budget and secured the release of over 300 containers. This action will help the contractors
resume work in their respective sites. Government is still working to secure the release of the
balance
WORKS SECTOR
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The key achievements in the Highways Sector in the second year of the current administration are as
follows:
i. Kilometres of roads constructed:...................................................... 366km
ii. Kilometres of roads rehabilitated: ................................................... 430km
iii. Total kilometres of road restored to good condition: ...................796Km
iv. Number of bridges maintained:........................................................ 19
v. Total Linear metres of bridges maintained:.................................... 2,434m
vi. Number of bridges constructed:...................................................... 24
vii. Total Linear metres of bridges constructed:................................... 3,488m
viii. Number of people employed:............................................................ 17,749
ix. Linear metres of Culverts constructed:........................................... 29,686m
x. Linear metres of concrete-lined drains constructed:..................... 260,461m
xi. Kilometres of road marked:.............................................................. 1,221km
The following are among several roads funded and on-going at various levels of completion (selected two
roads in each geo-political zone):
i. Construction of Loko-Oweto Bridge over River Benue in Nasarawa and Benue States at 62.20%
completion
COMPLETION OF REHABILITATION WORK ON GOMBE - NUMAN -YOLA ROAD PHASE LL (GOMBE-KALTUNGO) IN GOMBE STATE
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ONGOING REHABILITATION, RECONSTRUCTION AND EXPANSION OF LAGOS –IBADAN DUAL CARRIAGEWAY, SECTION I (LAGOS-SHAGAMU) IN LAGOS
STATE
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REHABILITATION OF ACCESS ROAD TO APAPA AND TIN CAN ISLAND PORT - NNPC DEPOT (ATLAS COVE)
INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BRIDGE IN LAGOS STATE
xiv. Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Expansion of Lagos-Ibadan dual carriage way, Section 1,
38.13% completion are among the projects prioritised; and are at various stages of completion
across the six geo-political zones amongst others.
xv. The Ministry recently awarded the dualisation of Odukpani – Itu – Ikot Ekpene Road in Cross
River 9.7 Km/ Akwa Ibom State with a spur to Ididep 12.2 Km
xvi. The ministry has obtained approval for the augmentation for the Construction of Kaduna Eastern
Bye pass
In addition to this, data collection was carried out on about 7,000km of the federal road network under
the road asset management system programme being funded by the World Bank under the Federal Roads
Development Programme (FRDP). The information is to help management take informed decisions on the
planning, budgeting and management of the federal road network based on facts rather than subjectivity.
Some of the projects executed under the different interventions in the Works Sector from 2016 to date
through FERMA, include patching of potholes, pavement strengthening, repairs of failed sections and
general maintenance works along the following roads:
• Jos – Gimi Road, Plateau State
• Abuja – Kaduna Road (Zuba – Tafa Section), FCT
• Umuahia – Bende – Ohafia Road, Abia State
• Ngurore – Mayobelwa Road, Adamawa State
• Ete – Abak, AkwaIbom State
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NOT FOR SALE - Buhari Media Support Group
POWER, WORKS & HOUSING
ix. Provision of Street Lights at Kakao, Old Toll Gate along Abuja – Kaduna Road (Phase II)
x. The upgrading of firefighting equipment, early warning signs and directional signs as well as
deployment of surveillance cameras at the Headquarters
To boost productivity, the Works Sector embarked on training and capacity building, to enhance skills
acquisition, production of spare parts and training of students on industrial attachment. The following
projects have been completed:
i. Construction and equipping of the Mechanical Workshops at Kuje
ii. Installation of a modern furnace, modern spectrometer machine for testing of alloys and other
machinery at Central Workshop, Ijora, Lagos.
SO CIAL RESPONSIBILIT Y
DEVELOPMENT OF TRAINING SCHOOLS: To provide a good ambience for learning and to enhance
the manpower development of the MDAs’ drivers and technical staff, the Department has completed the
following projects: Construction of 32 Nos. Bedroom Hostel Block at the Elect./Mech. Engineering Training
School in Kuje and Construction of the 32 Nos. Bedroom Hostel Block at the Elect./Mech. Engineering
Training School in Abeokuta.
HOUSING SECTOR
The sector’s mandate of establishing a sustainable and adequate housing delivery system which will ensure
easy access to home ownership for Nigerians both in urban and rural areas has been in the last two years
well-articulated by this administration.
Initiatives and accomplishments in the sector are as follows:
i. Increase in the budgetary appropriation for capital expenditure from N1.66billion in 2015 to
N71.5billion in 2016
ii. The use of the 2016 budget as proof of concept; while 2017 and beyond would be used to improve
capacity and encourage more private sector involvement in housing delivery
iii. Development of the National Housing Design for the new housing construction to drive employment
for skilled and unskilled labour (builders, artisans, welders, plumber brick-layers etc.)
iv. Commencement of the National Housing Programme: This short-term intervention strategies will
directly add at least 1060 housing blocks of various house types, totalling 2736 Mix Housing Units
to the National Housing stock
v. A total of 542 local contractors have been empowered nationwide
vi. At least 13,680 direct jobs and 41,040 indirect jobs are expected to be created nationwide
274 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
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xviii. Layout plans were prepared for all National Housing Programme (NHP) sites across 36 States &
FCT as town planning contribution into the New NHP
xix. Hosted the African Regional Conference for Habitat III in Abuja in February 2016
xx. Facilitated the adoption of a Common African Position on Habitat III, the elements of which were
incorporated in the Global Agenda finally endorsed at Habitat III Conference in Equador.
xxi. Hosted 35th AGM/ Symposium of Shelter Afrique-SA in May/June, 2016. Nigeria, represented by
HM, assumed Chairmanship of the Bureau of 35th AGM of SA
xxii. Capacity of more than 50 participants was enhanced in collection, manipulation and management
of information for human settlements planning
xxiii. Upgrading of Building Crafts Training School, Harvey Road and Onikan, Lagos
xxiv. Trained 200 craftsmen and artisans to enhance job creation and eradicate poverty (e.g. Bricklayers,
Carpenters, Tailors, Electricians, Painters)
xxv. Rehabilitation of 10 field Offices in the 10 States of the Federation
xxvi. Provided approximately 2000 indirect jobs across the 10 implementing States (Building material
suppliers, food vendors, etc)
xxvii. On-going construction of 60-room hostel block for artisans and craftsmmen at Onikan, Lagos
xxviii. The National Housing Programme is on-going in 33 States of the Federation and FCT at different
levels of completion
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xxix. Comprehensive Database Management System that will capture records of Federal Government-
landed assets nationwide is at a very advanced stage of establishment
xxx. Outstanding compensation on lands acquired for housing in Bayelsa, and Cross River States are
being processed for payment thereby vesting lands in the Federal Government
xxxi. Formulation of the National Land Policy was boosted by the offer of GEMS3, a development
partner, to collaborate with the ministry to review and promote the draft National Land Policy
Document preparatory to validation by stakeholders
xxxii. Digitisation of land records and Federal Land Registry to facilitate online land registry transactions
and ease of doing business effectively on land
xxxiii. Valuation of properties for all purpose by direct labour thus saving the Federal Government
professional fees amounting to N3.5billion which is now used for infrastructure
xxxiv. Establishment of Value Databank to facilitate valuation and administration and enhance land-
based revenue generation.
