FG approves N2,117 billion for second batch of permanent voters cards

The Federal Government today approved the sum of N2,117.5billion for the second phase of the production of additional 33.5 million permanent voters cards which will be used in 2015. The contract for the voters cards which is expected to be produced at the rate of N65 per card, was awarded to Messrs ACT Technologies Limited with a delivery period of six months.

The approval is coming shortly before the the delivery of the first batch of 40 million of the same cards requested by the Independent National Electoral Commission last year which will be delivered in June this year.

Information Minister, Labaran Maku who disclosed this at a post Federal Executive Council meeting briefing in Abuja today explained that the order is also coming ahead of a proposed scheme which will integrate the national identification card as voters card in 2019 and other subsequent elections.

Maku noted that the cards will be embedded with personal information of the electorate that includes bio data, photographs and other biometric details.

The memo was presented by President Goodluck Jonathan at the council meeting.

Council also approved a move to institutionalize six National Vocational Qualifications Framework and the placement of National Vocational Qualifcations in the public service.

A memo submitted by the Education Minister, Rukayat Rufai to FEC had emphasized on the need to promote and encourage those with these vocational skills to contribute to nation building and also close the gap created in the civil service structure for the skilled personnels

Rufai said the number of unemployment had also increased based on the non recognition of this class of people on the country, noting that the recognition of the skill system by certification will create more room for development and increase employment.

According to her, there are 5 modules certification process that is expected to rate those with these skills in their integration into the civil service.

"As Nigeria aspire to become a major player in the world economy, the place of skilled and competent workforce cannot be under played.

A competent workforce necessary for higher productivity and effective implementation of development projects are building blocks for the conomy

"The phenomenon o vocational skills framework as been embraced by many countries as a vital scheme to enhance development of competent workforce and ensure hat qualifications to occupations are flxiblele, transparent and accountable.

"As Nigeria transforms to one of the world's major economies, the greatest asset needed is a competent workforce, which the council believes could b best realized Nader National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF)" she said.

In related development, the Women Affairs Minister, Hajia Zainab Maina who briefed Council on the performance of her ministry in 2012 told journalists that as part of the achievements of her ministry ,31% of position for judges were given to women, 26% of all permanenet secretaries in Nigeria were women and 32% of ambassadorial positions were given to women.

She referred to the women in the Executive Cabinet as "Jonathan's Queens" while she is the mother of all ministers.



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