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Tag: Federal Government

  • Nigeria enhances border security as Mpox cases reach 39

    Nigeria enhances border security as Mpox cases reach 39

    The Federal Government has enhanced its monitoring and screening measures at all entry points into Nigeria to address the Monkeypox outbreak.

    Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced this in a statement on Thursday, which was signed by his Special Adviser on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday that there are 39 confirmed cases of mpox across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory since the start of 2024, with no reported deaths.

    “The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, emphasised that the country has intensified monitoring and screening procedures at all entry points in response to the threat of Mpox, Clade 1,” the SA said in the Thursday statement.
    Protesters lament the deteriorating situation of the country as hunger protest continue. | Punch
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    The statement quoted the minister as saying that the NCDC and Nigeria Ports Health Services, part of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, had been strengthening Nigeria’s defenses even before mpox was officially declared a public health emergency.

    “This Mpox Clade 1 strain has caused fatalities in up to 10 per cent of individuals who have fallen ill in previous outbreaks. He added that the aim is to tackle and mitigate its impact by deploying measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Pate noted.

    He went on to explain that the government had introduced a new requirement for all travelers to fill out an online health declaration form before arriving in the country.

    “This measure is being introduced alongside the activation of infectious disease centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.

    The minister also encouraged the public to maintain good hygiene practices, including regular hand washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, particularly after coming into contact with infected individuals or animals.

    On Tuesday, the Africa Centre for Disease Control declared a public health emergency due to the escalating mpox outbreak across the continent.

    The outbreak has spread across several African nations, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) being particularly affected.

    The DRC is experiencing a severe and expanding outbreak that has now crossed its borders.

    A new viral strain, first identified in September 2023, has been detected outside the DRC for the first time.

    The World Health Organisation highlighted concerns over this new virus strain, clade 1b, which has rapidly spread mainly through sexual networks, and its detection in neighboring countries, leading to the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

    In 2024 alone, approximately 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths from mpox have been reported across 13 African countries.

    Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans, and is endemic in several African regions, including Central and West Africa’s tropical rainforests.

    The exact reservoir of the virus remains unknown, though rodents, squirrels, and monkeys are suspected to contribute to its transmission.

    In response, the Rivers State Government has provided 46 motorcycles to tuberculosis supervisors and their deputies in the 23 local councils of the state to enhance tracking and treatment efforts. This initiative, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, aims to reach remote areas and work towards eliminating tuberculosis in the state.

    Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the state Commissioner for Health, presented the motorcycles in Port Harcourt, emphasizing that the move is intended to improve access to hard-to-reach areas and ultimately eradicate tuberculosis in the region.

    She stated, “Tuberculosis is one of those notorious infections that have been ravaging countries across the world, especially low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria.

    “In partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme with immense support from the Global Fund, we are here gathered with these 46 motorcycles which will be supported for the 23 local government areas TB supervisors and their deputies.

    “We know that at the forefront of tackling this deadly infectious disease is active community surveillance. And these motorcycles will enable the TB Supervisors and the Deputies to go into the nook and crannies of our communities to identify those who may be infected and put them on the treatment that they need,” the health commissioner said.

  • Federal government of Canada reports $25.7 billion deficit from April to January

    Federal government of Canada reports $25.7 billion deficit from April to January

    The Canadian government spent $25. 7 billion more than it took in up to January for this year.

    The Finance Department reported in its monthly budget update that the deficit from April to January was smaller than the $6. 4 billion deficit from the previous year.

    The fiscal monitor gives a last look at how the government’s money is doing before the Finance Minister presents the budget on April 16.

    Freeland said the government will stick to the spending limits it promised in the fall, and will keep the deficit at around $40 billion for this year.

    The most recent numbers show that the government made $10. 5 billion more, which is a three percent increase. This was mainly because more people paid personal income tax and other taxes, and the government also received more money from sources other than taxes.

    At the same time, the amount of money spent on programs, not including losses from financial calculations, went up by $21. 2 billion, or 6. 7%This was because spending increased in all the main areas.

    The amount of money the government owes went up by $10. 3 billion, or 35.9 percent. This happened mostly because the interest rates went up.

    Net losses decreased by $1. 9 billion, or 23. 2 percent, from the previous year.