xxxv. Cadastral and legal survey of Federal Government lands
xxxvi. Procured cadastral survey equipment for efficient land titling and land registration
xxxvii. Procured Title Deed plans preparation to facilitate the issuance of certificate of occupancy
photographic and GIS laboratory materials
xxxviii. Active participation in the Federal Government’s mass housing programme
xxxix. Completion of provision of infrastructure (drainage/erosion control) at developer finance initiative
site, Nkwubor, Enugu State
xl. Completion of provision of infrastructure (road & drainage) for social housing in Akwa Ibom State
xli. Provision of access (off-site) road and drainages to the contractor-finance initiative site, Osun State
xlii. Provision of erosion control and drains, Kuje, FCT
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RT. HON. NNAMDI AZIKIWE MAUSOLEUM AND CONFERENCE CENTRE PROJECT, ONITSHA ANAMBRA STATE
xliii. Construction of access roads and drainages linking and within the estate, Owerri Imo State
xliv. Construction of access roads & drainages linking and within the estate, Ajebo, Ogun State
xlv. Extension of electricity To PPP Estate, Kuje FCT
xlvi. Completion and commissioning of Ministerial Pilot Housing Scheme, Owerri, Imo State
xlvii. Completion and commissioning of Ministerial Pilot Housing Scheme, Jalingo, Taraba State
xlviii. Completion and commissioning of Ministerial Pilot Housing Scheme Ogbomosho, Oyo State
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D
uring the past two years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the Sustainable Reintegration
of the Presidential Amnesty Programme has been on course and it’s achieving its aim of human capacity
development as a tool for security stabilisation in the Niger Delta.
MILESTONES
The programme has achieved along the following lines:
Security
i. Bio-metric verification of PAP’s beneficiaries
ii. Effective liaison with Government agencies and key stakeholders in the region to curb challenges
of security, vandalism, sabotage to oil and gas installations and other vices
iii. Partnership with organisations such as the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light
Weapons (PRESCOM), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union
and United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) to curb the
proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the hands of unauthorised persons and groups
University Education
i. Successful deployment of 1,294 beneficiaries of the programme in various universities in the
2015/2016 academic year
ii. One thousand, one hundred and thirty-five beneficiaries of the programme were graduated from
various universities in Nigeria and overseas; 24 of them with First Class degrees and 125 with
Second Class Upper.
iii. Advocated for the job placements of beneficiaries who graduated with First Class; were eventually
employed as lecturers by Benson Idahosa University.
Vocational Training
One thousand six hundred and three beneficiaries were successfully deployed to various training centres
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A PEACE BUILDING MEETING WITH CHIEF ATEKE TOM IN OKRIKA RIVERS STATE - CHIEF ATEKE TOM IS A FORMER
MILITANT LEADER FROM OKRIKA, RIVERS STATE
PEACE BUILDING VISIT TO THE KING OF GBARAMATU KINGDOM IN DELTA STATE (THE HOME TOWN OF TOMPOLO)
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A VIEW OF THE FIRST BATCH OF 500 BENEFICIARIES OF THE PREIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME TRAINED IN AGRICULTURE UNDER PRESIDENT
MOHAMMADU BUHARI’S ADMINISTRATION
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PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME
GRADUATION CEREMONY OF BENEFICIARIES OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME UNDER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI’S
ADMINISTRATION WITH SEVEN OF THE GRADUATES AWARDED FIRST CLASS DEGREES
A GROUP PHOTOGRAPH WITH GRADUATES IN AVIATION TECHNOLOGY THAT GRADUATED DURING THE PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI-LED
ADMINISTRATION
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GRADUATED SEAFARERS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME UNDER PRESIDENT MOHAMMADU BUHARI’S LED ADMINISTRATION
A GROUP OF BENEFICIARIES OF THE AMNESTY PROGRAMME IN TRAINING ON MAINTENANCE OF HIGH POWERED TRANSFORMERS, SPONSORED BY
PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI’S ADMINISTRATION
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INSPECTING THE CHICKS FROM A HATCHERY OF A BENEFICIARY A HAIR DRESSING SALOON OWNED BY A BENEFICIARY
between 2015 and 2016. One thousand two hundred and thirty have been graduated; among them in
maritime engineering, aeronautic engineering/piloting and automobile engineering.
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Acquisition and
application of
knowledge to improve
the lives of Nigerians
T he ministry’s mandates have been converted into the following eight measurable and achievable goals:
i. Formulation, monitoring and review of the National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation
to attain the macro-economic and social objectives of Vision 20:2020 as it relates to science and
technology
ii. Acquisition and application of Science, Technology and Innovation contribution to increase
agricultural and livestock productivity
iii. Increasing energy reliance through sustainable Research and Development (R&D) in nuclear,
renewable and alternative energy sources for peaceful and development purposes
iv. Promotion of wealth creation through support to key industrial and manufacturing sectors
v. Creation of technology infrastructure and knowledge base of facilitate its wide application for
development
vi. Application of natural medicine resources and technologies for health sector development
vii. Acquisition and application of Space Science and Technology as a key driver of economic
development
viii. Ensuring the impact of R&D results in the Nigerian economy through the promotion of indigenous
research capacity to facilitate technology transfer
Milestones
Since the assumption of office on 11 November, 2015, by Dr Ogbonnaya Onu as the Honourable Minister
of Science and Technology, the ministry has achieved the following:
i. Increased and sustained national awareness on the relevance of science and technology to national
development
ii. Commercialisation of High Density Nutrient Biscuit and commencement of same in Kenya, East
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC), CHIEF JOHN OYEGUN; SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RT. HON. YAKUBU
DOGARA AND MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, DR. OGBONNAYA ONU DURING THE 2017 OPENING CEREMONY OF TECHNOLOGY AND
INNOVATION EXPO, ABUJA, APRIL 3, 2017
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Africa by NASCO Foods plc, Jos. The biscuits meet one-third nutritional requirements of children
aged 5-12 and beneficial to all
iii. Commencement of the meeting of. the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) for
the first time since it was established in 1986. A bill for the establishment of the Council will be
forwarded to the National Assembly
iv. Signing of MOU with May and Baker for the commercialisation of some nutraceutical and
therapeutic food products for effective and nutritional health care delivery and nutritional security
for the country. The products have been fully analysed scientifically, tested clinically and found
potent for managing sickle cell anaemia while the other is a ready-to-use therapeutic food useful
for treating Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). The products were sourced from indigenous raw
materials available in commercial quantity in the country.
v. Identification and compilation of innovators across the nation towards the production of
comprehensive compendium for necessary support and commercialisation of the innovations
vi. Re-directing the focus of the 17 agencies under the ministry towards market-driven research
and innovation and ensuring that research is no longer carried out just for its sake but so that
meets national needs and not just kept on laboratory shelves and attractive to investors for mass
production
vii. Successfully organised the Technology and Innovation Expo 2017 with the theme “Science,
Technology and Innovation for Nigeria’s economic diversification” from 3-7 April, 2017 to
encourage interaction between researchers and investors with a view to commercialise findings,
inventions and innovations from Nigeria’s research institutes and tertiary institutes
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A ROADSHOW ORGANISED BY NACA IN ABUJA TO COMMEMORATE WORLD AIDS DAY
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Supporting the
attainment of the goals
of Government
GENER AL SERVICE’ S OFFICE (GSO)
Responsible for providing common service to the various arms of the Office of the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation (OSGF) through the effective utilisation of human, financial and material
resources for achieving Government’s objectives.
