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FG to lift 100m Nigerians out of poverty by 2025 – Agba

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Minister of State, Budget and National Planning
Minister of State, Budget and National Planning
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Mr Clem Agba, Minister of State, Budget and National Planning has said that the Federal Government’s new Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2021-2025 is targeted at lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

Agba made this known on Monday during the opening of a capacity building workshop for Special Advisers and Technical Assistants of Ministers organised by Konard Adeneaur Stiftung (KAS), a German Foundation.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the workshop was organised by KAS in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning geared towards promoting good governance.

Agba said that the Plan was to address the prevalence of poverty by lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years, with strategies to tackle Nigeria’s increasing population growth.

He also noted that the MTNDP is expected to be launched in October with an i-monitoring system which would also be introduced in government’s websites.

He added that this would enable Nigerian’s post pictures of projects status vis-a-vis the cash released.

Agba stressed that this would help for accountability and citizen’s involvement in governance.

He said that  Nigerians would be able to know projects directed to their communities and query non- implementation if need be.

“As you may be aware, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2020) and Nigeria Vision 20: 2020 (NV20:2020) lapsed in December 2020, necessitating the need to develop successor Plans.

“Namely, the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2021-2025 and Nigeria Agenda 2050, to replace the outgone plans respectively.

“There is the widely held notion that previous plans were Federal Plans. To eliminate this notion, the process for the on-going plans has been inclusive and participatory, involving not only state actors.

“But the Organized Private Sector, Civil Society Organizations, Women and Youth groups, including People with Special Needs.

“The Plans are anchored on the Government’s desire to address the prevalence of poverty by lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years,” he said.

Agba said further that the exercise would also put in place strategies to tackle Nigeria’s increasing population growth.

“The country will hit the 411 million mark and become the third most populous country in the world by 2050, after China and India.

“These plans will ensure economic stability, national development and good governance”, Agba said.

Agba also appreciated KAS for its numerous support towards policy making and implementation process in Nigeria, adding that the training for Aides of Ministers is apt.

He also urged participants to apply lessons learnt from the workshop into the implementation of the National Plans for the benefit of the country.

Mr Vladmir Kreck, Resident Representative of KAS to Nigeria said KAS was keen on supporting Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, Agencies, legislatures, Civil Societies towards ensuring sustainable democracy and governance in line with its mandates.

Kreck, who was represented by Mr Samson Adeniran, KAS Programme Manager, said KAS was training Aides to Ministers considering their key role in administration and governance.

“With these workshops and capacity buiding, KAS wishes that contributions from all of us will flow into the eventual implementation of the long term Development plan of the nation.

“We as a foundation that stands for good governance everywhere in the world where we are active, hope that efforts will lead to respect for the rule of law, transparency, accountability, efficiency and equity.

“All these are what can make a nation to develop quickly,” Kreck said. (NAN)

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Business & Economy

Dangote Refinery Overtakes US Again as Europe’s Biggest Jet Fuel Supplier

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has retained its position as Europe’s largest supplier of jet fuel for the second consecutive month, overtaking the United States and further strengthening Nigeria’s presence in the global energy market.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the refinery said the achievement highlights its growing influence in international refined petroleum trade and its ability to consistently meet the stringent quality standards required by one of the world’s most demanding aviation fuel markets.

According to the refinery, the latest European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler showed that more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel produced at the Dangote Refinery were delivered to Europe in July. This accounted for approximately 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports during the month.

The July performance follows an even stronger showing in June, when the refinery exported a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe, marking the first time Nigeria displaced the United States as Europe’s leading supplier of imported aviation fuel.

Dangote Refinery noted that Europe imported about 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with the Nigerian refinery accounting for the single largest share of those imports, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States, the Middle East and Asia.

The company attributed its growing success to its strategic location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, large refining capacity, modern technology and efficient export infrastructure, which have enabled it to become a reliable supplier to international markets.

The refinery also disclosed that its export momentum has been supported by increased production.

According to the statement, jet fuel loadings at the Dangote export terminal in Lekki reached a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude oil deliveries to the refinery climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing the capacity needed to sustain rising exports of refined petroleum products.

Dangote Refinery further explained that changing global energy supply patterns have also contributed to its growing market share.

Although Europe continued to receive some jet fuel supplies from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and evolving geopolitical developments encouraged many buyers to diversify their sources of supply.

The refinery said these developments created an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its position as a dependable supplier of premium aviation fuel to Europe.

Commenting on the milestone, the Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird, said the company has continued to expand exports beyond aviation fuel to include diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products across Europe, Africa and other international markets.

He said the refinery’s growing export footprint is reinforcing Nigeria’s emergence as a net exporter of high-value refined petroleum products while boosting the country’s role in global energy trade.

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Zenith Bank Confirms Cyberattack, Says Limited Customer Data Exposed

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Zenith Bank has confirmed that it suffered a cyberattack that resulted in the exposure of limited customer information.

In a message sent to customers on Tuesday, the bank said the attack was part of a wider global cyber campaign targeting organisations across different sectors.

According to the bank, the compromised information includes some customers’ email addresses and phone numbers. However, it assured customers that its banking services and digital platforms were not affected and remain secure.

Zenith Bank said it immediately activated its cybersecurity response measures after detecting the breach and has launched an investigation into the incident.

The bank also advised customers to be alert for phishing emails, text messages and phone calls, warning them never to share their passwords, PINs, One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or other security credentials with anyone.

Zenith Bank reaffirmed its commitment to protecting customers’ information and said efforts are ongoing to determine the full extent of the cyberattack.

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2 FGN Savings Bonds Up For Subscription at N1,000 Per Unit

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The Federal Government, through the Debt Management Office (DMO), has announced an offer of two FGN bonds for subscription at N1,000 per unit.

The DMO stated that the first offer is two-year FGN Savings Bond due Aug. 12, 2028 at interest rate of 13.96 per cent per annum.

The second offer is a three-year FGN Savings Bond due in Aug. 12, 2029 at interest rate of 14.96 per cent per annum.

It said that the opening date for the offer is Monday August 3rd, 2026 (today), while closing date is Aug. 7, settlement date is Aug. 12, while coupon payment dates are Nov. 12, Feb. 12, May 12 and Aug.12.

“Subscription is N1,000 per unit subject to a minimum subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum subscription of N50 million.

“Interest is payable quarterly, and bullet repayment is on the maturity date, ” the DMO said.

The DMO added that the FGN savings bonds, like all other Federal Government securities, were backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.

”They qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act.

”They qualify as government securities within the meaning of the Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act for exemption for pension funds, among other investors.

”They are listed on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd., and they qualify as liquid assets for liquidity ratio calculation for banks,” it said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FGN Savings Bond is a retail debt instrument issued by the DMO on behalf of the Federal Government.

It is specifically designed to enable retail investors and average earners to participate in government debt securities with lower capital requirements than standard FGN bonds.

Subscription to FGN savings bonds means one is lending money to the federal government, which agrees to pay interest (coupon) at regular intervals and to repay the principal when the bond matures

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