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Category: Governance

  • Tinubu Revises South East Development Commission Board

    Tinubu Revises South East Development Commission Board

    President Tinubu has presented a revised list of the leadership nominations for the South East Development Commission for Senate approval.

     The reshuffle, revealed on December 6, replaces several key nominees while retaining some from the initial lineup.

    Notable changes include Dr. Emeka Nworgu replacing Emeka Atuma as chairman.

     The board now features Stanley Ohajuruka as Executive Director of Finance, Toby Okechukwu as Executive Director of Projects, and Chief Sylvester Okonkwo as Executive Director of Corporate Services. 

    READ ALSO: Tax Reform Bills: North Restrategises as Regional Crisis Looms

    Two new executive directors, Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede, have also joined the board.

    While the managing director position remains with Mark C. Okoye, former board member Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa has been removed. 

    The revised list increases the board’s size from 15 to 16 members, signaling a broader scope for development initiatives.

    The nominations await Senate confirmation, marking the next phase in establishing the Commission as a platform for regional growth.

  • Why We Won’t Withdraw Tax Reform Bills – Akpabio 

    Why We Won’t Withdraw Tax Reform Bills – Akpabio 

    The Senate President has affirmed the determination of the red chamber to proceed with discussions on the Tax Reform Bills, insisting that the process has not been halted.

     Senator Godswill Akpabio clarified during Thursday’s plenary session that the legislative body remains focused on fulfilling its duties despite external pressures.  

    Addressing a motion raised by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Akpabio countered media reports suggesting a suspension or withdrawal of the bills.

     He stated that the Senate’s work on the reforms, which aim to address Nigeria’s fiscal challenges, will continue uninterrupted.  

    In a bid to address contentious issues surrounding the bills, a special committee was formed to collaborate with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

     The committee will also consult stakeholders, including governors, business leaders, and religious groups, to ensure inclusivity in the process.  

    Public hearings and stakeholder engagements are expected to address concerns, especially resistance from parts of the country. 

    The Senate emphasized that these consultations are critical to achieving a comprehensive and transparent reform.  

    The Tax Reform Bills, forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October, have faced opposition but remain a key focus for the legislature. 

    Lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to addressing concerns while maintaining legislative independence.

  • NAF Acquires 63 New Aircraft in Three Years

    NAF Acquires 63 New Aircraft in Three Years

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has boosted its fleet with the acquisition of 63 new aircraft over the last three years. 

    This was announced by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, during the 2024 @NgAF Training, Operations, and Safety Seminar held in Abuja.

     The fleet renewal was made possible with the backing of President Bola Tinubu, according to Abubakar.

    In the past year alone, @NgAF has received 12 advanced aircraft, including KA-360i and DA-62 planes, as well as T-129 and AW-109 Trekker helicopters. 

    Further deliveries are expected by the end of 2024, including additional helicopters and aircraft. 

    Looking ahead to 2025, NAF anticipates the arrival of 64 new aircraft, which include AW-109 Trekker helicopters, M-346FA jets, and AH-1Z attack helicopters.

    Additionally, the NAF has secured 12 second-hand A-Jet aircraft from the French Air Force, with plans to restore half to operational status and use the remainder for parts.

    Abubakar also shared that between June 2023 and September 2024, the NAF completed 8,665 missions and 15,915 flying hours. 

    He recognized the leadership of Air Component Commanders and emphasized the importance of building on these achievements.

    PLEASE READ: IPOB Counsel Says Controversial December Declaration a Hoax

  • South Africa To Partner Nigeria on Lithium for EV Growth, G20

    South Africa To Partner Nigeria on Lithium for EV Growth, G20

    South Africa is exploring opportunities to work with Nigeria on utilizing its lithium resources to boost the electric vehicle (EV) sector. 

    President Ramaphosa shared this vision during the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, emphasizing the potential of Nigeria’s lithium reserves in supporting the green energy transition. 

    He called for increased collaboration between the private sector and development finance institutions to enhance infrastructure and manufacturing for the EV industry.

    Ramaphosa also highlighted the opportunity for joint efforts in the pharmaceutical sector and clean energy industries, as both nations are well-positioned to benefit from these growing sectors. 

    South Africa’s investment in renewable energy and green technologies is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, as part of a broader effort to move toward a low-carbon economy.

    PLEAS READ: Nigeria, The PTDF Inquest as Revealed to the Senate

    Additionally, South Africa expressed strong support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20. Ramaphosa reiterated this during his meeting with Nigerian President Tinubu, underscoring the importance of amplifying Africa’s presence in global economic discussions. 

    He also mentioned that Africa, through the African Union’s recent G20 membership, is gaining recognition, and further inclusion of key African nations will strengthen the continent’s voice in global affairs.

  • NBA Condemns Abduction of Dele Farotimi by the Police

    NBA Condemns Abduction of Dele Farotimi by the Police

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed strong disapproval over the recent arrest of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi by the Nigerian Police on allegations of libel.

     In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, NBA President Afam Osigwe criticized the reported police actions, including the invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and the alleged harassment of his staff and colleagues.

    Osigwe pointed out that libel, the alleged offense in this case, is not classified as a criminal offense under Lagos State law.

