JUST IN: Here is Full Text of Buhari's Speech in Paris

 

President Muhamnadu Buhari was in Paris, France between Sunday, November 11 and Tuesday, November 13, 2018 for the first edition of the Paris Peace Forum.

The Nigerian leader spoke on Monday, 12th November 2018 on “Illicit financial flows (IFFs) and corruption: the challenge of global governance.”

Here is the full text of the President’s speech:

I am delighted to be part of the inaugural edition of the Paris Peace Forum and would like to commend the Government of France for this laudable initiative.

We also thank France for inviting Nigeria to participate in the forum on the sidelines of the Centenary Celebration of the Armistice. It is important to recall that although Nigeria was not independent at the time, the fact remains that it had participated in the war efforts.

3. Nigeria contributed a company of riflemen and support services to the war under the Royal West African Frontier Forces.

4. I should like on this Remembrance Day, to pay tribute to the sacrifice and bravery of all those who had fallen in battle and the pain and suffering of those they left behind.

5. More than half a million Africans fought in the trenches of the First World War for France alone. There was bitter fighting also in east and southern Africa and around Cameroon and Nigeria. We shall not forget.

6. I believe this Forum would provide the needed opportunity for knowledgeable exchange and sharing of best practices on the challenges militating against the much needed good governance in many countries of the world. It is on this premise that my presentation will dwell on “Illicit Financial Flows And Corruption: The Challenge of Global Governance”.
Distinguished Participants,

7. The cancerous effects of Illicit Financial Flows and corruption on the socio-economic development of countries are glaringly evident. The negative impact and ramifications of Illicit Financial Flows are many-sided.
The list which is long and ever-growing, includes:
a. Draining of foreign exchange reserves;
b. Reduction of tax/revenue collection;
c. Poor investment inflows due to near absence of credibility, transparency and policy stability.

8. Illicit financial flows escalate poverty by denying the citizens the benefit of the resources meant for development.

9. This is a crime of opportunity which thrives most in permissive environments. Such outflows further undermine the rule of law, stifle trade and worsen macro-economic conditions.

10. These reprehensible acts are being perpetrated by several international tax havens and secret jurisdictions, which facilitate the operation of:
a. Disguised corporations;
b. Anonymous trust accounts;
c. Fake charitable foundations;
d. Money laundering and transfer pricing mechanisms.

11. Indeed, Illicit Financial Flows have exacerbated poverty and inequality in many societies of the world. Thus, concerted and multi-jurisdictional efforts must be deployed to frontally tackle the menace.

12. Combating corruption has been a defining feature of our Government. Upon assuming office on 29th May, 2015, we made fighting corruption one of the three pillars of our Administration’s priority programmes, given the fact that corruption was threatening the very foundation of our national life, socio-economic development, security and even the consolidation of our democracy.

13. We continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corrupt practices and non-conformity conduct in public life, by confronting corruption head-on. This is predicated on the fact that we remain steadfast in our commitment of ensuring integrity and ethical conduct in the task of governance. We are mindful of the primacy of leadership by example in this regard.

14. Our efforts at fighting corruption are firmly within the limits of the rule of law, in spite of the interest-forcing strategies of those who chose to discountenance the fundamental value of compliance with the laws of the land.

15. With the progress we have made, we feel the need to ensure that we put enduring institutional frameworks in place for action and measures that will consolidate our achievements in the fight against Illicit Financial Flows and corruption.

16. In the circumstances, strengthening the institutional capacity of anti-corruption bodies has been accorded due attention. For us, therefore, effective institutions and political will are strong counter-measures against corruption and Illicit Financial Flows.

17. In addition, we introduced the Whistle-Blowing policy, whereby information on the violation of financial regulations, mismanagement of public funds and assets, financial malpractices or fraud as well as theft can be reported to authorities.

18. This policy is geared towards ensuring public accountability and transparency, and it has yielded dividends, as we have recovered billions of Naira from corrupt persons and companies.

19. We have also redirected recovered funds to the development of critical infrastructure and programmes that will benefit our people. Funds and assets recovered through our actions, will be deployed in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

20. At the continental level, the African Union also launched the war against corruption and bestowed on me the honour to champion the cause. In this connection, our priorities for international cooperation as a continent will focus on the following:
a. Strengthening international cooperation on asset tracing, recovery and repatriation;
b. Enhancing cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations’ anti-corruption monitoring mechanisms through stronger engagement; and
c. Widening the understanding and relevance of anti-corruption efforts towards the realization of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

21. Appropriate legislation and policies which promote transparent financial transactions should be encouraged.

22. In addition, regulatory institutions and agencies should be strengthened to fight corruption. Nigeria has a good example in this regard with the Tax Appeal Tribunal inaugurated recently. The Tribunal arbitrates between tax payers and government in order to ensure equity and fairness in tax administration.

