Buhari budget N2.3bn for ex-presidents in 2016

ABUJA—Eleven former Presidents, Heads of State and former Vice Presidents/Chiefs of General Staff are to share N2.3 billion as entitlements in 2016.

This was contained in the summary of the proposed budget 2016 presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly on Tuesday.

The former Presidents and former Heads of State are General Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, General Ibrahim Babangida, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, General Olusegun Obasanjo, and Goodluck Jonathan. The former Vice Presidents and former Chiefs of General Staff are Dr. Alex Ekwueme, General Oladipupo Diya, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and Alhaji Namadi Sambo.

According to the Act which provides for the remuneration of former Presidents and former Vice, each former President and former Head of state is entitled to N350,000 per month, while former Vice Presidents and former Chiefs of General Staff are entitled to N250,000 per month for their up-keep.

The Act states: “As from the commencement of this Act, all former-Presidents and Heads of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (in this Act referred to as “former Heads of State”) shall be-(i) paid the sum of N350,000 per month as up-keep allowance; and (ii) entitled to the perquisites of office specified in Part I of the Schedule to this Act; and (b)Vice-Presidents and Chiefs of General Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (in this Act referred to as “former Vice-Presidents”) shall be- (i) paid the sum of N250,000 per month as up-keep allowance; and (ii)       entitled to the perquisites of office specified in Part II of the Schedule to this Act. National Assembly to spend N175bn
Meanwhile, N115 billion was allocated to the National Assembly in the 2016 budget. This is besides N60 billion allocated for constituency projects.

Under the budget, the federal government plans to spend N20 billion on the Presidential Amnesty Programme which include stipends and allowances of 30,000 Niger Delta Ex-militants- N7.875 billion; Operational cost- N1. 834 billion; Reintegration of transformed ex-militants- N10.291 billion.
Furthermore, the Federal government allocated N200 billion for special capital projects, and N20 billion as sinking Fund for Infrastructural Developments. The budget also contained N5.5 billion to be paid to state governments for repairs of federal roads, while local contractors are to be N5.5 billion.
Economic experts doubt FG’s ability to fund budget 2016

Meanwhile, economic experts have expressed doubts over the ability of the Federal Government to fund the proposed 2016 budget.

On Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari presented to the National Assembly, a N6.08 trillion budget for 2016. This comprises recurrent expenditure of N2.65 trillion and capital expenditure of N1.8 trillion. The budget is based on projected revenue of N3.86 trillion and deficit of N2.22 trillion. The deficit is to be financed through domestic borrowing of N984 billion, and foreign borrowing of N900 billion, totalling N1.84 trillion.

Economic experts who spoke to Vanguard commended the budget proposal but, however, expressed doubts over some aspects of the budget, especially ability of the government to generate the projected fund to finance the budget.

“The key issue is how do we finance the budget so that it does not end up as a mere political campaign gimmick”, said Mr. Sola Oni, Chief Executive Officer, SOFUNIX Investment and Communications Limited, and Investment analyst. He said: “I believe that one fundamental approach is how the Federal Government can leverage on the robust platform provided by the capital market in Nigeria to bridge infrastructural gaps.
“If we are deviating from over dependence on income from crude oil which its budgetary base price of 38 dollar per barrel has slumped to 36 dollar even before the approval by the National Assembly, it stands to reason that there are many rivers to cross in order to realize the potential benefits embedded in the budget.”
Capital expenditure doubtful

Commenting on the budget proposal, Financial Derivatives Company noted that the capital expenditure of N1.8 trillion may not be achieved if the government fails to achieve the projected revenue. The company said: “The budget also clearly acknowledges current inadequacies in the supply of foreign exchange to Nigerians and its impact on traders and business operators who are hugely reliant on imported inputs. It also went as far as assuring Nigerians and foreign investors that the Central Bank of Nigeria will incorporate some flexibility to its foreign exchange management which will encourage additional inflows of foreign currency.
Budget 2016 is overambitious

On his part, David Adonri, Managing Director, Highcap Securities Ltd, said the budget appeared over ambitious for various reasons. “The budget appears to me to be over ambitious because the crude oil revenue is dwindling very fast and the forecast is that it will dwindle further.  Judging by the revenue the government collected since June up to date, the revenue has dwindled and allocation to states has also dwindled, I don’t see the reason why the budget should be higher than last year’s budget.
“Secondly, from my analysis so far, I don’t know how realistic it is that they are going to meet the revenue target.  You can see that the revenue from crude oil sales is less than N1 trillion, and then the non-oil revenue which is about N1.5 trillion appears to be over ambitious.

