Nigerians abroad amongst top migrant remittances: World Bank

  
GENEVA World Bank 2011's Migration and Remittances Study indicates that Nigeria remains in the top-ten category globally, of countries with high remittance-recipient ratio, is as heart-warming as its positive impact on the nation's fragile economy.

 Currently, remittances amount to at least $11 billion dollars annually from the Diaspora. Considering the poverty-alleviating effects this impacts on the cash-strapped recipients and the manner in which it helps to reduce social tension in the country we commend the donors. Many of the families who have benefited from their loved ones have been able to provide roof over their heads and see their children and relations through school as a result. While the others have taken care of the sick and the elderly members of their families in the absence of any social security buffer from the government.
 As shown in the recent study released during the fifth meeting of the Global Forum on Migration and Development in Geneva. The top recipients of officially recorded remittances were India, which took in $58 billion, followed by China ($57 billion), Mexico ($24 billion) and the Philippines ($23 billion).
Other top beneficiaries were Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Vietnam, Egypt and Lebanon.
"Despite the global economic crisis... remittance flows to developing countries have remained resilient, posting an estimated growth of 8 percent in 2011," said Hans Timmer, director of the bank's Development Prospects Group.
 "Remittance flows to all developing regions have grown this year, for the first time since the financial crisis."
The World Bank expects a 7.3 percent rise in such payments in 2012 and a 7.9 percent increase in 2013.

Against the dark backdrop of a corruption-riddled economy, characterized by unstable power supply, lack of good access roads, and a banking sector that cannot offer loans to the real sector, sending money in hard currency by Nigerians in the Diaspora is salutary.



     

Nigerian Diplomats amongst debtors owing New York City nearly $17 million in parking fines

Egypt and Nigeria top the list of countries owing New York City in parking tickets issued to diplomats. The city is owed nearly $17 million in parking tickets, a huge amount that may have grown this week as world leaders gathered for the UN General Assembly.
The city's Department of Finance said unpaid tickets totaled $16.7 million through the end of July. Egypt topped the list with $1.9 million in tickets, followed by Nigeria with about $1 million and Indonesia with about $725,000.
US congressmen Michael Grimm, Peter King and Edolphus Towns have introduced legislation that would impose sanctions on countries with diplomats who fail to pay parking fines in New York City.
Under current law, 110 percent of total unpaid parking fines owed to New York City and Washington will be withheld from the foreign aid and obligations to the offending countries.
New York City is home to 289 foreign missions and consulates. The diplomats' tickets were issued for safety violations including blocking fire hydrants.
"There's no such thing as 'diplomatic immunity' from paying parking tickets," Michael Grimm (US Congressman)

said when the legislation was introduced in May.
"If you get a ticket in NYC, you have to pay it. No exceptions. New York City's budget is tight enough as it is, and foreign diplomats do not deserve a free pass at the expense of New York City taxpayers."

Nigerian Senate approves Okonjo-Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a managing director at the World Bank have been approved for a cabinet position by Nigerian lawmakers, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Government sources, have said Okonjo-Iweala who as finance minister of Africa’s largest oil producer between 2003 and 2007, spearheaded talks that led the Paris Club group of creditors to write off $18 billion in debt. She was named finance minister of the year by the Banker magazine in 2004 and by Euromoney in 2005. The Harvard University-educated economist resigned from the Cabinet in August 2006 following a demotion by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Jonathan, who is forming a new government after winning April elections, will now assign her a portfolio. She is expected to return to her previous post with additional powers to oversee the country’s economic management.

The president has so far appointed 14 ministers of a 34- member Cabinet, including 12 ministers who will be returning to their former portfolios. Ex-Finance Minister Olusegun Aganga is among the proposed members and is due to appear before senate hearing today.

Jonathan has pledged to invest in roads and railways and reform the petroleum industry, the mainstay of the economy, to boost growth. Nigeria’s economy, the third-largest on the continent after South Africa and Egypt, will probably grow 8 percent this year, compared with 7.8 percent in 2010, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Super Eagles to play Camerron on May 28

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in search of a quality opposotion to challenge on May 28th to mark next month’s inauguration of the country’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, who was recently re-elected.

