News
We want full autonomy, not just financial — NULGE National VP
By Matthew Denis, Abuja
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), in an effort to strengthen the dividends of democracy across the three tiers of government, has called for full autonomy including financial, administrative and political activities of the local councils in Nigeria.
The National Vice President of the Union Northeast zone, Comrade Emmanuel Fashe made the disclosure during an exclusive interview with Nigerian NewsDirect Correspondent shortly after a three-day workshop organised by Association of Chairmen Local Government Service Commission of Nigeria held in Abuja recently.
He said, “The bone of contention now concerning the issue of Local Government autonomy is at the States Assembly because the National Assembly has over the years passed this autonomy to them.
“But let me correct this notion that we’re not only seeking for Financial autonomy, the autonomy being sorted for is both political, financial and even administrative autonomy.
“NULGE as union being the advocate of this pursuits with the people’s voices, we felt people working in this environment are the credible voices that can actually stand for the masses of Nigeria to ensure that this autonomy becomes reality. Therefore, it is not only for fiscal policy but also for political administrative area.”
According to him about 10 states have passed the autonomy bills when the National Assembly transmitted the bill to the states Assembly.
He said, “Some of these states are Katsina, Kogi, Edo, Anambra, Enugu, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Ondo and Ogun and we’re optimistic that some states will follow soon.
“This time the states actors most especially the legislators should see the reasons why the wishes of the people should be granted because it’s this wish that the Local Governments should be liberated to perform and deliver true dividends of Democracy.”
Comrade Fashe decried that there’s disconnection between the people and the government noting that the councils are not performing like what they were known for.
He said, “These lapses in the Local Governments is owing to the fact the State Governors have shutdown the functions of these councils. Even the allocations that is going to these councils from the Federation accounts doesn’t reach to them in good shape and some of these councils Chairmen cannot even pay workers salary not to talk about delivering dividends of democracy.
“People have perception that why NULGE is at the vanguard of this autonomy agitation is because of their salaries and welfare but we’re doing it to justify why we’re being paid too as a service delivery organisation.”
On the workshop the Vice President stressed that it is timely considering the fact that part of the duties of the Commission is training and retraining of their staff to enhance effective service delivery.
“They organised this workshop solemnly to keep the Local Government workers abreast as agents of democratic challenges. This workshop wouldn’t have come in any other time than now as the theme suggests ‘ the imperativeness of local governments system and an Agent of Democratic consolidation and Grassroot Development.
“The approach they made is a sustainable approach as the programme is targeted at building the capacity of Local Government workers as critical stakeholders to bring development to grassroot people.
“Of course whatever policies of the government at the grassroot, it’s the workers that serve as engines to carry out and ensure such policies are successful. Therefore it’s natural for training and retraining to develop their capacities since they are the most closer to the rural dwellers.”
He debunked the rumors making rounds that the workshop was targeted at cajoling workers at the third tier of government towards particular political candidates in preparation for the 2023 general elections.
“This workshop like I mentioned is for capacity building for workers at councils level as agents of democratic consolidation at the grassroots. It has nothing to do with politics.”
News
Application deadline for management of Nigeria’s $10bn Diaspora Fund extended
The Nigerian federal government has shifted the application deadline for companies interested in managing the $10 billion Diaspora Fund.
Minister of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, disclosed this in a circular on Thursday in Abuja.
Accordingly, the deadline for May 6 has been shifted to May 13, 2024.
The minister urged prospective applicants to utilise the extra time to complete their submissions, ensuring they are thorough and competitive.
She stressed that the extension is designed to allow stakeholders additional time to adequately prepare their applications following the guidelines established for the fund.
“The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment wishes to inform all interested parties that the deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Nigeria Diaspora Fund has been extended.
“The new submission deadline is May 13, 2024. This extension is intended to accommodate stakeholders who require more time to prepare their applications by the guidelines provided for the $10 billion Nigeria Diaspora Fund,” she stated.
News
Sanwo-Olu, NESG harp on PPP for economic growth
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has emphasised the role of public-private sector partnerships in driving accelerated sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
He made the remark at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Public Lecture and Founders’ Forum held at the Lagos Business School on Thursday.
The event, which marked the official launch of the 30th anniversary of the Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) has the theme: “In the National Interest: Reflecting on the Past, Reimagining the Future.”
Sanwo-Olu said it was imperative that the public sector improved on its synergy with various actors pursuing a collective agenda of service for the citizens.
