News

MNDA Poised To Upscale Its Service Delivery Process

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Babayo Ardo has stated the Ministry’s commitment to upscale in its service delivery process to ensure it remains focused in delivery of its mandate which is the accelerated development of the Niger Delta Region.

The Permanent Secretary made this known when he met with the National Coordinator/ Chief Executive Officer, SERVICOM, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli and her team who paid a courtesy visit to his office recently in Abuja.

He said, “The mandate of the Ministry is to formulate, execute and coordinate plans, programmes and other initiatives to fast track the development of the Niger Delta region, noting that the engagement between the Ministry and the SERVICOM office would help the Ministry to get stronger and better in its service delivery”.

Dr. Babayo Ardo who commended SERVICOM for helping to drive service delivery nationwide said that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affair has made giant strides in its short period of 12years of existence. Adding that, “the interface between the Ministry and the clients are done with a view to providing institutional framework for driving reform activities in the Ministry to attain its mandate.

He noted that one of the acute challenges negatively impacting on the activities of the Ministry to deliver its mandate is the area of funding, since the Ministry’s inception in 2009 its budget has been on decline, whereas the needs of the people of the Niger Delta Region are on the increase, longer period of raining season and environmental disasters also contributes to the poor project execution.

L-R: The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Babayo Ardo and the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer, SERVICOM, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli, during a discussion of service delivery of the Ministry at his office, in Abuja, yesterday.

Babayo stated that in the area of service delivery, the Reform Coordination and Service Innovation Department has been undergoing a repositioning process since 2019 in order to strengthen the Ministry’s service delivery system. Thus, a new Ministerial SERVICOM has been constituted and would be inaugurated soon.

Reacting on the issue of militancy, the Permanent Secretary recounted the genesis of the problem of the region and observed that the impasse requires gradual solution; according to him, “the Ministry is engaging the youths and stakeholders through Community Development Education and Empowerment programmes geared towards uplifting the lives of the people of the region”.

“The completion and inauguration of the multi billion naira newly completed office complex of the NDDC, shows that the Ministry is determined to work and see to the rejigging and repositioning of the NDDC”, he added.

Speaking further, Babayo stated that the Ministry has various projects already completed and awaiting commissioning in different states of the Niger Delta region. These projects according to him would make positive impact and ensure sustainable development of the region.

In her response, the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer, SERVICOM, while commending the efforts of the Ministry, stated that more can be done and achieved in the area of sensitization and sensitivity. “It will require a lot of thinking out of the box such that it can begin to facilitate and fashion out customer sensitive focus service improvement activities and programmes, giving out information about the Ministry’s engagements and its challenges”.

Akajemeli stated that, “the Ministry should always give out information to the citizens and stakeholders so that they would be able to understand some of these tough decisions, tough scenarios that Ministry have to cope with, adding that a lot of work can be done around consultation.

According to her, “We can do advocacy using the SERVICOM platform to get feedbacks, customer’s perception, and engagements to know what their priorities are”.

She stated that this platform would help the Ministry take right decisions that would cushion the effect of negativities in the environment as well as add value to the lives of the Niger Deltans.

Deworitshe Patricia

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Culture Economy

Anambra Leads South East in VAT Contribution for August 2024

post-image

In a remarkable feat, Anambra State has emerged as the top contributor to the Value Added Tax (VAT) pool in the South East region for August 2024, with a contribution of ₦4.28 billion. This amount significantly surpasses the combined total VAT contributions of the other five states in the region, which amounted to ₦3.88 billion.

Breakdown of VAT Contributions in the South East:

  • Anambra: ₦4.28bn
    Anambra’s contribution stands as the highest in the region, reinforcing the state’s position as an economic powerhouse in the South East. The state’s growing industrial and commercial sectors continue to thrive, bolstered by government initiatives aimed at driving economic growth.
  • Ebonyi: ₦1.90bn
    Ebonyi State followed closely with a contribution of ₦1.90 billion, reflecting its steady economic activity and improvements in its industrial and agricultural sectors.
  • Enugu: ₦1.08bn
    Enugu State contributed ₦1.08 billion, showcasing the impact of its mining, agriculture, and commercial sectors on the state’s economic growth.
  • Abia:…
Read More
Business Culture Economy Leisure News Opinion

Roberta Edu Calls for a Shift in Women’s Role in Sustaining Patriarchy

post-image

 

Roberta Edu, the visionary CEO of Moppets Baby Food and an outspoken advocate for gender equity, is no stranger to speaking her mind. In a recent candid statement, Edu delivered a stirring critique of patriarchal systems, zeroing in on a seldom-discussed reality: the role some women play in perpetuating the cycle of oppression.

As a self-confessed feminist and a leader in Nigeria’s business landscape, Edu is well-versed in navigating both corporate and societal challenges. However, her latest comments tackle an issue that resonates far beyond boardrooms.

