NASENI pleads for release of 1 per cent allocation from federation account

• Published date: 14 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

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 Account.

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

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

Haruna, who made the plea during a courtesy call on Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri, 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 an Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI) and a Skill Acquisition Centre in Borno.

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

He added: 'I...