Under the COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS DIVISION, the Technical Committee on the Review
of the 2015 Audit Report of the Inspector-General of the Global Fund concluded and submitted its report
while the Technical Committee on Minimum Wages and Palliatives set up to consider Labour’s grievances
arising from the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as well as examine other
consequential matters thereon, also submitted its report.
T H E C A B I N E T A F FA I R S O F F I C E
It is through the Cabinet Affairs Office (CAO) that the SGF ensures smooth conduct of the proceedings of
the Federal Executive Council, the Council of State, Police Council and other statutory bodies which Mr
President chairs. It is responsible for the administration of Government in facilitating smooth transaction of
business in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) while it also covers all constitutional, economic
and political meetings as may be referred to it by the President.
The strategic importance of the CAO is to ensure that the President, Vice-President and Ministers are kept
informed of the major activities in the MDAs.
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The CAO and the Council Chamber and all ministries have been automated through the Electronic Data
Management System (EDMS) platform (e-Council).
Council Agenda, Memoranda, Notes and Conclusions are transmitted to Council members electronically
and can be viewed anywhere and anytime by authorised persons.
Ninety-eight per cent of the operational users in MDAs and 75% of Executive users have been trained by
Galaxy Backbone, an agency of the Federal Government. Following the successful conduct of the 2015
General Elections, the CAO covered, among others, the meetings of the Transition Committee to usher in
the new Government, led by President Buhari.
P O L I T I C A L A N D E C O N O M I C A F FA I R S O F F I C E
Responsible for the articulation, coordination and monitoring the implication of Government’s political
and economic policies and programmes, to ensure good governance.
Its successes include facilitating a meeting between the governors of Jigawa State and Zinder, in the Niger
Republic, where the lingering land dispute between the border communities of Maigatari in Jigawa State
and Zinder in Niger Republic was resolved; developing Concept Notes on how to integrate the Almajiri
system of education with the formal system of education in Nigeria; on how to resolve such challenges
as food shortage, malnutrition, and violence against women and children in the camps of the Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPS) and on Nomadic Education and its impact on the Fulani herders. The Office has
been involved with other stakeholders in the public and private sectors on entrenching transparency and
accountability in Government business through the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a project of the
Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Through the International Organisations Department (IOD), it has been collaborating with MDAs and
international stakeholders in the nation’s effort to regain its pride of place and leadership in Africa and
beyond. For instance, the IOD is collaborating with other stakeholders and the body known as “Economic,
Social and Cultural Council” in the implementation of the AU Agenda 2063.
The Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS) successfully hosted the 2016 annual Diaspora Day/
Conference, one of the approaches Government uses to mobilise and engage the Diaspora for development.
The National Authority on Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions (NAC&BWC)/OSGF under
the auspices of the Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the ECOWAS
Commission, successfully organised and hosted a National Workshop on Assistance and Protection against
Chemical Weapons, from 31 October – 4 November, 2016 aimed at strengthening national and regional
capabilities in assistance and protection against the use or threat of chemical weapons or other incidence
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with their awards by President Buhari. They are: Omowunmi Sadik, a professor, chemist and innovator and
Tanure Ojaide, a prolific writer and poet.
N I G E R I A E X T R A C T I V E I N D U S T R I E S T R A N S PA R E N C Y
I N I T IAT I V E ( N E I T I )
In February 2016, President Buhari approved the constitution of a new Governing Board for this agency
charged with promoting transparency and accountability in the management of the revenues derived from
Nigeria’s natural resources; with Mr Waziri Onibiyi Adio as the executive secretary.
NEITI conducted and published the 2013 and 2014 oil, gas and mining industry audits between 2015 and
2016. The reports, just like the previous ones, revealed and outlined various governance lapses, financial
misconducts, physical and process deficiencies in the extractive sector in Nigeria.
NEITI reports are currently leading the way for on-going reforms by the government on the extractive
sector in Nigeria. For instance, the replacement of crude oil swaps and oil processing arrangements with
the Direct-Sale Direct-Purchase arrangements, the replacement of oil subsidy with price modulation
mechanism, the presidential directive on Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited’s remittances to
the Federation Account and the termination of Joint Venture Cash Calls arrangements, are all products of
NEITI’s recommendations as contained in its various audit reports. Other reforms include the development
of a roadmap for the solid minerals sector as well as the new move to disclose the real owners of companies
doing business in Nigeria (Beneficial Ownership).
As part of its efforts to contribute meaningfully to the reforms agenda of the Buhari administration,
especially on policy, NEITI introduced the publication of a new set of policy documents namely: NEITI
Policy Brief; NEITI Quarterly Review; and NEITI Occasional Paper Series. These are part of NEITI’s policy
and advocacy instruments designed to focus the attention of policy makers and the public on important
issues in the Nigerian extractive sector and the economy.
Of special interest are NEITI’s efforts at ensuring the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) currently
being considered by the National Assembly. An edition of the Policy Brief entitled Urgency of Petroleum
Industry Law was dedicated by NEITI to this. Furthermore, in line with Mr. President’s pronouncement
during the Anti-corruption Conference in the United Kingdom in 2016, and consistent with the
requirement of global EITI, NEITI developed and published the “Roadmap on the Implementation of
Beneficial Ownership Disclosure in Nigeria” which provides a clear definition of beneficial owners and
level of details to be disclosed.
Similarly, NEITI has also developed and published an “Open Data Policy”. This represents a framework
for the implementation of the global drive for open data especially in the Nigerian extractive sector. This
is expected not only to create a solid foundation for open data disclosures in the extractive sector, but also
has the potential for implementation by other sectors of the economy.
Other important achievement of NEITI within the period under review is the ranking by the Global EITI
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affirming that Nigeria has made “meaningful progress” in the implementation of the Initiative. The ranking
followed a successful validation conducted by the global body. EITI Board hinged its decision on Nigeria’s
efforts to go beyond the requirements of the EITI Standard in areas such as disclosures of the sales of the
state’s in-kind revenues and the EITI’s contribution to an informed public debate.
Finally, NEITI recently reviewed its Strategic Plan which now covers 2017 to 2021. Greater emphasis will be
placed on capacity building for the media, the civil society, the legislature and exposure of the companies to
EITI principles. The overall goal of the Strategic plan is to ensure that NEITI activities lead to measurable
impacts in the lives of Nigerians.
NAT I O NA L A G E N C Y F O R T H E C O N T R O L O F A I D S ( NA C A )
During the period under review, the Agency intensified its counselling and testing of persons for HIV. In
2015, for instance, 7,742,050 individuals were counselled, tested, as against 6,716,482 in 2014.
In 2015, it conducted multi-disease outreaches in 28 States reaching 220,115 people with HCT, Blood
Pressure and Random Blood Sugar checks, screening for Hepatitis B and C, Malaria rapid test and free
treatment; compared to 148,960 in 24 states in 2014.
Health facilities providing HCT, ART and PMTCT increased from (8,114 to 8,120), (1,057 to1067) and
(6,283 to 6,298) respectively in 2015.
Because of the performance of the HPDPII (World Bank project), NACA successfully negotiated and
obtained a 15-month non-cost extension of the project to scale up the community-based interventions.
diagnosis among People Living with HIV (PLHIV)..
