President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja admonished the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to avoid being used for partisan politics, or get dragged into personal disputes, urging focus on serving the nation to entrench good governance.

The President, who spoke at the Unveiling of the EFCC Standard Operating Procedures, Policies and Manuals, at the State House, advised leaders and all operatives of the commission to resist the temptation of being influenced by political actors for personal gains or to score political points.

“I must advise the leadership and operatives of this commission to resist the temptation of being used for partisan politics or be dragged into personal disputes. Your job is to serve the nation in its efforts to entrench good governance,’’ he said.

The President noted the excellent performance of the leadership of the EFCC in securing 2,220 convictions within one year and recovering over N152billion and $385m.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am glad to note that the war against corruption, which is one of the cardinal objectives of this administration, is being strengthened through the institutionalization of operational procedures particularly as they form the building blocks of transparency and accountability in administration and public expenditure,’’ he said.

President Buhari also commended the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, for efforts to further institutionalize the commission by developing twenty-six (26) Standard Operating Procedures and twenty-five (25) Policies and Manuals for the Departments, Units and Staff of the Commission, while appreciating the support of the Board, Management and Staff.

The President said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, these outstanding feats achieved are being unveiled today and I would like to use this opportunity to encourage other Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, especially Law Enforcement Agencies to also ensure the standardization of their processes within the extant laws and regulations as provided in our statutes.

“I need not underscore the importance of today’s occasion but let me remind you that the stakes are high but national expectations are higher. Therefore, we must continue to strive and deal decisively with matters in accordance with the rule of law.

“On the part of the Government, we shall continue to accord all necessary support to MDAs in order to ensure the sustainability of the initiatives already commenced in actualizing our vision of a corrupt free society.

“Let me conclude by saying that the fight against economic and financial crimes in Nigeria is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians if we are to make meaningful progress as a nation.

“I invite you all to fight corruption in all its ramifications and join us to entrench good governance values and integrity within all our systems. As I have often said, “If we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill us as a nation.”

President Buhari said the development of the Standards demonstrate the commitment of this administration to the fight against corruption and the acceptance of transparency and willingness to be subjected to scrutiny against set standards by services.

“This is a confirmation of national efforts against graft,’’ he said, adding: “I understand from your remarks Mr. Chairman, that these are the first collection of policy documents ever developed in the eighteen years of the Commission’s existence aimed at defining the institutional rules and operational guidelines while instituting uniformity in standards, improving efficiency and removing discretion from your operations. These are indeed remarkable achievements and are very commendable.’’

The President assured of a rules-based-system in Government business while providing the necessary enabling environment for effective implementation.

“You may recall Ladies and Gentlemen, that since we came into power in 2015, we have consistently demonstrated the necessary political will to fight corruption. We have ensured the operational independence of the Anti-graft Agencies, strengthened the legal framework, empowered the regulatory agencies and provided adequate funding to support the fight against corruption,’’ he added.

In his remarks, the Chairman of EFCC noted that the institution was undergoing various phases of reforms to reposition it for the task of fighting financial crimes in the country, with production of policies and manuals.

The chairman thanked the President and the National Assembly for the confidence reposed in his “ability and competence’’ to take over the leadership of the organisation in 2021.

Bawa said departments had been reorganised and upgraded, including intelligence gathering, training and the academic institutions, to meet the demands of the job, adding that a software had been developed for operations, and a mobile app, “The Evil Eye’’, deployed for ease of reporting economic and financial crimes from the comfort of homes.

He said the EFCC already had a five-year strategic plan, 2021-2025, with clear and measurable targets, based on five objectives, which include improving public engagement to fight crimes, systems and processes for prevention, intelligence gathering, prosecution and law enforcement.

“I will lead an agency that will be the pride of our country, Nigeria,’’ he said.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 25, 2022

AVOID DISTRACTIONS, KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE BALL, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS APC LEADERS, MEMBERS

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja urged leaders and members of All Progressives Congress (APC) to channel their energies into improving fortunes of the party in the forthcoming elections, and avoid squabbling that easily distract and create disharmony.

Receiving APC National Assembly leadership at the State House, the President reminded members of the proximity of the election dates set by INEC, admonishing that positions should be harmonized with a bigger picture of winning elections and providing good governance.

“As you all know, the National Convention of our party, which we have committed to, is holding on the 26th March, 2022. And we cannot afford to do anything that will jeopardize the chances of the party in the 2023 General Elections. The limited time frame of the INEC time table does not permit us any room for delay or further squabbling. We must therefore in the light of this reality consistently keep our eyes on the ball and refuse any distraction.

