Better Nigeria in Practice

17/04/2024

President Tinubu Launches National Single Window to Streamline Import-Export Activities

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the National Single Window Project, aimed at facilitating faster clearance of goods at Nigeria's ports. The key highlights are:

The project is designed to ease import and export activities by simplifying and streamlining the processes.

The goal is to achieve 24-hour cargo clearance turnaround at the ports through the digitization and integration of various government agencies and private sector stakeholders.

The single window platform is expected to reduce bottlenecks, paperwork, time, and costs associated with import-export procedures.

This initiative is part of President Tinubu's efforts to improve Nigeria's trade logistics and boost the ease of doing business in the country.

The project involves participation from key agencies like the Nigeria Ports Authority, Federal Inland Revenue Service, and Nigeria Customs Service.
On the issue of border reopening, the President stated that the government is reviewing the factors that led to the border closures and consulting with relevant stakeholders.

The launch of the National Single Window Project is a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigeria's international trade activities.

Better Practices, Better NIGERIA.

16/04/2024

Report any trader to us that keeps adding money to his or her goods -FCCPC Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. 08056002020 & 08056003030

Better Practices, Better NIGERIA

08/04/2024

President Tinubu Set To Officially Launch The Citizens Delivery Tracker Application Which Will Enable Nigerians to Track Developmental Projects Of The Federal Government And Performance Of Ministers Serving In President Tinubu's Cabinet.

Better Practices, Better NIGERIA

05/04/2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO CORPORATE NIGERIA: HAND IN HAND WITH YOU, I CANNOT UNDERPERFORM ON A JOB I CAMPAIGNED FOR

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria's economy is at a turning point and will require the steadfast support of the private sector for sustained growth and prosperity.

Speaking during Iftar on Thursday in Abuja with members of the Nigerian business community, the President expressed gratitude for their support and pledged to engage with them more frequently.

''I would have summoned you before now, not during Ramadan, because you are a very valuable part of my constituency.

''There is no driver of the economy that is bigger than the private sector. If the private sector is not flourishing, there is no growth, no prosperity, no employment or development. No matter how flowery the speeches are, not even a mushroom will grow.

''Thank you for persevering. We are at a turning point in our economy. I do not have to do a quadratic equation to illustrate all of that to you. I just want to appreciate you for your endurance and perseverance,’’ the President said.

Sharing insights from his visit to the New York Stock Exchange in 2023, President Tinubu noted Nigeria's self-belief and determination to drive economic transformation from within.

''At the New York Stock Exchange, I appealed to foreign investors to consider Nigeria as a prime investment destination.

"At the end of my remarks, I told them we only want them to show their face and diversify Nigeria’s economy not as if we cannot do it ourselves.

"Tony Elumelu walked up to me and thanked me for making that statement. We can do it. Nigeria is a self-believer and can always deliver on its own. We know our first name and our last name. Our first name is: Spirit, and our last name is: Can do."

President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his mandate, emphasizing that he cannot afford to underperform, given the trust placed in him by the electorate.

"I have no reason to underperform as the elected President of the country because I campaigned for the job.

"I cannot complain about the job. I appreciate the gesture, and what you have told me this evening is very inspiring. Cut the costs. Fix the bends. Summon courage. Save the money, but push the economy. We will be there.There are some countries that have failed. There are some countries that have succeeded. In our time, in my time, all of us must work together to succeed. Thank you very much,’’ the President concluded.

In separate remarks at the Ramadan dinner, industrialists, bank executives, and entrepreneurs pledged their support towards the success of the administration’s economic programmes.

Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, assured the President that the Organized Private Sector (OPS) in the country is solidly behind him.

‘‘Your transformation journey to turn around the economy and businesses are very appropriate for the country.

‘‘We appreciate what you are doing. We know the journey will not be smooth, but given the will, we will get to the Promised Land.

‘‘We admire your decisiveness, and we appreciate what you are doing. You are extremely passionate about taking Nigeria to the Promised Land.

‘‘On behalf of the OPS, we want to assure you that we are 100 percent with you. We have engaged with your ministers and associates; we share ideas, and we support them. We know that under your leadership, you have the ability to heal Nigeria permanently,’’ Mr. Elumelu said.

Allen Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Air Peace, charged business owners and manufacturers to work towards bringing down the cost of products and services.

Citing the example of Air Peace in reducing the cost of air tickets to London, Mr. Onyema thanked President Tinubu for improving the ease of doing business in the country.

''President Tinubu is thinking of the Nigeria of the future. The ease of doing business is coming back gradually. I can attest to that in the aviation sector because of the people you appointed to head that sector.