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In 2015, the Agency commissioned, conducted and concluded several research and special studies. These are:
the pre-exposure demonstration project/ studies in collaboration with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
for sero-discordant couples, with study sites in Jos in Plateau State, Calabar in Cross River State and Nnewi
in Anambra State; the Equity Study aimed at identifying and assessing inequity in HIV/AIDS services
amongst clients accessing ART and PMTCT services in health facilities; Qualities of Care Study, aimed
at assessing quality of ART and PMTCT care in health care facilities and determine quality-related issues
that could improve the quality of ART and PMTCT services being provided to PLHIVs in Nigeria; the
National AIDS Spending Assessment (NASA), which found out that the response is donor-dependent as
80.36% and 70.81% of total expenditure in 2013 and 2014 came from international donors. The government
expenditure rose to 27.07% in 2014 from 21.29% in 2013; and the Optimising the Response of Prevention
and Treatment- HIV/AIDS Efficiency in Nigeria (ORPTHEN) study aimed at measuring cost efficiency in
HIV service delivery (ART, PMTCT and HCT).
In strengthening its coordination and system, the agency scaled up mobile reporting on HIV data to over
700 PHCs in the country; actively participated in the integration of HIV/AIDS Information System to the
National Health Information Management System thus increasing the timeliness and the reporting rates
of the CSOs; coordinated and facilitated the development of the Concept Note for the Global Fund New
Funding Model (NFM) and the subsequent signing of the $290,788,122.00 grant to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis
and Malaria (ATM) for the country, aiming at reducing new infections, and improving the quality of life
for the infected and the affected.
N E W PA R T N E R S H I P F O R A F R I C A’ S D E V E L O P M E N T
This is a Comprehensive Development Programme of the African Union adopted in 2001 by Heads of
State and Government at the 37th Session of the Union in Luzaka, Zambia, for Poverty Reduction and
Sustainable Development of the continent.
In acknowledgement of the great milestones that Nigeria has achieved in its electoral process, Nigeria
has been granted the hosting rights for a high-level Africa Summit (to be funded by the World Bank) on
Governance and Election in 2017, to work towards an African Union (AU) Framework which will help the
continent deal with the problem of elections as a source of political instability and conflict in Africa the
globally acclaimed successful transition of government from a ruling party to an opposition party.
It has also been granted the hosting rights for a Summit of African Women on Parenting as a panacea to
address issues of youth restiveness, violence and gangsterism.
Notable also is the successful launch in Nigeria of the African Union Commission’s Skills Initiative for
Africa. The centerpiece of this initiative is a financing facility of €7million for skills development of young
people, to be implemented by the AU’s NEPAD Agency supported by the German Development Bank.
Special attention will be given to supporting girls and women as well as students from low income groups.
On the national level, NEPAD Nigeria’s work with partners in the public and private sectors, has yielded
i. The Agro Park/Green House which has been adopted by the Taraba State Government to boost
agricultural production, provide adequate facilities for storage, packaging and marketing that will
enhance global competitiveness for produce from Nigeria.
ii. Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL): a comprehensive blueprint for renewable energy has been
developed for engagement with all the 36 States and the FCT.
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T H E NAT I O NA L L O T T E RY T RU S T F U N D
The NLTF which commenced operations on 2 November 2005 is charged with the execution of good cause
projects across the country for the benefit and well-being of Nigerians, using a certain percentage of the
proceeds of all national lottery operations in Nigeria.
Its statutory remittances collected from lottery licencees and operators from May 2015 to date stood at
N1,896,999,453.55.
To be closer to the people it now has .zonal offices in the country’s six geo-political zones; specifically in
Enugu, Port-Harcourt, Makurdi, Kano and Bauchi, with headquarters in Lagos. It has leased a new Head
Office located within Maitama District in Abuja to improve its operational efficiency.
It has developed an extensive database of 3,000 Good Cause Projects in sports, education, health and water
resources following a comprehensive ‘Needs Assessment Survey’ that took its officials on field trips across
Nigeria.
In 2015, it funded the ‘Abuja Kids and Play After School Programme’ in sports where over 500 school
children are being trained in athletics to encourage the development of grassroots sports. In May 2016, it
also funded the provision of Soccer Kitting and training for 13 second generation federal universities.
For the first time, public primary schools in Nigeria are being equipped with world-class sporting
equipment with 2,000 beneficiaries nationwide receiving .graded and customised sports equipment for
athletics, volleyball, basketball, handball, football, table tennis, badminton, judo and taekwondo.
C O D E O F C O N D U C T BU R E AU
Its mandate is “to establish and maintain a high standard of morality in the conduct of Government
business and ensure that the actions and behaviour of public officers conform to the highest standards of
public morality and accountability.”
To ensure easier access to the Form CCB-1 by public officers, the Bureau installed an online Assets
Declaration portal which is currently being test-run.
The rate of investigation by the Bureau has increased, engendered by a renewed faith of Nigerians in the
fight against corruption. In 2015 and 2016, the Bureau received 214 petitions and complaints; 28 of these
were forwarded to the relevant agencies as they were not within the purview of the Bureau’s mandate.
Within the years under review, the Bureau referred 727 cases to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Through the international goodwill of Mr. President, the Bureau in 2016 received a donation of an Electronic
Library from the European Union. to aid its Legal Services Department in the review/prosecution of cases
at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Officers of the Department also benefited from capacity building by the United Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime (UNODC), to develop their prosecutorial capacities towards stemming the tide of corruption
in the country.
In collaboration with its technical partners, Discovery Cycle Professionals, the Bureau has trained 1,687
officers in 13 MDAs in compliance: being acquainted with the law, and understanding and internalising the
Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
NAT I O NA L L O T T E RY R E G U L AT O RY C O M M I S S I O N ( N L R C )
Established in 2005 by an Act of the National Assembly (NLA 2005).
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Between 2015 and 2016, it developed the guidelines for licensing and regulating lottery operations in
Nigeria.as well as the rules and regulations guiding operations of promotional lotteries in the country.
It licensed 20 main operators and many permit/promo schemes, and. generated and remitted over N6billion
to the coffers of the National Lottery Trust Fund for the execution of good cause projects.
It amicably resolved complaints raised by the public (players) against lottery operators and restituted most
of the complaints of prizes won and succeeded in settling 13 thorny cases out of court, even as it successfully
secured a designated Lottery Court (Federal High Court 8 Abuja) for prosecution of all lottery cases, to
speed up litigation.
It developed an Inspection, Assessment and Rating framework for lottery operators and set in motion the
process of automation of internal processes as well as the monitoring and regulation of lottery operators.
To drive revenue generation, industry development and public enlightenment in line with Government’s
economic diversification programme, it developed a Business Development framework.
The Commission completed the processing and launch of the first Unstructured Supplementary Service
Data (USSD) lottery scheme; successfully conducted and completed the first ever staff confirmation and
promotion since its establishment in 2005; first-ever staff training; first multi-departmental Inspection and
Assessment Teams; first comprehensive Inspection/Assessment of all licensees and the first industry and
assessment of the lottery industry in Nigeria.
Please visit the Commission’s newly launched website: www.natlotregcom.gov.ng .
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F E DE R A L ROA D S A F E T Y C OR P S
During the period under review, the first-ever Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) 2014-2018 secured
the approval and endorsement of both the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Council of
States (NEC). This is an institutional framework for overarching administration of road safety matters in
Nigeria. In addition, the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC), responsible for coordinating
the effective and transparent implementation of the Strategy, with the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo
as chairman, has been inaugurated.
