STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, began his deliberation with the Captains of Saudi Arabian Industry at the Nigeria-Saudi Investment Roundtable by making clear that with his team in place, every negative perception or notion about what Nigeria has represented in the past with respect to the ease of doing business, monetary policy, and trade cooperation is no longer applicable now and in the future of Africa’s largest economy, which he firmly declared is “open for business.”

“I believe in this team that I have brought from Nigeria. When I took office, I declared the immediate commencement of bold and fundamental economic reforms. We have executed them, and we sustain the reform process. Today, I declare that red tape is gone!

“I believe in the full application of free market economics. Your money will flow easily in and easily out. The arbitrage around our nation’s old foreign exchange policy regime and the corruption that was associated with it is also gone!

“We took on those bold endeavours from day one in preparation for serious investors like you seated here. The greatest opportunity for any entity to prosper lies in its human capital. My team is prepared. We can produce. Our market is full of Nigerian youths who are brilliant, highly educated, industrious, and passionate about innovation and engagement with world-class services.

“The navigation of the ship of this great nation lies in the membership seated here. We are ready to answer all of your questions directly, even into this night if need be. The sky is not just the limit, but it is the destination for our two countries and peoples,” the Nigerian President confidently affirmed.

Saudi Arabia’s Trade and Investment Minister, Kahlid El-Falih, noted the passion and candid expression of the Nigerian leader, saying that after listening to the President speak from his heart without any written remarks about what is possible between the two nations, Nigerians can expect that the Saudi investment community will respond not in words alone, but with substantial new investment across several sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“The Minister of Commerce and I will be visiting Nigeria either before the end of this year or very early next year with a very large delegation of Saudi CEOs from all key sectors. We know you are ready for business, so we do not want to come to Nigeria for any exploratory discussion. We are coming for implementation. It is an action visit.

“Mr. President, you agree with me that good intentions alone will not take us anywhere, so we will prepare well with your team and our investors will align with your officials, beginning now, to develop a concrete work plan of investments in the key sectors for takeoff when we meet again. When we meet soon in Abuja, it will be to sign and begin delivery on all agreements. We will also use the opportunity to formally inaugurate the Nigeria-Saudi Business Council.

Saudi Arabia’s Commerce Minister, Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, previewed how Saudi Arabia can further contribute to the soft infrastructural reforms needed to unlock game-changing quantums of foreign direct investment in Nigeria.

“We have signed an agreement with the World Economic Forum on the reform of the services sector in Africa. In developed economies, the services sector contributes enormously to GDP. But in the developing world, we tend to focus on goods. So, we would like to make Nigeria the pilot country in this agreement with WEF to study Nigeria’s service challenges to make it seamless and make the supply chains across sectors streamlined and raised to international standard to enhance Nigeria’s economic and investment viability over the long-term,” he stated.

Chairman of Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote told Saudi investors that Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, will be unearthed to the world as a foremost global investment haven.

“What I always say about Nigeria is that it is the world’s best kept secret in terms of investments and returns. We are also looking to ensure that our investments are a two-way process. Nigerian companies have a lot of value to add to the Saudi economy, and we look forward to working together in expanding our Nigerian operations as well. The soon coming launch of the Nigeria-Saudi Business Council will be a huge opportunity for both countries to expand on what has been established here.

At the Investor Roundtable, dozens of Chief Executive Officers from several Saudi conglomerates specializing in construction, finance, new and traditional energy, healthcare, agriculture, electric power, mining, aviation, telecommunications, creative arts, and hospitality were present and made their exploratory pitches to President Tinubu on areas of tangible collaboration.

Taking notes, the President listened carefully with eyes fixed on each investor as they made their contributions concerning new investment opportunities in Africa’s largest market.

“I have listened to all of you very intently, and I am not only impressed, but I am determined to be your partner in progress and prosperity. Nigeria will reward your faith. Our people are ready, and we will not disappoint,” President Tinubu concluded.

The Nigerian government delegation comprised of the Executive Governors of Bauchi, Niger and Katsina States; Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu; and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri.

The Nigerian business delegation comprised of the Chairman of Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chairman of the Chagoury Group, Amb. Gilbert Chagoury; President of Flour Mills Nigeria, Mr. John Coumantaros; CEO of Oando Energy Company, Mr. Wale Tinubu and many others.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 11, 2023

Sylva accuses PDP, security agents of harassing his supporters.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11, 2023 governorship poll in Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and security agents of harassing his supporters.

The APC candidate fingered security agents “especially the Army”, alleging that they are “playing on the side of the PDP”.

Sylva said violence has been recorded in Yenagoa, the state capital, alleging that an APC member was shot.

He wondered why large polling units where he is popular were being targeted.

“There is a lot of violence from the PDP trying to molest our voters with security (agents),” Sylva said. In fact, in some cases, it is believed by our people that we are running election, not against PDP, but against security (agents) but we are containing it.”

The APC candidate, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying “There is a lot of improvement on the part of INEC but there is still room for improvement.”

Sylva was first Bayelsa governor from May 2007 to April 2008 and later between May 2008 and January 2012. He was also the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources from 2019 to 2023.

In Saturday’s poll, Sylva is challenging Bayelsa State Governor and PDP candidate, Duoye Diri, who is seeking re-election. The election has been described by many analysts as a two-horse race.

Meanwhile, Diri accused Sylva of being behind electoral violence recorded in the Nembe-Bassambiri area of the state on Saturday.

PDP Demands Prosecution of Rep Member Arrested for Hijacking Electoral Materials in Imo State…Demands Arrest of APC Members Working as INEC Officers

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands that the Police should immediately commence processes for the prosecution of a member representing Mbaitoli and Ikeduru federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amarachi Amadi, who was reportedly arrested leading some thugs to hijack electoral materials meant for some Polling Units in the on-going governorship election in Imo State.

The Party insists that the hijack of electoral materials by the APC leader is a serious criminal offence for which he and his thugs must face prosecution and made to face the full wrath of the law.

Moreover, there are reports that the thugs working for Hon. Amadi are part of the killer squad that have been terrorizing the people of Imo State in the recent times; a finding that further exposes those behind the rising insecurity in the State.

The PDP also charges the Police to arrest and prosecute all APC members who has been exposed to be working as INEC Staffs in the Imo State governorship election, in violation of Section 141 of the Electoral Act, 2022. Of particular reference is the APC Woman Leader in Owerri Ward caught taking delivery of INEC materials. Our agents are at alert and the people of Imo State will not allow such individuals to have their way.

Press Statement

November 11, 2023

The attention of Dino/Deen gubernatorial campaign council has been drawn to a bulk SMS making the rounds that Senator Dino Melaye, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has withdrawn from the contest as a result of loss of confidence in the electoral process.

The council invites the good people of Kogi state to disregard such watery propaganda and treat as fake news from those who know that they have already been rejected in Kogi state.

The campaign council states that Senator Dino Melaye is confidence of victory despite the propaganda and mechanisms by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Yahaya Bello to undermine the electoral process.

The council urges Kogi state electorates stay vigilant and resist any form of intimidation and electoral heist by the failed APC.

Signed:

Barr. Omoyemi Gold Olumudi

Spokesperson,

Dino/Deen Campaign Council.

bans planned nationwide strike by TUC, NLC

The National Industrial Court has restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) as well as their affiliates from embarking on any form of strike or industrial action.

The two major labour unions were ordered to stop their nationwide strike action scheduled to commence on November 14.

President of the Court, Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip issued the restraining order following an ex-parte application to that effect brought before the Court by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.

Justice Kanyip invoked sections 17 and 19 of the National Industrial Court Act to issue the restraining order against Labour.

The Federal Government and the AGF through their lawyer, Tijani Gazali had in the ex-parte application prayed the court to stop the planned strike action to avert untold hardships that would be inflicted on innocent law abiding citizens and their businesses.

The Judge who was persuaded by the government arguments in a short ruling said that it is within the power of the court to intervene by way of restraining order to ensure peace and tranquility.

He granted all the requests of the federal government as contained in the motion paper.

Justice Kanyip directed that the restraining order be pasted on the wall of the Labour House being the last known address of the two defendants to draw their attention to the Court’s position.

The Judge also directed that the order along with the originating and other processes be served on the defendants by publication in two major national dailies.

EFCC deploys officers to Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States

In its drive to checkmate electoral fraud and associated financial crimes, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has deployed its officers to Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States where governorship elections are holding on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

The Commission’s monitoring operations are to tackle any form of voter’s inducement through vote buying, vote selling and other manipulation of the electoral processes at variance with the Electoral Act.

Media & Publicity

November 10, 2023.

November 10, 2023

Press Statement

Imo Guber: Anyanwu Not Deterred, Set for Victory Despite APC’s Fake Video -PDP

…Demands INEC to Disqualify APC, Uzodimma

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) asserts that its candidate in the Saturday, November 11, 2023 governorship election in Imo State, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, is not deterred but set for victory despite the malicious fake video reportedly produced and circulated by Governor Hope Uzodimma and the All Progressives Congress (APC) against him.

