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Govs Reject N162m Monthly Repayment Plan For FG Loan …As Buhari Seeks Senate’s Confirmation For New NDDC Board …Names Tsoho, CJ, Federal High Court, Kanyip, NICN President, Appoints Three RECs
The 36 state governors, yesterday, rejected the proposed plan by the Federal Government to extend the repayment period of its budget support loan to state governments from 22 years to 30 years.
Based on the extension, state governments’ monthly repayment would reduce from N252million monthly to N162million monthly.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, briefed State House correspondents at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.
She was with Anambra State Governor, Chief Willy Obiano, Ogun State Governor, Engineer Dapo Abiodun, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.
According to her, the Federal Government has made the first and second months’ N252million monthly deductions in September and October, based on the 22 years repayment plan.
Following the outcry of the state governors, another repayment schedule plan extending the year to 30 years and a monthly repayment of N162million was presented to NEC, yesterday.
But she said that the state governors were still not satisfied with the repayment extension to 30 years.
She said, “The budget support facility was initially for 22 years repayment period. And when we made the first deduction in September, the states had complained that the amount deducted, which was N252million, was too harsh.
“So, since then, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who is the lender, has revised the condition to make the repayment period longer. And so the new repayment period is 30years. And this means that the states will be paying monthly N162million. But again today, the states still were not satisfied with the condition.
“So, we are expecting that the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, CBN and the states will engage again with the view of having the CBN further revise the condition to reduce the monthly repayment burden”, she stated
Meanwhile, the 36 governors, yesterday, met with state commissioners of finance and heads of authorities in Abuja to discuss how to jerk up tax collection in states.
The meeting came a day after the governors signed a memorandum of understanding with the Joint Tax Board.
The Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ekiti Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who spoke at the opening of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) peer learning meeting said, the platform was to share reform experiences and consolidate actions.
“As commissioners of finance and heads of tax authorities, you are responsible for both tax policy and administration in your states.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a letter to the Senate, requesting the screening and subsequent confirmation of a former deputy governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu, as chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board.
In a letter read on at yesterday’s plenary by the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmed Lawan, Buhari has also requested the confirmation of 15 other members of the board.
Other members of the board are – Bernard Okumagba (Delta), who will serve as managing director and Otobong Ndem (Akwa Ibom), who was appointed the executive director, Projects.
Also listed are – Maxwell Okoh (Bayelsa), Jones Erue (Delta), Victor Ekhatar (Edo), Joy Nunieh (Rivers), Nwogu Nwogu (Abia), Theodore Allison (Bayelsa), Victor Antai (Akwa Ibom), Maurice Effiwatt (Cross River), Olugbenga Elema (Ondo), Uchegbu Kyrian (Imo) and Aisha Muhammed (Kano), who is representing North-West on the board, while Ardo Zubairu (Adamawa) represents North-East on the NDDC board.
Lawan later referred the names to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Peter Nwaoboshi, to conduct the screening and report back to the Senate in one week.
Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, forwarded the name of Justice John Tsoho to the Senate for confirmation as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC).
The President also forwarded the name of Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip as the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).
The Senate also received three nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The nominees include Umar Mukhtar Gajiram (Borno), Dr. Alalibo Sinikiem Johnson (Bayelsa) and Raheem Muideen Olalekan (Osun).
In his letter nominating the three state Resident Electoral Commissioners, Buhari said, “Pursuant to Paragraph 14(3) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) I hereby write to request for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the following three nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC): Umar Mukhtar Gajiram (Borno), commissioner; Dr. Alalibo Sinikiem Johnson (Bayelsa), commissioner; and Raheem Muideen Olalekan (Osun), commissioner.”
On the appointment of the Judge of the Federal High Court, Buhari said: “Pursuant to Section 250(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I hereby write to request for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Honourable Justice J.T. Tsoho as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
“While I trust that the Senate will consider this request in the usual expeditious manner, Please, accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
On the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Buhari said, “Pursuant to Section 250(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I hereby write to request for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Honourable Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip as the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
“While trusting that the Senate will consider this request in the usual expeditious manner, Please accept, Distinguished Senate President the assurances of my highest consideration”, the president wrote.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.
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