“Then the balance which is going to come from budget deficit is the very worrisome aspect because N1.5 trillion projected as revenue from independent sources which are not stated was because of certain things they are going to do if they plug some holes here and there. that they can realise that N1.5 trillion appears to be subjective. And then that they plan to realise N350 billion from monies that will be recovered from corrupt politicians to the best of my knowledge is clouded in uncertainties.

Emeka Okolo, Managing Director, Molten Trust Limited said the key is implementation. “What I am concerned is that the budget should be implemented; we are no longer interested in discourse everyday again; we want implementation of the budget. On paper, it is good, but implementation is always the issue.
I know that some will say that the main issue is that borrowing is too much, borrowing is not the issue. The main issue is to use the borrowing for what it is meant for, that is the bottom-line.  If they can implement it faithfully, that is okay.”

According to Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Capital Bancorp Plc, Mr. Higo Aigboje, “The 2016 budget is very positive if it is faithfully implemented and can bring about economic prosperity. Nigeria’s problem is not about budgets, but about the implementation process.”

Focus on capital market for borrowings
While commending the principle behind the budget, Acting President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe advised the federal government to focus on the Nigerian capital market for its borrowings. He said: “The budget as presented by President Muhammadu Buhari is good for the country as it is reconstructive and  meant to revive the economy. With the price of crude oil at about N38, the focus should be on capital market growth and formation to provide the needed fund to finance infrastructure.”
The budget is promising—MAN

Dr. Frank Jacobs, President Manufacturers Asociation of Nigeria, MAN, said: “Although, we have not really analyzed the budget yet, we commend the Federal government on its timeliness; we commend the Federal Government for empowering entrepreneurs and for spending more money on infrastructures.”

Dozens killed in Nigerian truck fire as they lined up for gas refills in time for Christmas

Gas tank bursts into flames at an industrial plant in southeast Nigeria

Dozens of Nigerians queuing to fill their gas bottles for Christmas were killed when a huge explosion ripped through the gas plant, sparking a blaze that lasted over five hours.

The explosion happened on Christmas Eve, when a truck was discharging butane gas at the facility in Nnewi town in Anambra state, and a crowd of customers refilled gas bottles.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s office said “tens of people” who had been looking forward to their Christmas celebrations had been killed, without giving a precise toll.

One local journalist at the scene, David Onwuchekwa, said: “I saw around 100 charred corpses.” But Ali Okechukwu, police spokesman, put the death toll much lower, and said on Friday that six bodies had been recovered.

Most of the casualties were motorcyclists and passersby who went to look at the fire, before the explosion happened.

“My heart and prayers go out to these grieving families at this difficult and painful moment,” said Mr Buhari.
Carl Ofuonye, another local journalist, said the blast had been sparked when the truck exploded while discharging gas.

“So many people were in the building, workers at the plant, people who came to buy gas,” he said. “A woman and a child in a nearby building died.”

“The fire burned beyond recognition all the workers who were inside that depot at that time and also all the customers inside that depot,” said Chukwuemerie Uduchukwu, who went to the scene.
Many others were being treated for burns at nearby hospitals.

“I saw flames but I didn’t know what was going on and started running and then I heard an explosion,” the wife of the manager of a nearby construction site told local TV station Television Continental.
“Even while running the fire burnt me all over.”

Development As A Change Towards Better Realization Of Human Values

INTRODUCTION

Development is ‘Good change’ according to Chambers (1997), but this is not as straightforward as it sounds. For example, who decides which change is good? Thomas (2000) explains three ways the word ‘development’ is used.

Development has a history of being linked with capitalism with ‘Good Change’ commonly associated with industrialisation and modernisation on the basis of free markets. Therefore, development is closely bound with ideologies and values which will be examined considering its various changes towards better realization of human values.

Under the context of this work we shall examine development in various aspect of human values such as:

–         Management development

–         Technological development

–         Economic development etc

Management development may be defined as – company or organization extended or sponsored education, or as training and educating employees of an organization, institution, or industry, to empower them with required skills, authority, and position to be able to manage rapid changes that their unit is likely to face. To define, create, and exploit the organization’s resources in this way requires the managers to possess a portfolio of suitable personal competencies of their own. Creating this portfolio is what management development is all about.

 

MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT

Management development is the structured process by which managers enhance their skills, competencies and/or knowledge, via formal or informal learning methods, to the benefit of both individual and organisational performance.

The effective management of both private and public sector organisations is widely perceived to be of critical importance to organisational success and, more broadly, to national economic well-being. Some critics, moreover, argue that the UK has certain deficiencies in respect of the qualities and skills of its management base when compared with managers at the global level.