''I can also attest to what our High Commission in the United Kingdom did in making Air Peace flights into Gatwick Airport a possibility,’’ he said.

Dr. Stella Okoli, pharmacist and founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Company, urged the President to look into providing more support for the pharmaceutical industry in the country to make it self-sufficient and self-financing.

Better Practices, Better Nigerian

16/03/2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO APC LEADERS: OLD SUBSIDY BENEFICIARIES MAY RESIST US BUT NIGERIA WILL OVERCOME THEM WITH GOOD GOVERNANCE AND COMMITMENT TO OUR PEOPLE

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is deploying resources to critical sectors and areas with significant impact on the welfare of Nigerians, emphasizing that the nation's treasury is sacrosanct and must not be abused.

Speaking at a meeting with the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives' Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja on Friday, the President assured Nigerians that his government is working around the clock to improve their living conditions, and asked leaders at the grassroots level to encourage citizens to get their National Identification Number (NIN) for planning, structuring interventions and to achieve their full integration into various relief programmes.

“The programme of our government will be truly progressive; student loans, a national consumer credit system, and social welfare for the unemployed, as well as graduates. Every Nigerian will find a place of belonging in our country. In the eye of even the biggest hurricane, we will find that place of tranquility and prosperous harmony for the benefit of all. Nigerians will all partake on this national journey to prosperity,’’ the President said.

Emphasizing the central role of agriculture in expanding and accelerating Nigeria's economic growth, President Tinubu told the state party chairmen, led by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, that his government had already drawn up a blueprint for large-scale livestock farming, which will be activated soon.

“We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday's crisis will become today's opportunity. Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak. Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems. We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again,’’ the President said.

President Tinubu emphasized that the repositioning of the economy is a top national priority as he urged party members not to wait for an appointment before bringing good governance and exemplary civic engagement to the doors of Nigerians.

“As we are fighting corruption, smugglers, and old subsidy beneficiaries, they most certainly will fight back. All those who falsified records and became losers with the subsidy (on petroleum products) removal, they will fight back.

“But we will defend our people. The treasury belongs to the people, and that sacred trust must not be abused.

“I urge the state chairmen that regardless of party affiliation, let us help citizens by mobilizing them for NIN registration. Not just PVCs. Some are poor Nigerians who have not experienced formal education and have no understanding of what NIN is and how it will benefit their lives. We must teach them. We must care for them.

“Without NIN, we can not embark on social security interventions for the vulnerable. We will be making faulty moves without accurate data and iron-clad, digital intervention structures. I have established a committee of governors, and it is headed by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. It is working on what must be done to further lift our people.

“We need to give hope, and we are giving it to the country and our citizens. We are working hard, day and night, even though some agents of destabilization are present in the polity. Nigerians, with our focused support, shall defeat them," the President affirmed.

APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje said the party is nearly set to establish the Progressive Institute of Policy and Development for the benefit of its members and the broader Nigerian public. This was followed by the Forum of APC State Chairmen congratulating the President on his victory at the polls, tribunal, and Supreme Court while assuring him of their continued support as his administration implements its economic programmes.

Better Practices, Better Nigeria

11/03/2024

01/03/2024

The federal government says it has paid over $120 million to offset part of the debts owed to gas companies (GasCos) for electricity generation.

This was disclosed by Ed. Ubong, the director of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, at the ongoing 7th edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2024) in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the government is also working on a framework to curb most of the failures in the system.

He said, “The arrears gas producers are owed as of last year was about $ 1.3billion. But I am pleased that between October 2023 and the end of January, the government has paid over $120 million to offset some of that money.”

This follows the effort of the government to address the indebtedness of the country’s power sector to electricity-generating companies (GenCos) and gas companies (GasCos), as earlier announced by Adebayo Adelabu, the minister of power.

The minister noted that the total debt owed to power-generating companies was N1.3 trillion, out of which 60 percent is owed to gas suppliers.

The Transmission Company had also attributed the recent decline in power supply to a decrease in available generation into the grid due to gas constraints.

It stated that the gas constraints impacted the quantum of bulk power available on the transmission grid for onward transmission to the distribution load centres nationwide.

Ubong, however, noted that the government was working on a framework to mitigate most of that failure.

“That’s a piece of work that is ongoing and we hope that it will be approved and then the industry can move away from that legacy issue.

“We must build a gas capacity. The engineers, the technicians that will work in this new gas sector that we are looking at for the next eight months. And at the Secretariat, we are committed to that. We are looking for interns, we are looking for young people who are willing to join us and provide their time and energy to support the wider and bigger goals of the sector.

