Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

Agric Minister reveals When Food prices will crash in Nigeria

As Nigerians hit the streets to protest cost of living crisis, especially high cost of food and hunger, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, Wednesday, disclosed that in 180 days food prices will crash.

Kyari stated this on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he unveiled measures that will be implemented over the next 180 days.

He said: “Our administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting our nation. These measures will be implemented over the next 180 days;

“150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities

•Suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

“Imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP). We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition. The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption.

“The Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

“Engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a GMP and purchase surplus food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve.

“Ramp-Up of Production for the 2024/2025 Farming Cycle

Continued support to smallholder farmers during the ongoing wet season farming through existing government initiatives; Strengthening and accelerating dry season farming nationwide;

“Embarking on aggressive agricultural mechanization to reduce drudgery, lower production costs, and boost productivity.

; Collaborating with sub-national entities to identify irrigable lands and increase land under cultivation; Working closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to rehabilitate and maintain irrigation facilities under river basin authorities across the federation.

“Developing strategic engagement for youth and women for immediate greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops such as tomatoes and pepper to increase production volume, stabilize prices, and address food shortages; Fast-tracking ongoing engagements with the Nigerian Military to rapidly cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme and encouraging other para-military establishments to utilize available arable lands for cultivation.

“Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee; This committee has been inaugurated on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, to develop and implement policies prioritizing livestock development in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, and a ministry of Livestock Development has been created.

“Enhancement of Nutrition Security

•Promoting the production of fortified food commodities.

•Supporting the scale-up of the Home Garden Initiative by the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, he also explained that, “Over the next 14 days, in close collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and the Economic Management Team (EMT), we will convene with respective agencies to finalize the implementation frameworks. We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country.”

However he said, “The success of these measures hinges on the cooperation and collaboration of all relevant MDAs and stakeholders.

“As our nation confronts this critical food security challenge, I reiterate President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to achieving food security and ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.

“My team and I will work swiftly and diligently to actualize these crucial policies, ensuring food security for everyone in the immediate term while continuing our strategies for long-term intervention.

07/10/2024
Makinde orders flag to fly half mast in honour of late lawmaker

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the demise of a House of Representatives member, Mr Olaide Akinremi, as shocking and a great loss to the state.

The two-term All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmaker and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science Research Institutes, died in an Abuja hospital after a brief illness

Makinde mourned Akinremi in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade.

The governor, who prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased, ordered that flags be flown at half-mast across the state in honour of the late lawmaker.

07/10/2024
Minimum Wage: Tinubu To Meet With Organised Labour

President Bola Tinubu will meet with the Organised Labour in Abuja on Thursday to further discussions on a new minimum wage for workers in Nigeria.

A top labour source told Channels Television that the President invited the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to the meeting expected to be held at the Aso Villa in the nation’s capital city.

The President is expected to make a decision on the ₦62,000 proposal of the government and private sector side; as well as the ₦250,000 demand of the Organised Labour.

The Thursday meeting is coming about a month after the President said in his Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024, that an executive bill on the new national minimum wage for workers would soon be sent to the National Assembly for passage.

On June 25, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by the President stepped down from consideration and deliberation on the memo on the new minimum wage to allow for more engagement with stakeholders.

Two days after, Tinubu and Vice President Kassim Shettima, at the 141st meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), met with governors of the 36 states of the Federation and ministers to deliberate on a new minimum wage for workers.

Long Walk To New Wage
Talks for a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers have been on for a while. The Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which made ₦30,000 the minimum wage, expired in April 2024. The Act should be reviewed every five years to meet with contemporary economic demands of workers.

President Bola Tinubu in January set up a Tripartite Committee to negotiate a new minimum wage for workers. The committee comprises the Organised Labour, representatives of federal and state governments as well as the Organised Private Sector.