Siasia's choice though favours the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon as the team the Super Eagles test its strength with in Abuja, as the Cameroon FA as already agreed terms the Nigerian Football Federation.

Cameroon have demanded for an appearance fee of 60,000 Euros for the friendly, while Egypt wants to be paid $300,000 and Cote d'Ivoire have slashed their asking price down to $170,000.

Nigerian in Qatar celebrate Independence Day in style

DOHA THE Cultural opulence of Nigeria was highlighted by Nigerian expatriates in Qatar as part of the celebration of the golden jubilee of their independence, at Marriott Hotel on Saturday.
The event — organised to mark the Independence Day of Nigeria which falls on October 1 — was an occasion for the Nigerian expats to demonstrate unity in diversity as represented by various ethnic groups in the country.
Each group showcased its typical traditional heritage and culture for the audience, which included the Ambassador of Nigeria to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), HE Bashir Yuguda, and envoys of many other countries.
Addressing the gathering, HE Yuguda expressed his happiness over the unity among Nigerians despite their ethnic differences.
“I am elated to see the patriotism, passion and commitment Nigerians in Qatar demonstrated in celebrating this special day.
Nigeria is a country with over 150 million people, 250 ethnic groups and 4,000 dialects.
But, with the special grace of God, we remain one as a nation,” the ambassador said.
He pointed out that though Nigeria went through difficult times during the civil war and military governments, the country was moving forward as a leading economic and political nation in Africa.
He said that Nigeria, as a regional power in Africa, was faced with many responsibilities.
“The challenges of regional power come with heavy burden.
I am proud to say that with active support of my countrymen in international community, Nigeria is living up to the expectations in maintaining law and order in Africa as well as contributing to the United Nations peace-keeping missions across the globe,” Yuguda said.
The envoy was appreciative of the Nigerians’ conduct and wellbeing in Qatar despite having no Doha-based ambassador over the years.
He hoped that Qatar would have a full-fledged Nigerian ambassador by next year.
South African Ambassador to Qatar HE Dr Vincent Zulu, Japanese Ambassador HE Kenjiro Monji, Egyptian Ambassador HE Mahmoud Fawzy Abou Dounya, Senegalese Ambassador HE Adama Sarr, Sudanese Ambassador HE Ibrahim Abdullah al Faqiri, Eritrean Ambassador HE Ali Ibrahim Ahmad as well as Libyan and Tunisian ambassadors attended the colourful ceremony.
Various cultural and dance groups like Otu Ofuobi women, Egbe Omo O’Odua, Edo/Benin and Oghene groups, as well as a solo Hausa musical performance by Rakiya Lawler, entertained the guests on the occasion.
While the ‘Identity Sisters’ opened the entertainment floor, Nigerian artiste Mina Ochoche stole the thunder with her special track ‘Let us pray for Nigeria’.
A Nigerian R&B singer, Mima Ikyor, who was flown into the country especially for the occasion, captivated the audience with her soulful songs.
There was also a special poem (Ewi) recitation by Yemi Emiola.
Commenting on the event, Egyptian Ambassador to Qatar HE Mahmoud Fawzy Abou Dounya said: “This is a spectacular National Day celebration.
I am highly impressed.
This shows that Qatar is a friendly country where all nationalities can flourish and live a peaceful normal life.
I congratulate Nigerians on this occasion.” His Japanese counterpart HE Kenjiro Monji said: “Nigeria and Japan are good friends.
I am here to show Japanese solidarity with Nigeria and share the joy of the country’s 50th independence celebration.” Earlier, in his welcome address, President of Nigeria in Diaspora, Qatar chapter (NIDO-Qatar), OJ Millar, said this year’s independent celebration was special to Qatar residents because it was the first show which Nigerian ambassador to Qatar had witnessed.
He thanked all Nigerians in Qatar for their support and cooperation for the successful organisation of the event.
Qatar Airways and Marriott Hotel Doha supported the event.