While the Corps received a remarkable injection of 348 operational vehicles into its fleet, it also secured
presidential approval for the enforcement of the mandatory installation of speed limiting devices in
all commercial vehicles in the country. These positive developments served to strengthen the highway
surveillance capacity, rescue services and enforcement of road traffic regulations across the country.
The FRSC Signage Plant, the first indigenous facility for producing road signs and furniture in Nigeria
was also commissioned. This plant not only has the capacity to meet the road furniture needs of Nigerian
highways, it also helps in conserving foreign exchange for the country.
The first International Conference on Transportation Growth Initiative was held in Abuja from 24 to
26 October 2016. The Corps conceived the Initiative as an international platform to routinely attract
transportation experts and practitioners as well as academics from around the globe to Nigeria for the
promotion of research and exposition of emerging frontiers.
During the temporary closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and diversion of air traffic to
Kaduna Airport for the maintenance of the Abuja Airport runway, FRSC promptly created additional eight
new Unit Commands along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor to ensure safe and smooth traffic flow. In addition,
the Corps actively participated in the provision of security escorts for air passengers to and from Kaduna
throughout the six weeks. Activities of the Corps during this period improved safety along the corridor and
helped to boost the nation’s image.
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FRSC OFFICIALS DISPLAY SIGNAGE FROM THE NEW FRSC SIGNAGE PLANT
Making staff welfare one of its priorities at all times, which is in line with the goals of SDG, FRSC built and
commissioned a Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA) at Wole Soyinka Estate, Kuchikau,
Nasarawa State, on 27 Sept 2016, to motivate and enhance a healthy workforce. The clinic serves both FRSC
staff and the public
NAT I O NA L HA J J C O M M I S S I O N O F N I G E R IA ( NA H C O N )
The Commission on 14 December, 2015 issued out rules and regulations (now gazetted) to guide the
operations of Hajj and Umrah in Nigeria. Previously, Nigeria did not have a common standard for pilgrims’
registration and provision of basic services such as airlift, accommodation, catering and medical services.
The Commission introduced for the first time, licensing of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/
Commissions in line with the provisions of NAHCON (Establishment) Act 2006 and its rules and
regulations.
Prior to the 2015 Hajj, Nigeria used to appoint medical teams from each state as well as a federal medical
team. The combined manpower used to be over 2000 personnel which included doctors, nurses, pharmacists
and environmental health workers to serve at least 95,000 pilgrims. This duplication of efforts and wastage
was curtailed with effect from 2016 when a unified National Medical Team of not more than 500 personnel
was introduced and it served all Nigerians.
NAHCON’s regulations on the involvement of service delivery in Hajj and Umrah activities in Nigeria
have raised the standards of tour operators, accommodation and catering Services from briefcase company
proprietors, to full-fledged companies with permanent, verifiable addresses, bank accounts, adequate share
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Answer the Call” is aired weekly on NTA Network Television. The same programme is being conducted
through the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) network.
The Commission also established various public engagement mechanisms through use of the Social Media
to inform, enlighten, engage and receive feedback from the public about its activities. The Commission’s
account on Facebook; Twitter and Instagram handles @nigeriahajjcom took off from 2016 to complement
print and broadcast media coverage of the Commission’s activities.
In the aftermath of the unfortunate stampede in 2015 in which 317 Nigerian pilgrims and officials lost their
lives, the Commission resolved to establish a DNA bank for Nigerian pilgrims through the collection of
buccal swabs from them. The measure was to enable the Commission quickly identify and trace pilgrims
in the event of death and absence of any form of identity. It will address the challenge of identification that
was faced in 2015.
One of the core mandates of NAHCON as provided for in section 7 of its (Establishment) Act, 2006 is
providing a Hajj Savings Scheme which will provide for gradual payment for Hajj and reduce dependence
on Government for funding through investments. The Commission has commenced the process of
implementing the Scheme which is expected to take off fully before the end of the tenure of 3rd NAHCON
Board.
In view of the non-existence of professional training for Hajj Managers in Nigeria, the Commission initiated
the process of establishing a Hajj Training Institute in collaboration with local and foreign institutions.
The proposed institute will serve as a professional training centre for all Hajj Managers in Nigeria and
neighbouring African countries.
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MEMBERS OF THE NIGERIAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT WITH THE SENATE PRESIDENT BUKOLA SARAKI AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL
ASSEMBLY
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Wins. Empowerment.
Reforms
MILESTONES
i. Established youth empowerment in agro-allied businesses, under the 2015 Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), in the six geo-political zones
ii. Processed the selection and placement of 37 Nigerians into the UN Systems Worldwide under
UNDP/JPO-Partnership (2015)
iii. Developed National Accelerated Youth Development Programme (NAYDEP) in collaboration
with UNIDO to reposition the ministry to meet the yearnings of the youth in 2015
iv. Monitored and evaluated capital projects at the National Youth Development Centres in the six
geo-political zones, in October 2015
v. Organised the NYSC Empowerment of Corps Volunteers on War Against Poverty (WAP) & 2015
Corps Mobilisation Workshop
vi. Organised an Exclusive Special Leadership Training in Skills Acquisition for Plateau Youth in
collaboration with United Nations Development (UNDP) & Prisons Officers at the Prison Staff
College, Kaduna, in 2015
vii. Inaugurated the Nigeria Youth Parliament (NYP) on 12 December, 2015 in FCT, Abuja
viii. One hundred and fifty-two Student Coaches/Managers were graduated from the National Institute
for Sports during the 2015/2016 sessions
ix. At the 2015 All-Africa Games held in Congo Brazzaville, Nigeria placed 2nd with 42 gold, 56 silver
and 44 bronze medals
x. Nigeria National Senior Men’s Basketball Team, D’Tigers, won the Afro Basketball Tournament
held in Tunis, Tunisia from 19–30 August, 2015 to qualify for Rio 2016 Olympic Games
xi. Nigeria won the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Chile for the fifth time (17 October–8 November,
2015)
xii. Extra-Ordinary National Council on Sports Meeting was held from 11–15 February, 2016 at Tinapa
Resort Centre, Calabar, Cross-River State
xiii. Participated in the Technical Meeting on the Implementation of the MoU on Youth Development
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SPORTS AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
THE NIGERIAN TEAM CELEBRATING THEIR WIN OF THE FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP HELD AT CHILE, NOVEMBER 8, 2015
THE NIGERIAN WOMEN FOOTBALL TEAM CELEBRATING THEIR WIN OF THE 2016 WOMEN AFRICA CUP
OF NATIONS IN YAOUNDE, CAMEROON, OCTOBER 22, 2016
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between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Namibia held from 29 March- 17-April,
2016
xiv. Inaugurated the Committee on National Sports Reform on 7 April 2016 at the media centre,
National Stadium Abuja
xv. In collaboration with the George Oni Youth Empowerment Initiative and the Federal Ministry of
Science and Technology, launched NIGERIAFY (Nigeria for Youth) on 21April, 2016 at the Federal
Secretariat Complex Phase 1, Abuja. Nigeriafy is an online social networking platform that aims
to connect young Nigerian innovators with their peers around the world, especially those in the
Diaspora
xvi. Organised MDG/DRGs Empowerment Programme in Agro-Business for 211 youth selected from
the 36 States and the FCT who were equipped with practical skills for production and processing
of agricultural produce
xvii. In canoeing and rowing, Nigeria’s Chierika Ukogu became the first female athlete from Africa to
reach the semi-finals of the event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in August 2016
xviii. Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri became the first African table tennis player to reach the Olympic quarter-
finals at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, August, 2016
xix. Won a bronze medal in the male football event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, August 2016
xx. Nigeria won eight gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games held
from 7 – 18 September 2016
xxi. Successfully hosted the 2nd Edition of the National Youth Games from 22-30 September, 2016 in
Ilorin, Kwara State
xxii. Provided comprehensive medical services in 2016 to all national athletes in training using the
ministry’s five clinics in Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna and Enugu
xxiii. Promoted Community Development Service to empower corps members with agro–enterprise
skills; and corresponding interest free loans for job creation and self-reliance on 30 May, 2016 at
NYSC Camp, Kubwa, Abuja.