However, the committee members failed to reach an agreement on a new realistic minimum wage for workers, forcing labour to declare an indefinite industrial action on Monday, June 3, 2024. Businesses were paralysed as labour shut down airports, hospitals, the national grid, banks, National Assembly, and state assemblies’ complexes.

The labour unions said the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 can no longer cater to the well-being of an average Nigerian worker, saying the government should offer workers something economically realistic in tandem with current inflationary pressures, attendant effects of the twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of the forex windows of the current administration.

Labour “relaxed” its strike on June 4, 2024 following assurances from the President that he was committed to a wage above ₦60,000.

Both the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership subsequently resumed talks with the representatives of the Federal Government, states, and the Organised Private Sector.

On Friday, June 7, 2024, the two sides (labour and the government) still failed to reach an agreement. While labour dropped again its demand from ₦494,000 to ₦250,000, the government added ₦2,000 to its initial ₦60,000 and offered workers ₦62,000.

Both sides submitted their reports to the President who is expected to make a decision and send an executive bill to the National Assembly to pass a new minimum wage bill to be signed into law by the President.

07/10/2024
Reps query minister over N45m spent on new year party, others

The House of Representatives has queried the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, for spending unrelated expenditures, including N45m for a New Year party, N20m for sanitary pads, the News Agency of Nigeria reports on Wednesday.

Others include N1.5m for vehicle fuel.

NAN reports that Rep Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, led the interrogation of the minister, over the non-payment of N1.5bn to contractors despite the fund release in Abuja.

She said that the investigative hearing was aimed at uncovering the truth and not witch-hunting the Minister and the officials of the ministry.

The committee also investigated the alleged diversion of funds meant for contractor payments, following a petition from contractors.

The committee also sought clarification on funds appropriated for the African First Lady’s mission and the whereabouts of the N1.5bn meant for contractor payments.

The minister, however, denied the allegations of misappropriation, overspending, and non-payment to contractors.

The procurement officer confirmed contractors’ claims, and the Director of Finance and Administration acknowledged only paying approved contracts.

It would be recalled that the committee had at its last sitting summoned the minister to appear before it to explain the rationale behind the non-payment.

The committee also ordered the stoppage of all 2024 contract processes by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs until the whereabouts of the money for the said contracts are determined.

07/10/2024
CJN inaugurated 22 Appeal, 12 FCT courts justices .. Charges them to be upright

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Wednesday, charged the newly inaugurated 22 Appeal Court and 12 FCT high court justices to be upright in the discharge of thier duties in the temple of Justice.

The CJN reminded the justices that they have taken the oath of allegiance to the dictates of the Almighty God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, therefore, should deliver justice to Nigerians without fear or favour.

“It is a solemn pledge and commitment to good conduct in the course of your adjudication, especially as senior judicial officers in the appellate court.

‘The number of Justices that we have just sworn-in today is quite unprecedented in the recent history of the Court of Appeal. The last time we had a large number like this was on Monday, 28 June, 2021, when 18 Justices were sworn-in. That was preceded by that of Monday, 5th November,2012 when 12 Justices were inaugurated.

“Today’s ceremony is an indication of the perilous times that we are currently in, which has resulted in an upsurge in litigation.

“Several unfathomable crimes are being committed in the country, aside from the usual political matters that have made litigations to go on alarming rise.

“No Court in the land is spared of this litigation deluge, as it were. We are constantly on our toes and the dockets are ever increasing in response tO the challenges of the time.

“This underscores the tact that Nigeria is fast emerging as a frontline crime-infested country that we all have to urgently curtail.

“The enormous task of cleaning the Augean stable rests squarely on Your Lordships. So, you must hastily fasten your belt and roll up your sleeves to face the challenges head-on. In other words, you should hit the ground speeding at a supersonic velocity; and not just running.

“You must redouble your pace to catch up with the expectations of the sprawling community of litigants. As judicial officers, you have a divine mandate on earth that you must discharge with unveiled honesty and sincerity. You must give good account of yourselves to justify your elevation to the Court ot Appeal.