The PDP describes as barbaric and shameful that the APC candidate, Governor Hope Uzodimma could descend so low to allegedly sponsor a fake video against the PDP candidate in a bid to mislead the people of Imo State.

The fake video, typical of “419” inclination only goes to confirm that Governor Uzodimma is in mortal fear of the popularity of the PDP candidate, Senator Anyanwu and had to resort to last minute underhand method in a failed attempt to get Senator Anyanwu out of the way.

What is even more alarming is that the makers of this fake video are so criminally minded as to attempt to make Nigerians believe that it was a news production of the TVC.

Our Party commends the courage of the management of TVC in immediately disclaiming and condemning the fraudulent use of TVC name, logo and inscription in an attempt to deceive the people of Imo State and ascribe legitimacy to the fake video.

The PDP restates that our candidate, Senator Anyanwu is very much in the governorship race. The people of Imo should disregard the said video as it is completely FALSE.

If there is anybody that should withdraw from the race, it is Governor Uzodimma, who has amply demonstrated that he is not ready to contest in a peaceful free, fair and transparent election.

The PDP calls on INEC to disqualify the APC and Governor Uzodimma as their reported involvement in producing and circulating the fake video constitute a gross violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, the Nigerian Criminal Code and Cyber Crime Law.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

November 10, 2023

Press Statement

PDP Congratulates, Amb. Arapaja on Birthday

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family congratulates the Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja as he marks his birthday today.

The PDP celebrates Amb. Arapaja as a humble democrat and grass roots politician, brilliant administrator, legislator, diplomat and seasoned Party leader who continues to play pivotal roles towards the unity and development of our dear nation and our Party in particular.

Over the years, as two term Local Government Chairman, member of the House of Representatives, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Jordan and Iran and now Deputy National Chairman (South ) of our great Party, the PDP, Amb. Arapaja has distinguished himself as a patriot who put the good of the people above other considerations.

Our Party commends Amb. Arapaja for his efforts alongside other leaders in repositioning and strengthening of our Party in deepening democracy based on equity and fairness for the unity of the PDP and the Nation.

The PDP family rejoices with Amb. Arapaja on this special day and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health, vitality and wisdom in the service of our dear fatherland and great Party, the PDP.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

President Tinubu to Saudi Investors: Your Investments are Safe in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has assured potential investors that their investments are safe in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Saudi-Africa Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, President Tinubu said Nigeria is ready for business while assuring investors of some of the world’s highest returns on investment.

The President said Nigeria is desirous of enhancing collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on combating terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other violent extremist groups which have been terrorizing the Lake Chad and Sahel regions.

“Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have always enjoyed a special relationship at both the bilateral and multilateral levels. Within the past six decades, our bilateral cooperation, which was initially hajj-centric, has witnessed diversification to cover a number of areas of common interest. It is delightful to note the presence in this great Kingdom of a large number of our compatriots and professionals, including highly-skilled medical practitioners and professional football players.

“As members of several international organizations including the UN, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the International Energy Forum, the G77, the Islamic Development Bank, the Digital Cooperation Organization among others, our two nations have effectively used these and other platforms to enhance close interaction and coordination. I am confident that our joint positive disposition within these platforms will continue to be demonstrated as we seek to advance our mutual interests.

“Nigeria, like the Kingdom, is diversifying her economy away from oil dependence to promote sustainable development. My administration has undertaken bold economic reforms by removing wasteful subsidies on petroleum and the merging of our foreign exchange market, among other incentives aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

“I also wish to assure all potential Saudi investors of the safety of their investments based on the sanctity of the rule of law and good returns on their investments in the largest economy in Africa. In this regard, the benefit attached to the early inauguration of the Nigeria-Saudi Business Council can not be over-emphasized,” the President said.

President Tinubu thanked the Kingdom for the various humanitarian interventions in Nigeria through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.

Speaking on climate change and how it affects Africa, President Tinubu said climate change has led to an expedited rate of desertification and incessant flooding in Nigeria and many other countries of Africa.

He commended the efforts of the Kingdom for its various initiatives to fight the effects of climate change, adding that Nigeria is also working on a number of initiatives to fight the effects of climate change and energy poverty.

“Recently, we launched a data-driven Energy Transition Plan which sets forth a clear carbon reduction policy and targets net-zero emissions by the year 2060 while also setting out our plans for industrialization using new energy systems and universal access to modern energy services.

“Mr. Chairman, let me also take this opportunity to reiterate Nigeria’s full support for the Kingdom’s bids to host the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA Senior Men’sWorld Cup, the latter of which is now all but guaranteed to succeed,” the President said.

On the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, the President reiterated Nigeria’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
November 10, 2023