Fuel subsidy removal: FG secures $800m World Bank grant for palliatives

By Egena Sunday Ode

The World Bank has granted the Nigerian government $800 million dollars to put up a comprehensive palliative scheme for citizens, prior to the removal of fuel subsidy by June, 2023.

Minister of Finance,

Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed revealed this on Wednesday, shortly after the Federal Executive Council ( FEC), meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to Ahmed, the Nigerian government has resolved to end subsidy by June, hence has begun moves to mitigate the impact on the citizens.

The minister noted that already there had been meaningful engagements with the newly established Presidential Transition Council ( PTC) and the incoming administration, with a view to driving the palliative program.

“We have secured a modest sum of $800m from the World Bank to drive the palliatives and we are targeting about 10m households or 50m vulnerable Nigerians in the first instance,” the Minister stated while briefing State House Correspondents. She noted that a good chunk of the funds will go to the 10million households considered to be most vulnerable, to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.

“We are currently engaging with all the stakeholders. We know that various plans are being considered, including the need for buses by the Labour Union, amongst several other palliatives scheme,” she noted.

Niger Gov. condoles Sen. Kalu over mother’s death

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello who is also an elected senator representing Niger North has sympathized with the Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, over the loss of his wife Mrs Ifeoma Ada Kalu.

Governor Sani Bello in a statement enjoined Sen. Kalu to remain steadfast in God in this trying moment.

According to him, “I know this is a difficult time for you and other family members, but I want you to know that God who has allowed this to happen, is capable of comforting you.

“She lived a good life, and I want you to be console with that.”

Gov Bello fecorates his CSO with CSP rank

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Governor Abubakar

Sani Bello of Niger State has decorated the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Government House, Minna, Isa Murtala Raji with his new rank, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

The decoration ceremony was performed by Governor Sani Bello and assisted by the Commissioner of Police Mr.Joshua Ogundele Ayodeji shortly before the commencement of the weekly executive council meeting.

The Governor congratulated him on his promotion and enjoined him to be more dedicated in the discharge of his duties.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the ceremony, the elated Murtala Raji said he was happy with his new promotion and promised to give his best.