The Economic Confidential has released a list of ministers it identified as the “top 12 performers” in the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The publication, after reviewing the actions of the current Federal Executive Council (FEC) members, highlighted their efforts and achievements since assumption of office in August 2023.

Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike is in the list for establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission to guarantee career progression, ordering contractors to complete ongoing road, rail and township projects, and prioritising security measures, revenue generation, as well as the original Abuja master plan.

Minister of Finance and Economy, Wale Edun is included for reforms to revamp the economy such as removing fuel subsidies worth over N400bn monthly, spearheading alternative ways for generate more revenues, and expanding the scope of direct cash transfer schemes to millions of more households across the country.

Health and Social Welfare Minister, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate: For attracting development partners to support Nigeria’s healthcare, introducing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into national immunisation, launching the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to improve maternal health, and facilitating $1 billion MoU towards the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the list for clearing a backlog of over 200,000 international passports within a few weeks of his appointment, implementing automation of the passport application process, and facilitating the E-gates system at airports to reduce passengers’ physical contact with immigration officers.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi: Recognised for regular press briefings on governance, decorum during interactions and comments, engagements with stakeholders to address burning issues, and unification of the National Value Charter which provides guidelines on citizens’ rights and government’s expectations.

The report acknowledged the plans by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola to generate $20 billion from the global blue economy worth $1.5 trillion annually, create two million jobs every year through marine activities, and support stakeholders within the maritime sector.

Minister of Women Affairs, Ohanenye Uju Kennedy is in the list for championing the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through criminal justice system reform, inclusion of women in peace-building processes, and hosting of capacity-building activities under the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) programme.

Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake: For decisive actions including license revocation, spearheading enhanced security measures, launching revised guidelines for community development agreements (CDA) to protect citizens near mining operations, and signing a MOU on technology capable of exploring mineral resources up to 10,000 metres below earth’s surface.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite made the list for securing about $30 billion in foreign investment commitments in less than six months and facilitating bilateral agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom for artisan licensing skills to enhance the employability of youths.

Minister of Works, David Umahi: For warning contractors to meet the required standard within stipulated periods, forming a team of retired security personnel to protect construction sites and workers, and approving the use of concrete in most carriageways as it offers superior durability and less maintenance compared to asphalt.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo is credited with prioritising strict compliance with safety regulations for efficient air travel, upgrading of airports, runways, other aviation facilities and services, and improving capacity development to ensure professionals receive adequate training and support.

Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani is in the list for launching the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT), through NITDA, to develop 3 million techies by 2025, and attracting investors for projects such as the laying of approximately $2 billion fibre infrastructure across Nigeria

It announced this at the ongoing 7th Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, where President Bola Tinubu also provided some explanations on why his government had to remove petrol subsidy despite how difficult it was.

Providing a couple of status reports on Nigeria’s gas sector, during his remarks at the summit, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the OB3 gas pipeline as one of the biggest gas transmission systems in both Nigeria and Africa.

“Another milestone in our journey towards a gas-focused economy is the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline. I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made in the construction of this critical infrastructure project, and we are on track to ensure its completion and commissioning as scheduled.

“The Obiafu/Obrikom/Oben (OB3) is a vital piece of gas infrastructure for the supply of feedstock to the AKK pipeline. This pipeline is among the biggest gas transmission systems in both Nigeria and Africa.

“I am highly elated to announce that going by the contractor estimates, the OB3 pipeline will be completed by March 2024 and the 42” 127km pipeline will supply 2BCF (two billion standard cubic feet) per day,” the minister stated.

Ekpo noted that upon completion, the pipeline would supply the AKK pipeline with gas from the three fields of Obiafu, Obrikom and Oben, as he commended NNPCL for its steadfastness in ensuring a timely completion of the OB3 pipeline project.

The estimated cost for constructing the OB3 gas pipeline is $700m. The project started sometime in 2016, and is also known as the East-West Pipeline.

It connects the Obiafu-Obrikom gas plant near Omuku, Rivers State, to Oben, Edo State and is to transport two billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.

Representing Tinubu, before declaring the summit open, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the petroleum subsidy had over the years strained Nigeria’s economic resources.

This, he said, led to inefficiencies and, most importantly, “hindering our ability to invest in critical areas of energy security.”

Tinubu, whose speech was read by the minister, said, “By removing the subsidy, we are creating a more transparent and accountable energy sector. The funds that were previously allocated to subsidising petroleum products are now redirected towards developing and upgrading our energy and other social infrastructure.

“Furthermore, the removal of the subsidy has encouraged further private sector participation in the energy industry with potential of attracting more local and international investors, fostering innovation and competition that will drive down costs and improve the overall efficiency of our energy sector.

