The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has said the Green Chamber would provide funds for the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the 2021 budget to be presented to the National Assembly in September.

Gbajabiamila said apart from budget funds, the House would also provide all necessary support as well as partner with relevant stakeholders for the fight against GBV to succeed.

The Speaker said this in response to a request by the Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria, Ulla Elisabeth Mueller, who led a delegation of United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) Spotlight Initiative on a courtesy call in his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

He noted that the issue of gender-based violence in the country has become disturbing hence the need for all stakeholders to come together to nip it in the bud.

Gbajabiamila also assured the delegation that the House would work on the Sexual Harassment Bill forwarded to it by the Senate as soon as members return from their annual recess.

“You talked about the Senate Bill, though we’re going on a long vacation, I can assure you that as soon as we come back, the House will work on the bill,” he said, noting that after due diligence, the Green Chamber will “speedily concur with the Senate.

“On the issue of funding, like I said, it’s like a pandemic. There’s no way you can confront a pandemic without funding. The budget is coming in September, and once it comes, we’ll make sure adequate funding is provided for this issue.

“On the issue of domestication of the VAPP 2015 and the Child’s Rights Act, my office has done a lot. We had a conference with the Speakers of the State Assemblies. The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers promised that they would domesticate it in Bauchi, and I’m glad to say that it has been done.

“We’ll continue to engage with others to see that they domesticate the laws. This is something we’re championing, and we’ll continue to do that. For us in the House of Representatives, we’re giving this issue all the seriousness it deserves”, the Speaker stated.

Gbajabiamila also said the issue of gender is prominently featured in the Legislative Agenda of the House, a new version of which would be launched on Saturday.

The Speaker commended members of the delegation for the work they have been doing, expressing optimism that there would be a sustained partnership between them and the House to end gender-based violence in Nigeria.

Earlier in her remark, the leader of the delegation, Mueller, said everybody has the responsibility to say no to gender-based violence taking place in Nigeria and work toward ending same.

She said they would advocate for a budget line to be committed to the fight against gender-based violence, noting that the House should also ensure that the funds are released accordingly when appropriated.

As part of their work, she said they were
working on a concept to organise engagements with different stakeholders including Speakers of State Assemblies.

By Orkula Shaagee – Abuja

The House of Representatives has described the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) as  an illegal institution and therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to set up a National Procurement Council.

The House, in a motion sponsored by Unyime Idem (PDP-Akwa-Ibom), urged the President to constitute a Procurement Council in line with the  extant law.

Idem told the House that “Section 1 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, provided for the establishment of the National Council on Public Procurement to supervise the activities of the Bureau of Public Procurement and carry out other functions such as to consider, approve and amend the monetary and prior review thresholds for the application of the provisions of this Act by procuring entities, consider and approve policies on public procurement, approve the appointment of the Directors of the Bureau, receive and consider, for approval, the audited accounts of the Bureau of Public Procurement, approve changes in the procurement process to adapt to improvements in modern technology and give such other directives and perform such other functions as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of this Act”.

He said “Section 1 (2) provides for the constitution of the National Council on Public Procurement which shall consist of the Minister of Finance as Chairman, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, the Secretary the Government of the Federation, the Head of Service of the Federation, the Economic Adviser to the President”.

The Council was also to consist of six part-time members to represent: Nigeria Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management, Nigeria Bar Association, Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Civil Society, the Media and the Director-General of the Bureau who shall be the Secretary of the Council.

“The essence of the National Council on Public Procurement is to ensure that the Bureau of Public Procurement carries out its functions based on transparency, competition, integrity, and ensuring bets value for money.

Other essence of the National Council on Public Procurement was to help check fraudulent practices in the award of public contracts through inflation of contract costs, poor project prioritization, poor budgeting process, and other manipulations of procurement and contract award processes”.

