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CORONAVIRUS: House of Representatives seek two months electricity payment waiver for Citizens Of Nigeria.

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House of Reps | National Assembly | Gbajabiamila | free electricity supply for two months | COVID-19 | Stimulus Bill
“Who is in charge of the disbursement? Who is in charge of the distribution of cash? Who decides what money goes where?

House of Representative Moves to Waive 2 Months Free Electricity Payment for Nigerians

Speaker House of Reps. Femi Gbajabiamila has said fresh Stimulus Bill that will ensure that Nigerians get free electricity supply for two months to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that should be considered by the Representatives.

House of Reps | National Assembly | Femi Gbajabiamila

Femi Gbajabiamila

The Speaker Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila also said the proposed Bill is to help in boosting the economy through the informal sector as the country prepares for what follows after COVID-19.

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The proposed Bill, which will be the second Stimulus Bill by the Green Chamber, is to be considered immediately the House reconvenes from its ongoing break, declared due to the pandemic.

 

has, however, been agreed by the leadership of the National Assembly that the resumption date, initially slated for April 7, will be extended by one week in compliance with the government’s 2-week stay-at-home policy.

Gbajabiamila spoke at the National Assembly on Saturday during a meeting between the National Assembly leadership and the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmad, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze, among others.

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The Senate President, in his opening remarks, noted that the meeting, the second in about 10 days, was a testimony of the commitment of both arms of government at addressing the issues holistically.

He assured that the Nigerian parliament would perform its constitutional roles towards ensuring that Nigerians benefit from all efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of the disease.

While noting that Nigerians must be assisted to weather the storm of the virus, Lawan added that critical decisions needed to be taken but must be legal, which makes it important that the legislature is part of the entire process.

On his part, Gbajabiamila said the country could not afford to be unprepared for the effect of COVID-19 on its economy.

Explaining the necessity for the proposed stimulus bill for the electricity sector, the Speaker said electricity, being a commodity consumed by every household, has a greater effect on the people and that since more Nigerians are in the informal sector, the effects would be more felt by the economy.

“The issue of electricity, you’ll agree, because the Minister did say that she has been inundated by the public, just as we are, on several suggestions and ideas and I am almost a hundred percent sure that, from those ideas will be the issue of some kind of shelter, as far as electricity is concerned.

“It is one thing that will touch every household. As I said earlier, when we engaged, I discussed with the electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) that packaged whatever they would require, if the government can give them, for us to allow for two months free electricity for Nigerians, they would be able to guarantee it.

“We have figures. I think we should look very seriously into that as part of our package for economic stimulus because stimulus means something that will stimulate the economy. When you are stimulating the economy, most of it will come from the informal sector.

“When you are saving people their electricity and the fact that they now have stable electricity for two months, you are also saving the monies that would go into the payment of those bills at least for two months.”

On the need by the Executive arm to source for funds in the fight against coronavirus and its socio-economic effects, the Speaker restated the determination of the National Assembly to partner the Executive in efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of the disease on Nigerians and the economy.

He, however, noted that all government funds and private donations must be transparently accounted for.

He said: “Definitely, you will be taking loans from the Special Accounts, and as the Senate President said, it has to be backed by law, which again emphasizes the need to collaborate as earlier stated by the Minister.

“There has to be a collaboration. It cannot be a unilateral decision from the National Assembly; it can’t be a unilateral decision from the Executive; there has to be a collaboration. I’m glad that we are on that trajectory.

“I’m glad that my earlier discussion with the Honourable Minister on food and other items seized by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has been taken care of, as stated by the Minister.

“We need to, as soon as possible, and let the public know. On the issue of Presidential Task Force (PTF), none of us here, I don’t think any legislator can point to, who exactly is in charge. Where does the buck stop?

“Who is in charge of the disbursement? Who is in charge of the distribution of cash? Who decides what money goes where?

“Now, it is incumbent on the National Assembly to follow the money. Constitutionally, any money that comes into Nigeria, there has to be an oversight.

“That is why, we in the House have directed our Committees on Health, Disaster Management and Preparedness and Donor Agencies to talk to the PTF, talk to the Minister of Health and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“I wrote letters to all these people, but I wasn’t sure where exactly the buck stops. We need to clearly define exactly who is handling the money, who is handling what?

Gbajabiamila also urged the Finance Minister and her team to consider all options put forward by experts on preparation against the economic effects of coronavirus outbreak.