  • 33% reduction in terminal charges by Federal government

    33% reduction in terminal charges by Federal government

    The Federal Government, represented by the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), has announced a significant reduction in port terminal charges, cutting them by 33 percent from the initial proposal of 400 to 600 percent of storage charges.

    However, bulk cargo charges have been increased by 100 percent, rising from 125 to 250 percent.

    These adjustments were the primary outcomes of a meeting that brought together the leadership of the Council, seaport terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and various stakeholders.

    One notable change that emerged from the meeting is the extension of the number of free days for cargo storage at the terminals.

    This extension sees the free storage period increase from three days to five days, a move intended to provide greater flexibility for shippers and reduce overall costs.

    Rekiya Dhikru-Yagboyaju, the Director of the Public Relations Unit of the Nigerian Shippers Council, confirmed these developments, emphasizing that the proposed 600 percent increase in terminal charges was scaled back to 400 percent.

    The adjustments aim to strike a balance between the needs of terminal operators and the interests of shippers.

    “All complaints regarding inefficiencies by the terminal operators will be addressed immediately. This commitment aims to improve overall operations and enhance customer satisfaction.

  • Nigeria: Tech hubs to be created in 7 states to support 1m youths, 500,000 MSMEs

    Nigeria: Tech hubs to be created in 7 states to support 1m youths, 500,000 MSMEs

    On Sunday August 6, 2023, the federal government announced a collaboration with Wema Bank to set up digital hubs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in seven states.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed this development in a statement issued by Olusola Abiola, the Director of Information in his office. Shettima stated that the digital hubs are designed to equip one million young individuals with valuable digital skills.

    He further explained that this initiative emerged from discussions between the vice president and representatives from Wema Bank. The endeavor aligns with the government’s dedication to generating digital employment opportunities for the nation’s youth.

    The statement read:  “The centres to be known as FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub will open first in Lagos and Borno states, with Katsina, Cross River, Anambra, Oyo, and Kano, to follow afterwards.

    ”They will be run in partnership with a leading financial institution in Nigeria, WEMA Bank. The strategic objectives of the programme include to empower young entrepreneurs by providing them with tailored financial products, training and support to enable them build sustainable businesses that will support the growth of Nigeria’s economy.

    “Other objectives include: supporting tech-savvy youths with keen interest in digital innovations and aspire to drive technological advancements, by providing them with financial solutions, training and access to strategic partnerships; and empowering young employees to become an integral part of the workforce in Nigeria, especially those deployed through the NYSC.”

    One million young people would gain from software engineering, product design, and other digital skills, according to the vice president, while 500,000 SMEs would receive business development mentoring.

    “FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub, positioned to serve as a centralized platform to provide cutting-edge digital skills, mentorship and networking opportunities, is targeted at tech-savvy youths and young entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

    “The focus is on promoting entrepreneurship, skills development and the integration of young employees in the workforce, particularly getting one million youths employed in the digital economy and upskilling SMEs who can directly add value to the country’s economy.

    “In training, 1 million young adults will be trained in software engineering, product management, business analysis, cloud computing, product design, using a specialized curriculum designed for the FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub.

    “In mentorship, 500,000 SMEs across Nigeria will be mentored by experts while coaches will train and upskill them for business growth and quantum leap.

    “Under the scheme grants will be provided under a collaborative arrangement between the federal government and WEMA Bank, setting aside N500 million to be given to SMEs and techprenuers,” he stated further.

  • Get 3,000 CNG buses procured from regional companies — MAN to FG

    Get 3,000 CNG buses procured from regional companies — MAN to FG

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the Federal Government to involve local automobile companies in the production of the proposed 3,000 units of 20-seater buses fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG).

    This measure aims to improve transportation efficiency throughout the country.

    While making this appeal, MAN also applauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to allocate N75 billion over the next eight months to support the manufacturing sector. This move is part of the government’s broader plan to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerian citizens.

    In a recent nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu specifically pledged to reserve N75 billion for 75 manufacturing enterprises, allowing them to access N1 billion credit at an interest rate of 9% per annum from August 2023 to March 2024.

    This financial intervention is expected to accelerate growth and transformation within the manufacturing sector.

    The Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, expressed his positive reaction to the broadcast, highlighting that such interventions will alleviate hardships faced across various socio-economic segments.