He expressed worries that “13 years after the Public Procurement Act was passed and signed into law, the National Council on Public Procurement has not been constituted thus contravening section 1 of the Public Procurement Act”. He worried that “the constitutional functions of the National Council on Public Procurement have been taken over by the Federal Executive Council”, as he said that he was “saddened that the absence of the National Council on Public Procurement, has weakened public engagement and involvement in the procurement process being the focal point of corruption in the public service.

It has also eroded and relegated to the background its core function of regulating the activities of the Bureau of Public Procurement responsible for monitoring and over-sighting public procurement and harmonization of existing government policies and practices”. He said he was “devastated that the Bureau of Public Procurement as is presently constituted is illegal and was done in flagrant disobedience to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. Specifically, Section 2 (c) of the enabling Act states that the National Council on Public Procurement shall have the powers to appoint Directors of the Bureau for Public Procurement.

The bill, also said section 5 (3) states that the Bureau shall formulate the general policies and guidelines relating to public sector procurement for the approval of the Council.

The absence of a substantive Council has made these very important functions to be at the behest of the Federal Executive Council”. He said he expressed optimism that “the National Council on Public Procurement which will be made up of men and women of proven integrity, will ensure due process in the award of contracts, eliminate corrupt practices in the procurement process”. He said he was” hopeful that a properly constituted and inaugurated National Council on Public Procurement will further strengthen and institutionalize the fight against corruption which has become a recurring decimal to the development of Nigeria”.

The House adopted the motion in its entirety, mandating the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency set up the National Council on Public Procurement (NCPP) to actively coordinate the activities of the Bureau of Public Procurement and give full effect to the Act.

The House, also mandated “the Federal Government to immediately dissolve the existing composition of the Bureau of Public Procurement as it was not properly constituted”.

It also mandated “the House Committee on Public Procurement to liaise with the Federal Government to ensure compliance and report to the House within two weeks”.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the spate of Gender Based Violence while commending the wives of State governors for their advocacy on the menace.

Expressing dismay on the rise of gender based violence in recent times, the First Lady acknowledged that the advocacy of State Governor’s wives and other stakeholders has reduced the fear of stigmatization among victims, enabling them to come out and report incidences affecting them.
 
She was speaking during the 2020 Annual First Lady’s Forum for Wives of Executive Governors, organized in collaboration with CTP International, on Wednesday, 22nd July, 2020.
 

“The massive increase in reporting rape cases across the country does not necessarily signify an increase in the spate of rape cases, rather, it indicates that the advocacy embarked upon by first ladies is working, for this, they should be commended” she said.
Mrs. Buhari was represented by Dr. Hajo Sani, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs and Administration.
 
Mrs. Buhari was optimistic that the rich presentations will add value to the advocacy and humanitarian work of the wives of the governors, saying it has provided them an opportunity to learn, share knowledge and experience as well as improve their operational skills and competencies for a successful and sustainable tenure.

 
She also commended the Institute for Leadership Development for inducting wives of governors and herself into the fellowship of the Institute (FILD) as well as receiving an “ICON OF LEADERSHIP” award, saying “this will inspire me to do more and I dedicate this award to the women and the vulnerable people of Nigeria wherever they may be.”
 
Speaking earlier, Mr Kachi Okezie of CTP International said the event was the second in the series initiated by the First Lady in furtherance of her vision of forging and nurturing an inclusive relationship with the wives of all the state Governors. He said the participants will sharpen their soft and hard skills related to their important positions as opinion leaders and mothers of their respective states.
 
Speaking about the induction of wives of governors as Fellows of the Institute of Leadership Development (FILD), Mr Okezie said it was done in recognition of the good work they have been doing in their various states.
 
He also presented a letter of award of “ICON OF LEADERSHIP” in favour of the First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari; the letter, which was signed by Dr Anna Vanderpuye, Vice President of the Institute, noted that:
 
“In addition to drawing attention to the plight of the poor and using your charitable foundation, the Aisha Buhari Foundation and Future Assured Program, to bring about positive outcomes for the less privileged in the society, you have made some significant contributions to the social development of the Nigerian society, which the institute hereby recognizes”
 
The 2- day event was well attended by wives of governors virtually.
 