This means that thedevelopment of managers to help sustain their performance at the highest levels possible is a particularly crucial element of wider organisational learning strategies.

Managing involves the planning, organisation, co-ordination and implementation of strategies, programmes, tactics and policies in respect of people, resources, information, operations and finance. Management development interventions may therefore cover any or all of these areas, depending on the level and nature of the management role as well as other factors such as the stage of the individual’s career.

Management techniques are continually evolving, organizations are changing radically and restructuring in an effort to meet changed external and internal environments and improve their performance. The realization of this truth led to the advancement of management development as an important aspect of management. Managementdevelopment advances the need to educate, train, and develop the skills of managers, supervisors, and even workers of an organization which eventually reflects on the realization of human values.

Many business organizations have recognized that there are several incentives in investing in management education, training and development. The reason being: Whenever vacancies arise, they would be in a position to promote from their own cadre than to recruit skilled managers from outside, thus promoting loyalty among the workforce; Job satisfaction keeps people from looking towards greener pastures, thus reducing labor turnover; The organization would be able to attract best talent if it maintains a good reputation for training and development of its workers.

Management techniques are continually evolving, organizations are changing radically and restructuring in an effort to meet changed external and internal environments and improve their performance. The realization of this truth led to the advancement of management development as an important aspect of management. Managementdevelopment advances the need to educate, train, and develop the skills of managers, supervisors, and even workers of an organization which eventually reflects on the realization of human values.

Many business organizations have recognized that there are several incentives in investing in management education, training anddevelopment. The reason being: Whenever vacancies arise, they would be in a position to promote from their own cadre than to recruit skilled managers from outside, thus promoting loyalty among the workforce; Job satisfaction keeps people from looking towards greener pastures, thus reducing labor turnover; The organization would be able to attract best talent if it maintains a good reputation for training and development of its workers.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

This  is a term that economists, politicians, and others have used frequently in the 20th century. The concept, however, has been in existence in the West for centuries. Modernization, Westernization, and especially industrialization are other terms people have used while discussing economic development. Economic development has a direct relationship with the environment.

Whereas economic development is a policy intervention endeavor with aims of economic and social well-being of people, economic growth is a phenomenon of market productivity and rise in GDP. Consequently, as economist Amartya Sen points out, “economic growth is one aspect of the process of economic development”

This usually refers to the adoption of new technologies, transition from agriculture-based to industry-based economy, and general improvement in living standards.

According to Ranis et al., economic growth and developmentis a two-way relationship. According to them, the first chain consists of economic growth benefiting human development, since economic growth is likely to lead families and individuals to use their heightened incomes to increase expenditures, which in turn furthers humandevelopment and values to its existence. At the same time, with the increased consumption and spending, health, education, and infrastructure systems grow and contribute to economic growth.

In addition to increasing private incomes, economic growth also generate additional resources that can be used to improve social services (such as healthcare, safe drinking water, etc.). By generating additional resources for social services, unequal income distribution will be mitigated as such social services are distributed equally across each community, thereby benefiting each individual. Concisely, the relationship between human development and economic development can be explained in three ways. First, increase in average income leads to improvement in health and nutrition (known as Capability Expansion through Economic Growth). Second, it is believed that social outcomes can only be improved by reducing income poverty (known as Capability Expansion through Poverty Reduction). Lastly, social outcomes can also be improved with essential services such as education, healthcare, and clean drinking water (known as Capability Expansion through Social Services).

Yet others believe that a number of basic building blocks need to be in place for growth and development to take place. For instance, some economists believe that a fundamental first step toward development and growth is to address property rights issues, otherwise only a small part of the economic sector will be able to participate in growth. That is, without inclusive property rights in the equation, the informal sector will remain outside the mainstream economy, excluded and without the same opportunities for study.

TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

Technology development is generally regarded as a catalyst for national development, because it offers among other things, the necessary support for change in all the major sectors of the economy, most especially in agricultural and industrial sectors. Therefore, it is unarguably the prime source of change, that is, of innovations and adaptations required for improving production methods needed to propel growth and development.

According to Titanyi (1985), ‘science and technology represent power instruments of change which can assist in the economic, social, and cultural development of people’ such that the superiority of the rich countries in terms of their living standards, better health services and educational facilities is generally attributed to the breathtaking advances in science and technology which has taken place in the industrialized countries during the last two hundred years.