“For the first time, we now have a ministerial committee that involves the minister of state for gas and the ministry of power. Because power and gas go together, we are confident that when that becomes fully operational, that critical link between gas and power will lead to more sustainable solutions going forward,” he said.

Better Practices, Better Nigeria

28/02/2024

Reuben Fasoranti, chairman of Afenifere elders caucus, has commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the full implementation of the Oronsaye report.

Fasoranti spoke when he received Tinubu at his residence in Akure, Ondo state on Wednesday.

“It is an act of courage and sagacity for you to adopt the Oronsanye report as the basis to reform the public service. This is a welcome development,” Fasoranti said.

Fasoranti also urged Tinubu to restructure the country and enthrone true federalism to end the nation’s problem of double-digit inflation, foreign currency shortages, a weakening naira, widespread insecurity, amongst other issues.

"You know that since the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the Yoruba people, led by Afenifere, have been in the forefront of the campaign for the restructuring of Nigeria,” Fasoranti said.

“It is now incumbent on you to address this issue of constitutional reforms with courage, fairness and determination. We know we cannot return to the past, but we have to seek a future where regional competitions would bring out the best in our country as it did during the first republic.

“We seek therefore a true federal republic that would reflect fiscal federalism. If derivation principle is good for oil, why is it not good for value added tax for example?”He said Nigeria needs to plan for eventualities so that each region would not be overwhelmed by challenges.

“For the people of the south-west, restructuring also has a more pressing meaning,” he said.

“Today, Nigeria has a population of 200 million which would double in the next 25 years to 400 million. However, the south-west is facing an avalanche of migration from the other zones of the country to the extent that in 25 years’ time, if the current trend continues, the south-west would be home to 50 percent of the population of Nigeria.

“We need to plan for this eventuality on a regional scale. We need to be prepared so that our region would not be overwhelmed by imported challenges.”

He also urged Tinubu to seek institutional reforms that would strengthen Nigeria and make it safer and more prosperous.

“Try and balance the budget and execute capital projects that would create more employments. We thank you for welcoming the idea of state policing,” he added.

The elder stateman said Afenifere wants each geopolitical zone to have greater responsibilities for security, food production and infrastructural development.

“Since the removal of fuel subsidy, which was costing Nigeria 10 billion dollars yearly, the state governments have been receiving hefty allocations from the federation account,” he said.

“Mr president should persuade the governors to allow this change of fortune for the states to reflect at the grassroots so that life can be better for our people.

“They should not just buy rice and yams for the people. They should create employment, improve education and build new infrastructures.Today, life is truly challenging for most people and the state governments have an important role to play to transform the society.

“You have done well with trying to reposition our economy and reform the public service. We salute your courage in tackling many issues that have remained unresolved for many years.”

Responding, Tinubu said his government is aware of the challenges confronting Nigerians, assuring that his administration’s policies will bring positive solutions to the challenges.

Better Practices, Better Nigeria

28/02/2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU: I TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE NATION; WE ARE BUILDING AN EFFICIENT NIGERIA THAT IS INCLUSIVE AND FAIR TO ALL NIGERIANS

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is working to ensure that Nigeria is reformed for greater efficiency with a particular emphasis on systematically inculcating fairness and equity in all aspects of the national life.

Addressing Afenifere leaders at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, the President emphasized his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity.

''Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.

''We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity,'' the President affirmed.

On reforming Nigeria, President Tinubu said his task will be to ensure fiscal and true federalism, as well as the broad-based manifestation of the philosophy of "what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander."

He acknowledged the understanding and support of all Nigerians in the face of the tough but temporary economic conditions, assuring them that their patience and perseverance will not be fruitless.

"The economic challenges we have endured since assuming office are not new to me. As the former governor of Lagos State, I faced similar calls for my resignation. But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.

"I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria's interests, and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused.

"We cannot allow Nigeria's economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently," he stated.

Speaking on behalf of Afenifere, Pa Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who read the address of Pa Fasoranti, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to Nigeria's progress and expressed support for his administration's efforts.

"You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word," the elder statesman stated.

Pa Fasoranti asked President Tinubu to be fair and courageous, declaring that such traits were the hallmark of the Afenifere family.

"Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible," he said.

Better Practices, Better Nigeria

27/02/2024

LIST OF AGENCIES, COMMISSIONS AND PARASTATALS AFFECTED BY THE APPROVAL OF THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING [FEC] MEETING OF 26TH FEBRUARY 2023 ON THE ORONSAYE PANEL REPORT

AGENCIES TO BE SCRAPPED:

1. Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate to be scrapped and functions transferred to the Federal Ministry of Finance

2. The National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) is to be scrapped, and functions will be transferred to the Department of Basic and Secondary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education.