“A critical segment of our national democratic process is the National Assembly. Being representatives of our people from all over the country, the National Assembly especially the 9th Assembly has exhibited commitment to a peaceful democratic process in its conduct and utmost maturity in its relationship with other arms of government. I commend you, the leadership for this success.

“Distinguished Senators and Honorable Members, we have an obligation to conduct the upcoming convention in a manner that not only fortifies the unity of our party but also improves the prospects of our electoral fortunes in the 2023 general elections. You have an important role to play in ensuring that this happens,’’ he said.

President Buhari told the lawmakers that a zoning template was produced and adopted by the party after wide consultations in order to ensure that the leadership was reflective of the diversity in unity while representing various dynamic interests.

“It is imperative that we adhere to that template,’’ he noted, adding:

“The time available to us is limited and I therefore enjoin you to collaborate with the various stakeholders within and outside your respective states and zones to agree to work together and harmoniously in electing into the allotted positions appropriately, as stipulated in the provided template. This will not only produce a smooth process and limit friction but will enhance the image of the party positively and strengthen our over-all position of dominance in the political space.’’

The President said he met with the governors and the party national chairmanship aspirants yesterday, Wednesday, to reiterate the need to go into the convention with a united front.

“It is the same reason why I invited you today,’’ he said, “We should all do our part to ensure the success of this convention. This will fortify us for the campaigns ahead of us.’’

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 24, 2022

Abatemi-Usman emerges APC Non-Serving Senators’ Forum Chairman

A former member of the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, has been elected as the substantive Chairman of the APC Non-Serving Senators’ Forum, a new political pressure group within the fold of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Abatemi-Usman, who represented Kogi Central Senatorial District in the seventh Senate, was elected along with 17 others to pilot the affairs of the Forum for the next four years following its formal inauguration held at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

Erstwhile Chairman of Senate Committee on Works, Senator Ayogu Eze emerged as the Secretary, Senator John Danboyi (Public Relations Officer – PRO), Senator Clever Ikisikpo (Welfare Officer), Senator Fatima Raji Rasaki (Financial Secretary) and Senator Jalo Zarami (Treasurer).

The Vice Chairmen from the six geopolitical zones are: Senator Basheer Garba Lado (Northwest), Senator Lanre Tejuoso (Southwest), Senator Ifeanyi Araraume (Southeast), Senator Bassey Otu (South-south), Senator Abubakar Tutare (Northeast) and Senator Sodangi Abubakar (Northcentral). Ex-officios include Senators Nkechi Nwaogu, Ibrahim Ida, Domingo Obende, Margery Okadigbo, Umoru Dahiru and Ahmed Barata.

Former Senate Presidents, Senators Ameh Ebute and Ken Nnamani were adopted as the patrons of the body.

Some of the other members present at the inaugural meeting were Senators Iyiola Omisore, Ganiyu Solomon, Musiliu Obanikoro, Ita Enang, Babajide Omoworare, Emmanuel Dangana, Simeon Ajibola, Anthony Agbo, Julius Ucha, Sonni Ogbuoji, Osita Izunaso, Umaru Kurfi, Andrew Uchendu, Florence Ita Giwa, Grace Bent, Alkali Jajere, Mathew Mbu, Anthony Manzo and Ibrahim Musa.

In a communique issued after a thorough deliberation on a number of issues concerning the ruling party and the polity, the group of non-serving senators on the platform of APC expressed “confidence and implicit faith in the APC as a vehicle for salvaging Nigeria and positioning it as the most influential country in Africa.”

The Forum also “Congratulates the party, its officials and members for surmounting the existential challenges it faced recently in the run up to its national convention through a deft and mature brinksmanship, anchored by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari; Urges the party to use the March 26, 2022 national convention to fine tune strategies for hitchfree congresses and national convention for the election of the party’s flag bearers at all levels in the 2023 general elections; Expresses optimism that the APC will win the 2023 general elections provided that the incoming party officials, to be elected on March 26, 2022, pursue an altruistic and robust process that will produce the best candidates for all positions.”

Reaffirming their commitment as members of APC to offer their experience and expertise to assist the incoming party officials to attain the lofty ideals of the APC, they noted that the rich resources of the group as one of the party’s most valuable constituencies have not been maximally tapped by the party.

They applauded the President’s determination towards combating insecurity and stabilizing the ship of the Nigerian state, imploring “the party and the government to rev up current efforts to ameliorate the economic well being of Nigerians who are currently battling the global hardship occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic and upheavals in various parts of the world.”

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS FIRST FEMALE U.S SECRETARY OF STATE, MADELEINE ALBRIGHT

President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with President Joe Biden of United States of America, the Albright family, and the global diplomatic community, on the passage of the first female United States Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright.