23. In accordance with relevant international statutes, asset return is unconditional. It is a commitment which members of the international community must abide by.

24. Nigeria, therefore, reiterates its commitment to all existing international legal frameworks to enforce anti-corruption measures, including the recovery and return of stolen assets.
Distinguished Participants,

25. While acknowledging the tremendous progress that has been achieved through the enactment of global instruments, some fundamental technical issues remain unresolved.

26. These revolve around the formulation of policy and regulatory frameworks that cut across different jurisdictions. We must not lose sight of the role played by secret companies, banks and law firms, all too often based in developed economies and their related offshore centres.

27. Recent studies reveal that flaws in the global financial system enable corrupt individuals to hide details of their financial dealings under the noses of governments and law enforcement agencies. This underscores the need to urgently address the issue of Mutual Legal Assistance, as well as continental legal frameworks, in the context of safe havens for illicit transfers.
Distinguished Participants,

28. Our experience in Nigeria is that financial crimes, such as corruption and fraudulent activities, generate enormous unlawful profits which often prove so lucrative that the threat of a jail term is not sufficient to deter perpetrators.

29. A more powerful deterrent is to ensure that profits and assets generated from illicit financial flows and corruption are recovered and returned to countries of origin.

30. This is not to under-estimate the value of strong institutions. It only indicates that asset recovery represents significant deterrence compared to the traditional focus on obtaining conviction by the law enforcement agencies of the countries of origin.
Distinguished Participants,

31. As we take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of domestic, regional and international mechanisms against Illicit Financial Flows, I seize this opportunity to recall the Global Declaration Against Corruption made in London in 2016 and our commitment thereto.

32. Among other things, the Declaration encapsulates our collective commitment to the principles of Open Government Partnership, especially the National Action Plans to actualize beneficial ownership transparency, enhance the capacity of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), reinforce Independent Reporting Mechanisms and support the activities of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. We should remain resolute in our commitment to the aforementioned goals.

33. Similarly, we must crack down on safe havens for corrupt assets. I also advocate sanctions by professional bodies against transactional middlemen (lawyers, bankers, brokers, public officials, etc.) who facilitate Illicit Financial Flows.

34. I would like to reiterate that the Government of Nigeria remains open and is ever willing to continue to identify and share experiences and strategies to give life to the ideas that will lead to winning the fight against corruption.

Esteemed Ladies and Gentlemen,

35. Finally, let me reiterate the importance of unity and collective action. It is only together that we stand a better chance to win the fight against the menace of Illicit Financial Flows and corruption.
I thank you for your patience and attention.

BREAKING: No Amount is Agreed Yet on Minimum Wage -- Presidency

In what could be described as a u-turn, the Nigeria's presidency on Thursday, 8th November 2018 said President Muhammadu Buhari was yet to endorse any figure as the new national minimum wage contrary to the speculations making the round.

It said the reports that Buhari reneged on earlier acceptance of the N30,000 recommended by the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee were therefore not correct.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, made the clarification in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

He said what Buhari committed himself to was a new minimum wage only after the report of the committee has been reviewed by the executive and legislative processes of government and an appropriate bill presented to him for assent.

The presidential spokesman said through the period the committee submitted its report to Buhari, “the President never mentioned any figure. What he committed himself to was a new minimum wage, and only after the report of the committee has been reviewed by the executive and legislative processes of government and an appropriate bill presented to him for assent.

“Until the proposed minimum wage has gone through the whole gamut of law-making, President Buhari, who is a stickler for due process, will not be caught in this unnecessary web of controversy, which amounts to putting the cart before the horse and hair-splitting.

“As for those who have latched onto the concocted controversy to play cheap politics, we appeal to them to remember that elections are not won through loquaciousness, and trying to demean the President at every drop of a hat.

“But then, it is not surprising, as they have nothing else to sell to Nigerians, if they don’t ride on the name of the President. Stiff judgment awaits them at the polls.”

While saying the Presidency is concerned over what he described as the recurring reports, Adesina insisted that the reports are contrary to what transpired on when the committee presented its report to the President.

He said while acknowledging the concerns raised by government on affordability and Labour’s focus on meaningful increase, Buhari stated clearly in his speech, that, “In a way, both arguments are valid. I want to assure you all that we will immediately put in place the necessary machinery that will close out these open areas.

“Our plan is to transmit an Executive Bill to the National Assembly for passage within the shortest possible time.

“I am fully committed to having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future.
“As the Executive arm commences its review of your submission, we will continue to engage you all in closing any open areas presented in this report.

“I, therefore, would like to ask for your patience and understanding in the coming weeks.”

