News
FG’s Failure To Fund 2024 Capital Budget Destroying Businesses – Situation Room Tells Tinubu
The Economic Situation Room, a coalition of 48 civil society groups in Nigeria, has warned that the Federal Government’s failure to release funds for completed contracts under the 2024 capital budget is having a devastating impact on businesses and the economy.
According to the group, the government’s inaction is crippling businesses, perpetuating hardship among Nigerians and bringing economic activity to a grinding halt.
In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Dr. Abraham Attah, the group lamented that many businesses are on the brink of collapse due to the government’s inability to fulfil its contractual obligations.
Attah noted that the situation is exacerbated by the government’s poor budgeting and lack of transparency, which undermines confidence in the economy.
“We are sounding the alarm on the devastating consequences of the Federal Government’s failure to release funds for completed contracts under the 2024 capital budget,” he added.
“This inaction is not only crippling businesses but also perpetuating hardship among contractors, their staff, and associates. The lack of funds has brought economic activity to a grinding halt, stifling growth and development.
“The situation is dire, with many businesses on the brink of collapse due to the government’s inability to fulfil its contractual obligations. The ripple effects are far-reaching, impacting not only the businesses themselves but also the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on them.
“The government must take immediate action to address this crisis and prevent further economic devastation. The non-release of funds for completed contracts is having a profound impact on the economy, leading to reduced employment opportunities, increased poverty, and a decline in economic activity.
“This is exacerbated by the government’s poor budgeting and lack of transparency, which undermines confidence in the economy. The proposed 2025 budget must prioritize the release of funds for completed contracts under the 2024 capital budget to prevent further economic damage.
“Furthermore, the government’s inaction is perpetuating a culture of uncertainty and unpredictability, making it challenging for businesses to plan for the future. This uncertainty is deterring investment, stifling innovation, and hindering economic progress.
“It is essential that the government takes a proactive approach to addressing this crisis and providing a stable and supportive environment for businesses to thrive.”
The Economic Situation Room, therefore, urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and direct the Finance Minister and the Accountant General of the Federation to release the necessary funds for completed contracts.
The group emphasised that the government must take responsibility for its contractual obligations and ensure that businesses are not unfairly penalised for its inaction.
News
Federal fire service decorates 130 officers in Kano
The Kano State Command of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has decorated 130 officers recently promoted to various ranks in a ceremony held in Kano.
The Command’s Controller in the state, Kazeem Sholadoye disclosed this in a statement issued by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Al-Hassan Kantin on Wednesday in Kano.
Congratulating the officers, the state controller described their promotion as well deserved and a call to greater responsibility and professionalism.
Sholadoye charged the officers to see their new ranks as an opportunity to demonstrate increased commitment to protection of lives and property.
He reminded them that promotion comes with higher expectations in service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Deputy Superintendent of Fire in the command, DSF Abdullahi Muhammad expressed appreciation to the management for organising what he described as a befitting ceremony.
He reiterated the readiness of the officers to rededicate themselves to duty and uphold core values of the Federal Fire Service.
News
Tinubu salutes Bisi Akande’s national legacy at 87
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tributes to Chief Bisi Akande, elder statesman and former APC national chairman, as he marked his 87th birthday.
Tinubu said this in a special tribute on Thursday to celebrate Akande’s life of service and democratic commitment.
He described Akande as a towering figure who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s political development and democratic institutionalisation.
The President said Akande’s political journey was shaped by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive ideology and commitment to public service.
Akande began his career as an accountant with British Petroleum before leaving the private sector for public service.
He served as Secretary to the State Government in old Oyo State in 1979 and later became Deputy Governor during the Second Republic.
Tinubu noted that Akande later served as Governor of Osun from 1999 to 2003, where he further distinguished himself.
As interim chairman of the APC, Akande laid the foundation for the party’s historic victory in 2015, Tinubu said.
The President praised Akande’s leadership, integrity, industry and sacrifices for the party and the nation.
He described Akande as a mentor whose guidance, advice and encouragement shaped his political journey.
Tinubu said Akande’s continued support for his administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda remains invaluable.
He noted that, even at 87, Akande remained a firm advocate of democracy, social justice and good governance.
The President prayed for Akande’s good health and renewed strength as he marked the milestone birthday.
News
Lawal presents certificates to 50 Crescent varsity graduates 9 years after graduation
Gov Dauda Lawal, on Thursday presented certificates to 50 former students of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun, nine years after their graduation.
This is contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris in Gusau, Zamfara.
The presentation took place at the Grand Chamber of the Government House, Gusau.
According to Idris, the former students, who were on the state government’s scholarship, graduated nine years ago, but could not receive their certificates due to the state government’s failure to settle their outstanding tuition fees owed the institution.
“The former students were left hanging for nine years because their tuition fees were not settled.
“The Crescent University declined to release the students’ results due to the non payment of their outstanding tuition fees.
“The state government, under Gov. Dauda Lawal, after carefully studying the case, reached out to the university and settled the outstanding tuition fees.
“Among the 50 students, is a First Class graduate in Chemistry and several Second Class Upper degree holders,” he said.
While presenting the certificates to the graduates, Lawal restated his commitment to revamping the educational sector.
Lawal also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to prioritise education to enhance the even development of the state.
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