From Gyang Bere, Jos
President Muhammadu Buhari said his administration has been saving N25 billion monthly, which was formerly shared by top government officials during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan as allowances.
Buhari disclosed this yesterday during the graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course 39, 2017, at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Plateau State.
“The federal government has been saving N25 billion monthly which was formerly used by top government officials as allowances. This money was discovered when the APC government was determined to fight corruption in the country,” the president said.
Buhari who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said his administration had been able to reduce corruption in Nigeria and vowed to carry on with the fight against the menace among public office holders.
He expressed hope that the challenges being faced in power transmission in Nigeria would soon be history and stressed that power supply in Nigeria was currently at 7000 megawatts.
Giving insight to how his administration rescued states from the scourge of unpaid salaries, he said: “When we came on board, 22 states were owing salaries of civil servants, but the story is different today. We have intervened in several ways to help states live up to their obligation.”
He urged the management of NIPSS to improve on recommendations of its participants in respect of national economic development. He assured that the federal government would make good use of the recommendations of Course 39 on agriculture.
Earlier, acting Director General, NIPPS, Jonathan Juma, said participants of the institute established 39 years ago, have made positive impact on nation building.
The Juma said the mission of NIPSS is to serve as the centre for policy, advocacy, advice and training for Nigeria and Africa in the context of a dynamic and changing world.
He said the Institute has been affected by recession and explained that members of Course 39 during their study year toured 12 countries of the World, and 12 states within Nigeria.