Wednesday 10 May 2017

THIS IS TO INFORM YOU THAT BPSR BLOG HAS MOVED. cc @DrJoeAbah

The Director-General of Bureau of Public Services Reform had promised Nigerians that its blogging activities which were launched on this platform would eventually be moved over to its website, over at BPSR.


We are delighted to inform you that we have moved our blogging activities over to our website at

http://bpsr.gov.ng/index.php/media-center/blog/item/3-an-interview-with-dr-joe-abah-nigerian-government-committed-to-ogp


We thank you for the visit and encourage you to visit us over at our website.

KINDLY CLICK BPSR BLOG TO VISIT US.

Tuesday 9 May 2017

JAMB introduces the use of 8 keys without a mouse. cc @DrJoeAbah

JAMB candidates

The use of 8 keys without a mouse was introduced by JAMB to make this year's CBT friendly for candidates.

The 8 keys are;
1. A - for choosing option A in response to questions
2. B - for choosing the B option
3. C - represents option C
4. D - for selecting option D
5. P – represents the previous question
6. N – is for next questions.
7. S – is for submitting
8. R – is for reverse.

JAMB TIP

- JAMB QUESIONS=180
- TIME=2hr

TIP - This is to notify all jamb candidates that you need to use 40secs on each question during your jamb exam

You can use this SUGGESTED format below

1st Subject=60 Questions=40 mins
2nd Subject=40 Questions=27 mins
3rd Subject=40 Questions=27 mins
4th Subject=40 Questions=26 mins
TOTAL of 120 mins=2 hrs

NOTE: Please this should ONLY BE REGARDED as a suggestion for guidance and NOT a government instruction.

Thursday 4 May 2017

Major Reforms In Nigerian Customs Service. cc @DrJoeAbah


One of the most crucial functions of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is the promotion and facilitation of trade and competitiveness. We will be the first to admit that the reality at the Nigerian ports is challenging and can be improved upon.

Depending on who one asks, what you are likely to hear is that, export processes average between two (2) and three (3) weeks in Nigeria, compared to only four (4) days in Kenya etc. Nigeria requires up to fourteen (14) documents for imports, compared to just five (5) in Rwanda. Factors like these are responsible for the country’s lowly rank of 14th out of 15 ECOWAS economies and 182nd out of 190 economies worldwide in the ‘Trade Across Borders’ indicator on the most recent World Bank “Doing Business” Rankings.

Nigeria’s desire to restore growth through economic diversification, as enunciated in the recently released Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP) of the Federal Government requires a holistic reformist approach. Reforming procedures is required to stimulate important sectors of the Nigerian economy like agriculture and manufacturing, which contribute 23.1 and 13.3 percent respectively to its Gross Domestic Product.

On February 21, 2017, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Col. Hammed Ali (Rtd.), was among several heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) who gathered at the Conference Room of His Excellency, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) for the launch of the 60-Day National Action Plan on Ease of Doing Business by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

As a key stakeholder in the FG’s quest to make businesses work, the NCS joined other MDAs in making commitments towards delivering reforms that would progressively make it easier for businesses in Nigeria to start and thrive. Our commitments at the NCS are focused on “Trade Across Borders,” where a target was set to reduce import and export time by up to 50 percent, and ensure that import procedures adhere to international standards.

A major first step was taken to achieve the target when the Department of Home Finance of the Federal Ministry of Finance revised Nigeria’s Import and Export Guidelines following a directive from the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, to streamline current procedures.

The Guidelines addresses some of the issues causing inefficiency and delays at the ports. Several of the newly inserted clauses in the Guidelines relate directly to the operations of the NCS. I will attempt to explain the stipulations and implications of the revised Guidelines in this piece as it pertains to the NCS.

The NCS is now required to schedule and coordinate the Mandatory Joint Examinations and sign-off Form to ensure that there is only one point of contact between importers and officials.

Before this intervention, the burden was on importers to reach out to all relevant agencies and the Terminal Operator to schedule a suitable time for the joint examination of cargo. We have however decided to take this tedious process off the backs of the importers and coordinate same.

Similarly, the minimum cargo placement notice time for examination required by Terminal Operators has been reduced from twenty four (24) hours to a maximum of twelve (12) hours. This means that after the NCS agrees with all parties on a suitable time for physical examination, Terminal Operators now only require a twelve (12) hour notice to place the cargo for examination.

Under the revised Guidelines, Shipping Lines are required to electronically transmit advanced manifest of their cargoes to the NCS and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as soon as the vessel departs the last port of call – this is to ensure there is enough time for risk assessment, profiling and optimised placement of cargo. NCS Officers will then circulate the cargo manifests to other examination agencies and the Terminal Operators as soon as same are received from the Shipping Lines. Shipping Lines which fail to transmit the advanced cargo manifest may be denied berthing rights.