On the other hand, is the gradual growth of a skill to become more advanced or the process of producing a more advanced product (Hornby 2002). Consequently, technology development is the transformation of ideas to practical skills, which are concerned with the production and transformation of raw materials into finished goods. Onipede (2003) opined that technology development pertains to development witnessed through industrial activities; he went further to state that these activities involved the processing of manufacturing goods on a large scale using extensive plant and equipment which were all products of technology.

With the above definitions in mind, therefore, technology development might be interpreted to mean the various transitional processes in the art and craft techniques and traditions, of blacksmithing, iron and wood carving, canoe building among several other indigenous ways by which people of different cultures have explored to control and maximize the use of their environment.

Therefore, the traditional skills and techniques used in the production of arts and crafts, blacksmithing, and iron smelting, carding and weaving, brewery among others can be summed up as indigenous technology in Nigeria.

The Importance of Organizational Development

Organizational development is the use of organizational resources to improve efficiency and expand productivity. It can be used to solve problems within the organization or as a way to analyze a process and find a more efficient way of doing it. Implementing organizational development requires an investment of time and money. But when you understand its importance, you can justify the costs.

Organizational Change

The process of organizational development identifies areas of company operations where change is needed. Each need is analyzed, and the potential effects are projected into a change management plan. The plan outlines the specific ways in which the change will improve company operations, who will be affected by the change and how it can be rolled out efficiently to employees. Without organizational development as part of change management, a company would have a difficult time developing effective change management programs.

Growth

Organizational development is an important tool in managing and planning corporate growth. An organizational development analysis brings together sales projections and consumer demand to help determine the rate of company growth. This information is used to alter the company business plan and plan the expansion and use of company resources such as personnel and the distribution network to accommodate future growth.

Work Processes

When a company is involved in organizational development, it analyzes work processes for efficiency and accuracy. Any quality control measures required to attain company standards are put in place. Evaluators analyze duplicate process, or processes that can be combined for greater efficiency, and develop and implement detailed plans on how to improve company methods.

Product Innovation

Product innovation requires the analysis of several kinds of information to be successful. Organizational development is critical to product innovation because it can help analyze each element of product development and create a method for using it effectively. Some of the processes that come together in organizational development to assist in product innovation are competitive analysis, technology development, consumer preferences, target market research, manufacturing capabilities analysis and patents and trademarks.

CONCLUSION

Development encompasses the need and the means by which to provide better lives for people within a community or an organization, it includes not only economic growth, although that is crucial, but also human development—providing for health, nutrition, education, and a clean environment. This as regard management, organizational, economic and technological plays a vital role in a positive change towards better realization of human values.

 

REFERENCES

What Is Development? | Globalization101: Retrieved from www. Globalization 101.org › Issues in Depth › Development.

 Morrison Okita S 1980. The Developing Economics and Japan . University of Tokyo, pp. 99-116.

Obwona, M. & Guloba, M. (2009) ‘Poverty Reduction Strategies During Post-conflict Recovery in Africa’, JOURNAL OF AFRICAN ECONOMIES, 18, AERC SUPPLEMENT 1: i77–i98.

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/economic-development.html#ixzz3t94nJVaM

HISTORY OF NIGERIA SATELLITE CONSTRUCTION

NIGERIA SATELLITE CONSTRUCTION

The National space research and development Agency (NASRDA) is the national space agency of Nigeria. It is a part of the Federal ministry of Science and Technology. The agency based in the Nigeria Capital Abuja has a ground receiving station.

NASRDA was established in 1^st August 2001 after preparation period since in 1998 by Nigerian president General Olusegun Obasanjo and the Nigerian government with a primary objective of establishing a fundamental policy for the development of science and technology” with an initial budget of $93 million.

In May 2006, the new extended material space programme was adopted.

Five satellite has been launched by the Nigerian government into outerspace. Early plans to launch a National Satellite in 1976 were not executed. The Nigeria Sat – 1 was the first Nigerian satellite and built by a United Kingdom based Satellite technology company, surrey space technology limited (SSTTL LTD) under the Nigerian government sponsorship for $30 million. The satellite was launched by KOSMOS – 3m roket from Russian plesetak space sport on 27 September 2003. Nigeria Sat 1 was part of the world-wide disaster monitoring constellation system.

Nigeria Sat – 2 and Nigeria Sat – 4, Nigeria third and fourth satellites, were built as a high – resolution earth satellite by SSTL for DMC systems also it has 2.5 metre resolution panchromatic (very high resolution, NIR rod, green and red bands), and 32 – metre multispentral (Medium) resolution, NIR red, green and red band) antennas.

The Nigeria Sat – 2 / x space craft was built at a cost of over $35 million. The satellite was launched into orbit by Ukrainian Dnepr rocket from a rasny military base in Russian on 17 August 2011.

Nigeria Comsat – 1, a Nigeria satellite ordered and built in China in 2004, was Nigeria’s second satellite and Africa’s first communication satellite. It was launched on 13 May 2007, abroad a Chinese long March 3B carrier rocket, from the Xichang satetellite launch center in china.

The spacecraft was operated by Nig comsat and the Nigerian Space Agency, NASRDA on 11^th November 2008, Nig Comsat – 1 failed in orbit after running out of power due to an anomaly in its solar array. It was based on the Chinese DFH-4 satellite bus, and carries a variety of transponder: 4C –Band, 14 KU – band, and Ka – band, and 2L – band. It was designed to provide coverage to many parts of Africa, and the ka – band transponders would also cover Italy.

On 10^th November 2009, the Nigerian federal ministry of science and technology, Nig Comsat ltd, and CGWIC signed a further contract for the in-orbit delivery of the NigComsat – 1K satellite, Nig Comsat – 1K was also a DF4 – 4 satellite, and is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarters of 2011 as a replacement for the failed Nig Comsat – 1.

On 19 December 2011, a new Nigerian Communication satellite was launched into orbit by China in Xichang. The satellite according to Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan which was paid for by the insurance policy on Nig Comsat – 1 which de-orbited in 2009, would have a positive impact on national development in various sectors such as communications, internet services, health, agriculture, environmental protection and national security.

Nig Comsat – 1R is to replace the last Nig comsat – 1 launched by China on 19^th December 2011 with no cost to Nigeria.

The initial scope of the Nigeria space programme (NSP) to be implemented by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) should includes: –

(1) The study of basic space science in order to lay the foundation for delivery maximum benefits from the nations participation in the space enterprise, for the attainment of space capabilities, Nigeria’s efforts should focus on research and rigorous education, engineering development, design and manufactures, particularly with areas of instruments as well as in satellite data acquisition, processing, analysis and management of related software.

(2) Basic space science and technology to provide the understanding of how the universe works and what his impact is on the world. This will enable us to lay the foundation for activity maximum benefits, from the nations participation in the space enterprise.

(3) Remote sensing to help Nigerians understand and money our environment and natural resources using space – acquired information this technology will enable us to better understand our land, air and water – resource and their associated problems.

(4) Satellite meterology to study atmospheric and weather sciences using satellite date to facilitate the effective management of our environment.

(5) Communication and information technology to provide efficient and reliable telecommunications services for Nigeria in order to enhance the growth of the industrial, commercial and administrative sectors of the economy.

OBJECTIVES  

1.     To give early warning signals of environmental disaster.

2.     To help dated and control desertification in the northern part of Nigeria.

3.     To assist in demographic planning

4.     To establish the relationship between vectors and the environment that breeds malarial and to give early warning signals on future outbreaks of meningitis using remote sensing technology.

5.     To provide the technology needed to bring education to all parts of the country through distant learning.

6.     To aid in conflict resolution and border disputes by mapping out state and international borders.

Benefit Of Resistance To Change In Organization

Resistance To Change

Resistance to change is the action taken by individuals and groups when they perceive that a change that is occurring as a threat to them. Resistance is an inevitable response to any major change.

In today’s economy, change is all – pervasive in organization. It happens continuously, and often at rapid speed. Because change has become an everyday part of organizational dynamics. Employees who resist change can actually cripple an organization.

1. Change is necessary: Leaders must ensure that their ideas will actually enhance the organization. It makes them ask themselves if the change aligns with and helps achieve the organization vision. Good change agents or change leaders will establish a business case for their change. It is natural for them or wonder what is in it for them. Resistance forces leaders to find out how the change will impact people. This can only be accomplished by communicating directly with employees early and often.
2. Take time to slow down prioritize, strategize, and create supporting plans: – Resistance to change forces us to slow down and create comprehensive risk plans. Risk must be analyzed and change management plan. Plans to help sponsor and managers, and a reinforcement plan.

RISK

1. Analysis: People can be considered a risk to project changes. The size and scope of the change as well as specific characteristics of the organization have to be looked at.
2. Communication Plans: The plan should be crafted to address the needs of all affected groups throughout all aspects of the project. Communication is one of the things everyone can do better.
3. Coaching plans for sponsors and manager: Sponsors and managers need to be told what is expected of them during a transformation coaching plans should be development to assist these key people.

