Agba made this known on Tuesday in Abuja while briefing House of Representatives Committee on Civil Society and Development Partners on Donor Funds Receipts, Transfers and Disbursement to Government Agencies, Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations in Nigeria.

Breaking down the figure, Agba said that the amount comprised $ 2.34 billion received in 2015, $1.15 billion gotten in 2016 and $ 774.93 million collected in 2017.

The minister said that $22.02 billion was obtained in 2018, while $655.64 million was received in 2019 and $5.64 million got in 2020.

According to him, these donations come from the European Development Fund (EDF) and the United Nations Development Systems (UNDS).

He explained that some of the funds also came from China through the Bilateral Agreement between the Government of Nigeria and the Peoples Republic of China signed since 1972.

Agba said some funds came from Japan Activities in Nigeria via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

He said that others came from the Department for International Development (DFID), United States Agency for lnternational Development (USAID) and the German International Cooperation (GIZ).

According to him, the ministry does not receive donor funds, hence cannot transfer or disburse what is not received.

He said that Nigeria does not currently qualify for budget support because it is not classified as very poor but as a lower middle income country that is only qualified for projects/programmes support.

“The implication of this is that Donors do not give us the funds for management, rather Donors work with the sectoral stakeholders to fund the project directly after identifying the needs by the MDAs/States in line with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

“For the purpose of clarification, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning is responsible for coordinating Nigeria’s multilateral and bilateral economic cooperation including development aid and technical assistance programmers by signing of cooperation agreements.

“These agreements are signed after obtaining Power of Attorney from Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the ministry also facilitates the implementation of programmes and projects as well as carrying out monitoring and evaluation.

“In carrying out these functions, the role of the ministry is to coordinate the Bilateral and Multilateral Institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs), as well as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

“Interventions in these identified areas are done directly in collaboration with the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) as well as States and Local Government Areas through their implementing Agencies.

“In view of the above, procurement is carried out directly by the Donors,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Kabiru Idris (APC-Kano) said that the committee had received several petitions, alleging misappropriation, misuse, and diversion of donor funds.

He said that petitions on falsification of performance reports for the purpose of obtaining more funds from Donor Agencies/Organisations had also reached the committee.

The lawmaker said that the committee had also received a referral from the House of Representatives, mandating it to investigate the operations of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) so as to ascertain their sources of funding.

He said that the committee is expected to find out the bases of operations and locations of NGOs following a deliberation on a motion titled “Need for Special Intervention in the Protracted Situation in the Country” by the green chambers.

“It was in the light of the foregoing that we wrote you two letters:

“To brief the committee on how the Department of International Corporation has been carrying out its responsibilities of managing Multilateral and Bilateral Economic Cooperation including Development Aid and Technical Assistance Programmes.

“Also Donor funds received by Government Agencies and NGOs from 2015 to date and the operations of NGOs particularly those operating in the Northeast, so as to ascertain their sources of funding, their bases of operations and their locations,” he said.

The chairman said that the information gathered from the interaction would enable the Committee to effectively carry out its oversight mandate.

Kabir said that the committee would embark on further engagements with NGOs, both local and international for more clarifications.

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“Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are crucial to the socioeconomic development of our economies, contributing 40 to 60 per cent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“They also employ a significant part of the workforce in APEC economies,’’ the ministers said in a joint statement issued after an APEC SME Ministerial Meeting chaired by Malaysian Entrepreneur Development and Co-operatives Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

“The unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 crisis on businesses calls for APEC economies to remain steadfast in strengthening an enabling environment for MSMEs through policies and measures that will help them recover and build resiliency,’’ it said.

The ministers pledged to work on developing the digital potential of MSMEs, including by expanding access to digital tools, removing barriers to digital trade and e-commerce, and cross-border commerce.

“Under the current circumstances, we will continue to address uncertainties and challenges, and find new opportunities to ensure APEC economies are on the right path to recovery and resilience, while supporting each other in this time of crisis, the statement said.

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Mr Clement Agba, the Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning said this on Monday in Abuja during the webinar meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora.

He said that the country had been implementing the the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 to 2020 and Nigeria Vision 20:2020 (NV20:2020)
as its medium and perspective plans respectively.

Agba said that coincidentally both plans would terminate in December 2020.

“The three-tiers of government need to collectively develop the successor plans medium and long term (2021 to 2025).”

Agba said that the process for the formulation of the succession plans and new vision had commenced and it was important to engage all the stakeholders in the process.

He said that drawing from the experience of the past government it was considered very important pillars on which the plans should be built.