Earlier, the Minister for Finance, said among other measures, the establishment of a N500Bn COVID-19 Crisis Intervention Fund is on the table.

She said the money is expected to be raised from various Special Funds and Accounts in consultation with and with the approval of the National Assembly.

The intervention fund will be utilized to finance the Federal Government’s support to the state in improving their healthcare facilities and also finance the creation of a Special Public Works Programme

She also explained the need to revisit the 2020 national budget has become imperative, saying, “It has been established that Nigeria is currently facing significant financial risks due to the worsening global economic outlook.

“Specifically, Nigeria is highly vulnerable to the current global economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 crisis; and exposed to the risks of both a pronounced decline in oil prices and spikes in risk aversion in the global capital markets.”

IF this 2 Month Free Electricity WAIVER move by the House of Reps comes to pass,Nigerians will be happy.

More on Free Electricity?, Check out Website here

Customs Corner

COWA PTML Command Spreads Love to Orphans, Vulnerable Children

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Author: Lucy Nyambi.

The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) has reached out to orphans and vulnerable children in the spirit of the season.

The women visited the Chosen Child Orphanage and Care Centre and So-Said Charity Homes, both in Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, on Tuesday, 13 February, 2024.

Donating cash gifts and household items to the children of both homes, the Chairperson, COWA PTML Chapter, Princess Ojoede stated that the gesture is one that is being carried out both at National and State level.

“Our National President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, has mandated us, as our core objectives to make sure that we carry out this outreach to the children, to empower them and to show them love and care”. She said.

“She is also happy that we are delivering and implementing her core mandates of putting smiles on the faces of children and doing this welfare program”.

She emphasized the importance of the outreach saying that, it is their burning desire that all children should live happily and be well taken care of.

“As COWA members, we care with humility, and we want to show that care and love to the children here so this is just a little minute pack of the achievement we want to deliver in Lagos, Zone A”. She said.

While Fielding questions from the women, the Coordinator of Chosen Child Orphanage and Care Centre, Mrs Loiusa Ayuba noted that the home is registered with the Lagos State Government and caters to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children.

“We want to take them further in life, not having a father or mother is no longer an excuse to deny any child the opportunity to have the priviledge that other children enjoy”. She said.

She expressed gratitude to the women for their visit and donations.

Similarly, the Admistrative officer, So-Said Charity Homes, Pauline Okoro, expressed deep appreciation to the women for their kind gesture towards the children, while also offering prayers for them.

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Agriculture

Customs Officers Thwart Illegal Elephant Tusks Export

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Three Arrested in Joint Wildlife Protection Operation

Author: Lucy Nyambi.

Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Special Wildlife Office and the Customs Police Unit, in an intelligence-led, joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission, have arrested 3 suspects for facilitating the illegal export of Wildlife to Asia.

The 3 illegal Wildlife Traders were arrested during the sale of 5 pieces of Elephant Tusk on the 25th of January 2024, the 4th and 6th of February 2024.

The items weighing 25.35kg are worth about 16,000 USD in the Country of destination, which is equivalent to N23,520,000.00.

According to the Officer in charge of the Nigeria Customs Services’ Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller Abimbola Isafiade, “trafficking of Wildlife is a criminal offence punishable under law, and so Nigeria Customs Service will continue to support the global effort to fight Wildlife crime.”

“This act contravenes the Endangered Species Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service Act.” She emphasized.

AC Abimbola restated the Nigeria Customs Services’ commitment to leaving no stone unturned to end Illegal wildlife trade.

She assured that the Service is determined to dismantle the Wildlife criminal networks operating within the country.

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Customs Corner

Customs MMIA Holds Free CGC’s Medical Outreach to Mark International Customs Day

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Author: Lucy Nyambi.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, in partnership with Rotary Club District 9110, has held a free medical outreach as part of activities to mark International Customs Day (ICD).

The free medical outreach held at the Medical Centre, Nigeria Customs Training College Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, January 26, 2024, during the ICD celebration.

While Inspecting the exercise, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR commended the medical Officers’ support and the synergy during the outreach.

He expressed delight at the quality of service with the quantity of medication for the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The CGC further expressed optimism for future partnership with the Rotary Club, saying, “We hope that this will not be a one-off thing; we will explore other areas where we can partner together.”

He also commended the Customs Area Controller, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, Comptroller Charles Orbih, for the initiative.

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