 

REINFORCEMENT

1. Plans: A plan must be in place to reinforce new behaviors or people will revert back to their aid behaviors. Checks must ensure the new behaviors are in plans and positive checks should be rewarded.
2. Involve employees, listen, and gather feedback: Get employee involved early in the process to secure better solutions. This generates ownership and ownership minimizes resistance. Involvement further enhance their skills and abilities in continuous improvement which makes them more valuable employees. Everyone needs to listen more.

Listening provides feedback on results and returns was the idea good or bad?

Resistance to change is completely normal. Change leaders need to have to justify their reasons for change. Addressing these reasons and involving the workforce creates the best ideas.

REFERENCES

Berube, D. (2012). Resistance to change is a good thing.

Learning to change retrieved July 14, 2014.

Buhari presents N6.08trn 2016 budget to NASS

ABUJA-PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has presented a total budget of N6.08 trillion for 2016 to both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

 

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, ADDRESSING A JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE 2016 APPROPRIATION BILL IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY 22^nd December 2015.

President Buhari who arrived the Chambers at 10.01am said that the fuel pump price would for now remain at the present rate of N87 per litre for despite the oil glut , just as he apologized profusely to Nigerians for the pains currently faced following the continued fuel scarcity across the country.

The President who blamed the fuel scarcity with long queues on market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders, said, “the current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate. Government profoundly apologizes to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.

The President who disclosed that 30% of Nigeria’s annual budget will be committed to capital expenditure, however moved Capital Expenditure from N557 billion in 2015 to N1.8 trillion in the 2016 budget, adding that having reviewed the trends in the global oil industry, the government decided to set a benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016, with plans to focus on non-oil revenues by broadening our tax base and improving the effectiveness of our revenue collecting agencies.

He said, “the Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of $53 per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the US$.

“The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the North East, the Government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that Bill.

Buhari who noted that government was aware of the harsh economic situation presently being faced by Nigerians, however blamed the situation on unbridled corruption and security challenges, adding, “We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.”

President Buhari's Christmas message to Nigerians

 President Buhari’s Christmas message

Read the president’s Christmas message below.

I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of this year’s Christmas. On this occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let us all rededicate ourselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, humility and service to others which he taught.

There can be no doubt that a greater manifestation of these virtues and ideals in our lives will immensely help us to become a more united, peaceful, secure and progressive nation.

Let us also reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians who are in distress at this period of our nation’s history.

I particularly urge you all to remember victims of terrorism and insurgency in the country, especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The Federal Government will continue to collaborate with state governments and other stakeholders to ease the harsh conditions in IDP camps, while the ultimate objective remains to quickly put an end to insurgency and return the IDPs to their homes.

We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise.

Let us also not allow current socio-economic and security challenges to dampen our expectations for a better Nigeria.

This administration has taken a number of measures to restore hope to our people. The 2016 Budget defines our commitment to giving Nigeria a new lease of life.

Our change slogan is not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must be kept. We are determined to bring about tangible changes in the lives of our people.

In this regard, efforts will be intensified to recover stolen funds, block revenue leakages and enthrone due process, transparency and accountability.

Public office is a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical standards.

I wish all Nigerians a Merry Christmas.

Please drive carefully.

MUHAMMADU BUHARI

OVERVIEW OF KAINJI DAM POWER STATION AND ITS ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

INTRODUCTION- KAINJI DAM POWER STATION

The essence of this report is to document the experience acquired, observation, historical background, disadvantages of constructing dams, advantage/economic importance of kainji dam and recommendations on field trip to Kainji Dam which took place on 22^nd of November, 2013.

Kainji Dam is a hydro-electric power station constructed to utilize the vast water body of the River Niger whose construction started in 1964 and was completed in 1968. The total cost was estimated at US$209 million, with one quarter of this amount used to resettle people displaced by the construction of the dam and its reservoir.

LOCATION

Kainji Dam is located in Niger State

THE HISTORY OF KAINJI POWER STATION

Power supply in Nigeria started in Lagos in 1896, when the men came to this part of the world to exploit raw materials for their industry. As they move from the coastal area of Lagos to the interior to exploit cocoa in the West, Rubber and oil in the East and groundnut in the North, they installed more generators in Kaduna, Ibadan, Enugu and Kano. These generators were maintained and controlled by Public Works Department (PWD).

With the growth of industries and rapid urbanization; the demand for electricity rose faster than supply. This prompted the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) established in 1950 to authorize the study of the HYDRO- ELECTRIC POTENTIALS of River Niger for large and cheap supply of Electricity.

By 1962, Niger Dams Authority (NDA) was instituted by an act of parliament “the proposed Hydro Electric Station in Kainji”. The construction work was contracted to IMPREGILO as major contractor. IMPREGILO is a consortium of three Italian companies: Impresit, Giriola and Lodigiani.

