***Insists, Dangote Refinery is too vital to fail

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi has urged the Nigerian Government to apply caution in handling Dangote, and NNPCL conflicts as he asked for full support to be given to the Refinery to operate.
Being an issue that about Nigeria’s economy and the well-being of its citizens Obi said the conflict is troubling.

Writing on his X handle on Tuesday, the LP standards bearer said,
“Dangote Refinery Should Be fully supported, not vilified.
The recent conflicts between Dangote Industries and some government agencies are deeply troubling. This issue transcends political affiliations and personal grievances.
“It is fundamentally about Nigeria’s economy, future, and the well-being of its citizens. Given Alhaji Dangote’s significant contributions to Nigeria, these disputes must be resolved swiftly. “Government agencies should be directed to offer the necessary support for the seamless launch and operation of the Dangote Refinery and its associated enterprises.
“The refinery has the potential to generate approximately $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, with numerous additional positive impacts on the economy.
“Its strategic importance in addressing Nigeria’s fuel crisis, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and fostering economic growth cannot be overstated.
“The refinery is too vital to fail and must not be hindered, considering its crucial role in our national welfare.
“The Federal Government and its agencies need to recognize the significance of Dangote’s contributions. Alhaji Dangote is not just a businessman; he is a national and African brand symbolizing patriotism, commitment, and impactful entrepreneurship.
Despite operating in a challenging business environment, he has established a remarkable industrial hub in Nigeria, encompassing over 15 sectors, including cement, sugar, salt, fertilizer, infrastructure, tomatoes, automotive, energy, petrochemicals, rice, poly sacks,
real estate, mining, logistics, and maritime. “Alhaji Dangote’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s industrialization, job creation, and economic growth, despite adversities, warrants full support and protection.
“With economic indicators like unemployment, inflation,
Forex scarcity, and debt worsening, every sensible and patriotic government should regard enterprises like Dangote Industries as national treasures, meriting robust support and protection.

“In the interest of Nigeria and its citizens, as well as Africans at large, I urge the Federal Government and its agencies to provide Dangote Industries, especially the refinery, with all necessary support.

***Carry out four infrastructural projects

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu has given insight into the proposed 2024 Appropriation Bill that will be partly funded with the N50bn Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), which is currently domiciled in the National Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority (NSWIA).

He explained that the N50bn in the PIDF would not be adequate to fund the Renewed Hope Transformational Projects hence the Federal Government approached the World Bank for a $2.5bn loan.

He further disclosed that the World Bank management would meet soon to take a decision on its approval.

The minister gave the insight into while briefing the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee’s on National Planning and Economic Affairs over the proposed Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier told the joint session of the federal parliament that he would soon send the proposed money bill to the federal lawmakers for approval.
The Minister explained further that the entire Supplementary Budget, which is still being prepared, would be spent on four identified transformational projects.
He listed the projects to include Lagos – Calabar Coastal Road; the  proposed Sokoto – Badagri Road; the completion of all ongoing railway projects, which the Federal Government had yet to provide counterpart funding for

Atiku Bagudu also said the proposed money Bill would fund the rehabilitation and expansion of dams and irrigation schemes in order to support increased production within the economy.

Apart from this, he said the supplementary budget would  provide more money to support CNG, LNG projects to provide for more energy competitiveness.

He said a study done by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation showed that CNG vehicles are cheaper to maintain than petrol-powered ones.

The Minister added the trans-Sahara highway which the current administration inherited would also be funded with the supplementary budget.

He said, “The supplementary budget that was announced or rather was mentioned,

came about when Mr. President presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council.

“In  the memo, he said that he inherited the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, which was domiciled in the National Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority.

“He has also identified transformational projects, including Lagos – Calabar, Coastal Road; proposed Sokoto-Badagri Road; completion of all ongoing railway projects, which we have  not provided counterpart funding.

“We also plan to fund the rehabilitation and expansion of dams and irrigation schemes in order to support increased production within the economy. Last but not the least, more money to support CNG, LNG.”

“The  three roads, dams and irrigation, and railways, is what  Mr. President designated as the infrastructure, renewed health infrastructure priority items. 

“So that’s what he directed that the ministry prepare for appropriation supplementary appropriation Bill.

“We have not finished work on the bill,  we have not submitted the supplementary appropriation draft to the Federal Executive Council yet. 

“So many people have approached the ministry and indeed leadership of the National Assembly as well as many members asking about the renewed hope the supplementary appropriation.”

The Minister also said the current agitation by the organised labour minimum wage agitation might also be considered in the proposed legislation.

He said, “We are not clear how much revenue we have, given the challenges of the moment.

“Yes, we have done some scenarios given the exchange rate fluctuation and the impact of the budget and even scenarios given the current minimum wage negotiation that is ongoing.

“This is because even at N60,000, even at N62,000, that immediately doubles the minimum wage. 

“So it was the forecast that even at the lowest level, it will increase inflation rate and that might affect interest rates which will affect in turn, economic activity, debt surges among others.
On the 2024 Budget performance, the Minister explained why some MDAs had not started projects.
He also said the Federal Government has mandated the Finance Ministry to take over payment of some major contractors.
He said, “unlike the usual practice where every quarter the ministry of finance sent money to MDAs depending on what the envelope size is. That has been discarded and replaced by the bottom up cash. 

“Under our procurement laws, ministries and  MDAs are supposed to commence procurement as soon as the budget is passed into law. 

“So most MDAs are in that process now. The first quarter capital releases is not high because most MDAs have not yet awarded the contracts and consequently they have not put any request for cash. 
“We believe that it will pick up in this second quarter and subsequent quarters. So the budget performance will be difficult as procurement processes are completed by MDAs.

“Equally, as part of an effort for better treasury management, the federal Ministry of Finance have now decided that for some category of contracts, they will be doing the payments. 

“So again, that is intended to ensure that financial resources are pooled in one place, rather than sent to various MDAs awaiting processes. So those are the broad brief on the 2024 budget.”

The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Yahaha Abdullahi suggested the amendment to the 2024 Budget instead of a fresh appropriation because of the huge cost of processing it.

He, however said the executive arm of government is at liberty to determine how it want to get its appropriation bill approved by the parliament.

To enhance the investment climate of States for economic growth, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has launched its Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS) in Enugu State.

To implement the NICPS of which Enugu State is one of the beneficiaries, NIPC is partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under its Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) Phase II project, with the support of the European Union (EU)

“The NICPS is designed to empower states to attract and manage investments efficiently,” said Ms. Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary/CEO of NIPC, at the inauguration ceremony.
“Enugu State, with its rich natural resources and vibrant economic potential, stands to gain significantly from this initiative.”

The event which took place at the Enugu government house had the Deputy Governor Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai and the state executive council in attendance. The Deputy Governor who represented the Governor, emphasised the state’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, saying, “We aim to build a private sector-driven economy.”

The NICPS target is to provide accurate investment information, facilitate necessary infrastructure, and professionally packag the information to attract investors. The program is also aimed at boosting investment inflows, creating jobs, and increasing the state’s revenue.

The state government was acknowledge for its initiatives that align with the objectives of NICPS, including rehabilitating industries and establishing industrial parks.
The Enugu Geographic Information Service (ENGIS) was also highlighted for its role in streamlining land titling processes.

Ms. Rimi praised the state government for these strategic initiatives, thanked them for their hospitality and looked forward to continued collaboration.

This launch follows similar visits and workshops held in Ekiti and Gombe states, aimed at improving their investment climates.

The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) is the apex agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, established to encourage, promote, and coordinate all investments in Nigeria.