The President has pleasant memories of his meeting with the international diplomat at Washington in 2015, recalling the warmth and savvy of a woman who excelled in a turf hitherto considered the exclusive preserve of men.

“She helped shape and steer Western foreign policy after the Cold War. She will be sorely missed,” President Buhari says.

Recounting the exploits of the woman who first served as US Ambassador to the UN under President Bill Clinton, and later as Secretary of State, the President says it is to her eternal credit that she championed human rights and democracy round the world, raised funds for Democratic presidential hopefuls, and Co-chaired the Independent Global Commission on Justice, Security and Governance, along with Nigeria’s Professor Ibrahim Gambari, in what is known as Albright-Gambari Independent Commission, and was also Convener of the Aspen Ministerial Forum of former Foreign Ministers drawn from all over the world, among others.

President Buhari salutes the mentoring Albright gave younger diplomats, who are now at the peak of their careers, and prays that her soul would rest in peace, even as America and the world continue to relish her services to humanity.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

March 24, 2022

Court Orders Publication Of Committal Papers Against AMCON Boss Over NICON Assets

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim enrollment of order for publication of forms 48 and 49 and service of all other court’s processes lawfully issued in the committal  proceedings in suit no.FHC/ABJ/CS/760/2021.

Ibrahim has approached the court seeking to serve committal proceedings on the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Managing Director/CEO, Ahmed Lawal Kiru, Executive Director, Eberechuwkwu Uneze, Executive Director, Aminu Ismail through publication in national dailies.

In his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice O. E Abang, said: “Having considered that the defendants/alleged contemnors did not seek leave of the court to file  appeal against the interlocutory decision of the court of March 9, 2022, the grounds of the appeal are grounds of facts, at best grounds of mixed law and facts.

“The court having also considered the facts that the defendants evaded personal service of form 48.”

The court also held that having considered the respondents didn’t file a motion staying of execution of the order made of March 9, 2022 and appeal perse does not operate as staying of execution, it granted that the applicants should publish forms 48 and 49 and other court’s processes to be lawfully issued in the matter in two nation’s national daily, The Nation and The Punch newspapers.

Upon the publication, it shall constitute proper service of forms 48 and 49 and other court’s processes to be lawfully issued in the matter the 1st to 12th defendants and principal officers of the 1st defendant  that were cited for contempt by the court’s order of March 11, 2022.

It would be recalled that court had ordered committal proceedings against the Managing Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Lawal Kuru, over alleged takeover of companies belonging to the businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, against court order.

Justice Okon Abang, in a ruling on an ex-parte motion moved by Victor Ogbonna, counsel to Mr Ibrahim and others, also directed the plaintiffs to commence committal proceedings against Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Alexander Okoh.

PRESS RELEASE

LASU HAS EVOLVED TO BE THE BEST – SANWO-OLU

…Governor commissions 60-bed hospital, as Lagos varsity holds 25th convocation

…Tinubu endows N1 billion for Leadership Centre, delivers graduation lecture

With a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.97 over a scale of 5.0, Benjamin Damilare Olowu became the overall Best Graduating Student at the 25th convocation of the Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojo.

The valedictorian, who hails from Epe Local Government Area of the State, finished from the Department of Mechanical Engineering with the highest grade point in the faculty’s record.

Also, 111 others graduated with a First Class across the 10 faculties in the school. The graduands were awarded the degrees at the convocation held at the campus, on Thursday.

The Visitor to the school, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, applauded the feat attained by the university, stressing that the school had sustained the established culture of excellence and quality tertiary education.

The Ojo campus of the school was agog with activities, as dignitaries from various parts of the country trooped to the campus for the ceremony.

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, delivered the convocation lecture titled: “Global Trends: Nigeria’s Rightful Place in the World”. Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari chaired the lecture.

Sanwo-Olu, in his address, said LASU had evolved from its humble beginnings to attain a world-class status, noting that the quality of graduates churned out by the school testified to LASU’s tenacity of purpose, teamwork, drive for innovation in teaching, learning and research.

With Lagos ranked the fifth largest economy in Africa, the Governor said the State offered possibilities that could support the graduands’ creativity and entrepreneurial dreams.

He said: “Lagos State University has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1984 to its current world-class status. Our administration is proud of the great heights the institution has attained. I congratulate the management team, staff, students and other members of the university community for continually striving for excellence. Feats achieved by today’s graduands are testimonies of LASU’s tenacity of purpose, teamwork, and drive for innovation in teaching, learning and research, which are in line with the vision of the founding fathers of the university.

