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http://ift.tt/eA8V8J The Director-General, Budget Office, Mr Ben Akabueze, says he is optimistic that the 2017 budget will soon be signed. He said this on Tuesday in Abuja at a roundtable organised by Time Economics on issues concerning the Nigerian economy. Akabueze said that to address issues of delayed budget passing and implementation, the Federal Government had plans to ensure that from 2018, the nation returns to a predictable financial year. He said that the government had presented a draft for an Organic Budget Law to the National Assembly, which when passed, would ensure punctual drafting and approval of subsequently proposed budgets within a stipulated time. On capital expenditure, he said that up till 2015, in spite of oil price boom, the Federal Government spent under 10 per cent of its budget on infrastructure. He said that in 2016, government put in place a policy which prescribed that a minimum of 30 per cent of its annual budget be spent on capital expenditure. “...

http://ift.tt/2oGW73g US President Donald Trump / AFP PHOTO / Mandel NGAN The leaders of the five Nordic countries on Thursday sent a joint letter to US President Donald Trump urging him to keep the US in the Paris accord on curbing climate emissions. The letter was sent to Trump just hours before he was to announce his verdict on America’s participation in the 196-party accord during a keenly awaited televised address from the White House Rose Garden at 1900 GMT. “In Paris, in December 2015, global leaders made a commitment. To our children. To future generations. To the world,” the prime ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden wrote. “We must reduce global warming. The effects are already visible in all parts of our planet. It is of crucial importance that all parties stick to the Paris Agreement. We strongly urge you to show global leadership –- and to make the right decision,” they said, signing the letter: “With the very best of intentions, Your Nord...

http://ift.tt/2qKVKWG "The company is working closely with the Philippine National Police to ensure that all guests and employees are safe." Gunfire was reported at a hotel and a casino resort in the Philippine capital on Friday, the operator of the complex said, and the Islamic State group (IS) quickly claimed responsibility. “Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men,” the company said on its Twitter account. “The company is working closely with the Philippine National Police to ensure that all guests and employees are safe.” IS said “lonewolf soldiers” from its group carried out the attack, according to the SITE Intelligence Group that monitors terrorist organisations. Police confirmed there were reports of gunfire at Resorts World, which is across a road from one of the main terminals of the Philippines’ international airport. There were no immediate reports of fatalities or injuries. Philippine Preside...

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J Lagos – The Lagos State Government on Thursday intensified its smart city initiative with the unveiling of a free public Wi-Fi at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, located at Alausa. Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode said at the event that one of the overriding policy objectives of his administration was to build a globally competitive economy. Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that provides high-speed internet and network connections. Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Olufemi Odubiyi said that the economy of the state was being developed to provide opportunity for self fulfilment. He said that achieving global competitiveness would entail keying into new ways of doing things and the deployment of technology, especially the internet. According to him, the provision of free public Wi-Fi in the park is part of the administration’s efforts to make Lagos a smart city. “It is consistent with our commitment to make Lagos work for all...