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Post COVID-19 era: 7 reasons why N’Assembly must pass local content Bill
By Yemi Itodo
As the world prepares for measures in boosting economies after the ease of global lockdown, the Nigerian National Assembly, is once again, saddled with the responsibility of coming up with legislative piece and actions that could help rejuvenate the nation’s economy and help Nigerians overcome post-Corona virus hardship. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
One swift step that must be taken by both Houses of the National Assembly, is to give serious attention to, and speedily pass the local content enforcement Bill.
The Bill which is known as, the Nigerian Local Content Development and Enforcement Bill 2020, passed second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, 19th May, 2020.
The Bill is being sponsored by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman, House Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, Rep. Legor Idagbo and 7 others.
Amongst other things, the Bill seeks to expand the scope of local content in the extant NOGICD Act, thereby putting the Nigerian economy in the hands of Nigerians, creating jobs and enhancing the value of indigenous businesses in the post Covid-19 era.
Spokesman of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, while analysing the general principles of the Bill in a statement on Monday, said, the idea of local content Bill or policy was to encourage local participation, ownership and control of certain key sectors by indigenous businesses.
“This is vital to preserving Nigeria’s socioeconomic independence and enhancing the ability of indigenous businesses to exploit local opportunities, while staying globally competitive”, Kalu said.
Stressing further, the Spokesman said, “so far, the key local content legislation in Nigeria is the 10-year old Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 (NOGICDA), which established the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) but is limited to the oil sector.
“Also notable, are the President’s efforts to extend local content compliance to the public procurement practices of federal parastatals vide his Executive Orders 003 and 005.
“However, as we celebrate the Africa Day (May 25), a day commemorating Africa’s independence, liberation and socioeconomic freedom from foreign dominion and exploitation, and in the light of the current COVID-19 induced global economic position which has forced countries to look inwards for economic growth and sustainability, it has become imperative to extend local content policy beyond the Petroleum Industry to other critical sectors like, ICT, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Power, Solid Minerals, Construction, Health, etc, through comprehensive legislation”.
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF THE BILL IN NIGERIA’S POST COVID-19 ERA:
- The Bill, when passed and assented to, will promote local manufacturing and economic diversification with focus on ICT, Agriculture, Solid Minerals, Hydrocarbon Refining and Power.
It provides for incentives to encourage local processing of hydrocarbon resources, export of processed minerals and agricultural commodities, local manufacturing of equipment, machinery, spares, chemicals, ICT hardwares, development of softwares and others.
The Local Content Bill also provides for standardisation of locally made goods and locally sourced raw materials to make them competitive in the international market.
- The Bill makes it mandatory for Nigerian made goods and services in all public procurements; Nigerian content philosophy as a key requirement in all public sector procurements; provides for creation of local content departments in MDAs and provides requirement for Nigerian Content Plan (NCP) on major projects (above N100m) outlining minimum Nigerian Content thresholds for materials, labour and services required on the project.
It also strengthens Nigerian content requirements in solicitation of bids and requires Nigerian content compliance certificate as a pre-condition for contract awards; while recommending the creation of Nigerian Content Committee (NCC), to develop economy-wide local content policy.
- Creation of a robust R&D ecosystem to drive home grown technology development; promoting collaborations between Research institutions, product developers and end users of Research; as well as provision to incentives funding of research by public and private sector entities, is another green side of the Bill that would help develop the Nigerian system.
- In job creation drive to address unemployment, the Bill seeks to give first consideration to Nigerians with requisite skills in all public funded projects.
The Bill also provides for creation of national database of available skills amongst the Nigerian locals and requirements for approval and utilisation of expatriates will only role where there is immediate skills shortage.
- Local Content Enforcement Bill will address capacity building to develop resilient local supply chain; Provision for targeted sector-specific capacity building programmes and requirement to close capacity gaps in education, infrastructure, facilities and vendor development on the back of projects.
- Sustainable funding for local content is another clause in the Bill that will help promote and grow the Nigerian economy in Post COVID-19 era.
To achieve this, the Bill provides for creation of a Nigerian Content Trust Fund (NCTF), dedicated to implementing projects and programmes connected to developing local content. Application of the Fund to develop SMEs through low interest project-based financing schemes is also provided for in the Bill.
- The enactment of the Nigerian Local Content Development and Enforcement Bill will strengthen executive-legislature synergy and oversight on local content administration in key sectors of the economy.
It will also provide necessary legislative backbone for implementation of key initiatives that will evolve from the Presidential Economic Sustainability Committee as well as other policy actions by the Executive aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy in the post COVID-19 era.
As the House of Representatives resumes plenary on Tuesday, 2nd June, 2020, it is instructive to consider further legislative actions for the speedy passage of the all-important Nigerian Local Content Development and Enforcement Bill 2020.
The Nigerian Senate should also, as a matter of urgent national importance, consider the concurrence of the Bill when passed by the lower chamber, for the immediate assent of President Muhammad Buhari, for the good of our economy and the citizenry.
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June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The chieftain of the APC in Kwara state , Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, on the occasion of Democracy Day 2026 Celebration and the third years anniversary of their administrations.
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This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja, Ajia described June 12 as a historic symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, resilience, and collective aspiration for good governance.
Ajia commended President Tinubu for demonstrating courage in implementing reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s economy, improving infrastructure, attracting investments, and strengthening key institutions of government. He noted that the administration has laid important foundations for long-term national development.
