News

SUBSIDY REMOVAL: NEC SETS UP AD-HOC COMMITTEE TO LIAISE WITH LABOUR UNION LEADERSHIP

Published

3 years ago

August 17, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

SUBSIDY REMOVAL: NEC SETS UP AD-HOC COMMITTEE TO LIAISE WITH LABOUR UNION LEADERSHIP

Urges State Governments to upscale distribution of palliatives
Mourns military personnel killed in Niger State

By: Our Reporter

In a bid to create a forum for dialogue towards resolving issues surrounding the petrol subsidy removal across the States, the National Economic Council (NEC) has constituted an Ad-hoc Committee to engage with the leadership of labour unions.

The decision was reached at the 135th meeting of NEC chaired by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima in Abuja on Thursday.

The committee comprises the Nigerian Governors Forum Chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Governor of Anambra State,Chukwuma Soludo; Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

Vice President said the committee will liaise with the leadership of labour unions in the country to find a way forward on the emerging issues in the interest of the nation.

Council also received progress reports on the ongoing nationwide distribution of rice, grains, fertilizer, other items to States and N5 billion financial support, provided by the Federal Government and commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their interventions.

Council then noted various interventions by State governments and urged them to upscale the distribution of palliatives towards alleviating the suffering of citizens especially the vulnerable groups.

NEC also mourned the death of some military personnel in Niger State and observed a minute silence in honour of deceased, while commiserating with their families.

Below are other highlights of the meeting:

Excess Crude Account from 19th July to 14th August, 2023, $473,754.57

Stabilisation Account from 18th July to 14th August, N30,346,557,405.12

Natural Resources Account from 18th July to 14th August 2023, N115,175,616,159.65

PRESENTATION OF PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF FLOOD DISASTER ACROSS THE STATES IN NIGERIA BY GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE

The Governor at the 128th NEC Meeting held on 20th October, 2022, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, drew attention of Council to the devastating effect of the 2022 flooding which affected about 31 States of the Federation that had resulted in the loss of over 600 lives, displacement of millions of people, destruction of hundreds of thousands of houses and submersion of thousands of hectares of farmlands and appealed for urgent intervention from the Federal Government to address the impact of the menace on the people and infrastructure.

Consequently, Council resolved to setup a 5-man Ad-hoc Committee on flooding comprising of Governors of Jigawa, Kogi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Lagos and Yobe State. The following were also coopted into the Committee:

Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning

Honourable Minister of Water Resources

Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management

Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria

Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

The Terms of Reference of the Committee was to “Review the current flooding situation in the country and design a template for compensation of victims”.

The Committee had its inaugural meeting on Thursday 10th November 2022 at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat. Highlight of the Meeting were as follows:

The Committee acknowledged the urgency of the assignment and hence the need to expedite action in order to table a draft report at the next NEC Meeting.

A sub-committee was constituted to propose modalities to address imminent food crisis due to the flooding and possible source of funding for palliatives to victims. The Sub-committee was to be Chaired by the Executive Governor of Kebbi State and the following as Members: Ministries of Agriculture, Humanitarian, Finance, NEMA and CBN.

NEC Secretariat to develop and forward a Template with accompanying letter to all the affected States to collect data on Preliminary Assessment of the impact of the flood in the affected Communities, harmonize the data and produce report of their findings to the Committee.

LIMITATIONS

The exercise would have been more successful and effective if all the affected States had responded as and when due and according to provisions made in the template. Some of the limitations include the following:
Delay or Non-submission of filled template by some States. Only 16 out of the total number of affected States forwarded their submissions to NEC Secretariat to date as expected. About 15 others were yet to do so. The submission from defaulting States are awaited to update the database.

Some of the States that submitted did not fully complied with requisitions of the template thereby making some of their submissions difficult to process by the automated system. There is the need for compliance with laid down processes to allow for higher degree of uniformity especially considering the huge volume of data involved.

Only few States reached out to the Council Secretariat’s Technical Team for possible guidance and assistance in the exercise. States are encouraged to take advantage of the Secretariat’s personnel to address important concerns where necessary.

Only few States indicated financial implication for the damages caused thereby making it difficult to proposed a required amount of intervention.

Some submissions were not done according to the template which makes difficult to ascertain the financial implications of such states.

RECOMMENDATIONS
The plight of victims of the unfortunate flood disaster across affected States of the Federation could be alleviated if the much needed intervention from the Federal Government materialized without further delay.

There is therefore the need to expedite release of fund to affected States as recommended by designated Committees constituted by the Federal Government to that effect. This would go a long way in addressing the needs of the victims as well as offset debt incurred by some States to assist their citizens.
COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS

NEC Secretariat and officials of the Office of the Vice President to visit the affected states for on-the-spot assessment of the situation on ground. The exercise will authenticate the date submitted by state to determine needed intervention.