xxiv. Mobilised corps medical volunteers to provide health information as well as intervention for rural
dwellers, Abuja in 2016
xxv. Organised an exclusive Special Citizenship and Leadership Training for staff of Defence Intelligence
School, Abuja in 2016
xxvi. Nigeria won the trophy at the 2016 Women Africa Cup of Nations for the 10th time held in Yaoundé,
Cameroon, from 8– 22 October, 2016
xxvii. Hosted the first National Youth Parliament (NYP) dinner on 21 January, 2017 at Barcelona Hotel,
Abuja
xxviii. Rejuvenated the NYSC Cultural Day from 6 –10 March, 2017 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja. It
was last held four years ago
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Intelligence recharged
T
wo of President Muhammadu Buhari’s focus areas are securing the nation from internal and
external aggression, so as to attract and protect investments, and fighting corruption to a standstill.
It is to support the president’s mission that the State Security Services (SSS) reinvigorated its
intelligence gathering strategies, and can lay claim to many triumphs. The Service will not
only continue to support the administration in realising its mission, it will also not relent in its
partnership/collaboration with appropriate international bodies such as the Financial Action
Task Force (FATF) and governments and their agencies in the in the global community. This objective
will be achieved in accordance with standard practices and operational procedures to curtail or eliminate
terrorism financing, corruption, arms proliferation, and spread of weapons of mass destruction.
War on terror
As a strategic stakeholder, the SSS has contributed significantly to the war against terror, playing a key role
which gave Nigeria special standing and recognition at regional and international levels.
In degrading Boko Haram, the Service was responsible for the following:
a. Arrest of Usman Mohammed (Khalid Albarnawi), one of the most wanted terrorists in the
world – the US placed $6m bounty on him – who coordinated series of bombings and murders
including those of two Britons
b. Facilitated the release of 103 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, from
Boko Haram’s captivity
c. Arrest and investigation of Abdulsalam Yunusa Enesi, an ISIS recruiter. He was about
transporting the persons he was arrested with to ISIS-controlled territory in Libya, through
Agadez, Niger Republic
d. Arrest and investigation of some members of the Islamic State in Okene, Kogi State, under the
leadership of Jimoh Mustapha, aka Abu Qosim. This gang is made up of terrorist renegades
pooled from Boko Haram mainstream of Shekau’s group (ANSARU), under Khalid Al-Barnawa
and high-profile criminal elements operating in Kogi State
e. Arrest and investigation of persons involved in the Islamic State West African Province
(ISWAP) Terror Financing Network coordinated by Mohammed Sale aka Alhaji Baba. Made
up of 10 persons, this group was receiving foreign currencies from ISIS via a contact in Dubai
through the Hawala mode of foreign currency transfer.
f. Arrest and investigation of ISIS affiliates in Benue State and FCT, spearheaded by Amodu
Omale SALIFU, a Boko Haram sect member. The group had planned the attack on Western
embassies and missions in the FCT.
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S TAT E S E C U R I T Y S E R V I C E S
BAYO OMOBORIOWO
PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES RESCUED CHIBOK GIRL AMINA ALI AND FAMILY IN STATE HOUSE ON 19TH MAY 2016
BAYO OMOBORIOWO
THREE OF THE RESCUED CHIBOK GIRLS SMILE IN THE PRESS GALLERY OF THE STATE HOUSE, AS THEY AWAIT
THE ARRIVAL OF PRESIDENT BUHARI TO RECEIVE THEM AND THEIR PARENTS. 19TH OCT 2016
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GRADUANDS AT A CONVOCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
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Increased funding to
improve quality of
education in public
tertiary institutions
T
ETFund is responsible for managing, disbursing and monitoring the Education Tax – 2% of
the assessable profit of all registered companies in Nigeria - to Federal and State universities,
polytechnics and colleges of education in the country.
It is incumbent on TETFUND to ensure that these funds are used to improve quality of
education in Nigeria. Specifically, for the provision or maintenance of essential physical
infrastructure for teaching and learning, instructional materials and equipment, research
and publication, academic staff training and development and any other need which, in the opinion of the
Board of Trustees, is critical and essential for the improvement of quality and maintenance of standards in
the higher educational institutions.
How has it performed in the last two years?
MILESTONES
Disbursements
In the 2016 intervention year, the sum of N213,418,124,493.76* was disbursed to 183 Universities,
Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education. The 2016 allocation is unarguably the single highest allocation to
institutions since the establishment of the Fund. This is because of the desire of the Buhari administration
to ensure that beneficiary institutions execute iconic projects and develop quality manpower. The impact of
this allocation will start manifesting in both hard and soft educational projects and programmes by August
2017 when the institutions conclude due process for accessing funds.
S/N INSTITUTION NO OF INSTITUTIONS AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO EACH (N) TOTAL
1 UNIVERSITIES 74 1,009,410,000.00 74,696,340,000.00
2 POLYTECHNICS 54 691,632,000.00 37,348,128,000.00
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T E R T I A R Y E D U C AT I O N T R U S T F U N D
ASTD
This is a flagship intervention of the Fund; which objective is to bridge the capacity gap and produce highly
qualified academics in our tertiary institutions.
To achieve this, the Fund increased the percentage of AST&D allocation that must be spent on local training
and the amount for local sponsorship.
In the past, the focus was to sponsor as many (quantity) scholars as possible to acquire higher qualification
which would enhance capacity and satisfy accreditation requirement. In the last two years, the focus of
the AST&D intervention had changed to that of acquiring higher degrees from universities which provide
the highest quality. Currently, the Fund only sponsors scholars to high-ranking institutions across the
world. There is also emphasis on strengthening Nigerian universities to be able to complete post-graduate
programmes within the specified period of two years for Masters and three years for Ph.D.
The Fund has sponsored a total of 4,193 scholars to acquire higher degrees. The breakdown is as detailed
below:
Masters: Foreign: 610 Local: 1,429
Ph.D : Foreign: 692 Local: 1,368
Conference Attendance
This intervention seeks to expose staff of tertiary institutions to current issues and trends in their various
disciplines. It offers academics the opportunity to interact and network with their counterparts in every
part of the world.
Like the AST&D it is made up of both local and foreign components, however, only those presenting
papers are eligible to attend foreign conferences.
In the last two years, 9,807 staff have been sponsored to attend conferences.
Foreign: 4,096 Local: 5,711
Teaching Practice
Recent statistics had shown that there is a paucity of trained teachers in the country.
316 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
This intervention seeks to support and ensure sustainability of the teaching practice supervision to produce
highly qualified professional teachers.
In the last two years, the Fund processed 12,584 teaching practice supervision.