 

The National Industrial Court in Lagos has ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and NNPC Pension Fund Limited to pay harmonised pensions to NNPC retirees. Justice Elizabeth Oji gave the two defendants 90 days within which to comply with the order, while also awarding N20,000 costs against them.

The judge made the order in a judgment delivered on Monday, which was obtained by a national newspaper yesterday.

She upheld the prayers made by the claimants, Dr. Ikechukwu Nwobodo and 13 others, through their counsel Adeleke Agboola, in a suit marked NICN/LA/329/2019. The judge directed the firms to pay the harmonised pension to the claimants from January 1, 1997 till date, in accordance with Section 173 of the 1999 Constitution.

The NNPC had contended that the payment of pension should be based on ‘affordability and sustainability.’ But, rejecting the argument, Justice Oji noted that a Federal Government Civil Service Circular in 1998 directed all government departments to implement harmonised pensions for public service retirees.

The judge held: “The defendants are hereby directed to pay to the claimants forthwith all accrued pensions calculated with effect from 1st of January, 1997 on emoluments currently earned by their serving counterparts …and subsequently all such pensions and when due.

“The defendants’ decision to pay the claimants pensions on the basis of ‘affordability and sustainability’ or ex gratias is ultra vires, null and void.

“The defendants are hereby directed to comply fully with the provisions of Sections 39 of the Pension Reform Act… and to fully fund the pension scheme in accordance with the directives of National Pension Commission.”

The full text of the judgement is available here.

The Senate has asked that a total of N4.923 Billion payment made to staff and contractors in breach of procurement process and approvals in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) should be refunded to the Federation Account with immediate effect.

The amounts to be refunded include payments made to staff for Overseas Travel to the United Kingdom, N85.7 Million; Scholarship Grants, N105.5 Million; Union Members Trip to Italy, N164.2 Million. Others are releases for Lassa Fever Kit, N1.96 Billion; Public Communication N1.12 Billion; and Covid-19 Relief, N1.49 Billion.

On the controversial Forensic Audit, the Senate resolved that for the audit to achieve the purpose for which it was set up and inspire confidence in the operational and financial processes of NDDC, oversight of the audit should be transferred to the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation.

“This will guarantee independence, credibility, transparency and professionalism in the output of the exercise. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the President with advice from the Auditor General should appoint a renowned, internationally recognized Forensic Auditor to carry out the exercise” the Upper Legislative House suggested.

On allegations of blackmail by the NDDC Management against members of the National Assembly on contract awards, the lawmakers insisted on investigations by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

The Senate also recommended that all expenditures on historical contracts and obligation e.g Hotels, court judgement etc should be refunded as payments are not provided for in the budget.

Other details of the Senate resolutions on NDDC in the areas of:

▪︎Corporate Governance and Executive Management: Reconsideration of Executive Oversight:
For the purpose of consistency and equality of policy, there is a need to review the inconsistencies and differences in the apex control of these development commissions. In retrospect, the original arrangement of putting these commissions in the Presidency should be carefully reconsidered to allow for direct Presidential oversight in view of the huge public resources allocated to them. Section 7 (3) of the NDDC Act already provides for this Presidential supervision.

▪︎Appointment of the Board of Directors: The absence of a Board of Directors at NDDC created a major lacuna of oversight. The Ministry of Niger Delta is culpable of negligent supervision and could not function as effectively as a board would have done.

Therefore, the committee strongly recommends that the President should activate the statutory provisions in the Act and the Board of Directors validly nominated and call for fresh nomination for confirmation by the Senate.

▪︎ Inauguration of Other Accountability Mechanisms: The Monitoring Committee and the Advisory Councils should also be inaugurated along with the Board of Directors as provided in Sections 20 and 21 of the NDDC Act.

This is necessary to ensure that there are sufficient checks and balances in the internal affairs of the NDDC.

