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Category: News

IPPIS: Be Verified By Friday Or Face Deletion, FG Warns Civil Servants

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan has warned civil servants that have not been verified that they risk being delisted from the government payroll.

The government has given Friday, October 27 2023 as the deadline for all civil servants to be verified.

Yemi-Esan said the development is a result of the two-week Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) verification exercise which will end on Friday.

The move is part of an effort to remove ghost workers from the government payroll.

In a statement signed by Yemi-Esan on Wednesday “Adequate arrangements were put in place for a smooth exercise in designated areas of the FCT, however, the officers’ impatience and lack of orderliness in the first two days made the exercise rowdy.

“This has been duly addressed and the two-week exercise, scheduled to end on Friday, October 27, 2023, is progressing very well.

“The verification of records of all civil servants will be finalized at the end of the ongoing exercise and any officer whose record could not be verified will be delisted from the payroll of government”.

Speaking further, she noted that the Office carried out aggressive sensitization and publicity, adding that no excuses will be tolerated for defaulters.

According to the statement, “Sequel to another wide publicity accompanied by numerous pre-verification sensitization visits by IPPIS staff to Ministries, extra-ministerial Departments, and Agencies nationwide, the second phase of the exercise, the physical verification, commenced in 2018.

“In this regard, 500 staff from the OHCSF were trained and deployed, in well-communicated and coordinated phases, to the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT between 2018 and 2019 to enable officers to carry out the physical verification in their states and save them from travelling to Abuja.

“Some erring officers’ pleas to be given the last opportunity to comply were granted, and the portal was therefore reopened from October 3-13, 2023, for them to update their records to Friday, October 27, 2023, before action is taken on defaulters.”

10/25/2023
ActionAid Tasks African Leaders On Collaboration To Tackle Debt Crisis

ActionAid has called on African governments to coordinate collectively for a resolution to debt crises, based on radical renegotiation or debt cancellation, including through advancing this case in climate negotiations; and to pursue alternative economic paths that place quality public services, social and economic justice at the heart of building sustainable and truly sovereign states.

The resolution was made by AA Country Directors at the just concluded IMF/ World Bank Annual Meetings in Marrakech, Morocco.

They further called on the two Institutions to move away from the failed neoliberal economic model, to stop imposing austerity policies and constraints to public sector wage bills, and instead to support debt cancellation and ambitious and progressive tax reforms nationally and internationally.

“The IMF and World Bank have imposed a neo-colonial model of economic development based on exploitation and extraction from the Global South which has given rise to regular debt and economic crises.

“These crises have then been used to justify the imposition of harsh loan conditions and coercive policy advice on African governments, perpetuating dependency and stripping away the capacity of States through cuts to public spending.

“Although some of the rhetoric has changed in recent years, in practice the IMF and World Bank are still attached to this cult of austerity, undermining progress on health, education and other public services and blocking Africa’s ability to respond and adapt to the climate crisis.

“ActionAid’s research has shown in particular that IMF enforced cuts and freezes to public sector wage bills have consistently blocked the recruitment of urgently needed teachers, nurses, midwives and other public sector workers.

“We have documented the gendered impact of these cuts, with women being the first to lose access to services, the first to lose opportunities for decent work and the first to absorb the rising tide of unpaid care and domestic work.

“Without access to low-cost financing, many African governments now find themselves facing a deeper debt crisis than ever before – with UNCTAD recently finding that the amount spent on interest payments is often higher than spending on either education or health,” they said.

10/25/2023
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Rejects Clarks’ Call To Remove Abia, Imo, Ondo From NDDC

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly rejected the recent call by prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, to remove Abia, Imo, and Ondo States from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Chief Clark had made this appeal during a press conference in Abuja, where he urged President Bola Tinubu to expel the three states from the NDDC, citing their inclusion for the sake of convenience as the primary reason.

In response, Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, issued a statement denouncing Clark’s call as “satanic, parochial barbarism,” emphasizing that it posed a significant threat to national cohesion and unity.

Isiguzoro expected Chief Clark to support the gazetting of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s recognition of the Old Anambra River Basins as oil-producing states, which would include Anambra, Enugu, and Kogi States into the NDDC.

Isiguzoro accused Chief Clark of promoting ethnic bigotry, which he said had no place in Nigeria’s diverse and multicultural society.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reject Clark’s divisive rhetoric and encouraged the incorporation of the Old Anambra River Basins into the NDDC, emphasizing that such a move would correct historical injustices and promote national integration, development, and unity.

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria, where all ethnic groups are treated with equal rights and opportunities, and where harmony, understanding, and shared prosperity prevail.

10/25/2023
Tinubu Launches 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the emblem appeal launch for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day on Wednesday, held at the state house in Abuja.

During the event, President Tinubu praised the Nigerian armed forces for their commitment to safeguarding the nation.