It would, however, be recalled that on Monday, 6th November 2018 - 24hours before the day stipulated by the organized labour for commencement  of an industrial action over the minimum wage disagreement - on receipt of the comprehensive report from the tripartite committee, President Buhari reportedly agreed on the figure and promised to send the bill in that regard to the National Assembly (NASS) with immediate effect for onward deliberation.

Analysis I On Government's Lethargy and Labour's Vigour

    

    

By Fred Doc Nwaozor

 

A kid might claim ignorance of the ongoing ‘tour’ recently embarked upon by the Nigeria’s government and labour as regards minimum wage but if a full-fledged adult displays such an attitude, he may be regarded as an imbecile.

         

From the onset, the teeming Nigerians have been watching with keen interest, though with soured physiognomies. In some quarters, many have opined that if care isn’t taken, the excruciating effects of the tour is liable to cripple the functionality of the system especially at this point the country is deeply concerned about the fast approaching general elections.

         

It would be very pertinent to appraise some key fundamental facts with a view to presenting a fair and objective analysis herein. Mind you; the fairness as mentioned above has to do with all concerned, not a particular party.

         

In accordance with the stipulations of the International Labour Organization (ILO) whose principle governs the relationship between the government and labour in any nation across the globe, the national minimum wage is meant to be upwardly reviewed once every five years.

          

The current N18,000 Nigerian workers are entitled to as minimum wage was fully implemented or signed into law by the government in March 2011. It suffices to say that the country’s wage threshold was last reviewed over seven years ago, which is against the ILO’s standing rule.

          

Late penultimate year, the organized labour comprising mainly the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) came up with an agitation, reminding the government that onward increment of the workers’ minimum wage of N18,000 was long overdue.

         

In line with the demand, after rigorous consultations, the Federal Government (FG) under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari set up a 30-man tripartite committee consisting of the representatives of the governments, the private sector and the labour union, though the Local Government wasn’t reportedly represented.

         

The Ministry of Labour and Employment led by Dr. Chris Ngige informed Nigerians that the awaited new national minimum wage would be presented by the committee by the end of the third quarter of the ongoing fiscal year being September 2018.

          

It’s noteworthy that prior to the setting up of the tripartite committee, the NLC was proposing N56,000 as new minimum wage. Amidst the committee’s deliberations, N30,000 was reportedly agreed by the sectors involved as was claimed by the NLC headed by Comrade Ayuba Waba.

         

It’s worthy of note that the committee couldn’t come up with any tangible resolution, not until the workers embarked on a warning industrial action. Another thing of worry is how the FG could be presently be proposing for N24,000 contrary to the figure the committee allegedly agreed upon, knowing full well that the apex government was part of the deliberations. How do we reconcile these? Does it mean that the labour is lying or that the FG is being economical with the truth?

         

As we dissect these questions begging for candid answers, it would equally be crucial for any sane observer to scold the FG over its quest to implement the ‘no work, no pay’ mantra with the aim of discouraging the workers from further embarking on strike as the bid for a new minimum wage lingers.

          

By such intended action of the government, the workers are indirectly notified that they don’t deserve any wage let alone agitating for increment. It’s not anymore news that in most cases, workers in various quarters are being owed arrears of salaries, yet they don’t get despaired by such action of their employers.

          

They only deploy the strike mechanism whenever the ‘maltreatment’ becomes much unbearable or life-threatening. Could it be that the government is mistaken their patience cum patriotism for cowardice or inferiority?

         

The various state governments under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) are currently offering N22,500 as the new minimum wage, stating the government workers constitute merely about 5% of their respective states’ population; hence, if they end up receiving up to N30,000, or N24,000 as being proposed by the FG, their funds would be impoverished, which according to them, would be to the detriment of the entire populace or the common man who make up the majority.

         

The problem right now is that there’s already an element of deceit on the part of the benefactors, if not, I would have sincerely ask the organized labour to accept the amount being proposed by the state governments considering that at the moment actualization of N30,000 minimum wage isn’t realistically feasible across the country.

          

For me, the states such as Benue and Bayelsa that have indicated interest to pay any amount, did so for political reasons; needless to assert that it was a mere political talk. We must note the dichotomy between implementation and actualization. Till date, most establishments in the private sector are yet to pay most of their employees up to N10,000 let alone the N18,000 stipulated by law.

           

From my candid point of view, N25,000 would be tenable. The government should equally not be reminded that the new national minimum wage is expected to be captured in the about-to-be tendered 2019 appropriation bill.   

           

No patriotic Nigerian wants a strike action neither do we want any form of deceit, hence all concerned ought to earnestly do the needful. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, an analyst & activist, could 

be reached via frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador