Highlight

FG to redirect electricity subsidy savings to improve power supply, social services – Information Minister

On agriculture, the Minister said the Federal Government has expanded the cultivation of wheat, rice, cassava, and maize, under the Dry Season Farming Initiative, on about 500,000 hectares of farmland.

1k

Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has said that the over N1 trillion that would be saved from the withdrawal of electricity subsidy will be reinvested in improving power supply and the provision of social services for the country.

Idris said this in Kaduna on Saturday while featuring as a guest of the popular Hausa audience participatory programme of Radio Nigeria Kaduna called “Hannu Da Yawa.”, according to a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant on Media.

He said the disproportionate amount of electricity subsidy, approximately 40%, is benefiting only about 15% of the electricity consumer population, comprising affluent individuals and industrial clusters, who enjoy about 20 hours of electricity.

“It is essential to emphasize that the funds to be saved from the withdrawal of electricity subsidy will be reinvested in enhancing power supply across the country and improving other vital social services such as health and education,” he said.

Idris emphasized that 85% of the population who falls under the different categorizations of the new electricity supply regime still enjoys the subsidy.

The Minister said the new Electricity Act, signed by President Tinubu, has strengthened the governance structure of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and empowers the Commission to place severe sanctions on electricity distribution companies for infractions relating to billings and supply of electricity to consumers.

While speaking on the post-fuel subsidy intervention programmes, Idris said the supply of N100 billion worth of CNG buses is still on track as the specification of the buses is not bought off the shelf.

The Minister said the government would soon launch CNG conversion centres across the country to encourage Nigerians to convert their vehicles from fuel consumption to CNG to reduce the cost of transportation.

Idris also stated that the Committee set up by the President to review the operational mechanism of the National Social Investment Programme has submitted its report to pave the way for the resumption of the programmes, which will be providing N25,000 Conditional Cash Transfers to 15 million poor and vulnerable households for three months among other interventions.

The Minister used the platform to dispel the notion in some quarters that the Tinubu administration is out to shortchange the northern part of the country, stressing that the Federal Government would continue to invest funds in the development of projects in the north.

On agriculture, the Minister said the Federal Government has expanded the cultivation of wheat, rice, cassava, and maize, under the Dry Season Farming Initiative, on about 500,000 hectares of farmland.

“The President has mandated us to go out and feel the pulse of the nation and report back to him. We were in Dutse, Auyo, and Hadejia and interacted with the farmers about the successes of the dry season farming in those areas,” he said.

Idris expressed delight that Kebbi State is now a hub of tomato farming and processing in the country through collaboration with a leading food processing firm, GB Foods, which has set up a sprawling factory for the production of tomato paste.

He said plenty of farmers, mostly women are now involved in tomato farming in Kebbi State because of the enabling environment and support from the off-taker, GB Foods, which has shown a remarkable commitment to doing business in Nigeria.

 

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Fatal Islington sword attack: London teenager Tate bags 22 years

A teenager, Sanchez Tate, 18, has been sentenced to 22 years in...

With extant appeal, Rivers Govt.’ll be given its monthly federal allocation – FG

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has reacted to the...

FG urged to promote national unity, social cohesion using community-based events, initiatives

The Federal Government has been urged to take a more active role...

Carjacking in FCT: Police recover Land Cruiser Prado after high-speed hot chase

In a swift response to a distress call, the Federal Capital Territory...

Just in: Abuja Court remands 109 alleged foreign hackers in prison

No fewer than 109 alleged foreign hackers, including females who attempted to...

Lagos, Abuja airports receive full NCAA certification

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport...

Day 3 of African Military Games: Nigerian Armed Forces Shine, Win 17 Medals

The Nigerian Armed Forces have made a remarkable impact at the ongoing...

FG raises N346bln at Nov. 2024 bond auction, reflecting strong investor interest

The Federal Government has successfully raised N346.155 billion at its November 2024...

Breaking: Supreme Court Nullifies National Lottery Act

The Supreme Court on Friday nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted...

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...