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HEDA Urges Buhari to Constitutes National Council for Public Procurement Act Compliance

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The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading Anti-Corruption Organization has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately constitutes the National Council on Public Procurement in compliance with the Public Procurement Act as measures to stop the illegal interference of the Federal Executive Council in public procurement and contract approval.

In a two-page letter written to President Muhammadu Buhari and signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the Anti-Corruption Organization maintained that due to the non-constitution of the Council, the Federal Executive Council headed by the President has unconstitutionally usurped the duties and responsibility of the Council.

The Public Procurement Act 2007 was enacted to primarily curb procurement frauds in government, reduce to the barest minimum, politicians’ involvements in contracts award and procurement, and to ensure accountability in the procurement process.

HEDA further explained that it is important to strictly adhere to the provisions of the act, noting that the importance of the constitution of the National Council on Public Procurement cannot be relegated as amongst the function of the Council is to recommend Director-General of the Bureau to President Muhammadu for appointment.

Part of the letter reads, “Your Excellency, Section 1 of the Act establishes the National Council on Public Procurement and Section 1(4) gives you the power to appoint the Chairman and members of the Council.

“It is our firm believe that your Excellency can correct the anomaly and give life not to only to the Public Procurement Act but also ensure politicians are not involved in the procurement processes which was one of the major concerns of World Bank in its Country Procurement Assessment Report (CPAR), leading to the passage of PPA.

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The organization therefore urged the President to act fast in constituting the National Council on Public Procurement in compliance with PPA and failure to see a total compliance or indication of same with their demands within 14 days, they will be force to approach the Court to mandate compliance.

Similarly, HEDA in a separate letter also called on the Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Isa Shuaibu Lau, to use his good office and ensure full compliance with Section 17 of the PPA which provides for approving authorities for contracts award and also the Parastatals Tenders Board (PTB) and Ministerial Tenders Board (MTB).

“We therefore call on Mr. Chairman to advocate and ensure full compliance with the PPA. It is noteworthy that pushing this compliance at this time of our democracy, will aid in restoring the peoples’ trust in public service and public procurement.”

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Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa Honored With Yoruba Traditional Title of “Yeye Of Yorubas”

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The wife of Niger East Senator, Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa 313, has been conferred with the prestigious title of “Yeye of Yorubas”, meaning “Lover of the Yorubas”, in recognition of her outstanding generosity and unwavering support for Yoruba cultural activities in Niger State.

The honorary title was bestowed upon her by the Kabeyesi of Niger State,(Sarkin Yarbawa of Minna )Alhaji Abdulrazak Abdulkarim (Iyayi), in appreciation of her continuous contributions to the Yoruba community within the state. The Yoruba Forum, a prominent socio-cultural group, formally presented the title to Hajiya Sa’adatu at her Abuja residence on Wednesday.

During the ceremony, members of the Yoruba Forum lauded her commitment to fostering unity and cultural inclusivity. They assured her of their unwavering support in promoting good governance and leadership, not only for the people of Niger East but for the state as a whole.

Speaking at the event, Senator Sani Musa 313, alongside his wife, expressed gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming their dedication to the Yoruba community and other ethnic groups in Niger State. The senator highlighted the importance of unity among Nigeria’s diverse cultures and pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote harmony and development.

The conferment of the “Yaye of Yorubas” title underscores Hajiya Sa’adatu’s significant role in bridging cultural divides and fostering peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups in the state. It also reflects the growing appreciation of individuals who contribute to the welfare and unity of Nigeria’s diverse communities.

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, traditional leaders, and members of the Yoruba community, further solidifying the bond between the Yoruba people and the leadership of Senator Sani Musa.

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Africa holds key to unlocking 120 billion barrels of oil – OPEC Chief

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The Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Mr Haitham Al-Ghais, has tasked Africa to unlock its proven oil reserves of over 120 billion barrels.

Mr Haitham Al-Ghais, OPEC Secretary-General, made this known while delivering a keynote address titled “Driving Cross-Continental Investments: Scaling Africa’s Energy Frontier”, at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The eight edition of the energy summit, which opened on Monday and ends on Thursday, has ‘’Bridging continents: Connecting investors with Africa’s Energy Potential’’ as theme.

He also said that Africa with around 18 trillion standard cubic metres of natural gas, was a testament to the continent’s crucial role in the global energy landscape.

“The world will need more of this oil in the future. Therefore, it is critical that the African oil and gas industry attracts the level of investment necessary to unlock this great potential”, Al-Ghais added.

He said that the vast resources at Africa’s disposal should not be disregarded or neglected merely to accommodate the energy transition agenda pushed by Western nations.

The secretary-general expressed appreciation to the leadership and people of Nigeria for their hospitality and thanked the summit organisers for their efforts in organising this year’s edition.

According to him, OPEC’s market research and forecasting points to the importance of Africa.

“Additionally, we know from Nigeria’s countless contributions to OPEC’s successes, how rewarding it is to work in this great nation. We encourage all potential investors to look at Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,”.

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Al-Ghais highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between OPEC and Africa, noting that half of OPEC’s member countries are from the continent, including Nigeria, the most populous African nation, and Algeria, the largest in geographical size.

Other African OPEC members include Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Libya.

He also lauded Africa’s youthful and dynamic population, which presents a strong workforce for the oil sector.

“It’s crucial to discuss how we can unlock the potential that this great continent holds, and how to create an investment-enabling environment that attracts the capital necessary to fully realize that potential,” he said.

“The investment needs of the oil industry are substantial, with cumulative requirements amounting to 17.4 trillion dollars by 2050.

“This is why stability in the oil market is essential for investors to plan effectively,” he added.
He highlighted OPEC’s views on some important topics relevant to both the global industry and Africa, including future of global oil demand, energy investment and finance, as well as the ever-evolving issue of climate change and energy transitions.(NAN)

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Pope Francis resting peacefully, says Vatican

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Pope Francis, who is suffering from a severe lung infection, spent a night in hospital without any additional complications, the Vatican said on Wednesday morning.

The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church had a “peaceful night” and is now resting, a spokesman said.

The Argentinian native has been receiving treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since the middle of the month.

He has now been in the hospital longer than ever before during his pontificate.

Earlier on Tuesday evening, the Vatican stated in a health bulletin: “The Holy Father’s clinical condition remains critical, but stable.” Francis has not experienced further episodes of breathlessness since the weekend, it said, adding that his blood values are also stable.

Meanwhile, prayers for Francis are being offered up around the world.

On St Peter’s Square, a rosary was recited for him again on Tuesday evening.

The Vatican is providing written updates on his health condition in the morning and evening.

Francis has been the leader of the Catholic Church, with its approximately 1.4 billion faithful worldwide, since March 2013.(dpa/NAN)

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