News
Senate Confirms 3 Policy Committee Nominees, 2 CBN Deputy Govs
Ahead of the meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) , slated for April 3rd , 2018, the senate yesterday expeditiously confirmed appointments of three nominees for the MPC membership and two CBN Deputy Governorship nominees.
In ensuring quorum for the slated MPC meeting, the Senate after confirmation of appointments of the nominees, adjourned for 10minutes and resumed fresh plenary for adoption of votes and proceedings containing the confirmations for onward transmission to the President .
The Senate had penultimate week resolved to screen the four nominees forwarded to it by President Muhammadu Buhari for the MPC positions and two others for the CBN Deputy Governorship positions for the needed quorum having failed to hold on account of lack of quorum in January and this month.
The Screening carried out on Monday by the Senate Committee on Banking , Insurance and other Financial Institutions led to the confirmation of Professor Adeola Festus Adenikinju, Dr Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi and Dr Robert Chikwendu Asogua as MPC members .
Also confirmed as recommended by the reports presented by the Chairman of the committee, Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, were Mrs Aisha Ahmad and Mr Edward Lametek Adamu as CBN Deputy Governors .
The Senate however as recommended by the committee, rejected the confirmation of Dr Asheikh Maidugu as one of the nominees for MPC membership for not demonstrating independent mindedness during his screening.
The committee in the report rejecting Maidugu said : ” The nominee was interviewed by the committee and he responded to the questions asked by the members but the committee was dissatisfied with his response to the independence required for each member of the MPC.
“The committee is particularly concerned that a regular civil servant laddened with bureaucracy and red – tapism may not be independent in his judgement on each crucial decision of the MPC that affect directly the whole economy “
The Chairman of the committee explained that the confirmation of the nominees, will give the needed quorum for the slated MPC meeting on the 3rd of next month.
According to him, the quorum for the meeting is 6 which must comprise the CBN Governor, two deputy governors and at least three MPC members .
“What the Senate has done with the screening and confirmation of these nominees , is to give life to Nigerian economy through sound monetary policies from MPC that had not been meeting since last year for lack of quorum .
“The fourth nominee for the MPC membership rejected by the senate is a civil servant with bureaucratic and red- tapism disposition unlike the three confirmed ones who are university dons that are 100% independent minded”, he said .
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki in his remarks, thanked the Committee for a job well done amd commend the entire senators for the cooperation given in adopting the report expeditiously.
“We promised the country last week that within a week we would carry out this confirmation and we have done this.”, he said .
https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/senate-confirms-n13-5m-monthly-allowance-to-senators/
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record revenue collection of N5.7 trillion as of November 12, 2024, surpassing its yearly target by 10 percent.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
Themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the conference showcased the Customs Service’s progress in modernizing its operations and fostering collaborative partnerships.
“Today, I stand before you to demonstrate how our commitments in 2023 have evolved into tangible achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the revenue growth to a series of reforms, including the implementation of a one-stop solution for cargo alerts, a revamped ICT infrastructure, streamlined inspection procedures, and enhanced automation.
Adeniyi explained that these changes reflect the agency’s commitment to elevating operational transparency and efficiency.
“We pledged to re-align our free trade operations, elevate cargo integrity standards, and expand our scanning capacities,” he said.
“Above all, we promised to usher in a new era of customs operations—one built on transparency, efficiency, and genuine collaborations with our partners.”
As of Tuesday, November 12, Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS collected N5.07 trillion, achieving the anticipated 10 percent revenue surplus.
“This performance validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted recent strides in trade facilitation, revealing that six companies have been selected to benefit from the Authorised Economic Operators programme, which provides fast-tracked customs clearance and other trade facilitation benefits.
Similarly, the NCS has processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, designed to expedite customs decisions on import and export cargoes before they reach Nigerian ports.
The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the NCS’s potential to drive further economic growth, citing the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing innovative practices within the customs sector.
Nineteen out of the thirty-eight directors who were shortlisted to fill permanent secretary vacancies within the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination, a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) revealed on Tuesday.
The memo, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, disclosed that the qualifying exam was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through the OHCSF, launched the recruitment drive in October to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
Providing insights into the progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at OHCSF, stated, “Of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu highlighted the rigorous three-stage selection process, designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are appointed to these high-ranking civil service roles.
This comprehensive approach, according to OHCSF, aims to elevate the quality of leadership across federal ministries.
The directors who advance beyond the ICT proficiency test will face a final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior government officials and private sector experts will conduct a final evaluation to determine their suitability for the permanent secretary positions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
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