The above guideline is critical because one major reason for delays at the ports is the less than optimal cargo placement and offloading processes.

Most times, Terminal Operators are unaware of the contents of a container and are thus unable to determine if same requires physical examination or not. With prior knowledge of contents, Terminal Operators can ensure that containers which do not need physical examination and would consequently require less time to offload are placed ahead of those that will require examination in order to prevent delays and pileup of cargo.

Another reason for the delays at the ports during the import process is the haphazard manner in which goods are packed in containers. Different types of goods are just dumped in the container and imported into Nigeria, slowing the pace of physical examination and making it impossible for modern equipment to be used to examine containers.

To solve that problem, Shipping Lines are now required to ensure that imports into Nigeria are well arranged in pallets. Shipping Lines which fail to ‘palletise’ cargo will be sanctioned and and maybe asked to take back onboard the non-palletised cargo.

Even beyond the 60-Day Plan, which came to a close on April 21, 2017, the NCS is already collaborating with other stakeholders to further reform the import and export processes. Our efforts are strengthened by the complete support of the Federal Government, through the PEBEC, chaired by His Excellency, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the Federal Ministry of Finance; and other stakeholders.

Reduction of documents required for the import and export process will continue to engage the attention of relevant authorities in recognition of the fact that Nigeria presently requires more documents than most of its peers.

Finally, the on going move by FG towards the establishment and launch of a National Single Window (NSW) will contribute to the attainment of seamless interface by all stakeholders in the import and export chains. It will achieve an electronic, one-stop shop portal for Nigeria’s cargo clearance procedures.

The strong steering committee co-chaired by the Comptroller General of the NCS, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd.) and the Managing Director of the NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman demonstrates government’s desire to entrench more business friendly environment for importers, exporters and investors wishing to do manufacturing business in Nigeria.

We intend to show Nigerian exporters and importers through our actions that the NCS is not just a ‘tax-collecting’ agency, but a progressive partner determined to make it quicker, cheaper and easier for exporters and importers to trade and carry out their legitimate business operations through the Nigerian ports.

(NTA)

Wednesday 3 May 2017

CBN Urges Banks: "Play by the rules for the benefit of the entire country and its economy." cc @DrJoeAbah

Some Nigerian Banks
The Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday wielded the big stick on 16 Deposit Money Banks as it stopped them from participating in the Small and Medium-scale Enterprises window of the foreign exchange market.

The apex bank said this in a statement issued by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor.

He said the decision to stop the banks from participating in the SME wholesale window of the forex market was taken following series of complaints that some of them were deliberately frustrating efforts by many SMEs to access forex from the window.

The apex bank had last month created the SME wholesale window to make it easier for small-scale businesses to access forex to import critical materials for their operations.

The CBN explained in the statement that based on field reports, only eight banks had sold forex to the SMEs segment since the inception of the new window.

The apex bank noted that only the eight banks would be allowed to access forex in that segment of the financial market henceforth.

The banks are Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Heritage Bank, Jaiz Bank, Sterling Bank, Unity Bank and Zenith Bank Plc.

The CBN said all the other 16 banks that had refused to sell forex to small businesses after accessing over $300m offered to the SMEs’ wholesale forex window since its creation last month would be sanctioned accordingly.

Some of the banks to be sanctioned are First City Monument Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Citibank, Ecobank Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Limited, Skye Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Union Bank Plc and Wema Bank Plc.

Okorafor, however, stated that the sanction would be lifted immediately any of the affected banks showed evidence of significant utilisation of the funds allocated to them under the SME window.

As an incentive, he said banks that had utilised their SME funds were allocated all of the $100m sold at Tuesday’s wholesale auction.

He urged all stakeholders to play by the rules for the benefit of the entire country and its economy.

The statement read in part, “Following persistent complaints that some Deposit Money Banks have deliberately frustrated efforts by many SMEs to access forex from the new window created by the CBN, the apex bank on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, barred all but eight banks from dealing in the SME wholesale forex window.

“The financial regulator took the decision to bar the erring banks based on field reports, which revealed that only eight banks had sold forex to the SMEs segment since the inception of the new window.

“The CBN frowned at the action of banks that declined to sell foreign exchange to the SMEs to enable them to import eligible finished and semi-finished items despite the availability of forex from the CBN wholesale intervention window.

“The banks not barred include Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank, Heritage Bank, Jaiz Bank, Sterling Bank, Unity Bank and Zenith Bank.”

The CBN in the statement warned that it would “not sit back and allow any form of instability in the interbank forex market through the actions of institutions or individuals.”

