Day: June 27, 2024

_: Mr Michael Ohiani, Director-General of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), says Nigeria requires N348 trillion to address infrastructure deficit in the country.

He said this during a presentation at the Second Quarter 2024 Nigeria Public Private Partnership Network (NPPN) meeting in Minna on Wednesday.

The theme of the meeting was ‘Using PPPs in Infrastructure Delivery in the States to ensure National Food Security and Economic Growth’.

Ohiani disclosed that going by the Medium-Term Development Plan, the country required over N348.1 trillion investment in infrastructure.

He said the private sector would be able to provide the chunk of this investment to the tune of about N298.3 trillion while the sub-national governments can provide N49.7 trillion.

‘This goes to show the importance of the private sector in infrastructure development,’ Ohiani said.

He added that the revised National Infrastructure Investment Master Plan for the next 23 years envisaged that the country would require
$2.2 trillion to bridge the infrastructure deficit in the country.

Ohiani said the various options available through which the government can raise funds were through borrowing, further repatriation of national funds and seeking further foreign intervention.

Other options, he added, were to raise more bonds, Sukuk, tax credit schemes, Public Private Partnership (PPP), both through solicited and unsolicited proposals.

In his keynote address, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), commended state governors for embracing the benefits and opportunities of PPP as an alternative procurement method.

Akume, represented by Simon Tyungu, a Director in his Office, said the meeting was timely given the infrastructure deficit in the country and government’s efforts to invest in renewal and modernisation.

In his remarks, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger said his administration was focusing on farming, thereby taking advantage of the vast arable land in the state.

Bago, represented by Alhaji A
bubakar Salisu, the state’s Head of Service, added that the state would continue to partner with the Federal Government and international agencies in respect of agricultural development.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

_: Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, outgoing Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, has urged students of the Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies, of the university to participate in peace-building.

Na’Allah, who advised the students at a pre-graduation dinner and award ceremony in Abuja, also urged them to uphold the ethics of conflict resolution in their various professions.

The vice chancellor, who was represented by the Director of the institute, Prof. Mutiullah Olasupo, highlighted the importance of participating in peace-building processes in the society.

He said the institute would continue to strengthen its manpower base through training of employees, research, and advocacy.

‘We celebrate your milestone achievements; you have worked hard and persevered to reach this point, and now it is time for you to spread your wings and soar high in pursuit of your dreams.

‘I wish you success as you venture into the real world and take on new challenges and opportunities.

‘Throu
ghout the years of your coursework, we have shared so many experiences.

‘From the challenging exams and late-night study sessions to the laughter-filled events and heartfelt discussions, each moment has shaped the person you are today.

‘I hope you have learned not only courses of your study but also valuable life lessons about teamwork, resilience, conflict resolution, astute leadership, and the power of curiosity.

‘I wish you all the best in your future endeavours, and may you continue to impact the world,’ he said.

A lecturer at the institute, retired Maj.-Gen. Bola Koleoso, emphasised the need for the students to embrace the spirit of discipline and be good ambassadors of the institute.

He urged them to regulate their behaviours so that they do not make a negative impact on society, saying: ‘You must be aware of who you are and the impact you are having on others.”

He urged them to learn intelligent skills to enable them to interact positively with people for the benefit of mankind.

A student of Cr
iminology and Security Students, Mr Isaac Ogbaji, who is also the Chairman of the event’s Planning Committee, said the institute offered him the opportunity to learn about the security challenges in the country.

‘I have finished my project and submitted it as expected. Right now I am waiting for my certificate.

‘I feel so delighted to be here. Mahatma Gandhi once said that wisdom comes with so much pain. I have gone through so much pain here.

‘As I look forward to the next phase of my life, I am better than I used to be because my wisdom, understanding, and enlightenment have increased.

‘I have increased in all areas of my life because I am a student of Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies,” he said.

Ogbaji praised the institute for the quality of training it offers, saying: ‘The institute is well-arranged, well-programmed. The teaching and learning experience is well-structured and I got more than I expected.

‘With all that I have learned from the institute, I am prep
ared to attack and deal with challenges that affect the world and Nigeria in particular,’ Ogbaji said.

One of the Award recipients, Dr Khadija Abdulrahman, who commended the Institute for finding her worthy, urged all Nigerians to place the unity, peace, and development of the country above all other interests.

