My recent thought on Financial Autonomy for State Legislature and Judiciary got published on The Nation newspaper. 🤗
@TheNationNews@MBuhari@oghaofficial
PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX REFORM BILLS BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
📍The National Assembly has scheduled the dates for public hearing on the tax reform bills as follows:
Senate:
Date: Monday 24th & Tuesday 25th February, 2025
Time: 11:00 am Daily
Venue: Conference Hall 022,
Adewale Commends Oyo Assembly for Pioneering Post-Legislative Scrutiny Framework, Encourages Other Assemblies To Take Similar Steps.
https://t.co/nb8RXTEY98
Do you know a primary healthcare centre that needs revitalisation? Here's an opportunity to make a difference!
Nominate a primary healthcare centre in your community and help improve access to quality primary healthcare for those who need it most.
Click https://t.co/fGGaj3zxlP
These former interns shared practical tips on time management and prioritization, noting that the fast-paced nature of legislative work often requires interns to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. They encouraged the new interns to develop strong organizational skills.
On the momentous occasion of Nigeria's 64th Independence Anniversary and my 59th birthday, I, alongside my wife, Hajiya Fatima, was honoured to lead a delegation comprising Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Chief Whip Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, and fellow House members to Kabusa community, FCT, to stand in solidarity with internally displaced persons.
We were inspired by their courage. To alleviate their struggles, I gifted 1,000 bags of 10kg rice, 200 cartons of noodles, over 800 pieces of clothing, and bedsheets. Collaborating with NCFRMI and NEMA, we also offered free medical services, illuminating a pathway to brighter futures.
I was moved by the plight of the IDPs and restated the commitment of the 10th House to addressing them.
NELFUND – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Frequently Asked Questions below is our attempt to answer common questions that the applicants may have regarding the Students’ Higher Education Loan in a brief and easy-to-understand way.
1. What is the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024?
The Student’s Loan Act is an Act of the Parliament that makes it possible for Nigerian students to access zero interest loans to enable them pay for institutional charges and upkeep to any higher institution of their choice within Nigeria.
2. Is the Student’s Loan the same as the Nigerian Education Bank?
No. The Student’s Loan Act has repealed the Nigerian Education Bank Act and established a framework for providing zero interest loans to eligible Nigerian students who desire to study at any institution of higher education.
3. Who administers the loans to the students?
The loans will be administered by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which is the body established by law to carry out the day-to-day activities of the Fund. It is headed by a Managing Director, appointed by the President of Nigeria.
4. Is the loan open to all tertiary institutions?
The Loan is open to all public tertiary Institutions. The first phase of the loan is open to only students studying/desiring to study in federal higher institutions in Nigeria. The other phases will be announced in due course.
5. Who is eligible to apply for loans under this Act?
Students who have secured admission into all Public Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, or vocational schools, with a proof of admission that includes Name, Date of Birth, Admission, JAMB number, Matriculation number, and BVN.
All new and existing students within the institution above can apply for the loan.
6. Can a Direct Entry Student into higher institutions apply for the loan?
Yes, but such student must have a JAMB number.
7. Will the loan be available for all students or only applicants?
All full-time students are eligible for the loan but only applicants will benefit from the loan.
8. How much loan are students allowed to apply for?
That would be determined by the institutional charge of each Institution. The loan will cover the cost of institutional charges and upkeep if required by the student. The institutional charges will be remitted directly to the applicants’ institutions and the upkeep will be paid to the applicant on a monthly instalment basis.
9. Will the applicant be required to make any payment before the loan is disbursed?
No payment is required before the disbursements of the loan.
10. Is there an interest payable on the loan?
Zero interest on the loan.
11. Is the loan open to every student?
The loan is open to new and existing full-time students in tertiary institutions.
12. How are loan applications processed, and what is the disbursement timeline?
Applications are done online. Applicants are required to input specific personal details that include:
i. Name of Institution of study
ii. Admission Number
iii. JAMB Number
iv. Date of Birth
v. NIN
vi. BVN
NELFUND will disburse within 30 days of approval of successful applications.
13. Is there age limit for applicants?
No
14. Who is responsible for the loan repayment?
The beneficiary of the loan is responsible for the repayment of the loan.
15. Is the loan applied for only once?
The loan will be applied for every academic session by the student.
16. How do applicants know their application is approved?
Applicants will receive a notification and the status of the loan application can be seen in the applicant’s profile on the portal.
17. When is the loan due for repayment?
The loan is due for repayment 2 years after the completion of NYSC
18. What happens if a beneficiary does not have job after two years post-NYSC?
The beneficiary should notify NELFUND by sworn court affidavit every 3 (three) months after two years post NYSC if still unable to gain employment.