“In the next couple of months, we shall be having two governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, respectively. As usual, the Courts will be besieged with Plethora of petitions. It is our statutory duty to hear all matters that come before us and adjudicate according to the laws of the land.

“We must not falter; and we must not tread the path of infamy. Yes, it is true that we cannot please everyone through our actions and work, but with the right application of the law and the Constitution of the land, which we all have collectively pledged to uphold, we can go a long way to do those things that our conscience will be very proud ot; and the generality of the Nigerian citizens will equally be happy about.

“Every position we attain in life always avails us that unique opportunity to do something novel and impactful, especially if there was any previous act of wrongdoing or misapplication of discretion.

“With Your Lordships’ elevation to the higher Bench today, you have to be very mindful of the enormous confidence the public is now reposing in you vis-a-vis their expectations.

“Like we often say, to whom much Is given, much is expected. Your Lordships must not rest on your oars, as the onus now lies more heavily on you to discharge your judicial duties more dispassionately and transparently.

“So, you must, individually and collectively, guide your loins to do more to earn lasting trust and integrity. Your conduct and disposition must tally with the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of the citizenry.

“I have made it known at different fora that we have been treated to an unpalatable cocktail ot misleading and conflicting judgments as well as trivolous interlocutory orders emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdictions, which have literally attempted to make a mockery of our judicial system and flagrantly desecrate the revered Temple of Justice.

“Several cases of such abound across the length and breadth of the country. This is, largely, an embarrassment to our jurisprudence, and we win never handle it with levity. Punitive measures must detinitely be meted out to such erring Judges.

“We have already activated the process of reining-in such errant Judges with a view to making them face the consequence of their despicable and odious conduct.

“As Judicial Officers, we have to continually remind Ourselves the fact that we are not occupying our respective positions to serve ourselves, but the Nigerian masses; and the best way we can serve them is by doing what will make them feel safe in our hands and also trust us to always deliver the right judgments that will not be tainted by sentiments, emotions or other clandestine considerations.
congratulate

“Your Lordships for making the list and wish you the best that you can achieve in this strategic position you now occupy”, the CJN said.

Those inaugurated into the bench of the appellate court by the CJN, are:

Abdullahi Muhammad Liman from Nasarawa State; Abiodun Azeem Akinyemi from Ogun State; Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi from Oyo State; Zainab Bage Abubakar from Kebbi State; Isaq Mohammed Sani from Kaduna State; Lateef Babajide Lawal-Akapo from Lagos State; and Ngozika U. Okaisabor from Imo State respectively.

Others are: Donatus Nwaezuoke Okorowo from Enugu State; Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola from Kogi State; Polycarp Terna Kwahar from Benue State; Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike from Rivers State; Fadawa Umaru from Borno State; Oyewumi Oyejoju Oyebiola from Oyo State; Ntong Festus Ntong from Akwa Ibom State; Nehizena Idemudia Afolabi from Edo State; and Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba from Abia State.

The rest are Abdu Dogo from Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Abdulazeez M. Anka from Zamfara State; Owibunkeonye Onwosi from Ebonyi State; Asma’u Akanbi-Yusuf from Kwara State; Victoria Toochukwu Nwoye from Anambra State; and Enenche Eleojo from Kogi State.

07/10/2024
Price Hike: Reps threaten arrest of Cement firm mgt over failure to appear

The House of Representatives Joint Committee on the arbitrary increase in the price of cement has threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it fails to appear at its next hearing.

This followed the absence of officials of the cement company during a hearing to address the problem of cement increase in the country on Tuesday.

The special panel while advocating for the downward review of cement prices, expressed worry over the increase in cement prices and the untold hardships it has brought upon many Nigerians.

It directed the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to make appearances before the committee in the next two weeks.

This, it said, is to deliberate on measures necessary to address the situation for the benefit of the people.