He emphasized the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for all residents within the country’s borders, stating, “Our foremost objective is to provide a conducive environment free from threats and criminality to enable all who reside within our borders to thrive and live in peace.”

President Tinubu acknowledged the debt of gratitude owed to the gallant troops who have worked tirelessly to ensure the nation’s security.

He emphasized that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem serves as a symbol of remembrance and a beacon of hope for a peaceful future, as well as a way to honor veterans and their fallen colleagues’ families.

In a unifying message, President Tinubu called upon all Nigerians and non-Nigerians residing in the country, regardless of their political affiliation or religious beliefs, to proudly wear the emblem and show solidarity with those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the peace and security of the nation.

10/25/2023
NiMet Predicts 3-Day Dust Haze, Cloudiness From Friday

Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and cloudiness from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released in Abuja predicted dust haze on Wednesday over the northern region with visibility range of 2km to 5Km, especially in a few states like Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and Jigawa during the forecast period.

The agency said that sunny spells with few patches of clouds were anticipated over the North Central during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, hazy atmosphere with few patches of cloud is expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Benue states.

“The atmosphere over the southern parts of the country should be cloudy with intervals of sunshine, while morning thunderstorms are anticipated over Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ondo, Edo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states,” it said.

The agency envisaged dust haze over the northern region during the forecast period on Thursday.

It anticipated sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North Central in the morning hours.

“Hazy atmosphere with few patches of clouds are expected over parts of Kwara, Plateau and Kogi states. There are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Benue states in the afternoon and evening hours.

“The atmosphere over the southern parts of the country should be cloudy with spells of sunshine. However, we expect morning thunderstorms over parts of Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Oyo, Osun, Ekiti,
Anambra, Imo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states,” it said.

The agency forecasted dust haze over the northern region during the forecast period on Friday.

NiMet said that sunny skies with few patches of clouds were anticipated over the North Central during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, there are prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, to be cloudy with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Oyo, Ondo, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Lagos, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states,” it said.

The agency advised the public to take necessary precautions due to dust particles in suspension over the atmosphere.

“Individuals with respiratory ailments are to protect themselves as the current dusty weather condition
is adverse to their health.

“Strong winds are likely to precede and accompany the thunderstorms, citizens are advised to take necessary safety precautions.

“All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports and alerts periodically from NiMet for effective planning for their operations,” it said.

10/25/2023
Case Against Tinubu: Atiku, Obi Know Fate On Thursday

The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its judgement on Thursday, in the cases of Peter Obi of Labour Party and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

The Petitioners are before the Apex Court challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) in favour of Tinubu.

In a Notice of Appeal predicated on 35 grounds, Atiku told the apex court that the tribunal in the judgment delivered by Justice Haruna Tsammani erred on the side of law and miscarriage of justice in its findings and conclusion in the petition.

He maintained that the Tribunal erred in law when it failed to nullify the presidential election held on February 25, 2023, on the grounds of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022, when by the evidence before the tribunal, INEC conducted the election based on grave and gross misrepresentation contrary to the principles of the Electoral Act 2022, based on the “doctrine of legitimate expectation”.

Obi on his part, wants the Apex Court to set aside the whole findings and conclusions of the Tribunal on the grounds that they did not represent the true picture of the grounds of his petition.

Reacting, counsel to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents respectively, urged the court to dismiss the appeal for want of merit and for being frivolous.

Specifically, Tinubu’s lawyer, Wole Olanipekun SAN described Atiku’s appeal as abusive in nature and ask it to dismiss it.

Tinubu urged the apex court to act in like manner of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), by not only dismissing the appeal for lacking in merit and bona fide, but affirm his victory.

10/25/2023
Tragic 2,360 Children Killed By Israel In Gaza Strip – UNICEF

*Calls Both Parties To Ceasefire, Release Hostages

UNICEF has said that a tragic 2,360 children have died in Israel’s counter attacks in the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas’ October 7 attacks on southern Israel.

The aid group, which spoke of the “relentless attacks” said 5,364 children have been injured.

Since the surprise Hamas attacks on October 7, Israel’s army have been bombing targets in the Gaza Strip and preparing a ground offensive in the sealed-off coastal area.

“The situation in the Gaza Strip is a growing stain on our collective conscience. The rate of death and injuries of children simply staggering,” said Adele Khodr, UNICEF regional director for the Middle East and North Africa.

He said the Gaza Strip is suffering from acute water shortages, with severe consequences for children, who make up about 50 per cent of the population.

UNICEF urged all parties to agree to a ceasefire, provide humanitarian access and release all hostages.

10/25/2023
FCT Ground Rent: Wike Gives Final Warning To Defaulters

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike has given a final warning to defaulters of ground rent payments in the FCT, insisting that something would happen soon to them.

Wike gave the warning when the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its President, Dr Chris Isiguzo visited him in Abuja.