While acknowledging these efforts, he urged the President to pay greater attention to the pressing challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the hopes and aspirations of citizens remain the strongest mandate of any democratic government.
The Ilorin-born security expert further called for intensified efforts to secure lives and property across the country and encouraged the President to deepen youth inclusion in governance by appointing more competent young Nigerians into strategic decision-making positions. He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population represents a vital resource for innovation, nation-building, and sustainable development.
Ajia also advocated the continuation of inclusive economic policies capable of empowering local contractors, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and investors, while ensuring that the benefits of governance are felt more directly at the grassroots.
The philanthropist and business leader equally congratulated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on the achievements recorded in Kwara State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, social investments, and public sector reforms.
He, however, urged the governor to devote greater attention to ward-level and community-based development projects that would create employment opportunities and empower indigenous contractors, local businessmen, women, farmers, and young entrepreneurs across the state.
Ajia further advised Governor AbdulRazaq to strengthen inclusive politics and governance by expanding consultation, participation, and representation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and across the broader political landscape.
He stressed the need for reconciliation among aggrieved party members and stakeholders to consolidate unity and ensure the party’s continued electoral success in Kwara State.
According to him, June 12 reminds Nigerians that democracy thrives when leaders listen, citizens actively participate, and governance reaches every community, including the most remote wards.
He reaffirmed his support for both the Federal and the Kwara State Governments and expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to advance under responsive, inclusive, and people-oriented leadership.
Ajia wished President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, and all Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Democracy Day celebration, praying for greater unity, security, progress, and prosperity for the nation.
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Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying Decision
AbdulRahman Obaje
The Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State Alh Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D has appreciated the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for what he described as a wise, and excellent decision in appointing Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the new Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.
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n a congratulatory message signed by his Director of Communications and Strategy, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to journalists in Abuja, Dr. Ajia said the Emir’s choice reflects his deep understanding of the religious, cultural, and spiritual aspirations of the Ilorin people.
He noted that the appointment has been widely welcomed across the Emirate, earning the acceptance and admiration of both the elderly and the youth, while resonating with the collective conscience of the entire community.
According to Dr. Ajia, the emergence of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki through a transparent and rigorous selection process demonstrates the Emir’s commitment to merit, integrity, and the preservation of the rich Islamic heritage of Ilorin. He added that the appointment has further strengthened public confidence in the Emir’s leadership and his dedication to promoting unity, peace, and religious harmony within the Emirate.
Dr Ajia, while congratulating the new Chief Imam on his well-deserved elevation, he described Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki as an accomplished Islamic scholar, teacher, and community leader whose academic credentials, spiritual discipline, and years of service to Islam have prepared him adequately for the revered position.
He expressed confidence that the new Chief Imam would provide exemplary leadership and continue to advance Islamic scholarship and moral guidance among the faithful.
“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I congratulate Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani on this historic appointment and commend His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, for making a decision that has united the people and inspired widespread confidence across the Emirate. This appointment is a testament to the enduring values of scholarship, piety, humility, and service that have long defined the Ilorin tradition,” Dr. Ajia stated.
The Ilorin-born security expert and business tycoon prayed Allah to grant the new Chief Imam wisdom, sound health, patience, and divine guidance throughout his tenure.
He also prayed for the continued peace, stability, and prosperity of the Ilorin Emirate under the leadership of the Emir, urging the Muslim faithful to support the new Chief Imam with prayers and cooperation as he assumes the important responsibility of providing spiritual leadership to the Muslim Ummah.
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NewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots DevelopmentNewsJune 11, 2026Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying DecisionNewsJune 11, 2026US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership AwardEducationJune 11, 2026Varsity Don Proffers Solutions to Building Prosperous Nigeria
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US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership Award
US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership Awar
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Advocacy For Youth Leadership in Governance, Nigeria (AYLGN) has conferred the Proficiency Management Leadership Global Award on Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa, CEO and Founder of Sabua Cares Foundation.
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Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa who also holds the Traditional title of “Ebule Attah Igala” USA, was recognized as the “Most Outstanding, Competent, Quintessential, Resourceful, Experienced, Renowned & Digital Philanthropist in the 21st Century.”
The award was received on her behalf by the National Coordinator of Sabua Cares Foundation, Comrade Usman Bashiru, who led some Executive members of the Foundation to the event.
Comrade Bashiru in his speech, thanked AYLGN for honouring the founder’s modest humanitarian efforts, noting that Chief Isa has been funding all her philanthropic activities alone.
He appealed to organizations and well-meaning individuals to partner with the Foundation to scale impact on the poor and downtrodden, adding that the Foundation is open to collaborations that will touch lives positively.
Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa who joined the event via Zoom from New York, expressed gratitude to AYLGN for the honour and dedicated the award to God, widows, downtrodden women, and youths.
Presenting the award, AYLGN National Coordinator, Comrade Ajinomoh Abiodun, Mnin, said the nomination followed a joint resolution of the organization’s Board and Executive Council after a critical assessment of Chief Isa’s career, public service, and humanitarian work.
In a letter dated 2nd June, 2026, signed by Comrade Ajinomoh and Secretary General Comrade Ajayi Nike Grace, AYLGN described Chief Isa as a “trans-generational philanthropist of international standard” with “global recognition on youth development,” citing her integrity, charisma, and result-oriented leadership.
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NewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots DevelopmentNewsJune 11, 2026Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying DecisionNewsJune 11, 2026US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership AwardEducationJune 11, 2026Varsity Don Proffers Solutions to Building Prosperous Nigeria