Connect with us

NEWS

FG Sets Up Presidential Committee to Restructure Foreign Missions

Published

on

 

By Edozie Obasi-Eze

Rattled by the heavy debt-burden hovering on Nigeria’s diplomatic missions across the world, the Federal Government has set up a Presidential Committee to review both their existence and operations.

Why I Declined Assent to Electoral Act Amendments - Buhari

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, in Abuja by the director of press, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Willie Bassey.

The statement revealed that the SGF, on Tuesday, inaugurated a 13-member Presidential Committee on the Review of Number and Strategy for Resourcing Nigeria’s Diplomatic Missions Worldwide.

Read also>>>Buhari Attributes Flood Disaster In Nigeria To Climate Change

According to the statement, the Committee was charged with reviewing all previous reports on the establishment of foreign missions and measures taken to effectively and economically manage Nigeria’s Mission; and to also identify challenges facing those Missions and make appropriate recommendations on their sustainability.

While inaugurating the 13-man committee, Mustapha decried the level of indebtedness confronting the foreign missions and said that the report of the committee would enable the Presidency identify and tackle the root causes of the critical state of affairs of the diplomatic missions, and ascertain its likely impact on the image of Nigeria across the world.

Mustapha said, “As we are all aware, our Diplomatic Missions around the world are currently faced with multifaceted challenges following, among others, the scale of perennial indebtedness they find themselves.

“This poses attendant damage to our nation’s integrity. Consequent upon these, Mr. President approved the constitution of this Presidential Committee.”

He pointed out that “the cost-saving measures taken by the previous administrations in reviewing the foreign missions had not yielded the desired results, hence the constitution of the Committee”.

According to the SGF, the committee should come up with a broad-based and sustainable service-wide solution, in relation “to institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission, among others”, so as to holistically address the challenges in short, medium and long-term bases.

The Committee which was given a 3-month timeline has the following as part of its Terms of Reference: to determine the current number, categories of Nigeria’s Diplomatic Missions; subject matter desks worldwide and categorize their strategic importance and impact worldwide and make appropriate recommendations; Identify and categorize the revenue generation capacity of missions, performance in this regard, causes and level of indebtedness.

Also in the Committee’s terms of reference are, reviewing the understanding and application of critical extant policies, guidelines, circulars, codes, regulations, financial management systems, statutes, etc, across Nigeria’s Missions with a view to minimizing bottlenecks, misapplication and infractions.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Committee, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibi (retired Federal Permanent Secretary), thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the confidence reposed in him and the members of his Committee to review the foreign mission service with the aim of repositioning it for effective service delivery.

Ambassador Uhomoibi assured the SGF of the preparedness of the committee to not only succeed at the task before them, but to also exceed all expectations.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NEWS

Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

Published

on

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.

Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.

The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.

In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.

Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.

According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.

They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.

PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.

The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.

PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.

PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.

The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.

To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.

PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

Published

on

Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.

Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.

“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.

The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.

“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.

Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.

“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”

With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.

He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.

The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.

In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

Published

on

In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.

Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors

Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.

A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.

Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.

The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.

 

 

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.