“I am acutely aware of the immediate impact this decision may have had on our citizens, especially those with lower incomes. Therefore, in parallel with the subsidy removal, my administration is committed to implementing social intervention programmes to mitigate the short-term effects on vulnerable populations.”

He said the programmes would ensure that the burden of the subsidy removal was shared equitably and that the most vulnerable persons were protected.

“The decision to remove the petroleum subsidy is not an easy one, but it is a necessary one for the long-term energy security and economic prosperity of our beloved nation.

“I call upon all stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, and the general public, to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration as we navigate these challenging but transformative times,” the President stated.

Tinubu had declared on May 29, 2023, that fuel subsidy was gone, during his inaugural speech. This was implemented the next day by NNPCL, the sole importer of petrol into Nigeria.

A Nigerian migrant identified as Jonathan A residing in Germany is exploiting the German immigration law to earn approximately €22,000 in monthly child support for the 24 children he claims to father.

He led an extravagant lifestyle on social media.

Considered poor and “destitute” by German authorities which pays thousands of euros every month to support his so-called 24 children, Mr Jonathan leads a lavish life on Instagram and TikTok where he constantly flaunts his fleet of expensive cars and goes by the username, Mr Cash Money, according to an investigative report by ARD-Kontraste and Rbb24-Recherche.

The German immigration law allows children of its citizens to receive automatic citizenship whether or not they resided in Germany. The law also recognises the mothers and close relatives of these children as citizens.

Mr Jonathan has already racked up the number of his dependents to 94 persons including his 24 children, their mothers and close relations giving them easy access to the foreign citizenship which entitles him to a minimum of $22,500 to care for them. The Nigerian migrant still has two additional applications underway for children he claims to father.

But the report titled “fake fathers” found out that many people like Mr Jonathan receive payments from the so-called mothers, as fees to file for their citizenship, as a gateway to a better life loaded with benefits for their children and opportunity to live legally in Germany.

“Sham paternity is about allowing people who actually have no prospects of staying in Germany to stay in Germany,” Axel Boshamer, an immigration officer told ARD-Kontraste and Rbb24-Recherche.

“These people are willing to pay money for this, usually to the person who takes on the fictitious paternity.”

He stressed that many women from West African countries were taking advantage of the porous law to occupy North Rhine-Westphalia.

Andreas Keppke, who co-wrote the report, told the media that Mr Jonathan alone benefited over a million euros from taxpayers’ money from the German government.

“This man alone costs significantly more for the social security system than €1.5 million per year,” Remix News cited Mr Keppke as saying.

The German immigration law holds no sanction or punishment for persons who lie about fathering children just to obtain citizenship. Lying about paternity was not in any way considered a criminal offence.

Also, the fact that Germany lacked a central civil status register as a measure to protect the data and privacy rights of citizens, has been abused and now caused paternity fraud to thrive.

Certifying entities such as consular officials, registries, youth welfare offices have no way to verify the number of children an applicant has previously acknowledged before paternity is approved for new ones.

The nation’s ministry of justice has reacted swiftly to the report published on February 22 and was already preparing a draft law to deter other paternity abusers.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has described as outdated, the 12-year old Steve Oronsaye Report recommending the merger of government agencies and commissions.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said contrary to the belief in official circles, the report won’t “substantially reduce the enormous costs of governance in the country as it does not reflect the current situation in the public service”.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by President Bola Tinubu had on Monday approved the full implementation of the Oronsaye report.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, the move was in line with the need to reduce cost of governance and streamline efficiency across the governance value chain.

However, Falana said, “No doubt, the implementation of some of the recommendations of the Panel will take appreciable time as the merger of certain bodies require constitutional amendments or repeal of a number of statutes.

“The 800-page report of the Steve Oronsaye Panel recommended the reduction of statutory agencies from 263 to 161, scrapping 38 agencies, merging 52, and reverting 14 to departments in different ministries,

“Since the Goodluck Jonathan administration produced a White Paper on the Steve Oronsaye Report in 2014, the Federal Government has created more ministries, departments and agencies.

“Whereas the Report recommended the reduction of 263 agencies to 151, the number of ministries, departments and agencies has increased to 1316. Even the current administration has increased the number of ministries and created new agencies. To that extent, the Steve Oronsaye Report is completely outdated.

“However, in implementing the Oronsaye Report the Federal Government should ensure that the crisis of insecurity is not compounded through the retrenchment of hundreds of thousands of workers.

“Instead of downsizing the public service the Federal Government should ensure that the two houses of the National Assembly are merged while the number of Ministers, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants is significantly reduced.”

Suspected electricity vandals have intensified their assault on the nation’s capital city, Abuja following reported the bombing of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Tower 70, along the 330KV Gwagwalada -Katampe transmission line in the Federal Capital Territory.