“They want to over-profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given it this platform. I think it calls for a rethink of the position of the government.

“On Dangote my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate a date.

“Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued, a warrant of arrest will be given for you to cause appearance before the National Assembly, and no single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country.

No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly,” Jonathan said

07/10/2024
Minimum Wage struggle not dead – TUC President, Osifo

President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo has written off criticisms that the struggle for a new national minimum wage may have waned.

While reacting to the insinuations, Osifo said the Federal Government is still having conversations with all relevant stakeholders cutting across the Nigerian Governors Forum, Local Government Administrators as well as the Organised Private Sector and Labour Unions.

Osifo noted that both Unions still insist on the N250,000 demand it made to the government which was part of the recommendations submitted to the President by the Presidential Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage.

He made reference to the existing minimum wage of N30,000 which took two years to be negotiated, assuring that the Tripartite Committee has made appreciable progress since January 2024 when negotiations started.

His words, “minimum wage negotiations cannot be dead, you know when we started this conversation you asked us that in 2017 if you remember we started the minimum wage that was signed in 2019, it took about two years to see the light of day. We promised you when we started in January that we will ensure this one is fast-tracked for us not to be in the conundrum that we were as at 2019 which took two years.

“So where we are today, we submitted the divergent position in June, when we did that you know clearly that Mr President came out to say that he wanted to consult across board which is the governors, local government chairmen, organised private sector and labour, so we are doing some level of reach out and conversations.

“So that what will be submitted to the National Assembly will actually be a minimum wage that will cater for the poorest of the poor, so for the fact that in the media we are not shouting, we are doing some level of internal work so that this bill will be submitted in earnest soon. Of course, we still insist on the N250,000 benchmark as the ideal minimum wage”.

07/10/2024
Tinubu Creates New Ministry

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

The President announced while inaugurating the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

But President Tinubu did not mention the name of the Minister for the new ministry as it is expected that he has to forward the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation if it’s a new nominee.

Present at the Inauguration were the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila amongst cabinet members.

Recall that President Tinubu on 15th September 2023, approved the establishment of the Presidential Committee dedicated to the reform of the livestock industry and the provision of long-term solutions to recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the country.

07/10/2024
Beware of German-based Human Trafficking Syndicate

Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, students, guardians and members of the unsuspecting public have been warned to beware of a German-based human trafficking syndicate that is operating under the guise of offering internship opportunities to lure the youth into a human trafficking net in Europe.

In a circular, the National Universities Commission (NUC) today, drew the attention of Vice Chancellors to the existence of the syndicate which is based in Germany and specializes in luring unsuspecting students from third world countries to Germany and other European countries under the guise of offering them internship opportunities in industries and allied institutions.
In a circular, which was signed by Mr. John Mairafi Ahmadu, a director in the Executive Secretary’s office at the NUC, the existence of the syndicate was busted by a careful investigation by Indonesian Police.
It was stated in the circular that the discovery by the Indonesian police was shared with the Office of the Secretary General of the Federation (OSGF) which communicated the development to the NUC with the clear instruction that the development should be brought to the attention of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities for escalation to the Nigerian public.

07/09/2024
BREAKING: Bill to create extra 74 seats for women in parliament passes second reading

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the constitution to create extra legislative seats for women in the National and state assemblies.

The bill, jointly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, and 12 others, was debated on the floor, with several members vehemently opposing it.

It proposes to creat one senatorial seat and one House seat in each state and the FCT.

It seeks to amend Sections 48 and 49 of the Constitution to provide one special seat reserved exclusively for women in the Senate and House of Representatives for each state of the federation and the FCT, effective after the term of the current National Assembly and subject to review every 16 years.

Additionally, the bill seeks to amend Section 91 of the document to provide three special seats reserved exclusively for women in the Houses of Assembly of each state of the federation, which shall be spread across the three senatorial districts of each state.

07/09/2024