Fund for the construction of the dam was provided by the following governments and international organizations: Federal Government of Nigeria, Government of Netherlands, International Bank for Reconstruction and development Institute, U.K. Export credit Guarantee Department.

Construction work on Kainji Dam took off in 1964 with an inaugural ceremony performed by the then Prime Minister of the Federation, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. In his speech, he said. This is a practical Nigerian Project that will supply Electricity to every region in the federation and create room for greater unity. The construction lasted for four years. By 1968, it was ready for commissioning with 4 sets of Kaplan turbines, Units 7, 8, 9 & 10 of 80MW each totaling 320MW. The station was officially commissioned in February 1969 by Major General Yakubu Gowon. In 1976, two additional sets of Kaplan turbine, Units 11 & 12 of 100MW each were installed, bringing the installed capacity of the station to 520MW. To further increase the installed capacity, two additional sets of fixed blade or base load machines were installed, Units 5 & 6 of 120MW each, making the total installed capacity of the station to be 760MW in 1978.

Units 1, 2, 3, & 4 are open pits fervently awaiting the installations of additional four machines to beef up power generation. The installation of these four machines will complete the design of Kainji Power Station to effectively stabilize Power Supply in Nigeria. 

KAINJI LAKE (RESERVOIR)

The formation of the Lake at the completion of the dam caused the resettlement of 44,000 people of Borgu Emirate and Yauri Emirate. They were resettled at New Bussa and Yelwa.

The Lake has two flooding seasons, the white flood and the black flood. The white flood is the accumulation of rainfall within the country that flows into the Lake.

While the Black flood is the accumulation of rainfall from Gunea, Mali and Niger that flows into the Lake. The White flood arrives the lake in July since its journey to the Lake is not too far from the Lake. The Black flood arrives in December as it has to travel long distance from Guinea, Mali and Niger Republic to the Lake. The length of the Lake is 136 Kilometres long. The Width is 24 Kilometres at its widest point with maximum head elevation at 141. meters. While the maximum tail elevations is 104 meters. The minimum head elevation at which the plant can operate is 132 meters. The total storage capacity is 15billion cubic meters, 3 billion constitute the dead storage, that is, water below the pen stock. The remaining 12billion constitute the life or usable storage. The hydrology department of the station monitors the water from its source at Futa Jalion highland in Guinea for water management. The department  the data inflow of water into the Lake and the outflows, such as Turbine discharge, spill way discharge, evaporation and spillage.

THE DAM

The dam is across River Niger on kainji Island. It was built to impound water to generate Electricity. It has the main dam and the Saddle dam. The main dam consists of the concrete dam. The Saddle dam is a safety device to ease the main dam in the event of (flooding. The Saddle dam us rock filled. The dam has intake gates, each intake has a steel opening of 8.55 meters in diameter.  This is called the penstock. It is where water from the Lake passes through to rotate the turbine and convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The height of the dam from its toe to the crest is 65.5meters.

The length is 8.04 Kilometers. In compliance with the international law on dams across international rivers, Kainji dam has two navigational locks the upper and lower locks. These locks are opened for the navigation of barges of boats from the upstream to downstream of the dam.

DAM INSTRUMENTATION

The purpose of dam instrumentation is to monitor the safe data behavior of the fill dam embankment and the concrete structure operation and timely warming if the development of any unusual condition overall structure stability of the different part of the dam e.g. Main dam consist of the concrete gravity structure, The rock fill dam right fill dam and left fill dam.

The equipment use for monitoring the safety of the dam is as

follows:

RELIEF WELL: The purpose of relief well is to reduce the seepage pressure in the soil foundation at the toe of the dam.

STAND PIPEST: The purpose of the stand pipe is to check the seepage pressure which could lead to piping or jeopardize the stability of the saddle dam through the Foundation.

SEEPAGE MEASUREMENT: The seepage observation to the detection and interpretation of changes in the rate and characteristics of the flow, knowledge of the  leakage past of the dam.

 

EXTENTION GAUGET: Monitor deflection of the dam embankment and settlement of the dam embankment.

 

TOTALIZING WEAR: To monitor the total seepage water at the toe of the saddle dam.

THE PIEZOMETER: Hydraulic piezometer are used to monitor the pore pressure the piezometer and embedded in the core material of the rock fill dam. They are also installed in the foundation and the embankments, and so also the electronic piezometer are used to monitor water pressure in the dam foundation and embankment.