That Federal Government’s immediate intervention to be expeditiously carried out by NEMA, Ecological Fund Office and other relevant agencies. States to assure maximum cooperaton.

NEC resolves that all hands should be on deck to assure appropriate submission and data presentation. The quality of data collected should be enhanced to meet international standard. That the challenges of flooding deserves concerted and collective effort.

There is need to strengthen NEMA as a structure and sustainable adaptation measures for the citizens. In mobilizing resources to tem the tide of flooding, there is need to look beyond NEMA.

NEC Secretariat to come up with recommedations on the roadmap towards addressing the flood situtation.

PRESENTATION ON EXPLORING A NEC AGENDA FOR MACROECONOMICS STABILITY & SHARED PROSPERITY BY DG NESG

The Presentation was to inform the council on achieving low Inflation and stimulation Growth and Macroeconomic Objectives.

MACROECONOMIC STABILITY OBJECTIVES:

High and stable economy
Low Inflation Growth Price level
unemployment Account
Favourable Current low balance and stable exchange rate account balance

CURRENT MACROECONOMIC LANDSCAPE

Investment inflows have dwindled since 2019, likewise the country’s investment/GDP ratio; Crude Oil exports and refined petroleum products imports dominate Nigeria’s trade structure.
Nigeria’s Naira position against major trading currencies deteriorated
Weak FX supply and heightened demand for imports remains core drivers of exchange rate instability; market volatility persists despite recent FX alignment, driven by pressure on FX demand that widens the gap between official and parallel market rates due to inadequate supply and speculative tendencies; external reserves remain under pressure as external reserves fell by 8.3 percent from 37.1 billion in January 2023 to 33.9 billion in July 2023.
KEY CONSIDERATION FOR IMPROVING THE OUTCOMES OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL
Inflationary impact: Fuel subsidy removal will increase inflation. So, there is a need for robust social programmes.
Efficiency in government spending: There has been a lack of clarity on how the government spends subsidy savings. This issue must be addressed.
Investment in the downstream and midstream segments of the industry: Achieving this will reduce huge dependence on petrol imports and strike out the need to pay subsidies on fuel.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The NEC must insist on pushing a national legislative reform agenda for national competitiveness. It is essential that nigeria resolves the legislative binding constraints to our national competitiveness, the nesg through nassber, our partnership with national assembly and nigerian bar association has identified over 115 legislations that hinder growth, in the last few years, 10 legislations have been passed (including the cama 2020 and the pia 2021.

COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS:

Council commended NESG for its presentation especially on pragmatic roadmaps for tackling current economic challenges.
It was noted that the recommendations contained in the NESG’s roadmap needs to be reviewed to align with existing economic agenda at the national and sub-national levels for pragmatic purposes.

SUBSIDY REMOVAL: NEC SETS UP AD-HOC COMMITTEE TO LIAISE WITH LABOUR UNION LEADERSHIP

News

WYSN Demands Independent Probe into Attack on Sowore in Ekiti

Published

4 hours ago

October 31, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

WYSN Demands Independent Probe into Attack on Sowore in Ekiti

By: Michael Mike

The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN) has called for an independent investigation into the alleged attack on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, and members of his campaign team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The group also demanded that Governor Biodun Oyebanji publicly address allegations that government-linked individuals sponsored the attack, insisting that anyone found culpable, including alleged sponsors, must be brought to justice.

In a statement issued on Friday, WYSN condemned the incident, which reportedly occurred at a restaurant around 1 p.m., shortly after Sowore attended an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti.

The group said armed individuals stormed the premises, assaulted Sowore and members of his team, vandalised property and injured several people.

It added that Sowore was subsequently taken to the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for medical treatment.

WYSN noted that the Ekiti State Police Command had confirmed the incident and ordered an investigation, although the police reportedly disputed initial accounts of kidnapping, describing the incident as an altercation.

The organisation, however, said Sowore had rejected that account and maintained that he and members of his team were violently attacked.

It further called for a thorough investigation into Sowore’s allegations that the attackers were government-sponsored thugs who came from the Ekiti State Government House, with operatives of the Department of State Services allegedly providing tracking and operational support.

The group also called for the investigation of individuals allegedly linked to the incident, including a person identified as Don Flexy.

According to WYSN, the incident raises serious concerns about political violence, freedom of expression and the safety of opposition figures as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It warned against the use of armed groups to intimidate political opponents, suppress dissent or prevent citizens from exercising their democratic rights.

“This is not simply an attack on one political candidate; it is an attack on democratic freedoms, political participation and the fundamental rights of every Nigerian,” the statement said.

The organisation cautioned against a political environment in which guns, cult groups and hired thugs replace political debate, democratic engagement and citizens’ freedom to organise.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to governors, political godfathers or their hired enforcers. No political office is worth the blood, freedom or dignity of any Nigerian,” it added.

