NASENI Pleads for Release of 1% Allocation from Federation Account

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna, yesterday pleaded for the release of 1% due to the agency from the Federation AccountAccording to a press statement by NASENI, Prof. Haruna, who made the plea during a courtesy call on Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri, also said the agency would soon establish Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI) and a Skill Acquisition Centre in Borno State.

He requested for about 20 hectares of land for the take-off of the new institute and another 10 hectares for the skill centre.

Haruna said the massive skill training of youths was to guarantee employability and bridge the existing gap in various occupations.

He said: “Your Excellency may also recall that you were a member of the Ad-hoc Committee of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on Modalities of partnership between NASENI and State Governments, as it relates to 1% of the Federation Account.  This committee, which is headed by former Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State recommended, with the approval of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), that the agency has justified the need for the fund.

“You are a member of the standing committee of the National Economic Council (NEC) on NASENI’s 1% allocation from the Federation Account. Despite the approval of NEC, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the approval of the National Assembly and Mr. President, NASENI is yet to start receiving 1% of the funds from the Federation Account.

“I am therefore seeking your support and assistance not only for the commencement of remittance to NASENI dedicated account but also for the payment of all arrears due to the agency from the Federation Account.”

Haruna also said the agency would soon establish  Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI) and a Skill Acquisition Centre in Borno.

He sought for 20 hectares of land for the take-off of the new institute and another 10 hectares for the skill centre.

He added: “I have the mandate and instruction of President Muhammadu Buhari, who doubles as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), that is my boss and my chairman to convey to your Excellency and the lovely people of Borno State the following glad tidings.

“I wish to convey the Presidential approval for the location and establishment of Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI). It is one of the 12 new institutes of NASENI approved since 2021 by Mr. President.

“He has also approved the establishment of a skill acquisition and training centre in Borno State at a location of your choice.

“There will be skill development training for 100 youths selected from all the local governments in the state on modern vulcanizing methods and application with start-up kit in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s nationwide training of teeming youth.

“The massive skill training of youths is to guarantee employability and bridge the existing gap in various occupations created by the collapse of crafts, vocational schools and technical colleges. The training in Maiduguri is scheduled to start on 30th January 2023.

 “I am also here to request for a minimum of 20 hectares of land for the take-off of the new NASENI institute and another minimum of ten hectares for the construction of the skill development centre. It is the desire of President Muhammadu Buhari that these centres be constructed and commissioned before the end of December 2023.

 “I am to also thank you in advance for granting my request for land and other amenities and commend you for the fashion, zeal and patriotism that are your signature and method of leading Borno State. I congratulate you for all you have achieved and congratulation in advance for what you will be doing for the people of Borno State I Sha Allahu in your second tenure.” Responding, Governor Zulum promised to mobilize his colleagues to ensure the release of the 1% allocation from the Federation Account for