Empowerment
Again Senate considers ‘uneven’ disbursement of N483bn intervention loan
The Senate on Wednesday reconsidered the alleged uneven disbursement of intervention loans to the tune of N483 billion by development financial institutions to the six geopolitical zones in the country.
The Senate raised a 7- man Ad- hoc Committee to carry out a holistic investigation into the matter and report back to the in four weeks for further legislative action.
Chairman of the Committee is Senator David Umahi. Other members are senators; Babangida Oseni, Ali Ndume, Sani Musa, Tokunbo Abiru, Ipalibo Banigo and Chizoba Chukwu.
This followed the debate on a motion by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) which was supported by 64 other senators on the need to holistically investigate the disbursement of the loans by Development Bank of Nigeria, NIRSAL and related Banks to micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria from 2015 to date.
Recall that Senate witnessed its first rowdy session last Wednesday over the same subject matter when Akpabio rejected the motion to debate the alleged uneven distribution of N500 billion credit facilities to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
Ndume, had upon the commencement of plenary session, drawn attention of the Senate to a motion he sponsored on the same issue of imbalance in the distribution of the money adding that the outcome of that motion was not concluded before the end of the tenure of the 9th Senate.
Recall alao that the same motion by Ndume and three others was investigated by an ad- hoc committee in the 9th Senate and a report was submitted by the panel headed by Senator Sani Musa (Niger East).
Deliberating on the motion at plenary on wednesday, the Senate noted that the huge disparity and un- even distribution of half a billion Naira to states in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and the states in the country in 2021 by the Development Bank of Nigeria .
“Aware that the Bank’s Annual Integrated Statutory Report 2021obtsined on 13th July, 2022 from the organisation’s website showed that the Bank disbursed a loan worth Four Hundred and Eighty Three Billion Naira (N483,000,000,000) only out of which only 11 percent went to the 19 states of Northern Nigeria, while 47percent went to Lagos State alone.
“Also aware that the 13 percent of the loan that went to the North totals about about Fifty Three Billion , One Hundred and Thirty Million Naira (N53,130,000,000) while the 47 percent that went to Lagos State alone totals Two Hundred and Twenty Seven Billion and Ten Million Naira (N227,010,000,000) only..”
According to the breakdown of the loan presented by Sen Ndume, “the South West got 57 percent worth N274,740,000,000; South South got 17 percent worth N81,940,000,000; North Central got 11 percent worth N53,020,000,000; South East got 9 percent worth N43,380,000,000; North West got 5 percent worth N24,100,000,000; North West and North East got just One percent worth N4,820,000,000.”
Recall that the Development Bank of Nigeria exists to alleviate financing constraints being faced by Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria through providing finances , partial credit guarantees and technical assistance to eligible financial intermediaries on a market – conforming and fully financially sustainable basis.
Ndume also noted that the top five sectors considered for the loan were oil and gas (42.0 percent), manufacturing (16.0 percent) , agriculture, forestry and fisheries (7 .2 percent), trade and commerce (6.3 percent), and transportation and storage (3.5 percent),
However, there was mild drama as senators took time to dissect the motion
Seriake Dickson (PDP Bayelsa) while suggesting an addition prayer asjed that
the Ad- hoc investigation should be extended to look at all intervention loans by the CBN including Covid- 19 palliative, Anchor Borrows loan etc.
But the additional prayer was dropped on the pretext that will make the assignment of the ad- hoc committee unending.
Contributing earlier, Sen. Orji Uzir Kalu (Abia North) said loans are gotten up in application and following satisfaction of requisite requirements including bank guarantees.
Olamilekan Adeola (Ogun West) said Ndume had the notion that his North East zone was short changed but forgot that the development financial institutions had laid down procedures to disburse loans but appealed that the motion be given a second look if Ndume felt bad about the facts.
Sen. Sani Musa (Niger East) who headed the former ad- hoc committee said it should be noted that there is difference between bank loans and palliatives .
While agreeing that development institutions has criteria gor granting loans , he said the institutions might not be strictly followed .
He disclosed that 65 percent of loans disbursed by DBN has been repaid.
Musa also said interest of northerners in applying for the loan may be restricted by religious belief that no interest should be paid on.loans while financial institutions take 17 percent on loan.
But Ndume interjected him saying he perfectly understood workings of development institutions and their requirements . But claimed he got information presented from the website of the DBN and microfinance institutions involved.