The governor highlighted the significant role the NESG plays in bringing together public and private sector leaders in the country in an ongoing dialogue to shape, influence and create a thriving competitive and successful economy.
“We’re not where we should be and we must continue to set goals to inspire ourselves to do better as a nation
“We may not always achieve our targets for our vision timelines, but that should not be an excuse for not trying,” he said.
He commended the NESG for its various interventions such as the flagship annual summit, roundtable and sectorial policy commissions, technical support work and policy innovation centre.
He, however, urged NESG to explore ways of deepening linkage between policy work and public consciousness that allows engagement with the citizenry.
Delivering the lecture, Mrs Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, Managing Partner, Compliance Professionals PLC, said that while there had been significant economic changes, more needed to be done to ensure accelerated economic growth.
Omoigui-Okauru said that there was need to build inclusive policies that reflect the realities of the nation rather than imposing replicas of other countries.
“In 30 years, we may have made some progress, but we can’t say we have radically transformed Nigeria.
“As we reflect on the NESG, there’s still a lot to be done in bridging the rural-urban divide and have an inclusive agenda.
“We see our journey as work in progress. We need to determine the parameters that would drive our success and put policies in place to move us in the direction where we need to be.
“It is important for us to move away from self interest, think of ways to use technology and other frameworks to collectively achieve the Nigeria of our dreams,” she said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr Niyi Yusuf, Chairman, NESG, said the 30th Summit reaffirmed the essentiality of public-private partnerships in tackling complex economic realities.
Yusuf, however, said that the journey to embracing market mechanisms has not been without its challenges.
He reiterated unwavering commitment in driving reforms through rigorous research, economic and social programmes, and inclusive summits, all aimed at shaping the socio-economic development of our nation.
“Thirty years ago, at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, the NES was born out of a necessity when the winds of economic challenges blew fiercely, necessitating a platform for robust public-private dialogue.
“Since our inaugural summit in 1993, the NES has been a progressive economic discourse rooted deeply in collaborative efforts between government leaders and private sector visionaries.
“Each Summit has crafted policies and strategies essential for removing barriers to competitiveness, growth, and inclusive development.
“Therefore, in commemorating this 30th anniversary, it is essential to assess and discuss the role of this public-private dialogue platform in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape to provide us insights for future engagements,” he said.
The chairman assured collaborative efforts with the three arms of federal and subnational governments and private sector communities to propel Nigeria towards a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous future.
Dr Pascal Dozie, Chairman, NESG Advisory Board, listed political, economic, education and environment sectors as pathways to reimagining Nigeria’s future
Dozie, also pioneer Chairman of NESG Board of Directors, was represented by Mr Frank Aigbogun, Chief Executive Officer of BusinessDay.
He charged NESG to adopt new strategies in providing collaborative leadership in seeking answers to the following crucial questions.
“How do we strengthen democratic institutions and rule of law, foster culture of inclusiveness and representation?
“How do we promote transparency and accountability in governance and inculcate the culture of consequences for bad behaviour in every sphere of life?
“In economic reimagining, how do we diversify Nigeria’s economy, reduce dependence on oil, foster a business friendly environment and develop the much needed infrastructure base in a coordinated nationwide approach?
“How do we repurpose the educational system to focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, encourage technology entrepreneurship and innovation and address unemployment?
“For the environment, how can we develop sustainable agriculture and food security, promote sustainable practices, renewable energy and eco tourism?
“It is imperative that the NESG community leads from the front in not only providing actionable answers to these questions but also making sacrifices to ensure they are implemented,” he said.
Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of NESG, Dr Tayo Aduloju, said that strong institutions, political will, accountability by all stakeholders and the willingness for the government to allow private sector to drive growth were factors needed for a successful economic development.
“The challenge for us today is how to drive the country forward over the next 30 years in a way that is not just growth but growth that creates jobs and opportunities for everyone and no one is left behind.
“We are dealing with a country that is going through macro-economic volatility and instability.
“So, the lessons here at the forum are deep reflections of what should change in our approach, a stronger priority on execution, a deeper commitment on accountability of government systems to deliver and how economic barometers impact the ordinary man on the street.
“Our resilience to hold government accountable, to keep insisting that there must be an economy that works for all Nigerians, rule of law, an environment in which free enterprise is practiced, is what we must continue to fight for,” he added.
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