Power Contracts Approval: The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its approval to power contracts totaling N226 billion and $592 million, aiming to enhance electricity supply across Nigeria. Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, announced that the contracts would be distributed among various communities in the country, including Potiskum, Daura, Sapade, and Benin. The approved contracts involve engineering procurement, construction, and financing for transmission and distribution projects under the presidential power initiatives.
Introduction of Multipurpose National Identity Debit Card: Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, revealed that FEC approved a memorandum from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) allowing commercial banks to issue debit cards that double as National Identity Cards. Nigerians can request their banks to provide them with a debit card that functions both as a national identity card and a bank card at no additional cost beyond the regular fees associated with debit cards. This multipurpose card aims to provide convenience to citizens and promote efficient identity management.
Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Approval: The FEC granted approval for the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy, a crucial initiative to integrate women into the financial landscape and ensure their active participation in nation-building. Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, highlighted the significance of empowering women, who constitute over 50% of the population, for sustainable national development. The WEE Policy seeks to engage women in economic activities and foster their inclusion in decision-making processes.
These recent approvals by the FEC reflect the government’s commitment to improving power infrastructure, facilitating efficient identity management, and promoting gender equality through economic empowerment.