A financial expert and retired banker, Sen. Isah Jibtil advised that the DBN among other institution is not wholly Nigerian institution but has foreign bodies like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) as investment partners and they have their criteria which cannot be compromised by the Nigerian system.
He advised that Nigerians that failed to meet such requirement should approach other less cumbersome institutions such as the Bank of Industry and Bank of Agriculture.
***To Empower 558 Young Farmers
In a major move to boost agriculture and economic development in Nigeria’s North West region, the Barau I. Jibrin Foundation (BIJF) has partnered with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to launch a N2.79 billion loan scheme aimed at transforming 558 young Nigerians into millionaire farmers.
The initiative, known as the Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in Nigeria (BIARN), is designed to enhance food production, create jobs, and strengthen food security by equipping young farmers with the resources needed to succeed.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BOA, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, emphasized that the scheme aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to modernize and expand the agricultural sector.
“This program is about revolutionizing agriculture in the North West. In this first phase, we are empowering 558 young farmers with N5 million each, giving them the opportunity to become agricultural entrepreneurs,” Barau stated.
He added that beyond wealth creation, the program will generate employment and inspire a new wave of young agribusiness leaders.
The beneficiaries will be selected from seven states and 186 local government areas in the North West region. The scheme specifically targets graduates with Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees, ensuring that educated young Nigerians actively participate in modern farming.
Senator Barau also noted that the initiative supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has prioritized investment in agriculture, committing over one trillion naira to the sector.
BOA’s Managing Director, Alwan Ali Hassan, praised the initiative, describing it as a groundbreaking effort to transform agriculture in Nigeria.
“We are proud to support this visionary program that will change the agricultural landscape of the region, particularly in maize and rice cultivation. BOA is fully committed to its successful implementation,” he assured.
Through this collaboration, the Barau Jibrin Foundation and BOA are laying the foundation for a new generation of successful, young farmers who will drive economic growth, reduce unemployment, and ensure food sufficiency across Nigeria.
The Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, emphasizing its role in driving economic growth and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, made this declaration during a courtesy visit by the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) at his office in Abuja.
Director of Information & Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, in a statement quoted Edun to have highlighted several government-led initiatives aimed at enhancing youth participation, financial inclusion, and economic stability, all in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He indicated that over 100,000 students have benefited from the Student Loan program, with ₦30 billion allocated to support higher education.
Another initiative; the Digital and Creative Economy Fund designed to finance youth-led businesses, with a special focus on women entrepreneurs.
Another initiative is the Consumer Credit Access which is a government-backed initiative that will improve financial access for young Nigerians.
Infrastructure Development according to the Minister is another initiative focused on unlocking agricultural potential and expanding the economy.
The Minister reaffirmed that the government is working to eliminate barriers that hinder youth involvement in key economic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and exports.
He urged young Nigerians to take full advantage of available opportunities and actively engage with government policies.
The National President of the Arewa Youth Forum, Ahmed Mohammed Zagi, commended the government’s economic and job creation efforts, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
While acknowledging the government’s palliative interventions, Zagi appealed for additional support ahead of the Ramadan fast, noting the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The Minister assured the delegation of continued collaboration, stressing that the government remains focused on fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable economy for all Nigerians.
“The future belongs to you,” Edun told the youth representatives, encouraging stronger engagement between youth groups and policymakers to shape a prosperous national future.
With strategic programs like the Student Loan Scheme, Digital Economy Fund, and Consumer Credit Access, Nigeria’s youth are better positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. The government’s dedication to collaboration and empowerment signals a brighter future for young Nigerians.
In a groundbreaking move to uplift the creative industry in Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has established a fully equipped music studio, providing free access to local artistes and financial support to fuel their careers.
The initiative, unveiled on Valentine’s Day under the Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Foundation, is set to revolutionize the entertainment landscape in the region. Beyond just a facility, the studio serves as a launchpad for emerging musicians who previously faced financial hurdles in recording their music.
The senator’s generosity extended beyond infrastructure—ten artistes received ₦300,000 each to boost their careers, while performers at the event also got financial support.
The Alema/Ohiogu Love Fest, which featured thrilling performances from top local talents, showcased the depth of musical artistry in Kogi Central.
With this initiative, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is not just investing in music; she is shaping a future where Kogi Central artistes have the tools to compete on a national and global scale.
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