Critical Needs
Aware that transparency and accountability are antidotes to corruption, the Fund revolutionised its
interface with institutions by introducing access clinic where principal officers of tertiary institutions were
subjected to diagnostic analysis to find out their incapability to access accumulated funds.
Thereafter, they had to present and defend their project proposals for utilising their 2016 allocation
to ensure that they conformed with relevant guidelines of the Fund and the institutions’ master plans,
academic briefs, strategic plans and other priorities.
The access clinic project defence provided a stimulus that gingered public tertiary institutions to rethink their
mandate and priorities individually and collectively. Accordingly, polytechnics are thinking of organising
Equipment Fabrication Fair to encourage local production of tools and equipment for Agricultural and
Small & Medium Scale Industries.
Other Achievements
Global Ranking University of Ibadan: One of the major concerns of the present administration is to
ensure that Nigerian universities are better ranked among the world universities. TETFund interventions
are targeted at areas that would see to the achievement of this. Currently, University of Ibadan is ranked
among the first 1000 universities in the world. More universities are expected to make this list.
Introduction of ICT support: In the quest to ensure that our tertiary institutions keep up with modern
trend, the Fund came up with a new intervention line to aid them project their visibility which is an essential
criterion for global ranking.
New Universities: The 12 new Federal Universities established between 2011 and 2014 were each given
a take-off supplement (lifeline) of N2Billion. This will strengthen them and provide more infrastructure
which would ultimately increase their capacity to accommodate more students (Access).
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THE PRESIDENT BRIEFLY TURNS AIRPLANE PILOT, AS HE INSPECTS A COCKPIT DURING A VISIT TO THE COMMERCIAL
AIRCRAFT COOPERATION OF CHINA LTD, AS PART OF HIS STATE VISIT TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, 13TH APRIL 2016
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BAYO OMOBORIOWO
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IDU RAILWAY STATION, ABUJA
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Creating a world-class
transport system
MILESTONES
i. Completion and flag-off for commercial operations of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge Railway,
on 26 July 2016
PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONING OF THE ABUJA – KADUNA RAILWAY IN ABUJA ON 26TH JULY, 2016
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THE TRAIN COMMISSIONED FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON JULY 26, 2016.
ii. Work begins, on 7 March, 2017, on the Lagos-Ibadan Railway Standard Gauge Rail Line. Extended
to the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa. This is the Segment I of the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge
Rail Line; Segment I being the Abuja-Kaduna Rail Line. Expected completion date: On or before
December 2018.
GROUND-BREAKING: VICE- PRESIDENT PROF YEMI OSINBAJO, SUPPORTED BY HON. MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION RT. HON. CHIBUIKE ROTIMI
AMAECHI, GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE, AMBODE AKINWUMI, OYO STATE GOVERNOR, ABIOLA AJIMOBI, OGUN STATE GOVERNOR, IBIKULE AMOSU,
MINISTER OF SOLID MINERALS, DR. KAYODE FAYEMI, MINISTER OF COMMUNICATION, ADEBAYO SHITTU AND THE APC CHAIRMAN, CHIEF JOHN
OYEGUN.
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iii. Signing of Implementation Agreement of Calabar-Port Harcourt with extension to Onne Deep Sea
Port Railway Project (Segment 1 of the Coastal Railway Line: Lagos –Calabar) on 1 July 2016
iv. Signing of the Implementation Agreement for the execution of Kano–Kaduna Rail line (Addendum
No. 3: Lagos–Kano Railway Modernisation Project on 31 September 2016)
v. Signing of an MOU with Chinese Company, China Railways Construction Corporation (CRCC)
for Investment for the completion of the Itakpe–Ajaokuta–Warri (Aladja Jetty) Railway Line and
from Aladja to Warri town Port, Refinery and from Itakpe to Abuja
vi. Completion of 5kw SOLAR DC System for NAVAIDS sites at Bida and Okitipupa en route to sites
which lead to the elimination of power surges and power outages
vii. (CPDLC) at Kano and Lagos for improved communication between the pilots and Air Traffic
Controllers. The Automatic Dependent
Surveillance Systems with capacity for
long range surveillance and air–ground
data communication covering the entire
Nigerian airspace and beyond that would
back up the TRACON Radar system have
been completed at Lagos and Kano. The
project enhances safety through accurate
and efficient communication between
ATC and flight crew. It has capacity
for playback and replay of recorded
ADS-C and CPDLC data. The project AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
has eliminated air–ground
communication blind spots
within our airspace and
provides effective coverage
over the oceanic airspace
viii. Installation of Low-Level
Wind Shear Alert System at
Katsina, Ilorin and Kaduna
Airports to enhance safety
of aircraft operations
and retention/upgrade of
NIMET ISO 9001:2008
Certification i.e. ICAO
certification of quality
meteorological services
provision to airlines by
NIMET
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ix. Ensured that the Inland Container Nigeria Limited (ICNL) Bonded Terminal, Kaduna earlier
recommended for upgrade by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) was upgraded to the status of
a Dry Port thereby making it the first Inland Dry Port in the country
x. Upgrade and rehabilitation of airport terminal buildings at Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri,
Enugu. Ongoing construction of new international terminal buildings at Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port
Harcourt, Enugu as well as rehabilitation of car parks and service roads at Ibadan, Akure, Lagos,
Ilorin, Benin, Owerri, Enugu, Yola, Kano, Katsina and Sokoto Airports
xi. Ensured the development of strategies to enhance patronage and efficient utilisation of the Eastern
Ports of Calabar, Onne, Warri, Koko and Port Harcourt. The ministry has already secured the
Federal Executive Council’s approval for the development of Badagry Deep Sea Port in Lagos
xii. The ministry has also successfully conducted the International Maritime Organisation Member State
Audit Scheme (IMSAS) in Nigeria, aimed at promoting consistent and effective implementation of
applicable IMO instruments (4-3 June 2016) and developed a Draft National Maritime Transport
Policy for the country
xiii. Continuous monitoring of the implementation of International Ship and Port Facility Security
(ISPS) Code in Nigeria leading to significant improvement in the compliant levels of the ports
facilities
xiv. Facilitating the implementation of the Cabotage Act by properly coordinated preparatory Inter-
Ministerial/Agency meetings that articulated and harmonised Nigeria’s National position for
presentation at the 2016 IMO meetings by Nigerian delegates in London
xv. Processing applications for disbursement to suitable Nigerians on the Cabotage Vessel Financing
Fund to provide funds to indigenous shipping companies to enhance capacity in ship building and
acquisition of vessels
xvi. In fulfilment of Articles 19 & 20 of the ECOWAS Convention on the National Freight Offices
(NFOs), the ministry has commenced the construction of National Freight Office in Illela, Sokoto
State. Work has 65% completion stage. The process of procurement for two others NFOs in Idi-
Iroko, Ogun State and Jibiya, Katsina State have also commenced. The Katsina State Government
has already approved of a parcel of land measuring about six hectares
xvii. Completed Comprehensive rehabilitation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway
and the Taxiways within record time.
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T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
xix. In its bid to expand development at Onne Port Complex, the ministry, through the Nigerian Ports
Authority, embarked on strategic projects to effectively improve port operations, security as well
as infrastructural development in line with global best practices and standards. Eight strategic
projects constitute the Phase 4B Ports Facilities Development Project Onne Port Complex in Rivers
State. This development involves the dredging and reclamation of 600Ha of swampy land with 60
million cubic meters of sand, to enable port expansion at the ocean terminal. The project will also
increase the quay length of the port by 2000m to give an overall capacity of 4934m at the Federal
Ocean Terminal. Other essential facilities such as shore protection, water distribution system and
road development and further upgrade of NPA facilities also forms part of the project under this
phase.