The pillars, according to Agba include coherent policy trust for the Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP), and realistic macroeconomic framework for the MTNDP with identified binding constraints.

“Robots monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework for effective implementation of the MTNDP, priortised and sequenced list of programmes and projects to feed into the yearly budget.

“Effective communication of the plan, vision and stakeholders’ engagement,” Agba said.

He said that the current administration had identified nine government priorities for implementation during the period 2019 to 2023, which had been captured as priorities in the medium-term Plan.

Agba said that government was given policy priority to build systems to fight corruption, improve governance and create national cohesion, enlarge agriculture output for food security, expand business growth, entrepreneurship and industrialisation.

“Enhance social inclusion and reduce poverty, build a thriving and sustainable economy, expand transport and other infrastructure development.

“Attain energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products, improve access to quality education, affordable healthcare and productivity, improve security for all.”

The minister promised that the Federal Government would work with the recommendation to be made by Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Mrs Maghreb Okoduwa from U.S. commended the Federal Government for engaging Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Okoduwa advised the Federal Government to sustain such meetings and ensure the implementation of recommendations raised by Nigerians in the Diaspora.

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Members of the APCAAG made the call while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, saying that those against Onochie’s appointment were people who undermined democratic process and the rule of law.

Mr Great Jonathan, the Convener of the group said that the appointment of Onochie could be disputed or seen as partisan as “she is not a card carrying member of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).’’

Jonathan said that Onochie was only serving as a Technical/Media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari and “he has the power to appoint qualified people into his cabinet.’’

“Some elements, who are afraid of their shadows and dangerous past are up in arms against the well-deserved appointment of Lauretta Onocihie by President Buhari, because of what she represents.

“Those who are afraid of being confronted in their notorious schemes of election rigging by the bold and courageous disposition of Onochie have resulted to a cacophony of noises in order to confuse the nation.

“Through their propaganda machines, they have launched an attack against her appointment but the reality is that they are afraid because she has always stood for free and fair election and that is not in their dictionary.

“They know that her appointment into INEC is a further measure by Mr President to strengthen the institution to ensure freer and more credible elections in the future and they don’t like that,” Jonathan said.

Jonathan said none of those opposing her nomination had brought anything tangible against her except that she worked for the government.

“But the question to ask is this- Is the government in which she serves not the government of Nigeria? Does she possess the intellectual capacity to do the job?

“What denies her the right like every other Nigerian from handling responsibilities in any capacity?

“Are those who have been appointed in the past and those currently serving, more Nigerian than she is?

“Has she committed any offence upon which the constitution should frown at her appointment?” the group asked.

Jonathan further cited examples of previous INEC chairmen who were card carrying members of previous administrations.

Also speaking, Dr Tom Ohikere, a member of the group said that Nigerians should be happy over the nomination of Onochie as “she is a professional, upright and with good standing’’.

Ohikere described her appointment as “well-deserved’’ as she possesses the qualifications to drive Nigeria through a free and fair electioneering process.

Mrs Sally Chinedu, former South East Zonal Leader of the APC also lauded the nomination of Onochie, saying “ it is part of the president’s agenda of women inclusion in governance’’.

She described Onochie as a God fearing woman whose character in previous positions, professionalism and moral standards qualified her for the position.

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Lijian made this remarks at a news conference in response to certain Western countries’ false accusations against China of not fully participating in the Group of 20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative.

Also, it was added that China had failed to help African countries to reduce their debt burdens.

Lijian said that China had attached great importance to debt suspension and alleviation in Africa and is committed to fully implementing the G20 debt relief initiative.

China has announced important measures to alleviate African debt at the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19.

“We are following the consensus reached by the leaders of China and Africa and the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative and are actively responding to the concerns of the African side,’’ said Lijian.

He added that the Export-Import Bank of China, as an official bilateral creditor, had signed debt suspension agreements with 11 African countries.

Lijian also said that non-official creditors had also reached consensus on debt relief with some African countries.

Lijian said China would exempt 15 African countries from interest-free loans by the end of 2020 and continue to promote the international community, especially the G20, to further extend the duration of debt suspension.

The debts held by multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors account for more than three-quarters of the total foreign debt of African countries, he said.

He added that those institutions and creditors should bear a greater responsibility for debt relief.

“China’s cooperation with Africa never interferes in the internal affairs of African countries and political conditions are never attached.

“Those are the principles we hold when dealing with Africa’s debt problems.

“The label “debt trap” cannot be handed to China,’’ he said.

China has always supported Africa.

The country stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with African countries and resolve the debt problem through friendly consultations, Lijian said.