The horrific incident has reduced bulk power supply flexibility and the volume of power into Abuja by 250MW, according to TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah.

Ndidi said the incident occurred at about 11.32pm on 26th February which forced the company to deploy a patrol team after an attempt at reclosure of power trip at the Gwagwalada Substation failed.

She said the tower is presently standing precariously with support of conductors.

“The sad incident occurred on the 26th of February, 2024, at about 11.32 pm. At the said time, the Gwagwalada – Katampe Transmission line tripped at Gwagwalada Transmission Substation and trial reclosure by TCN Operators failed, necessitating a physical patrol of the line.

“The TCN lines and patrol team discovered that the four (4) tower footings of Tower 70 were bombed, destroying the tower legs and causing the tower to stand on the ground, supported by conductors.”

Mbah disclosed that the company had mobilised to the location for emergency repairs while calling for vigilance on the part of citizens .

“Meanwhile, TCN has mobilised to the site of the incident and has commenced an emergency repair of the damaged tower and its associated equipment.

“We reiterate the need for vigilance in the fight against vandalism of power equipment. It is important that we report suspicious movements around all power equipment to security operatives or to the nearest TCN offices nationwide.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken a decisive step to bridge the gap in the official and unofficial exchange rate by stipulating that all Bureau De Changes (BDCs) are permitted to sell foreign exchange to end-users at a margin not exceeding one percent (1%) above their purchase rate from the CBN.

This is coming more than two years after the suspended former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, stopped the sales of foreign exchange to BDC operators in that segment of the forex market.

To this end, the CBN has through a new circular by Dr Hassan Mahmud, the Director of Trade & Exchange Department, announced decision to distribute $20,000 to each eligible Bureau De Change (BDC) operator across the country at a rate of N1,301/$.

Also, the circular outlines specific guidelines for the BDC operators as part of the broader efforts to achieve a market-driven exchange rate for the Naira and alleviate the pressures feeding into the parallel market.

This allocation will be sold at a rate of N1,301/$, reflecting the lower band rate of executed spot transactions at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) as of the previous trading day, dated February 27, 2024.

According to the bank, this strategy is anticipated to inject much-needed liquidity into the market and stabilise the Naira’s value.

The measure is also intended to prevent excessive mark-ups and protect consumers from price exploitation.

The Circular Reads:

“The CBN has approved the sale of foreign exchange to eligible Bureau De Change (BDCs) to meet the demand for invisible transactions. The sum of $20,000 is to be sold to each BDC at the rate of N1,301/$- (representing the lower band rate of executed spot transactions at NAFEM for the previous trading day, as at today, 27th February 2024).

“All BDCs are allowed to sell to end-users at a margin NOT MORE THAN one percent (1%) above the purchase rate from CBN.

It further stated that Eligible BDCs are mandated to deposit their Naira payments into designated CBN Foreign Currency Deposit Naira Accounts. They must also provide confirmation of payment along with other necessary documentation to facilitate disbursement at the appropriate CBN branches located in Abuja, Awka, Lagos, and Kano.

This strategic intervention by the CBN is expected to enhance the efficiency of the foreign exchange market, providing a more transparent and equitable platform for the trading of the Naira.

Meanwhile, in an effort to curb naira depreciation against the dollar, the federal government last week, among several other measures, blocked the online platforms of Binance and other crypto firms to avert continuous manipulation of the forex market and halt illicit movement of funds.

Apart from Binance, other platforms such as Forextime, OctaFX, Crypto, FXTM, Coinbase, Kraken, among others, were equally blocked.

Earlier on Tuesday, the office of the National Security Adviser directed law enforcement agencies to take firm measures against anyone engaged in foreign exchange market speculation.

The government also announced that it was planning to raise $10 billion to improve liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

In an aggressive push to tackle currency racketeering, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last Monday raided and arrested some Bureau de Change (BDCs) operators across different regions in the country.

Within the past week, the CBN has also introduced several directives targeted at addressing the naira depreciation crisis in the country.

Last Wednesday, the CBN in a circular addressed to all banks, announced that cash payment for Personal and Business Travel allowances (PTA/BTA) would no longer be allowed.

Crisis Brews Between Kogi Governor Ododo, Predecssor Yahaya Bello Over Sacking Of Loyalist, 1200 Bags Of Rice

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State is on a collision course with his predecessor, Yahaya Bello following the sack of the transition committee chairman of the Ofu local government area, Hassan Atawodi, SaharaReporters has learnt.

Atawodi was handpicked to head the Ofu local government transition committee chairman on 9th January 2024 by the former Governor, Bello.