“As a Government, we will continue to provide the enabling environment for our youths to engage in meaningful educational and economic activities to add value to themselves, while also contributing meaningfully to the rising profile of Lagos as the economic and industrial hub of Nigeria and Africa. We have the market, as well as the population, that offer possibilities to support creativity of young people and their entrepreneurial ideas. Lagos, which is the 5th largest economy in our continent, is the place to be, to dream big and to implement even bigger ideas.”

Sanwo-Olu reminded the graduands that the contemporary world of work had changed, stressing that the graduates’ future would be defined by their ability to constantly adapt to ever-changing realities.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to provide requisite support for all State-owned institutions to allow for growth, academic excellence, and to enable them compete well with their peers in any part of the world.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the State Government had awarded the contract for the construction of the first-ever LASU Technology hub as a measure to achieve the vision for sustainable education and technology in line with his administration’s development agenda.

He said: “We have commenced the installation of LED Double Combo Renewable Energy Street Lighting of about 6.6km perimeter spots across the LASU main campus to ensure safety and security of lives of our students and workers during the day and at night. Also, the construction of six blocks of Hall of Residence, which will give 8,272 bed spaces, is on-going. This Public Private Partnership (PPP) project will soon be completed and commissioned for our students’ use.

“New buildings are being constructed for the Faculties of Arts, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Management Sciences, as well as the LASU International School. The Central University Library and the LASU Homes are also nearing completion. The LASU Homes project, which is currently at painting stage when completed, will help to reduce accommodation problems faced by the teaching and non-teaching staff of the university.”

Earlier, the Governor commissioned a Primary Health Centre donated to LASU by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 60-bed fully equipped hospital has an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), operating theatre, laboratory, blood bank and consulting rooms, among other facilities.

Sanwo-Olu said the facility would be further equipped with an ambulance and requisite items to make it function properly.

Delivering the 25th convocation lecture, Tinubu dissected the contemporary challenges bedevilling the nation and offered what could be done to place the country on the path of irreversible growth and greatness.

The APC National Leader, represented by Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, described Nigeria as a nation “endowed with features of greatness”, but has remained locked in a place. Tinubu said the country remained an economy unjustly designed to export raw materials and import increasingly expensive finished products.

The frontline politician said the political class must truthfully acknowledge the lapses and must be bold to make corrections, rather than vilifying one another for the present challenges bedevilling the country.

He said: “Nigeria’s GDP per capita ranked as 17th in Africa and 131st in the world. According to the World Bank, we are the 7th most populous nation as at 2020. But, our economic ranking was not commensurate. One does not have to be a genius in mathematics to know the difference between 7 and 131.

“Our lack of sustained dynamic economic growth does not lend itself to social stability. Economic slowness and destitution place great pressure on people to migrate in search of opportunities. But too much migration too fast and too unimagined results in people competing and contending against one another on dwindling arable land, which undermines social harmony.

“We need a new, more convivial way. A way that will give us the right start at a fair chance for durable prosperity. A large urban population needs a strong manufacturing and industrial base. If not, we invite unemployment, crime, hunger and poverty to become chronic and severe. We must better link formal education with the skills and expertise our business community seeks in modern times.”

Tinubu told the LASU graduands that the occasion of their convocation presented an opportunity for them to play vital roles in changing their immediate communities, their States and the nation for the better.

The former Lagos Governor asked them not to underestimate the importance attached to their respective roles, stressing that the conferment of degrees in various disciplines had placed them on the forefront of an enlightened march that demanded for their passion, knowledge, talent and energy.

To deepen the culture of civic engagement among young people, Tinubu donated N1 billion endowment fund to establish the Centre for Leadership Development in the university. The Centre is to groom aspiring leaders and train human capital for leadership positions.

Also, Sanwo-Olu announced the decision of the State Executive Council to immediately set up a Professorial Chair on Leadership and Good Governance in the school on behalf of Tinubu.

The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said the school could not think of a better personality qualified to deliver the convocation lecture other than Tinubu, given the frontline politician’s vast contribution to the development of the university.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello, who was presiding over the first convocation in her tenure as VC, said the school management had mapped out a strategy to build on the achievements of the university and take the school to greater level of development.

She hailed Sanwo-Olu’s support for the school, while pledging the management’s assurance to sustain heights attained by LASU.

The school graduated a total of 7,237 graduands in disciplines across its 10 faculties, with 4,994 bagging first degrees and 1,716 post-graduate degrees.

Seventy-six candidates were awarded doctorate degrees, while 451 got Diploma certificates. Stephen Ogunkoya became the Best Graduating Student in the Masters category.