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Our correspondent reports that Gov. Nasir el-Rufai on Wednesday announced the appointment of Bamali as the new Emir of Zazzau to succeed the late Shehu Idris who died on Sept. 20.

In his maiden media interaction on Thursday in Zaria, the royal father said his plan was to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors.

He said the former emir spent 45 years on the throne and achieved a lot and as well-meaning successor, he would like to build on such achievements.

Bamali said the late emir has strengthened the structure of the emirate.

“It is not easy to step into the shoes of somebody whose personality was larger than life. It going to be a gradual process. In Sha Allah we will accomplish the task .

”I also calling on all my co-contestants to come together so that we can continue to build on the foundation laid down by our predecessors.

”I do not believe in the winner takes all. I believe in team work,” he said.

The royal father said that he does not have any reason to neglect the two other leading families because they were his family as well.

”My grandmother is from the Bare-bari dynasty, therefore they are my family. I feel very comfortable whenever I am with them because they treat me with dignity.

“My wife for the past 30 years, is also a daughter of the late emir. As you can see, I don’t have any reason to alienate anybody.

“I also told the council members that I am ready to tag along with everybody and the foundation laid by the late emir provided people to work in line with the game.

“For the palace staff members, I do not intend to make life unbearable for anybody; the legacy of our family is to bring people close to us not to send them away,’’ he said.

It was reported that Bamali is the first emir from the Mallawa Ruling House in 100 years, following the demise in 1920 of his grandfather, Emir Dan Sidi.

Until his appointment as Emir of Zazzau, Bamali held the title of Magajin Garin Zazzau and served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Thailand, with concurrent accreditation to Myanmar.”

Bamali was also an executive director of a bank and later acting managing director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Corporation.

He was an employee of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency before becoming the head of Human Resources at MTel, the mobile communications arm of the old Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).

Born in 1966, Bamali studied Law at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and holds a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a diploma in Organisational Leadership from Oxford University.

He is also a fellow on Conflict Resolution of the University of York, UK.

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The vice president listed Survival Fund including payroll support for three months, guaranteed off-take scheme among others as part of efforts to support small businesses in Nigeria to survive the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said the vice president spoke at the 2020 edition of the Micro MSMEs Awards which held via video conference.

He said that locally, businesses were facing their most challenging time and the impact was particularly severe on MSMEs

“The central plank of our response as a government to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic has been the Economic Sustainability Plan recently approved by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council.

“In that plan which essentially envisages an overall N2.3 trillion stimulus package, we made extensive provision for financial support to MSMEs, ranging from a guaranteed off-take scheme to a survival fund that includes a payroll support programme for qualifying businesses.

“The guaranteed off-take scheme seeks to provide support for MSMEs, manufacturing local products by guaranteeing the purchase from them of qualifying products such as face masks, hand sanitisers, Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) for medical workers among others

“These products will be distributed to Nigerians, Nigerian institutions and entities that would require them.

“The survival fund will help provide payroll support to MSMEs with a minimum of 10 and maximum of 50 staff. The MSMEs that qualify for these will make available their payroll for verification by government.

“Companies that meet the requirements will then be eligible to have the salaries of their verified staff paid directly from the fund for a period of three months.”

According to the vice president, the target beneficiaries of this scheme will include private schools, hotels, road transport workers, creative industries and others.

He said that the verification process would be very rigorous and painstaking.

Osinbajo added that N200 billion would be made available to MSMEs in the priority sectors such as healthcare, agro processing, creative industries, local oil and gas, aviation among others.

“This will be granted through a scheme jointly run by the Bank of Industry and Nigerian Export Import (NEXIM) Bank especially for export expansion.

“The CBN is also committed to creating a N100 billion target credit facility for MSMEs.

“Already the recently signed Finance Act already made provision for graduated company income tax rates with zero rates for small companies and a rate reduction for medium sized companies.”

The vice president said that the Federal Government would continue to implement similar focused MSME interventions around the country.

Osinbajo said that Kaduna state, for example, was working on a tomato paste production plant while Lagos was putting together a fashion hub.

He said that FCT was equally set to launch a carpentry cluster while Anambra state was almost ready to commission its leather works cluster.

“All of these are scheduled for 2020.

“In 2021, Edo, Ekiti, Katsina, Ogun, Bauchi and Enugu States would commission shared facilities that will bring MSMEs together by cluster and provide shared equipment and resources and business support hub.’’

He commended the participants at the awards for their ingenuity in starting up and sustaining their businesses, urging those who were not shortlisted not to relent in what they were doing.