    Furthermore, he emphasized that these initiatives will lead to widespread and far-reaching benefits for the nation.

    His words: “We had indicated that the best palliative is to remove the binding constraints that have bedevilled the productive sector so that jobs can be created and guaranteed, salaries can be paid and production capacity boosted, with the attendant lower prices and improved availability.

    “This is far more beneficial than palliatives that would only give nominal relief.”

    Ajayi-Kadir further stated: “The promise that 75 manufacturing enterprises will access N1 billion credit at 9% interest rate per annum and working capital is commendable.   It is a good start to address the dearth of loanable funds in the face of rising lending rate occasioned by the continued increase in the monetary policy rate (MPR) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “It is however very important and critical that the vehicles for the delivery of these loans should be carefully selected and the implementation diligently monitored. The Bank of Industry (BoI) has shown excellent performance as an appropriate transaction structure for such facilities.”

    On the procurement of 3,000 buses, the MAN DG said: “It is equally important to ensure that the promised 3000 units of   20-seater buses be procured from indigenous automobile Industries.

    “This is a golden opportunity for the federal government to demonstrate unfailing commitment to the implementation of the subsisting Executive Order 003, which prioritizes the patronage of made in Nigeria products.”

  • Nigeria: Govt to close down online banks harassing customers

    Nigeria: Govt to close down online banks harassing customers

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has declared its intention to remove any loan application that engages in customer harassment and request that Google permanently delete such apps from its app store.

    This decision comes as a response to the ongoing harassment and defamation faced by Nigerians at the hands of these digital lenders. It represents the latest measure implemented by the Federal Government to safeguard Nigerians from the activities of these lenders.

    Earlier this year, the FCCPC mandated loan apps to register with the commission. To date, 180 apps have received full or conditional approval from the FCCPC to operate in the country.

    Additionally, Google recently announced that loan apps would not be permitted on its app store without regulatory approval.

    In April, Google further announced that loan apps on the Play Store would lose their ability to access users’ contacts or photos starting from May 31, 2023.

    Despite these measures, loan apps have persisted in their harassment of customers.

    Babatunde Irukera, the Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, emphasized that the commission is prepared to permanently shut down the operations of these apps.

  • Somalia promises incentives in bid to attract investors

    Leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia, its international partners, and a cross-section of Somalis gathered in the capital on Monday and Tuesday for the country’s first-ever International Investment Conference–an opportunity for the world to appreciate the progress being made by Somalia on the political and economic front.

    President Mohamud highlighted the efforts of his government to create a favorable investment environment to attract foreign direct investment through constitutional governance and stability based on the rule of law and democracy as the country rebuilds after years of conflict.

    Held under the theme: ‘Unlocking Sectoral Investments to Accelerate Economic Growth,’ the conference is organised by the Federal Ministry of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, in partnership with the private sector and development partners, and is supported by the United Nations in Somalia.Potential for investment.

    In his remarks at the opening day of the conference, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Somalia, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Adam Abdelmoula, noted that the investment conference was in line with the objectives of the UN in Somalia to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030, and was aligned with the Sustainable Development cooperation framework between the UN and Somalia (2021-2025).

    The United States Ambassador to Somalia, Larry E. André Jr., who was one of the keynote speakers during the opening of the conference, expressed confidence in Somalia’s full economic revival and noted that the United States supports the partnership between Somalia and international financial institutions.

    In recent years Somalia has normalized its relations with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and other international financial institutions after 30 years outside the international financial system.

    The US Ambassador said that ongoing reforms to have Somalia qualify for debt relief through the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, will ensure the flow of significant resources to support reconstruction efforts.

    The Somali diaspora continues to play an important role in providing much-needed financial remittances, which are key to boosting economic growth in the trade, hospitality, banking, fishing, and real estate sectors. In the recent past, Somalia has focused on improving infrastructure, regulating import and export standards, accession to international and regional trade mechanisms such as the World Trade Organisation, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    The gathering heard that Somalia’s strategic location with the longest coastline in Africa for trade and market access and its endowed natural resources makes the country a prime investment destination with opportunities in priority sectors of energy, ICT, banking and finance, fisheries, and agri-business.

    In his address at the closing day of the conference, the Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre expressed the government’s commitment to implement legislative, economic, and security reforms to enhance the ease of doing business and create a favourable investment climate.

     

    Source: Africa News