Today, we hosted a training for the leadership of #NotTooYoungToRun Hubs in the six public tertiary institutions in Lagos State on how to monitor the implementation of @NELFUND in their schools & improve transparency in student loan processes. The training is supported by @UKinNigeria
#TurnUpDemocracy
🗣️🗣️ Mark Your Calendars!
Join us on Saturday, September 14, 2024, for a full day festival celebrating @TrackaNG’s incredible decade of service!
Pull up with your steeze cause we’ve got you covered from sip and paint, silent disco, karaoke, green room, panel session, game arena, blood drive, governance & history booth, documentary screening, and unlimited cocktails.
Venue: Landmark Centre, Oniru, Lagos
Admission is FREE, but registration is compulsory!
Register here: https://t.co/EKRqZ8yN9H
PLAC Webinar Series: Join us as we discuss "The Special Seats Bills, Women Political Representation & Constitutional Reform".
Date: 6th August 2024
Time: 11:00am
Venue: Virtual
Register Now: https://t.co/Gfgni7rBHX
@terryikumi
🗣️🗣️ It is worrisome that the Federal Government is drafting a 2024 Supplementary Budget to be implemented alongside the 2023 Approved Budget, 2023 Supplementary Budget, and 2024 Approved Budget.
FOUR budgets at once—an unprecedented anomaly.
Thread
Press Statement!
TEXT OF A WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RT. HON. ABBAS TAJUDEEN, PH.D., ON THE CURRENT STATE OF THE NATION ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2024, AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ABUJA
[Protocol and Salutations]
Esteemed colleagues, distinguished guests, members of the press, Nigerians and others joining us from around the globe, ladies and gentlemen, it is my profound honour to address this world press conference dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing national issues we face. It is gratifying to see your beautiful and happy faces. As the Speaker of the largest representative body in Nigeria, representing all corners of Nigeria, I feel it a duty to address some pressing challenges we face as a nation. The very fabric of our society is being tested, our resilience strained, and our unity challenged. However, amidst these trials, our spirit remains unbroken, and our resolve to overcome and thrive grows stronger.
As representatives of the Nigerian people, we cannot pay lip service to the plight of the same individuals who elected us into office to protect their interests. It is our resolve to see that Nigerians, wherever they are, live their normal lives in peace and relative ease.
[Rising Security Challenges]
We are acutely aware of the rising security challenges affecting different parts of the country. As elected representatives, we acknowledge the pain and suffering of every family that has been a victim of brutal crimes and needless violence. Let it be known that your cries have not fallen on deaf ears, and your tears have not gone unseen. We stand in solidarity with every Nigerian affected and commit to deploying robust legislative measures to empower our security agencies, ensure justice, and restore peace and order in our communities.
The President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Bola Ahmad Tinubu, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the security situation and enhancing the capability of the armed forces. On Tuesday this week, I attended the induction ceremony of the T-129 ATAK helicopter and the King Air 360i aircraft into our esteemed Air Force. The acquisition of these state-of-the-art aircrafts clearly indicates the government’s dedication to investing in the security infrastructure of our nation. It reflects a proactive stance in adapting to the dynamic challenges of modern warfare and a commitment to providing our armed forces with the best tools to defend Nigeria and our people.
You may recall that on November 8, 2023, the President signed the N2.176 trillion Supplementary Appropriation Act to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and address Nigeria’s critical infrastructure deficit, amongst other considerations. These investments in the face of global economic downturn and budgetary constraints attest to the government’s determination to end insecurity in Nigeria.
While recognising and commending the patriotic and courageous efforts of our security agencies, we must have the courage to effect changes where necessary. These are among the issues that the forthcoming Legislative Summit on Security will address. This summit, which comes up in a matter of weeks, will, among others, allow us to hear directly from the key stakeholders in the sector and come up with legislative measures to modernise our security system and improve its operational efficiency and effectiveness.
As emphasised in our Legislative Agenda, the time has come for us to demand greater transparency from our security agencies and full accountability for all the funds spent and earmarked for spending in the sector. We kick-started our sectoral debates in November last year with the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to demonstrate the seriousness we attach to security.
[Economic Downturn and Its Implications]
We are aware of the economic challenges facing our constituents across Nigeria. Of particular concern to the House is the high inflation 1/5
📢 Dear Nigerians,
The 2024 Approved Budget is now available for download on the Budget Office of the Federation's website: https://t.co/IeIuIwZ3Bh
You can access it directly at 👉 https://t.co/HrfXJHzVFg
Stay tuned for key highlights & analysis!
#Budget2024NG#GetInvolved
Today, we hosted election stakeholders to a policy discussion with the support of @ukinnigeria on improving the integrity of Nigeria's voter register. The discussants were drawn from government agencies including @nimc_ng, @natpopcom, @nigimmigration, @inecnigeria & CSOs.