‘We should love the country ahead of thinking of ourselves.

‘We should be encouraged that in our oneness is where our greatness lies as a country and our strength as Nigeria lies together in our unity.

‘For the students, we have shown exemplary attitudes and leadership to them and I think we have equipped them enough to face the challenges in Nigeria.

‘They are good to go and I believe they will contribute to the peace-building, unity, and strength of this country,” she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

_: Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, on Thursday met with the French Development Agency (AFD) as part of efforts to accelerate the commencement of Nigeria’s green industrial and emission migration.

Ngelale said that the meeting was on the sidelines of the 15th years of the activities of the AFD in the country.

He said that the AFD was a valued partner in the rollout of Nigeria’s actionable plans to create wealth and prosperity for the people as the central focus of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

‘We are determined to ensure that our cherished partners, such as the AFD, are supported by Nigerian institutions that are credible and function according to world-leading standards of transparency and efficiency.’

AFD is a public financial institution that is entrusted with the role of the main operator for France’s cooperation policy.

It combines the functions of development bank and implementing agency for France’s Official Development Assistance policy.

Ngelale,
who was at the meeting the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, and NCCC Director-General, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, had been engaged in such diplomatic moves recently.

The envoy had met with the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed, in New York on the first leg of the engagements.

Ngelale said that the meeting with Mohammed was aimed at deepening collaboration with critical stakeholders on the existential matter on the Nigeria’s new climate policies.

He also met with a sector-wide technical working group of the U.S. State Department at U.S. State Department Headquarters in Washington D.C.

‘I presented Nigeria’s green industrial plans and discussed our participation in the Energy Transition Accelerator, Methane reduction programme, as well as our Carbon Market and Management Initiatives, and updates on our NDCs, amongst other important matters,’ he said.

Similarly, he met with Mr Landon Derentz of the Global Energy Centre of the Washington-based Atlantic Council
on Wednesday in Washington D.C.

He said that the meeting centred on a productive and incisive discussion with Nigeria’s new reforms and programmes tabled.

‘As a key stakeholder in the global climate action and finance ecosystem, we shared views about green industry and carbon capture technology manufacturing and implementation in Nigeria moving forward. Exciting times ahead for Africa’s most populous nation.’

President Tinubu had approved the establishment of a committee to oversee the Green Economic Initiative, known as the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions.

Tinubu also approved the appointment of Ngelale as Special Envoy on Climate Action while retaining his role as the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

The Green Economy committee is part of a strategic move of the President to ensure the advancement of his administration’s climate and green economic initiatives.

The committee will coordinate and oversee all the policies and programmes on clim
ate action and green economic development.

It will coordination, foster a whole-of-government approach to climate-action programmes and provide an efficient governance architecture.

Also, the committee will ensure that all the relevant institutions in the sector are plugged into the President’s vision and are collectively implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda on climate action.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

_: Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation says access to justice is the bedrock for trust in legal institutions.

Jeddy-Agba said this while delivering a keynote address during the citizens engagement event tagged ‘Access to Justice’ on Wednesday in Abuja.

She was represented by Mrs Victoria Ojogbane, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the ministry.

She said the second quarter stakeholders’ engagement provides a unique and powerful platform to ensure that justice system is accessible.

‘Access to justice is the bedrock upon which trust in the legal institutions is built.

‘It is a fundamental right that must be upheld and protected as a cornerstone of a just, fair and equitable society.

‘It is also a critical pillar of democracy that ensures that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status have the opportunity to seek redress and the protection of their rights.”

She noted that the quarterly citizens and stakeholders engagement session was one of
the 12 ministerial deliverables of President Bola Tinubu that aligned with the mandate of the ministry.

‘This deliverable is to communicate government’s activities to citizens and also serve as a feedback mechanism to government,” she added.

Mrs Ndidi Ezinwa-Ukoha from the Legal Aid Council identified paucity of fund as a challenge citizens face in accessing justice, stressing that there is the need to address it.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was a breakout group discussion by participants which culminated into a robust interface and provision of solutions.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

he Federal Government has announced partnership with development partners to chart a climate-resilient path for the country’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that experts at a three-day national workshop gathered to develop the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan for the sector on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the sector’s role in promoting dignified lives and sustainable development amid climate change challenges.