▪︎ Improvement of Governance/Processes:
The new Board should be made to undertake a review of the existing governance framework, with attention to upgrading the way and manner the board executes its mandates, with a view to re-establishing a new culture in the organization. The review must bring order to the workings of the management and their control of the organization.

This is necessary for the improvement of the structures and processes of the NDDC especially having witnessed two interim managements with seemingly loss of control on project and staff expenditure.

▪︎ Financial Accountability and Framework Review: Restoration of a Budget-Led system – The NDDC Management must henceforth promote the use of its approved annual budget as the principal instrument and authorisation for all its expenditures.

The testimonies from Public Hearing gave sufficient insight into NDDC’s disregard for its budget, as several expenditure items were done without reference to budget provisions. As at the time of writing this report, the Adhoc Committee’s request for a report of budget performance from the NDDC has not been provided.

▪︎ Submission of Quarterly and Annual Performance Report: That NDDC be reminded of its responsibility to submit its Quarterly and Annual Performance Reports as and when due as stipulated in Sections 19 and 20 of the NDDC Act. Such submission must also be duly passed to both houses of the National Assembly as stipulated in the law.

▪︎ Strengthening OF Procurement Process: That the NDDC must strengthen its procurement department through appropriate staff engagement (e.g. by appointing staff with procurement chartered status), staff training and formulation of appropriate industry rated internal control measure specifics to procurement function to forestall sharp practice in its bids and tender process.

▪︎ Business Process Re-engineering (BPR):
That NDDC should be made to undertake a thorough and substantial Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) without prejudice to the much- awaited Forensic Audit, covering its areas of operation thus:
Review of Operation and Processes.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) in the Commission must be reviewed upgraded, reinstituted with full documentation and formal trainings conducted, then translated into readable materials and manuals for guidance of current and future of the Commission.

That NDDC must engage a new governance system around projects and contracts from advert to award and then to delivery. This involves the pre and post-implementation step to be taken for an effective delivery of projects.

▪︎ Review of Financial/Accounting Processes: That NDDC must review its financial system to ensure its adequacy in terms of controls and flexibilities with a view to ensuring that a robust financial report is produced out of the system at all times.

This reform will also ensure that all compliances measures that fosters governance and accountability traits are captured in the system in form of coding of transactions, hierarchy and secured access/control.

▪︎ Review of Human Resources Policy
That the management must agree a policy to refocus the staff, and management of the NDDC based on its core mandate. This will be a blend of human resource reform and training. This reform must lead to a robust organogram based on staff need, it must also cover the engagement of staff, staff orientation mandate, appraisal systems and eventually severance of work relationship.

▪︎ Instituting Performance Based Organisation: For NDDC to deliver on its mandate, it must immediately imbibe some of the processes associated with high performing organisations. These include target setting for employees, performance appraisal linked to reward system and the evolution of a new corporate culture.

Present attitude that tends to view the NDDC as a source of easy money must be discouraged. This attitude is also closely tied to the narrative that has characterised succeeding management. It is akin to a self-fulfilling prophesy that has in itself led to a vicious circle that seems to suggest “we are financially imprudent because we operate in an environment of siege where we must continuously appease our stakeholders”

But doing this as they deprive the region of the needed development which also reinforces restiveness and creates the siege environment. This circle must be broken through a new culture and awareness by which the Board and Management of NDDC understands its responsibility to engender a new thinking and strong focus on infrastructural development of the region. A new approach to human resource management is desired.

▪︎ Enhancement of Internal and External Audit capacities: That management must review the Service Level Agreement they currently hold with their external auditor with a view to making a change of auditor. There is a lot of merits in our opinion, to change the external auditor, given the level of systematic failures already listed in this repot, some of which should have been resolved by an effective audit regime.

▪︎ Review of Corporate Social Responsibility Policy (CSR): That the management embark on a CSR review to restructure and reshape NDDC’s social responsibility to its staff, community and the public at large in order to properly ensure an equitable and responsible delivery of these responsibilities without losing focus of its corporate mandate. The scope of this review should include condolences, community relations and stakeholders engagement.