The Special Public Works (SPW) programme of the Federal Government will not commence on the Independence Day celebration as planned, Checkout Magazine learnt.
Information gathered suggest that the Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to President Muhammadu Buhari for approval to extend the commencement of the programme by 19 days.
The decision to adjust take-off date was necessitated by a delay in the release of funds for purchase of equipment for the programme, the Nation reports.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo who remained taciturn on the commencement date of the programme has However dismissed reports that the slots for federal lawmakers have been increased.
Keyamo said: “That is an attempt to shave my head behind me as the minister in charge of the programme.
“I don’t know where that information came from. I am the minister in charge. I am the one on whose table the bulk stops in terms of policy matters. Who gets what in government and how is a policy matter, it is not an execution, it is policy. Once that policy is made, the agency can go and execute.
“As a general rule, we have made certain allotment to different political office holders. However, local circumstances may require alteration of the formula as we move from state to state.”