These are various stages on the progress of works:
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xx. Supply and installation of marine fenders - used to protect both vessels and the quays at the ports
during berthing and manoeuvring of vessels along the quays walls. The contract of supply and
installation of the fenders for Zones 1, 2 and 3 in all the sea ports in Nigeria was awarded to Messrs
Dagasteel International and the project has been completed
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xxi. Shore erosion control works at Akipelai, Ayakoro and Otuoke, in Bayelsa State
In line with fulfilling the Corporate Social Responsibility of the organisation to the host communities
and other groups of interests, the ministry through the NPA Management decided to intervene to
halt the massive erosion threatening substantial dwelling and farming lands of the aforementioned
towns in Bayelsa State.
PILES PRODUCED FOR THE SHEET CONCRETE PILE WORKS AT THE AKIPELAI, AYAKORO AND OTUOKE SITES, BAYELSA STATE
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This project will no doubt enhance cargo turnaround time in the port and substantially ameliorate
the traffic gridlock being experienced in Port Harcourt Port.
xxiii. Modernisation of NiMet Forecast Office
Operationalised modern ICT infrastructure at the National Weather Forecasting & Climate
Research Centre, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja; for automation of weather data collection,
processing and archiving
xxiv. Construction of New Library Complex at Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.
xxv. Aeronautical Information Management Project
Designed to facilitate the automation of aeronautical information management system, as well
as provide facilities for voice and data (ground to ground) communication between Air Traffic
Control Units for coordination of flight movement. When fully executed, this facility will provide
a network of 26 VSAT facilities at all Nigerian airports. Currently, VSAT infrastructure has been
deployed to eight ATC sites including NEMA Search and Rescue Headquarters at Abuja while
efforts are on-going to install the remaining (18) VSAT infrastructure.
xxvi. Automated Safe Tower System
This project was conceived in 2006 with the aim of automating the provision of air traffic services
at Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt Control Towers. The project was successfully completed
in Abuja and Lagos in 2007, while Port Harcourt was completed in 2008. However, the completion
of this project was delayed in Kano as a new Control Tower had to be constructed. Following the
completion of the new Control Tower in Kano, the automated Air Traffic Management systems and
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automated meteorological Systems were installed and deployed for full operations on 27 July 2015
xxvii. Installation of a new precision approach Instrument Landing System in Kaduna Airport and
calibration of NAVAIDS
Following the closure of Abuja airport for runway maintenance, the ministry procured, installed,
calibrated and commissioned a modern brand new precision Approach Instrument Landing
Systems (ILS) at Kaduna airport as an alternate to Abuja for optimum access to the runway in poor
weather conditions. The calibration and commissioning of Nav-aids fwas successfully carried out
in Bauchi airport while successful calibrations were also done at Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Lagos, Port
Harcourt and Enugu airports
xxviii. Newly-installed ILS/DME in Kaduna Airport
The deployment of these systems is aimed at providing strategic backup to existing surveillance and
communication systems using satellite-based systems with extended coverage.
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Ensuring the
empowerment of
women
T
he ministry exists “to promote the development of women with equal rights and corresponding
responsibilities.”
Its objectives include “stimulating action to promote civic, political, social and economic
participation of women; coordinating and monitoring women’s programmes; providing
technical and financial support to women Non-Governmental Organiations, especially the
National Council of Women Societies.”
MILESTONES
For the past two years under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the ministry has engaged
in various activities to fulfil its mandate and have these attainments to show for them.
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UNFPA
NIGERIA’S VICE PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO AND
SENATOR AISHA JUMMAI ALHASSAN, THE HONOURABLE
MINISTER OF WOMEN AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT. AT
THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF A NATION-WIDE CAMPAIGN TO
END CHILD MARRIAGE AT A CEREMONY IN ABUJA
perpetuates the cycle of violence with victims more likely to become perpetrators themselves.
Consequently, the Federal Government is committed to ending violence against children and some
of the interventions put in place in this regard include:
a. Setting up of a Technical Working Group (TWG) on violence against children.
b. The Commemoration of the Presidential Launch of the Year of Action to End Violence Against
Children which took place on 26 of October 2016, was an opportunity for the ministry to
reaffirm the commitment of Government to end violence against children by 2030 as captured
in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to formally recognise Nigeria as a Pathfinder
Country in the Global fight on VAC
iii. Medical and Financial Assistance to Women and Girls on Obstetric Fistula is being implemented
in partnership with the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre. Two coordination meetings have
been held for the programme
iv. A subsector working group on gender-based violence was established in partnership with UNFPA
to provide coordination and support on issues of gender based violence
v. Health workers were trained on prevention and management of Female Genital Mutilation
(FGM) in partnership with UNFPA and nominated FGM champions were inaugurated to conduct
household discussions on its eradication.
vi. Advocacy visits to key stakeholders and traditional rulers on ending Harmful Traditional Practices
especially FGM/C to Ebonyi, Imo, and Osun States were undertaken by FMWASD in partnership
with UNFPA.
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338 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
FY 2015
Category ‘A’- Consultancy Services
S/No PROJECT DESCRIPTION CONTRACT SUM (N)
1 Conduct of Zonal Sensitisation and Capacity Building Workshop on Income Generating Initiatives of different N4,800,000.00
Women Groups in FCT Abuja
2 Conduct of Zonal Sensitisation and Capacity Building Workshop on Income Generating Initiatives of different N34,000,000.00
Women Groups in NORTH WEST ZONE
3 Conduct of Zonal Sensitisation and Capacity Building Workshop on Income Generating Initiatives of different N29,100,000.00
Women Groups in SOUTH WEST ZONE
4 Conduct of Zonal Sensitization and Capacity Building Workshop on Income Generating Initiatives of different N28,350,000.00
Women Groups in NORTH CENTRAL ZONE
5 Conduct of Zonal Sensitization and Capacity Building Workshop on Income Generating Initiatives of different N28,700,000.00
Women Groups in NORTH EAST ZONE
6 Conduct of Zonal Sensitization and Capacity Building Workshop on Income Generating Initiatives of different N24,250,000.00
Women Groups in SOUTH EAST ZONE
7 Conduct of Zonal Sensitization and Capacity Building Workshop on Income Generating Initiatives of different N20,100,000.00
Women Groups in SOUTH SOUTH ZONE
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FY2016
Category ‘A’- Consultancy Services
S/No PROJECT DESCRIPTION CONTRACT SUM (N)
1 Training of Women and Youth in Anyama Clan, Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State. N12,757,500.00
2 Training of Women and Youth in Emeyal and Oloibiri Clans, Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State. 12,508,650.00
3 Women Apprentices Empowerment in Aboh-Mbaise / NgorOkpala Federal Constituency, Imo State. 5,391,750.00
4 Training and Sensitisation Workshop in IPSAS & TSA at Lagos 9,208,000.00
5 Training and Sensitisation Workshop in IPSAS & TSA at Abuja 5,050,000.00
340 M A K I N G S T E A D Y, S U S T A I N A B L E P R O G R E S S F O R N I G E R I A ’ S P E A C E & P R O S P E R I T Y
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