“I can understand patriarchal men,” she began, her tone measured yet firm. “I understand why a man would want to cling to that system. For many men, especially those who feel they’ve failed in life, patriarchy becomes a refuge. It’s their last bastion of power, the one place where they’re told they have value, even if it’s only in subjugating their wives. That, to them,…

Read More
Business Economy Environment Government International Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

Nigerian Delegation Visits MTN Group Headquarters to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

post-image

 

A high-ranking delegation from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently visited the MTN Group headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa. The visit highlighted the growing efforts to deepen economic and diplomatic relations between the two largest economies in Africa.

The Nigerian team was led by Rt. Hon. Wole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and included prominent figures such as Amb. Ahmed Sulu-Gambari, the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Alexander T. Ajayi; and other senior officials.

MTN Group’s top executives welcomed the delegation, including Group Chairman, Mcebisi Jonas; Chief of Staff (CEO’s Office), Jerry Varachia; Executive for Network Design, Amith Maharaj; Executive for Core Mergers and Acquisitions, Annemarie Krijnauw; Executive for Internal Audit, Motselisi Molapo; and Senior Manager for Strategic Public Affairs, Dominic Khumalo.

During the meeting, discussions focused on fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and South Africa. Both parties acknowledged…

Read More
Business Economy Education News

Federal Government of Nigeria Introduces 15 Skill Acquisition Courses in Primary and Junior Secondary School Curriculum

post-image

 

In a significant move to empower the future workforce and enhance the employability of students, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the integration of 15 skill acquisition courses into the curriculum of Primary and Junior Secondary Schools across the country. Starting from the 2025 academic year, students will be able to select one skill to study from Primary 1 through to Junior Secondary 3 (JSS3), ensuring that by the time they complete their education, they will have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in their chosen field.

This groundbreaking initiative is designed to address the skills gap in Nigeria by fostering a generation of students who are not only academically inclined but also possess hands-on expertise in various trades…

Read More
Announcements Business Economy Finance Fintech International

Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024: Ushering in a New Era of Innovation in Africa

post-image

The much-anticipated Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024 concluded with remarkable success, marking another milestone in the region’s journey to becoming a leading tech hub in Africa. Held from October 28th to November 2nd, 2024, the event brought together tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, government representatives, and innovators from across Nigeria and the globe to discuss the future of digital transformation, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The event, which was held in the vibrant city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, served as a powerful testament to the region’s growing influence in Africa’s digital economy. Hanson Johnson, Founder and CEO of Start Innovation Hub, one of the central organizations driving this transformation, expressed his pride and excitement as he reflected on the event’s success.

In his address,…

Read More
Announcements Business Featured News Opinion Technology Trends Telecoms

The Hidden Roadblocks to Nigeria’s Digital Revolution

post-image

In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling cities and its quiet rural communities, an invisible challenge is quietly stalling the nation’s journey toward a digital future. While vandalism and theft of telecom infrastructure are often cited as the primary culprits behind poor connectivity, an even more insidious issue is threatening to derail progress: denial of access to telecom facilities.

This growing crisis took center stage at the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Protection and Resilience Workshop Series, held in Abuja and organized by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser. Among the speakers was Dr. Aminu Maida, a leading figure in the telecom sector, who painted a sobering picture of a nation held back by bureaucratic hurdles, community resistance, and property disputes.

“In 2023 alone, we recorded over 20,000 cases of site access denial,” Dr. Maida revealed. “Each of these represents a barrier to connecting…

Read More
Business Economy

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani Advocates Strengthened Local Government Capacity through #Project774

post-image

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has reiterated the critical role of Local Government autonomy in advancing grassroots governance and fostering digital inclusion. Speaking on the ongoing implementation of #Project774, he emphasized the project’s pivotal role in delivering the dividends of governance directly to citizens at the last mile.

“With the introduction of Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria, it is imperative that we strengthen the capacity of our LGA structures through initiatives like #Project774, ensuring that governance is both impactful and inclusive,” Dr. Tijani remarked.

As part of this transformative initiative, Dr. Tijani recently hosted a strategic brainstorming session with state government representatives. The event brought together commissioners, agency heads, advisers, and local government chairmen from seven states—Sokoto, Borno, Ogun, Kogi, Imo, Zamfara, and Kwara—participating in the project’s first phase.

“The discussions were focused on ensuring the efficient use of…

Read More
Business Economy Environment Government Security Society Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

President Tinubu Strengthens ICT Sector with Landmark Protection Order

post-image

 

The federal government has taken a decisive step toward securing Nigeria’s digital economy with the release of the *Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024*. The gazette, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was lauded by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as a transformative move to safeguard the nation’s technological assets and infrastructure.

Dr. Tijani emphasized the order’s pivotal role in reducing disruptions and intentional damage to critical ICT systems and infrastructure. “This is a significant step that will strengthen and protect investments in the ICT sector by reducing incidences capable of damaging the operations and functionality of our technological systems, infrastructure, and networks,” he stated.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also commended the initiative, describing it as a critical milestone for the telecom sector. The Commission highlighted that the order would help mitigate recurring…

Read More