Meanwhile, the sack of Atawodi by the present governor is believed to be used to test the waters in what has been described as a “silent crisis” going on between the two leaders.

Although the real reason behind the sack of Ofu Transition Chairman may not have been heard, political watchers suspected it was in connection with the alleged diversion of palliative rice meant for distribution to indigent constituents.

The governor according to sources accused the chairman of diverting 1,200 bags of rice which the deputy governor hijacked but wanted to pin on the Chairman.

Insider sources told SaharaReporters that trouble for Atawodi started when he allegedly disobeyed instructions of the Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu Oyibo, who is also from the same Ofu local government area.

The deputy governor was said to have told him (the chairman) to share the palliative rice meant for the indigent citizens of Ofu to party stakeholders instead of the targeted poor.

The idea of sharing the rice to party stakeholders, which the lion share had been prepared to go to the former Vice Zonal Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Hon. Alfa Muhammed and the Deputy Governor himself, was allegedly opposed by the caretaker chairman, Mr Atawodi, who saw it as heartless considering the current economic hardship, high rate of inflation and high cost of living.

“Atawodi ignored the arrangement and made it clear to the deputy governor, Mr Joel Oyibo that the people are going through a lot this time and it would be unwise to share 1,200 bags of rice to stakeholders when in actual sense, the rice was not even enough to distribute to indigent families.

“This got the deputy governor infuriated and consequencetly threatened to deal with the caretaker chairman Hon. Atawodi for daring him.”

Continuing, the source said “Atawodi was subsequently, barred from the venue where the rice was shared. Instead the deputy governor appointed one Alfa’s loyalist in the person of Musa Muhammed Lawal a.k.a Solar whom he directed to take charge.”

In a video made available to SaharaReporters on the sharing of the palliative, it shows Musa Lawal when he was collecting the 1,200 bags of rice meant for the Ofu council.

According to the source, the rice he collected were allegedly sold in Lokoja the state capital to a business tycoon as directed by Hon. Alfa and Joel Oyibo (deputy governor).

Sequel to the development, Kogi State Governor, Ododo, on Monday, approved the immediate removal of Hon. Hassan Atawodi as the Transition Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area.

Governor Ododo, however, approved the appointment of Musa Muhammed Lawal a.k.a Solar as the new Transition Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area with immediate effect.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Folashade Ayoade, said the appointment of Lawal was immediate and ordered Atawodi to hand over government property to the new TC chairman.

The source, however, revealed that Hon. Atawodi who is a loyalist of former Governor Bello, is seen as a threat to the new governor while Hon. Alfa who was once Bello’s loyalist has switched loyalty to Governor Ododo as he is no longer in the good books of Bello.

Another source told SaharaReporters that “there was a kind of little dispute from the day one of the flag off palliative rice. The day of the flag off palliative rice there was a meeting called by the deputy governor in his residence. He called the meeting and invited the transition chairman from Ofu.

“In the first place, they accused him of excesses. They accused of not carrying the stakeholders along. Then after the flag off palliative the time he supposed to go and look for trucks to carry the Rice for the Ofu to the council Secretariat, they were calling him here and there for their meetings. He, then went for the meeting and by the time he came out of the meeting it was late. Then, the following day he supposed to get clearance to pick the rice to the Secretariat, unfortunately they denied him of the clearance.

“They now said that only the local government secretary, the party chairman and one other person will be assigned to the collection of the palliative rice. So they denied him of getting that clearance.

“When he called the deputy governor of the state who is from the same council to explain to him what was going on, he told him that he was on his way travelling. He never got back to that. Throughout that, no response from the deputy governor. He called the House of Assembly member representing the local government at the state assembly, there was no response and that day passed.

“The following day being the third day, that was the day they cleared him and now told him that it is only the Council Secretary, DLG and party chairman that would be assigned to get the rice. Luckily I was one of the house that was dissolved, so I was asked to be in venue to monitor things going on when loading the rice. And DLG of the local government, the secretary and the party chairman and one external body by name Danjuma were part of them collecting the rice

“They came that day with four small vehicle called Diana and loaded 110 bags each and that four contained 440 bags. Then big trucks were loaded 760 bags a total is 1,200 bags allocated to Ofu local government. All was captured on video and pictures but they never knew. So after the whole thing, when the rice were loaded they packed the truck the same place and covered with tarpaulin.

“I also captured and videod it. I now approached the party chairman and asked him, Mr Shagari, does that mean that the trucks will not move to the Secretariat? He said no that they are moving the vehicle down to the deputy governor’s house.

“He said that they cannot move the rice to the council headquarters because night had come. That the following day it will be moved to the Secretariat and up till now as speak the rice has not arrived the council Secretariat. However, in a twist of event, this afternoon the Caretaker Chairman was sacked for allegedly diverting the rice.”