The apex bank, the statement noted, urged all stakeholders to play by the rules for the benefit of the entire country and its economy.

Meanwhile, the CBN continued its intervention in the foreign exchange segment of the financial market by injecting a total of $196.2m into the various segments on Tuesday.

Okorafor said the apex bank offered the sum of the $100m to authorised dealers at Tuesday’s forex wholesale auction.

A breakdown of the other interventions indicate that the CBN made available the sum of $52m to the SME segment, while invisibles such Personal Travel Allowance, Basic Travel Allowance, medicals and tuition received $44.2m.

Okorafor stated that the CBN would continue its weekly sale of $20,000 to dealers in the Bureau de Change segment this week.

The CBN expressed confidence that the interventions would continue to guarantee stability in the market and ensure availability of forex to individuals and business concerns.

(PUNCH)

Tuesday 2 May 2017

FG Congratulates Anthony Joshua, Newly-Crowned World Heavyweight Champion. cc @DrJoeAbah

Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua in the famous Ali pose
The Federal Government has congratulated British professional boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua, who recently defeated Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko to become the unified World Heavyweight Champion.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said Nigeria is proud to be associated with the new unified World champion, whose Nigerian heritage he has publicly acknowledged.

“My heart is in Nigeria, My heart is in Britain. I am a Nigerian man by blood, yes,” the Minister quoted Joshua as saying in a recent interview, during which he also listed the secret of his success as pounded yam, eba and egusi all Nigerian cuisine.

He hailed Joshua for his humility, despite his success in boxing, and his undying spirit, coming off the canvas after he was knocked down by Klitschko in the sixth round to win by a Technical Knockout in the 11th round of their pulsating fight.

Alhaji Mohammed said the government will soon invite the new World Heavyweight Champion to Nigeria, especially as he has said he is looking forward to giving something back to the country.

(NTA)

Friday 28 April 2017

MAGU: EFCC is committed to rescuing Nigerians from being killed by corruption. cc @DrJoeAbah

Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the anti-graft agency is committed to rescuing Nigerians from being killed by corruption.

He said this while presenting a paper entitled, ‘Before Corruption Kills Nigeria’, at the 62nd award night of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held at Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotels, Abuja.

In the paper, which was presented on his behalf by A Bello, the EFCC chief said the agency has recovered N17bn through tip-offs from whistleblowers.

“Apart from several other recoveries running into several billions of naira, the recent whistle-blower policy, has led to the recovery of N521,815,000, $53,272,747, £122,890, and €547,730 by the EFCC,” he said.

Magu called on the media to support the ongoing fight against corruption because that was the only way the battle could be won.

“The EFCC is committed to pursuing its statutory mandate and to rescue the Nigerian state and its people from being killed by corruption,” he said.

“We call on the media and well meaning Nigerians to join us in this crusade. With the government and people of Nigeria behind the EFCC, we shall surely be victorious.”

He also said that the EFCC recorded 62 convictions in the first quarter of the year.

In his remarks, Abdulwaheed Odusile, NUJ president, pledged the union’s support for the EFCC, and he commended the commission for its committed efforts in combating corruption of all manners in Nigeria.

He urged the agency to continue carrying out its operation without fear or favour.

“While we commend the EFCC for its efforts in fighting economic crimes and corruption, we urge it to be diligent and painstaking in its assignment, and continue to operate without fear or favour. The media will continue to support their efforts in this regard,” Odusile pledged.

He also condemned the rejection of Magu as the substantive chairman of the EFCC by the senate and called for synergy between the legislature and the executive in the interest of the nation.

“We condemn the undue politicisation of the confirmation of the appointment of Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the EFCC by the national assembly. We call on the executive and the legislature to work together in the interest of the Nigeria people. The cat and mouse game in their relationship is adversely affecting the state of the nation and the welfare of the people,” he said.

(THE CABLE)

FG declares Monday, May 1, 2017, Public Holiday. cc @DrJoeAbah


The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 1, 2017, as a public holiday to commemorate the 2017 Workers’ Day celebration.

The Minister of  Interior, Lt Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.) made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement on Friday by the Director, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido.

He congratulated Nigerian workers for their resilience, hard work and commitment to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari despite current challenges.

The minister urged them to continue to support the  President “in his desire to fight corruption, ensure the security of lives and property, and stabilise the economy through the creation of jobs and diversification of the economy.”

Dambazau further urged the workers to re-educate themselves to the service of the nation and to remain productive for the growth and development of the country, particularly now that the government is embarking on the implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

The minister wishes all Nigerian workers a joyful and peaceful celebration, the statement added.

(PUNCH)