PLUMB LINE: The plumb lines are installed in the concrete dam to measure the displacement of the part of the structure relating to a fixed other foundation level. They are installed in the spillway, intake block 1, intake block 6, intake block 10, service bays and one inverted in intake block 1. The only one indirect plumb lines monitor the movement of the dam foundation relating to the anchor is observed.

EXTENZOMETER: The purpose is to monitor the swelling of the concrete structure due to attach aggregate reaction in the concrete dam and across the spillway gate. The rod also monitor the deflection and structure change in the concrete dam.

For convenient hydrological operations, River Niger is divided into Upper Niger, Middle Niger and Lower Niger. Kainji Dam is located on the middle Niger. At this area, it is fed by many tributaries such as R. Malando, R. Danzaki and R. Sokoto/Rima etc. Kainji reservoir experiences two dual flood regime, i.e. Black and white flood. Back water effect of the reservoir can be felt as far back as Kawara Village after Yauri in Kebbi State.

Measurement of rise and fall of Lake Elevation on daily basis in an hydrological priority. Monitoring of the tributary and main channel flows by current mater method (discharge measurement) which facilitates the study of the regime of each river flow into the basic and this enhances optimum power generation.

Biannual maintenance of automatic and manual staff gauges of the entire basin is another important priority so as to acquire regular and accurate hydrological data.

ADVANTAGE / ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF KAINJI DAM

Kainji is the main stay of power generation in Nigeria. Since its machines are suitable for frequency regulation to sustain power generation. Therefore, the station importance cuts across every stratum of human endeavors, Political, Social, Economic, Tourism, Navigation, Fishing, Agriculture.

POLITICAL: The station fosters unity, as it renders services to every part of the country and  different tribes live together as staff of the station.

SOCIAL: Social institutions like School, Hospital, Homes, Offices, Communities, Towns, Cities etc. Need Electricity to stay alive.

ECONOMIC: Electricity is the mainstay of any economy. It is needed for industrial and commercial growth. Also, the indices for measuring the growth of any economy is the quality if its electricity

generation.

TOURISM: Visitor from every part of the country and foreigners, especially students of various institutions, visit the power station to acquaint themselves with the workings of an hydro-electric station like Kainji.

NAVIGATION: Navigation has been made easy with the construction of kainji dam. Apart from the rapids, which on record caused the death of Mongo park, that have been removed, the flood control by the dam management has been navigating less risk in the area of Kainji dam.

FISHING: The vastness of Kainji Lake, allows for the catching of 7000 metric tons of fish annually. This provides the needed protein for growth and body building.

AGRICULTURE: With Kainji Lake, farming through irrigation, has been

made possible through out the year. In addition, the Lake has increased the soil fertility of villages.

DISADVANTAGE OF THE DAM CONSTRUCTION

The construction of large dams completely change the relationship of water and land, destroying the existing ecosystem balance which, in many cases, has taken thousands of years to create.

Throughout the past few years, the negative impacts of dams have become so well known that most countries have stopped building them altogether and are now forced to invest their money into fixing the problems created by existing dams.

The following are examples of some environmental problems caused by construction of dams.

Soil Erosion

One of the first problems with dams is the erosion of land. Dams hold back the sediment load normally found in a river flow, depriving the downstream of this. In order to make up for the sediments, the downstream water erodes its channels and banks. This lowering of the riverbed threatens vegetation and river wildlife.

Species Extinction

As fisheries become an increasingly important source of food supply, more attention is being paid to the harmful effects of dams on many fish and marine mammal populations.

The vast majority of large dams do not include proper bypass systems for these animals, interfering with their lifecycles and sometimes even forcing species to extinction.

Spread of Disease

Dam reservoirs in tropical areas, due to their slow-movement, are literally breeding grounds for mosquitoes, snails, and flies, the vectors that carry malaria, schistosomiasis, and river blindness.

Recommendation and Conclusion

The importance of kainji dam cannot be overemphasized as it stand tall in the generation of electricity which is the key factor in the Nigeria economy however necessary measures should be put in place to checkmate the adverse effects of construction of dams on the natural environment and it habitat.

Conclusively this exercise is of enormous advantages to students as it serves as an opener to how electricity is been generated through hydro electric power station.

REFERENCES

Ambes S. Douchet J.A (2003). Hydro Power Production Canadienne de’ Economique Vol. 36, No 3 587-607.

www.kainjihydroelectricplc.org/aboutusinner.html

“An inside look at kainji dam” Daily Trust Online. Retrieved July 21, 2012.

“An inside look at kainji dam” Daily Trust Online. Retrieved July 18, 2012.