Business

‘No single person benefitted’ — senate probes FG’s 774k jobs scheme

Published

2 years ago

October 27, 2022 1:50 pm

BodexNG

The senate committee on public account says it has commenced an investigation into the employment scheme of 774,000 Nigerians recruited for the special public works programme.

In April 2020, the federal government approved the recruitment of 774,000 Nigerians on special public works programme with the mandate of 1000 people per LGA.

The special public works programme, implemented by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), was part of the fiscal stimulus measures adopted by the federal government in response to COVID-19 pandemic.

According to PUNCH, Mathew Urhoghide, chairman of the senate committee on public accounts, at the committee sitting on Tuesday gave the NDE two weeks to provide a full report of the SPW beneficiaries across 36 states and the federal capital territory (FCT).

All seven lawmakers present at the meeting reportedly said nobody from their constituents benefitted from the scheme.

Thompson Sekibo, senator representing Rivers East, said nobody from his district benefitted from the programme, and that all names submitted by lawmakers were not approved.

Micheal Nnachi, senator representing Ebonyi South, was also said to have asked the NDE to provide the list of beneficiaries from his district as nobody benefitted from his constituency.

The committee also reportedly agreed that the NDE provide all names, phones number, and account details of the 1,000 beneficiaries in every 774 LGAs within one week.

The federal government had targeted the sum of N52 billion for the execution of the programme as voted in the revised 2020 budget.

In June 2021, Festus Keyamo, minister of state, labour and employment, announced that the federal government had paid N24 billion to 413,630 beneficiaries of the scheme.

But the senate committee was said to have discovered that the sum of N26 billion was collected by the NDE for the project.

Abdul Isah, representative of the NDE, asked the committee to give the agency three weeks to compile the list of beneficiaries.

But members of the senate committee were said to have declined the request, giving the NDE two weeks to tender the list of all beneficiaries across the country.

Meanwhile, the project had caused a disagreement between Keyamo and the lawmakers who accused him of taking over the programme from the NDE.

On June 30, 2020, members of the national assembly asked Keyamo out of the senate after he refused a closed-door meeting with the lawmakers.

Business

Nigeria’s GDP rate grew by 3.46% in Q3 2024, says NBS

Published

19 hours ago

November 25, 2024 1:29 pm

BodexNG

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.

The NBS, in its GDP report published on Monday, said the growth rate is higher than the 3.19 percent recorded in Q2 2024.

Business

Dangote refinery reduces ex-depot price of petrol to N970 for oil marketers

Published

21 hours ago

November 25, 2024 11:01 am

BodexNG

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.

This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.

The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant.

Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.

“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.

“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”

Business

Allegation of missing fund untrue, says Access Bank

Published

23 hours ago

November 25, 2024 9:16 am

BodexNG

Access Bank Limited has dismissed as untrue allegations of missing fund and unethical behaviour.

The Bank in a statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.

“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.

“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.

“There is no N500million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.

“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.

“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.

“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.

“We remain committed to serving our customers.”

Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others