Osinbajo also commended all those who had started businesses in Nigeria, no matter how small, describing them as champions.

“Every person who has taken it upon themselves to start a business in Nigeria no matter how small is a champion and we as a government owe it to you to create an enabling environment for you to thrive.

“This is President Buhari’s commitment to MSMEs in Nigeria, that we will continue to stand by you and to support you and to create opportunities for you to grow and prosper,” he said.

Adejoke Lasisi of Planet 3R Limited won the MSME of the Year Award while Kaduna State was awarded the Best MSME Clinic Support State.

The winners got cash and car prizes.

The event was attended by several state governors and their representatives, the FCT Minister Malam Muhammed Bello, the Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Katagum, various heads of MDAS and captains of industry.

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The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso said in a statement on Wednesday that no fewer than 20 people died and property worth billions of naira destroyed in the March 15 disaster.

Omotoso said the support was necessary because the financial resources required to restore Abule-Ado-Soba were enormous.

“The Abule-Ado Emergency Relief Fund accounts are domiciled in three banks: Polaris Bank – 4030017510; Zenith Bank – 1017184516; and Guaranty Trust Bank – 0568615688,” he said.

According to him, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu set up a N2 billion Emergency Relief Fund to provide relief for the victims of the incident and released N250 million toward the cause.

”State governments and corporate organisations have donated to the relief fund. Dangote Group and Zenith Bank have contributed N100 million each to the fund.

”The fact-finding Committee constituted by the governor to determine the cause of the explosion and proffer recommendations to prevent a re-occurrence will soon complete its assignment,” he said.

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Jibrin told newsmen at his Nasarawa country home on Tuesday in Nasarawa State that the proposed settlement policy for herdsmen would promote peace and security in the country.

He also explained that the programme would boost food security and improve on the health and standard of living of rural communities.

Jibrin, who is also the Sarkin (leader) of Fulani in Nasarawa state, commended the federal government for introducing the RUGA programme in the country considering its importance.

“I am not in APC, I am a PDP chieftain. But when we talk of development and security, we should leave anything about politics, religion and tribe.

“Whoever is ruling in Nigeria, if he brings any programme that will do away with insecurity, killings.

“And will take care of the welfare of the people, I will go by that. My politics is not a do or die and I play politics without bitterness.

“That is why I am and we Fulani commends the Federal Government for introducing the RUGA project in the country.

“I and our tribe (Fulani) had embraced the programme. RUGA project include provision of hospitals, schools, water supply and electricity, among other facilities, which will have direct bearing on the lives of the herders.

“Apart from that, it will also tackle incessant farmers/herdsmen conflicts as well as boost food security in the country,” he said.

Jibrin also called on the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups to embrace the programme in the interest of national development.

“About 12 states in the North have already embraced it and has already started the project including Nasarawa State.

“So, I am calling on the Southerners, the Igbos, the Yorubas, among others, to embrace it, even though the project is not compulsory.

“The project will keep the herdsmen one, safe and will improve on their welfare as some states in the South East have already promised to donate land for the project,” he noted.

He therefore called on all herdsmen and other Nigerians to shun armed robbery, kidnapping and other negative tendencies in the interest of peace and development.

The PDP BOT chairman also urged Nigerians to live peacefully irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political affiliation for development to reign.

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Alhaji Lawal Garba, the National Chairman of the forum, made the declaration in Daura on Tuesday when he received Jigawa members of the forum.

He called on members of the forum to redoubled their commitment and determination to change Nigeria, stressing we expect our members to continue to educate Nigerians on good policies and programmes of the Buhari administration.

Lawal also urged the members to shun expectation for immediate benefits and place national interest at heart, adding “we will support every positive move aimed at reforming this country’’.

He said the two years of Buhari administration has brought significant changes in key areas including agriculture, security, corruption and the development of infrastructure.

The chairman admonished members of the forum not to relent on their efforts at projecting and promoting the policies and programmes of the present administration.

He described the relationship between Katsina and Jigawa states as exceptionally cordial, adding “we are very lucky that both governors are very busy replicating what the president is doing in their respective states’’.

Earlier, Alhaji Sale Bayi, the Jigawa Chairman of the forum, described the visit as home coming.

He said the forum was dutifully working in collaboration with the Jigawa government towards the success of the APC in future elections.

He commended the Buhari administration for its resilience, commitment and determination towards transforming the nation in spite of the inherent challenges on ground.

It was also reported that the national chairman of the forum, Alhaji Lawal Garba, is the current chairman of Katsina State Transport Authority and a former member of the House of Representatives.

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