WYSN urged the governor and relevant security agencies to provide explanations and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident were established through a transparent investigation.

WYSN Demands Independent Probe into Attack on Sowore in Ekiti

News

Princess Simdiga Amna Dungus, Philip Ikodor Tie the Knot in Abuja

Published

4 hours ago

October 31, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Princess Simdiga Amna Dungus, Philip Ikodor Tie the Knot in Abuja

Princess Simdiga Amna Dungus and Philip Oshiomha Ikodor have tied the knot at a colourful wedding ceremony held in Abuja on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The ceremony attracted family members, friends, associates, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other distinguished guests who gathered to witness and celebrate the couple’s union.

Princess Simdiga is the daughter of the late Chief and Mrs Amna Dungus of Banjiram, Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, while the groom, Philip Oshiomha Ikodor, is the son of the late Pa Supol and Mrs Tec Ikodor of Ikabigbo, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The wedding featured prayers, goodwill messages and other memorable moments as the couple exchanged marital vows, pledging their love, commitment and devotion to each other before God, their families and invited guests.

Among the notable personalities at the occasion was Dr Mohammed Sani Abubakar, Publisher of OurNigeria News Magazine, who was recognised for his presence and support at the celebration.

Also in attendance was Princess Ashlee Omonegho Momoh, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, alongside other prominent guests who joined in celebrating the newlyweds.

Following the exchange of vows, the reception took place at the same venue, where guests celebrated with the couple amid goodwill messages and expressions of joy.

Family members and well-wishers offered prayers for the newlyweds, wishing them a peaceful, prosperous and enduring marriage.

The ceremony brought together relatives and friends from Adamawa and Edo states, marking a significant milestone for both families as Princess Simdiga and Philip began their journey as husband and wife.

Congratulations to Princess Simdiga Amna Dungus and Philip Oshiomha Ikodor on their wedding!

Princess Simdiga Amna Dungus, Philip Ikodor Tie the Knot in Abuja

News

Nigeria, Türkiye Move to Deepen Ties After Tinubu’s Ankara Visit

Published

1 day ago

October 30, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria, Türkiye Move to Deepen Ties After Tinubu’s Ankara Visit

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Türkiye have pledged to deepen bilateral relations across trade, investment, defence, education and other strategic sectors following the signing of nine agreements and memoranda of understanding during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Ankara in January 2026.

The Federal Government reaffirmed the commitment in a statement congratulating the Turkish government and people on the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, celebrated on October 29.

Nigeria said the agreements signed during Tinubu’s visit had strengthened the foundation for expanded cooperation between the two countries in areas including trade and investment, education, diaspora policy, military cooperation, media and communication, and diplomatic training.

The government also identified manufacturing, construction, textiles and solid minerals as sectors offering opportunities for stronger economic partnerships between both countries.

It said Nigeria remained committed to sustaining high-level engagements and using institutional mechanisms, including the Joint Economic and Trade Commission, to consolidate existing partnerships, explore new areas of cooperation and promote mutually beneficial economic opportunities.

The Federal Government also welcomed progress in defence cooperation, particularly in local capacity building, technology transfer and institutional collaboration between the armed forces of both countries.

According to the government, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening defence capabilities and addressing common security challenges.

Nigeria further noted that both countries continued to cooperate at the multilateral level on international peace and security, sustainable development and other global challenges.

The congratulatory message coincided with a Republic Day reception in Nigeria, where the Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Poroy reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening relations with Nigeria and other African countries.

The diplomat recalled that Türkiye established its consulate general in Lagos in April 1959, before the two countries elevated their relations to ambassadorial level on November 9, 1960, barely a month after Nigeria gained independence.

“Since then, we have developed our relations in every field based on the principles of mutual respect, friendship and win-win cooperation,” he said.

He said Türkiye’s foreign relations were guided by the principle of peace at home and peace in the world, associated with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

The diplomat also recalled Türkiye’s strategic partnership with the African Union, established in 2008, as part of its engagement with the continent.

In a video message played at the reception, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed pride in the country’s 103-year republican history and congratulated Turkish citizens at home and abroad on the anniversary.

Erdoğan highlighted developments in Türkiye over the past 24 years in areas including defence, energy, transportation and diplomacy, describing the courage and determination demonstrated during the country’s struggle for independence as a continuing source of national motivation.

The Ambassador also announced an exhibition of paintings by his wife, Ayşegül Poroy, an associate professor of fine arts.

The exhibition is scheduled to hold at the Alçöyün Gallery of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs from November 3 to 20, with the opening ceremony slated for November 3 at 5 p.m.

Nigeria, in its congratulatory message, wished the government and people of Türkiye continued peace, stability, progress and prosperity, while expressing its readiness to strengthen cooperation in pursuit of shared objectives and mutual prosperity.

Nigeria, Türkiye Move to Deepen Ties After Tinubu’s Ankara Visit