Two Governors were awarded honorary doctorate degrees. They are Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Doctor of Letters in Educational, Healthcare and Community Development; and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum (Doctor of Letters in Community Integration, Youth, Urban and Rural Development.

A foremost scholar and former National Universities Commission (NUC) Executive Secretary, Prof. Peter Okebukola, was awarded Professor Emeritus, while Mr. Goodie Ibru was awarded honorary doctorate business degrees in Commerce, Hospitality and Tourism.

Other honorary degree awardees are Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Doctor of Arts in Broadcasting, Community Integration and Rights Advocate) and Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (Doctor of Entrepreneurship and Human Capacity Development).

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

24 MARCH 2022

AVIATION: PRESIDENT BUHARI DIRECTS FINANCE MINISTER TO LOOK FOR SPECIAL FUNDING FOR ABUJA AIRPORT SECOND RUNWAY, INAUGURATES NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT MMIA

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to look for special funding for the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new Terminal Building, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the President also directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to conclude the documentation of the approved 12,000 hectares of land to accommodate the runway and other developmental projects.

Further, the President tasked the Minister of Aviation to fast-track the airport concession programme, to boost aviation practice in the country and make the aviation industry reflect global standards.

The President noted that the completion and delivery of five brand new international airport terminals since 2015, which were at 11% completion level then, aligns perfectly with the Aviation Roadmap, developed in 2016, for the purposes of establishing critical infrastructure, including a National Carrier as well as maintenance, repairs and overhaul centre, and improved Airports Terminals through concession.

The President, who described the administration’s investments in inter-state rail connectivity, road networks, agriculture, power and telecommunications, despite limitations in resources, as unprecedented noted that robust initiatives have been complemented with specific fiscal policies to drive aviation infrastructure renaissance.

‘‘These include the designation of 4 airports, namely Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt as Free Trade Zones, in which customs duty is not applicable; removal of VAT on all forms of shared transportation, including air transportation; and exemption of commercial aircraft and spare parts from VAT payment.

‘‘Similar projects at both the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Port Harcourt International Airport were completed and commissioned by this administration and our people have since been benefiting from the positive economic impacts of those magnificent terminals.

‘‘The one in Kano has also been completed, and will be commissioned soon, while work continues apace to complete that of Enugu shortly,’’ he said.

The President expressed confidence that the new terminal in Lagos with sixty-six check-in-counters, sixteen Immigration desks at arrival, twenty-eight Immigration desks at departure, and eight security screening points, among others, would go a long way in contributing to the socio-political and economic prosperity of the country,

He added that the improvement would increase airport operations and management services to about 14 million passengers per annum, create 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, increase inflow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and exponential growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He thanked the Government and People of the Republic of China, through the China Export-Import Bank and CCECC Nigeria Limited, (FAAN), for their commitment and support towards the completion of the project.

The President also commended the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its agencies, particularly, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, for working assiduously towards the realization of the project.

‘‘With the delivery of this project, a new era of safety, security, and comfort has been ushered into the Nigerian aviation industry, and I am persuaded that it will get better with the passage of time,’’ he said.

The Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu said it was instructive that Lagos State in one day had witnessed the evolution of three major infrastructure development projects that will change the Nigerian landscape while commending President Buhari for the infrastructural renewal and redevelopment necessary for a city like Lagos.

He lauded the private sector in the aviation industry for their continued contributions to the growth of the country despite the challenges.

The Governor informed the gathering that Lagos State Government was forming a partnership with FAAN towards ensuring that the new international terminal enjoys easy access which would be achieved by creating a bypass, the Airport – Alimosho Bypass Project, to create an alternative route to the airport.

The signing of the agreement for the partnership was later done by the officials of the Lagos State Government and FAAN.

In his remarks, Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika said aviation is the worldwide rapid transportation network that facilitates international trade, commerce and tourism, the only medium for achieving continental integration and interaction towards achieving the AU Agenda 2063.

He commended the administration of President Buhari for efforts towards resolving the problems inherited in the aviation industry in 2015 such as lack of professionalism, scarcity of foreign exchange, obsolete equipment, poor facilities, blocked funds for airlines among others, adding that more still needed to be done.

The Minister said the airport concession project including the new terminals has reached an advanced stage with the Ministry issuing requests for shortlisted firms before the end of March.

According to the Minister, a study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Nigeria in 2020, “showed that the sector created 241,000 jobs, direct and indirect, and contributed $1.7billion to the economy,” with a hope to grow the contribution of the sector from the current 0.68% to 5% or approximately $14.16billion.

Senator Sirika gave assurances that the new terminal will be linked to the railway system.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 22, 2022