AGENCIES TO BE MERGED:

1. National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) to be merged under the Centre for Disease Control in the Federal Ministry of Health.

2. The National Emergency Agency (NEMA) is to be merged with the National Commission of Refugee, Migration and Internally Displaced Persons [NCFRMI].

3. The Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA) is to be merged with the Directorate of Technical Aid (DTAC) and function as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs department.

4. Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to be merged with the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE).

5. The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) is to be merged with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

6. The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is to be merged with the National Centre for Agriculture Mechanization (NCAM) and the Project Development Institute (PRODA).

7. The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) is to be merged with the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB).

8. The National Institute for Leather Science Technology (NILEST) is to be merged with the National Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT).

9. The Nomadic Education Commission (NEC) is to be merged with the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult Education and Non-Formal Education.

10. Federal Radio Corporation (FRCN) to be merged with Voice of Nigeria (VON)

11. The National Commission for Museums and Monuments will merge with the National Gallery of Arts.

12. The National Theatre to be merged with the National Troupe of Nigeria.

13. The National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) is to be merged with the National Metallurgical Training Institute (NMTI).

14. Nigerian Army University (NAUB)should be merged Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)

15. The Airforce Institute of Technology (AFIT) should be merged with the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)

AGENCIES TO BE SUBSUMED:

1. Service Compact with all Nigerians (SERVICOM) to be subsumed as a department under the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR).

2. Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) to be subsumed to function as a department under the National Boundary Commission (NBC).

3. National Salaries, Income and Wages Commissioned (NSIWC) to be subsumed into the Revenue Mobilization & Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC).

4. Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution to be subsumed under the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA)

5. Public Complaints Commission (PCC) to be subsumed under the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

6. The Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis (NITR) will be subsumed into the Institute of Veterinary Research (VOM).

7. The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) will be subsumed under the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).

8. The National Intelligence Agency Pension Commission is to be subsumed under the administration of the Nigerian Pension Commission (PenCom).

9. The Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) will be subsumed as a Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy department.

AGENCIES TO BE RELOCATED:

1. Niger Delta Powerholding Company (NDHC) to be relocated to the Ministry of Power.

2. National Agricultural Land Development Agency [NALDA] to be relocated to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

3. National Blood Service Commission to be converted into an Agency and
relocated to the Federal Ministry of Health

4. Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to be converted into an agency and transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Better Practices, Better Nigeria.

23/02/2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS EXPEDITIOUS PROCESSING OF WELFARE BENEFITS, DEMANDS MONTHLY KPI REPORTS

President Bola Tinubu has asked senior civil servants to rededicate themselves to their duties and work towards improving the lives of Nigerians by acting with dispatch on matters that border on the welfare of citizens.

The President, who met with the Head of Service, The Body Of Permanent Secretaries, and some Directors-General of agencies at the State House, on Thursday, said policies impacting the welfare of the people and the economy must be treated with urgency, diligence, and a strong sense of duty.

President Tinubu warned that the ineffectiveness and unnecessary bureaucracy that result in the delay of interventions on the economy and with programmes targeting vulnerable citizens will not be tolerated.

He directed that a monthly briefing by The Head Of Service and submission of key performance indicator (KPI) reports should be made to his office for review, and that quarterly interactive meetings between the President and The Body of Permanent Secretaries will now be scheduled. The Head Of Service and The Body Of Permanent Secretaries have been mandated by the President to consistently measure progress in actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

“Before the next meeting, I want to see progress in the civil service. I have been sending people to check the level of work that gets done. Service to the nation is extremely important. We are to change the narrative on Nigeria.

“You and I can change the perception about Africa, not just Nigeria. We might not get it 100 percent right, but if we are focused, I think we can totally change and reshape the trajectory of our country in the right direction,’’ he said.

President Tinubu asked public servants to always think and work with a generational understanding of their role in shaping national history, knowing that they serve as the engine room of the government and that their actions will affect more than 200 million people in the country and abroad.

“Let us make our children’s dreams come true. Why are we slowing that down?

“It is not just shameful. It is unacceptable. We made a pledge to bring our people out of poverty. You should not increase their vulnerability. Help Nigerians to get out of these problems, do not compound the tough situation with unacceptable delays,’’ the President said.

Before President Tinubu's address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan briefed him on the performance of the service in relation to previously established KPIs across multiple assessment streams.

Better Practices, Better Nigeria.