The minister said that “something will surely happen” contrary to the erroneous assumption that the ground rent directive was an empty threat.

The FCT Administration in September published land titles of individuals, organisations, and agencies owing ground rent.

In the publication, the FCTA reminded allottees of lands within FCT of their obligations as stipulated in the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to pay in advance without demand from Jan. 1 of each year.

The FCTA had warned that a breach or failure to comply with any or all of the terms stated in the Rights of Occupancy shall be liable to the revocation of the title.

The administration, therefore, advised all allottees, property owners, and beneficiaries of the sale of Federal Government Houses in the FCT to settle their outstanding ground rents or lose their titles.

Wike assured the defaulters that he would match his words with action at the end of the grace period by revoking such plots.

“The law has been there before I came. The only problem is applying the law. The Minister of State and I have the capacity and political will to do what is right.

“You know Nigerians are funny, believing that nothing will happen. Something will happen. We can’t continue that way; we can’t.

“We have given defaulters a final notice to go and pay and they said it is initial “gra-gra” (false bravery) but something will happen.

“By the time we give the final notice, and you don’t pay, the law will be applied,” he said.

He added that FCTA was able to save significant Internally Generated Revenue since the removal of the Administration from the Treasury Single Account, adding that the era of abandoned projects in the FCT was over.

He explained that some of the hash decisions being taken by the FCTA was for the good of all in the long run, adding that the government would step on toes in the efforts to right the wrongs in the FCT.

The minister pledged continued support to the media as critical partners in the development space.

Earlier, Isiguzo commended Wike for his transformational potentials as exemplified in Rivers State when he was the governor.

He also commended the minister for his media-friendly disposition and pledged the NUJ’s support through free and responsible journalism.

He appealed to the minister to support the union’s capacity building programme, its forthcoming National Media Conference, and provide a plot of land for the construction of a Media Village in Abuja.

The procedure for the payment of the ground rent is e-payment through the REMITA portal to generate a REMITA Retrieval Reference (RRR).

Affected persons are expected to log onto the REMITA portal https://remita.net and click on “Pay TSA & States, then select Federal Capital Territory Administration.

After that, select Abuja, Geographic Information Systems and choose the revenue head to be paid which in this case is FCC Ground Rent.

Fill the required information, submit, and print the RRR slip, after which payment can be made in any commercial bank.

10/25/2023
FG Seeks Stricter Rules To Curb Raw Minerals Exports

The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to implement stricter regulations to curb the export of raw minerals and promote the export of processed products.

This strategic move aims to generate employment opportunities and enhance the overall value of Nigeria’s exports, according to Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals, who emphasized the importance of adding local value to mineral resources.

Alake stated in an interview, “You can’t take our minerals away without adding value locally. This means establishing factories to produce goods associated with the minerals being extracted.”

Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude oil producer, is diversifying its income sources as oil production declines. The country possesses significant mineral resources such as lithium, gold, bitumen, and iron ore deposits.

It aspires to follow the example of countries like Indonesia, which successfully increased the value of its commodities through regulations requiring buyers to establish refineries within their borders. Indonesia’s nickel exports, for instance, saw a tenfold increase in five years.

Despite past efforts by Nigerian governments to revitalize the mining and quarrying sector, the desired progress has been elusive.

A decade ago, the administration of then-President Goodluck Jonathan aimed to elevate the mining industry’s contribution to the gross domestic product to three percent by 2015. However, the sector only accounted for 0.2 percent of the GDP last year, as reported by PwC.

Encouraging foreign companies to refine minerals within Nigeria remains challenging due to issues such as unreliable electricity supply and limited domestic demand.

Additionally, many minerals are extracted by illegal miners. In northern Nigeria, security concerns persist, with armed gangs involved in mass abductions and killings, leading to the displacement of local communities and facilitating illegal mining activities, as noted by Alake.

10/24/2023
Tinubu Orders Speedy Implementation Of Tax Reforms Report

President Bola Tinubu has instructed his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman, to work with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to coordinate the recommendations of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee for swift implementation across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

This directive was issued during a meeting with the Chairman of the reforms committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who presented a 30-day report on “quick wins” at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed that President Tinubu met with Mr. Zack Adedeji, the Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the tax policy review committee.

The President emphasized the need for effective synergy in implementing tax policy recommendations across government institutions.

President Tinubu has also prioritized the recommendations of the tax policy review committee at the next Federal Executive Council meeting scheduled for Monday, October 30, 2023. The aim is to expand the tax net, reach the 18% tax-to-GDP threshold, and enhance public service provision without burdening vulnerable segments of the population.

The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, established on July 7, 2023, is responsible for tax law reform, fiscal policy coordination, harmonization of taxes, and revenue administration. Its mission is to improve tax morale, promote a healthy tax culture, and encourage voluntary compliance with tax regulations by utilizing tax and other revenues effectively.

10/24/2023