A decade after its inception, the Abuja Centenary City project faces renewed scrutiny as the Senate initiates an investigation into its faltering $18.5 billion public-private sector-led initiative.

In a bid to breathe new life into the ambitious venture, the Senate, under the 10th Assembly, has established an ad-hoc committee chaired by Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin.

The brainchild behind the investigative move, Sen. Yisa Oyelola representing Kwara South, highlighted the initial vision of the project, which was earmarked as a free trade zone under the auspices of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).

He emphasised the necessity of revisiting the project’s trajectory, given its substantial economic potential.

While some lawmakers advocate for a public-private partnership (PPP) revival strategy, dismissing the notion of direct federal funding, others underscore the need for a self-sustaining financial model.

Sen. ISAH Jibrin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, emphasised the importance of exploring investment banking avenues to secure the project’s financial future.

To expedite progress, the Senate has tasked the Committee on Federal Capital Territory with investigating the hurdles obstructing the project’s completion.

Specifically, the committee is mandated to scrutinise the existing public-private partnership agreement and propose necessary amendments to facilitate a prompt resolution within a defined timeframe.

Also, the Senate urged the Federal Government to prioritise the project’s revival by extending essential support, resolving regulatory bottlenecks, and addressing any lingering obstacles.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set a firm deadline for Point of Sales (PoS) operators to finalise their registration with the Corporate Affairs Corporation (CAC) by July 7, 2024.

This announcement came to light during a pivotal meeting between Fintech representatives and the Registrar-General/Chief Executive Officer (CAC), Hussaini Magaji (SAN), held in Abuja on Tuesday.

In his address, Magaji emphasised the critical importance of adhering to the two-month timeline for registering agents, merchants, and individuals with the commission, citing compliance with legal requirements and directives from the CBN.

According to a statement titled ‘CAC, PoS Operators Agree to Two-Month Deadline to Register Their Agents and Merchants to Strengthen the Fintech Industry,’ issued by the CAC, this measure aims at bolstering Fintech customers’ businesses and fortifying the economy.

Magaji underscored that this action is supported by Section 863, Subsection 1 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, as well as the 2013 CBN guidelines on agent banking.

He clarified that the deadline, ending on July 7, 2024, is not targeted at specific groups or individuals but rather aims at safeguarding businesses collectively.

Prominent voices from the Fintech sector committed to collaborating with the commission to ensure the seamless implementation of this directive.

While expressing support, some stressed the necessity for comprehensive and collective sensitisation to ensure the efficacy of the exercise.

Tokoni Peter, the Special Adviser to the President on ICT Development and Innovation, affirmed his commitment to facilitating a smooth process in alignment with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the current administration.

Representatives from Opay, Momba, Palmpay Ltd, Pay Stack, Fair Money MFB, Monie Point, and Teasy Pay, present at the event, further solidified their dedication by signing a document in support of the project.

...workers worse hit by worsening economic situation

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan Chapter, Professor Ayoola Akinwole, has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors to make the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian workers a top priority.

Speaking on Tuesday, Professor Akinwole emphasised the dire impact of Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, particularly exacerbated by the recent fuel subsidy removal backlash and ongoing fuel scarcity, on the working class and their families.

In a statement released to commemorate the 2024 May Day celebration, Akinwole underscored the invaluable contributions of Nigerian workers to the nation’s development, despite enduring undervaluation and inadequate compensation from both government and private sectors.

“Nigerians, particularly the working class, are celebrating 2024 Workers’ day experiencing fuel scarcity,” lamented Professor Akinwole.

“Workers who are poorly paid will still have to pay hiked transportation fare. The inflation in Nigeria is killing, and many are getting malnourished as the cost of food items have skyrocketed.”

He highlighted the disillusionment stemming from unfulfilled promises by federal and state governments to improve wages and working conditions, condemning the stark disparity between government officials’ wealth accumulation and workers’ impoverishment.

Expressing gratitude to Nigerian security forces for their service, Professor Akinwole urged President Tinubu to ensure special welfare provisions for families of those who have lost their lives defending the nation.

He emphasised that just as education is vital, the welfare of security agencies should be of utmost concern to the president.

Also, Professor Akinwole called upon the President to finalise agreements with ASUU and enhance working conditions for intellectuals in Nigeria, warning of a brain drain if lecturers continue to face inadequate compensation and poor working environments.

“If this trend persists, Nigeria will lose the talent needed to develop the education sector, while those lacking skills will secure employment with little to contribute,” cautioned Akinwole.

He urged the president to address this disparity and collaborate with ASUU to establish a living wage and improved conditions for public university lecturers, recognising them as essential patriots deserving of special consideration.