Utsev, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, said climate change presents a significant threat to humanity, impacting WASH services globally.

He noted that the hazards of climate change exacerbate vulnerabilities in WASH facilities, leading to social and economic risks.

He added that ‘in Nigeria, only 10 per cent of households have access to basic WASH services, while 23 per cent lack basic water supply, according to the 2021 W
ASHNORM report.

‘These include increased household medical expenses, reduced agricultural productivity and higher incidences of civil unrest.’

These figures, he added, underscored the urgency to address climate-related risks in the sector.

He said that the recent cholera outbreaks was a stark reminder of the critical need for robust WASH services in the country.

According to him, the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan aims to tackle the challenges head-on, providing comprehensive framework for assessing climate impacts across geopolitical zones.

Utsev urged participants to prioritise behavioural change, capacity building, innovative technology and community engagement for climate-resilient WASH services.

‘This plan is about long-term solutions to ensure climate resilience in WASH infrastructure and practices to benefit future generations.

‘Education on climate-resilient practices is essential for both children and adults to foster sustainable habits,’ he said.

While calling on stakeholders to play
active roles in the initiative, the minister assured the ministry’s resolve to continue to allocate resources and create an enabling environment for climate-resilient WASH.

Earlier, Mr Mukaila Babarinde, the Director of Hydrology in the ministry, highlighted the critical impact of flooding in Nigeria, affecting 34 out of 36 states.

He explained that ‘as of November 2022, the situation had a devastating impact on 3.2 million people, resulting in 600 deaths and displacing 1.1 million individuals.

‘Erratic rainfall patterns and rising sea levels are increasingly challenging the maintenance of Nigeria’s fragile WASH infrastructure, particularly during floods and droughts.

‘Flooding causes severe damage to homes, farms and infrastructure, and it can also harm water and sanitation facilities.

‘This pollution of water sources and damage to sanitation systems increase the risk of waterborne and vector-borne illnesses.

‘Drought, on the other hand, reduces the availability of safe drinking water for households.

‘This scarcity makes it difficult to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene practices during climate crises.’

Babarinde emphasised that the situation not only poses immediate health risks to families but has far-reaching impacts on education and the economy.

He noted that the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan assesses Nigeria’s current climate conditions across geopolitical zones and proposes innovative solutions to enhance WASH services.

On his part, UNICEF WASH Manager, Chiranjibi Tirawi, said climate change poses the most significant threat to humanity today, impacting every sector, including water services.

He explained that majority of hhouseholds in the country already face challenges with limited access to quality water services, underscoring the timeliness of collaborative efforts to change the narrative.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of WaterAid, state water agencies and the Ministerial Advisory Council, urging collective action to protect those most affected, particula
rly at the grassroots.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

_: According to economic data released by the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong’s economy grew by 2.7% in the first quarter of 2024, which is much higher than expected. The consumption is the biggest source of power behind the gradual recovery of the economy. The private consumption in Hong Kong has increased by 1% in the first quarter of 2024, and has maintained growth for six consecutive quarters, accounting for more than 70% of the entire economy. In the first four months of 2024, the number of visitors to Hong Kong reached 14.62 million, which has formed a double year-on-year increase, and the average occupancy rate of hotels was about 80%. Every 1.5 million tourists will bring 0.1 percentage point of economic growth according to the calculations made by Hong Kong SAR Government, so the prosperity of cultural tourism is undoubtedly the core of Hong Kong’s economy.

In addition to consumption, Hong Kong’s foreign trade is also restoring its growth. Hong Kong’s total imports and exports
of goods increased by 9.9% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024 as demand from the mainland and the international market picked up. As of the end of March 2024, Hong Kong’s banking deposits totaled HK $16.2 trillion, which was an increase of 4.4% year-on-year. The HKSAR Government has introduced two new batches of 49 industry-leading enterprises up to now, and the joint venture investment will exceed HK $40 billion, creating more than 13,000 vacancies. By the end of April this year, Hong Kong’s various talent plans had received 290,000 applications and about 180,000 approvals, and 120,000 talents had arrived in Hong Kong.

The vibrant Hong Kong remains the same, and the world will witness a pearl of the orient full of opportunities.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria