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Economy

FG may merge NIWA with NPA, stop funding recurrent expenditure of MAN, ORON in a public service reform

 

—–as FG ready to implement Orosanye  report
The Eyewitness reporter
In a major civil service restructuring exercise that is expected to be implemented in 2023, the federal government may merge the functions and duties of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Similarly, the government will stop funding the recurrent expenditures of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), ORON, but still retains the funding for capital projects of the school.
The reform is part of the recommendations of the Orosanye report on the merger and scrapping of some federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government (MDAs).
In 2011, Stephen Oronsaye submitted a report to downsize the federal service commission and eliminate the duplication of duties by the 541 Fed Govt parastatals, commissions, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
According to the report, Nigeria stands to save over N300bn if  Federal Government should implement the white of Orosanye report which recommended the scrapping or merger of 400 out of the 541 MDAs next year.
Our reporter gathered from the report that the functions and duties of NIWA would be subsumed under the NPA to cost costs.
The committee said that there is a duplication of some of the duties and functions of the two agencies which should be undertaken by the NPA.
It could be recalled that the core duties of NIWA include overseeing the waterways transportation and dredging some of the channels of the waterways for safe navigation of water crafts, which overlap with the functions of the NPA.
On the activities of MAN, ORON, the committee suggested that the government should stop funding the recurrent expenditures of the school like staff salaries which the report suggested could be funded by the school through the fees and other levies placed on students.
The government will, however, continue to fund the significant capital projects in the school for enhanced efficiency.
Before becoming the Head of the Civil Service, Orosanye had a rich stint in the private sector and brought his experience of judiciously managing resources to bear on the Civil Service.
 Members of the committee included: Japh CT Nwosu; Rabiu D. Abubakar, Salman Mann; Hamza A. Tahir; Adetunji Adesunkanmi; and Umar Mohammed.

Recommendations were made for 263 of the statutory agencies to collapse into 161, a merger of 52 agencies, and the outright expungement of 38 redundant agencies while returning 14 as sub-units In ministries.

And in 2014, a white paper was issued by Fed Govt to act upon the report.
From all indications, the Buhari government is poised to implement the white paper issued in 2014 on the report.
The following statutory and non-statutory agencies are up for merger or out-and-out expulsion.
 Their previous budgetary allocations gleaned from open-source materials suggests what could be saved when the NASS completes the repealing of some of the agencies.
The CBN, NNPC and many other agencies won’t be getting budgetary allocations in 2023.
Merge the Nigerian Communications Commission, National Broadcasting Commission, and Nigerian Postal Service into one single commission called the Communications Regulatory Authority of Nigeria.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) goes under the roof of the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
A merger of  The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria and the Nigerian Television Authority to form the Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Nigeria.
Scrap the Federal Road Safety Corps while putting the agency under the Highways Department of the Federal Ministry of Works, and their staffers should be sent to the Police Service Commission and Vehicle Inspection Office.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission( ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau become a single entity.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria became privatised.
National Inland Waterways goes under the roof of the Nigerian Ports Authority. The report says to abolish the National Rural Electrification Agency.
Pull the plug on 23 research institutes and fund them through the National Research and Development Fund and research grants.
The National Directorate of Employment and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria merge to become the National Agency for Job Creation and Empowerment.
Privatise Nigerian Communication Satellite.
Hajj and Christian Pilgrims Commissions funding from Govt should discontinue. Merge Administrative Staff College of Nigeria and the Public Service Institute of Nigeria.
Repeal the law establishing the National Salaries and Wages Commission and transfer its functions to the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Responsibility Commission.
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission goes under the Bureau of Public Enterprise.
The Border Communities Development Agency is to be absorbed by the National Boundary Commission.
Cut recurrent expenditure funding of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies while maintaining the capital expenditure.
Merge the National Emergency Management Agency and the National Commission for Refugees.
The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research is to be funded by a proposed National Research Development Fund.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS goes under the roof of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
Privatise The Nigerian Communication Satellite.
National Board for Technical Education and the National Commission for Colleges of Education to morph into the Tertiary Education Commission.
Quit approving concurrent expenditure for the National Open University of Nigeria.
The Nomadic Education Commission and Mass Literacy Council go under the wing of the Universal Basic Education Commission.

The Federal Ministry of Environment and the Department of Petroleum Resources take over the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency.

The Ministry of Environment assumes the functions of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.
Scrap the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and transfer its functions to the Department of Strategic Studies at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
Cut the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa.
Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment to take over the functions of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) after repealing the law establishing NCC.
Scrap the National Productivity Centre.
Abolish the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency and transfer its functions to the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency.
Scrap National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, and Metallurgical Training Institute, Onitsha.
Merge the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency and the Petroleum Equalisation Fund.
 The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board to accommodate the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.
Scrap the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs and saddle its functions with the Ministry of Special Duties.
Merger the National Council of Arts and Culture with the National Troupe of Nigeria and the National Theatre.
Scrap The National Power Training Institute of Nigeria.
Discard The National Centre for Technology Management.
A proposed National Commission for Museums to be formed from the merger between the National Commission for Museums and Monuments with the National Gallery of Arts.

Abolish The Nigeria Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Development Studies, and its functions were taken over by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation.
Shut Down all 774 field offices of the National Orientation Agency and give the duties to the Public Communications Department in the Ministry of Information and Culture.
Close down the duplicating National Institute for Cultural Orientation.
Nigerian Import-Export Promotion Commission would be formed after merging the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission.
Discard the National Centre for Automotive Design and Development Council.
Do away with the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority while transferring its functions to the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority.
Stop funding the recurrent expenditure of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron but maintain the capital expenditure.
Stop funding Nigeria Football Federation as advised by FIFA.
Abolish Federal Character Commission and Fiscal Responsibility Commission.
However, the Federal Government is not prepared to sack workers, even though the President would decide what to reject and adopt out of the list.

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Economy

We haven’t stopped Customs, FIRS, NUPRC, others from deducting cost of revenue collection at source – FG

Funso OLOJO
The Federal government has debunked the widely- held insinuation that it has stopped the standard practice of revenue – generating agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to deduct their cost of collection at source.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by Mohammed Manga, Director of  Information and Public Relations in the ministry, at no point did the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, announced the discontinuation of such practice.
“We categorically state that these reports are inaccurate and misleading.
“At no point during his remarks at the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) programme hosted by the World Bank did the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, announce or imply any change to the existing policy on the cost of collection deductions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, there has been no policy change regarding the deduction of costs of collection at source by revenue-generating agencies. The current framework remains in effect.
“What is underway are ongoing policy discussions in line with the directives of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to review cost of collection structure.
“These discussions are part of broader efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency, and value-for-money in public financial management.
“However, no final decision has been made on this matter.
“The Ministry assures all stakeholders and the public that revenue operations continue uninterrupted and that any future adjustments will be guided by due process, stakeholder engagement, and clear communication.
“We urge media organisations to seek clarification from official sources before publishing information that may cause unnecessary confusion.
“The Ministry appreciates the continued support of Nigerians as we work collectively to build a stronger, more transparent, and sustainable economy” the statement concluded
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Economy

Le Look Nigeria marks 40 years of ingenious local fabric branded bags on October 1st

Gloria Odion 
All is set to mark the 40 years anniversary of Le Look Nigeria Limited, makers of Le look Bags brands.
According to the founder and Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, arrangements have been concluded to hold the event on October 1, 2025 at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
The event with morning and award night sessions is themed: “Legacy of Resilience: Empowering Entrepreneurs for Africa’s Economic Future.”
Ezenwa added:”Le Look 40th Anniversary is a milestone that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the power of Nigerian enterprise.
“Founded in 1985, Le Look has grown from a small women-led business into a proudly Nigerian manufacturer, exporting unique, locally crafted bags to international markets.
“Over four decades, we have stayed true to our mission of:
Strengthening local manufacturing;
creating jobs and transferring skills;
opening doors for women and youth in enterprise;
supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export drive and the AfCFTA agenda.
“This anniversary is more than a celebration—it is a call to sustain entrepreneurship in Africa’s fast-changing economy,” she noted.
With expected over 300 distinguished guests, including senior government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and entrepreneurs across generations;
the day will feature keynote address and fireside conversations with veteran entrepreneurs as well as panel sessions on business longevity.
 Other features are African Continental Free Trade Agreement(AfCFTA) readiness;
Youth and women forums on inclusive business practices
Exhibitions by government and trade agencies will be part of the activities.
Le Look Nigeria Limited has grown to a global brand with the Le Look Bags Academy built in Abuja, Enugu and Lagos.
Le Look is a manufacturer of afro-centric luxury-life style branded bags inspired by African culture and sensibility.
These handbags are crafted from African prints in celebration of the rich African heritage with international and modern fashion flair.
The company offers multiple product categories, including ready-to-wear, handbags, Apple-support products and other carry-on unique and durable accessories.
“Our partnership with designers in Africa has catalysed the resurgence of retailing locally made goods across the continent,” Ezenwa said.
According to her,  “Through our studio in Lagos, we provide on- the-job training, school tuition and health care benefits.
“Our philosophy is simple-to be the first and foremost African luxury brand with global reach”, she added.
Over the years, Le Look Bags Academy has partnered  international and government institutions to promote trade and build capacities for the continent.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) last year partnered  Le Look Nigeria Limited to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and empower local artisans, particularly women and youth in Lagos. This collaboration,  includes the launch of an export skills acquisition center and a fashion innovation hub to equip individuals with skills in bag-making and international trade to meet growing global demand for handcrafted bags.
Also, UNDP Nigeria  is in  partnership with Le Look Bags Academy, to launch a training program designed to equip unemployed youth with limited formal education, primarily women, with practical skills in bag-making as a sustainable livelihood mechanism.
Le Look Bags Academy serves as the leading hub for mastering bag-making and digital technology skills.
The academy provides a unique, personalized approach to equipping learners with the necessary skills to succeed in the dynamic global landscape.
Le Look Nigeria Limited is the first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) to receive the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certificate from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
As a certified AEO, Lelook benefits from trade facilitation, reduced costs, and improved efficiency in its export and import activities, supporting Nigeria’s goal of becoming a leading trade hub.
 Le Look Nigeria is No 0001 under the AFCFTA guided trade Initiative to receive the Certificate of Origin to trade across Africa
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Economy

Tinubu orders take-off of National Single Window in Q1 2026

Funso OLOJO 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a marching order to the National Single Window (NSW) Steering Committee to ensure the platform becomes fully operational by the first quarter of 2026.‎

The directive was delivered during Tuesday’s fifth steering committee meeting at the State House, Abuja.

President Tinubu was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.‎

Gbajabiamila said the recent Tax Reform Acts, signed into law in June, underscored the urgency of accelerating reforms and pursuing Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target.‎

He highlighted the importance of financial and trade reforms in achieving national economic transformation.‎

“It’s important that we continue to stay focused on this project. So that at the end of the day, we meet our timelines and achieve the results the President expects.‎

“As you all are aware, the project is one of the transformative initiatives of Mr. President which we collectively must ensure is effectively and commendably implemented,” Gbajabiamila said.‎

He emphasised the role of a unified electronic platform in simplifying Nigeria’s import and export operations.‎According to him, the NSW will boost investment and trade revenues, improve transparency, and strengthen Nigeria’s global business credibility.‎

Gbajabiamila urged all agencies to refine their targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to meet the Phase 1 deadline.‎“I do expect that since the last meeting of the steering committee which was held on the 8th April, 2025, all stakeholders have operated and actively progressed with all the required KPIs and set targets to ensure that we go live with phase 1 in Q1 2026 as was previously scheduled,” he said.‎

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun described the progress as encouraging but stressed the need for swift execution.‎

He urged a shift from strategy to concrete implementation, calling the project complex but transformational.‎

Edun urged the committee to improve collaboration and resolve final hurdles to meet the rollout timeline.‎

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole also charged the committee to work diligently and meet the Q1 2026 deadline without fail.

Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), thanked the President for consistently supporting the project.‎

“Thank you on behalf of the steering committee. We thank you for the relentless support that you have given to us.”‎

“And to all my colleagues here, we can see that the reward for hard work is more work.

“When we started last month, it is now law; the single window is now in the law.”‎

He asked committee members to stay focused on the mission ahead.‎

The Director of the National Single Window (NSW) Project, Tola Fakolade, gave a brief overview of the steering committee’s progress toward implementing the project.

“All second quarter 2025 key project milestones have been successfully achieved. And the customisation of the Single window platform has commenced,” he said.

He gave assurances that the committee would meet up with the timelines.

The National Single Window project is a Federal Government initiative to streamline trade processes by creating a centralised electronic platform for importers and exporters.

It is a digital trade facilitation platform expected to accelerate economic growth and facilitate cross-border transactions.‎

Launched in April 2024, the NSW seeks to consolidate all agencies involved in imports and exports onto a unified electronic portal.‎

It is expected to reduce trade costs, cut delays, and enhance transparency and efficiency at Nigerian ports.‎

Committee members include representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Investments, the Ministry of Finance, FIRS, and the Nigeria Customs Service.

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