     He noted that the 2011 Criminal Law of Lagos State decriminalized defamation, shifting it to a civil matter. This move aligns with global practices that treat defamation as a civil wrong.

    The NBA also expressed concern over the police’s conduct, highlighting that their authority must be exercised within legal limits, especially when investigating matters that do not constitute criminal offenses under Nigerian law.

    PLEASE READ: Lakurawa, Insecurity in the Sahel: Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges

     Furthermore, the seizure of phones and harassment of employees at Farotimi’s law firm raised alarms about the protection of legal professionals’ rights and the sanctity of legal practice.

    The NBA has called for Farotimi’s immediate release, asserting that his arrest has no legal grounds in Lagos State, and demanded accountability for the actions at his law office.

     They urged law enforcement agencies to uphold the rule of law, human rights, and the principles of justice in their operations.

  • Senate to probe N8.4 Trillion Claimed by NNPCL as Subsidy Funds

    Senate to probe N8.4 Trillion Claimed by NNPCL as Subsidy Funds


    …Approves Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP)

    The Senate has mandated an investigation into allegations that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) illegally withheld N8.48 trillion as claimed petrol subsidies.

    The allegation was made by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

    The investigation, which will be conducted by the Committees on Finance, Petroleum (Upstream), Petroleum (Downstream), and Gas, will also address findings by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) report.

    The NEITI report alleged that NNPCL failed to remit $2 billion (N3.6 trillion) in taxes to the Federation Account.

    The Senate further directed its committees to verify the cumulative amount of unremitted revenue from the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by NNPCL between 2020 and 2023.

    Additionally, the committees will scrutinize revenue remittance agreements involving NNPCL, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), and Immigration Services.

    Also, ahead of the 2025 budget presentation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate on Tuesday approved the 2025–2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

    This decision follows the adoption of a report presented by the Senate Joint Committees on Finance, and National Planning & Economic Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), during plenary.

    The Senate made notable projections for the 2025–2027 period:
    Exchange rate: N1,400 to $1 for all three years.
    Oil benchmark prices: $75 per barrel in 2025; $76.2 in 2026; & $75.3 in 2027.
    Domestic crude oil production: To Increase from 1.78 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024 to 2.06 million bpd in 2025; 2.10 million bpd in 2026, & 2.35 million bpd in 2027.
    GDP growth rates: 4.6% (2025), 4.4% (2026), and 5.5% (2027).
    Inflation rates: 15.75% (2025), 14.21% (2026), and 10.04% (2027).

    The Federal Government’s proposed 2025 budget is projected at N47.9 trillion, with retained revenue of N34.82 trillion. New borrowings of N9.22 trillion will be split between domestic and foreign sources. The capital expenditure is set at N16.48 trillion, statutory transfers at N4.26 trillion, and sinking funds at N430.27 billion.

    During the debate, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, highlighted the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative as a potential game changer.

    “With functioning refineries and the CNG initiative, the demand for foreign exchange will drop. For instance, traveling from Benin to Lagos costs about N130,000 with petrol, but with CNG, it’s less than N48,000,” Adeola said.

    Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North), a former Senate Leader, emphasized the need for support to manufacturing industries to meet MTEF projections.

    Commendations and Next Steps

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio lauded the joint committees for their thorough analysis and work on the MTEF/FSP document.

    Fielding questions after the plenary, Senator Sani Musa expressed confidence in the achievability of the projections and underscored the importance of ongoing consultations on tax reform bills.

    “The issue of tax reform requires wider consultation. It’s not about regions; it’s about what benefits all Nigerians,” Musa stated.

    The stage is set for President Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 budget to the National Assembly later this week.

    READ ALSO: WHY WELL MEANING NIGERIANS MUST SUPPORT THIS LGA ELECTION

  • Tax Reforms Will Simplify System, Maintain Key Agencies – Presidency 

    Tax Reforms Will Simplify System, Maintain Key Agencies – Presidency 

    Further to ongoing debate on proposed tax reform bills, the Presidency said yesterday, that opposition to the legislation were sparked misinformation, with critics misinterpreting key aspects of the legislation. 

    Contrary to claims, the presidency has revealed that the bills do not propose dismantling agencies like NASENI, TETFUND, or NITDA. Instead, they aim to streamline the nation’s complex tax system, easing the burden on businesses while ensuring sustainable funding for these organizations.  

    The reforms focus on consolidating multiple taxes into a single levy, simplifying compliance for businesses and improving the overall economic environment. 

    This shift will allow government agencies to access funds through budgetary allocations and other sources, ensuring their continued operation.  

    The current tax structure, criticized for overburdening businesses and discouraging investment, has driven some companies to relocate. 

    The new approach seeks to address these challenges, fostering economic growth and ensuring equitable development across all regions.  

    President Tinubu has encouraged stakeholders to engage constructively through the National Assembly’s planned public hearings, emphasizing the importance of informed contributions to the reform process.

  • Police Dismiss Allegations of Misconduct in August Protests  

    Police Dismiss Allegations of Misconduct in August Protests  

    The Nigeria Police Force has denied accusations by Amnesty International claiming the use of excessive force and illegal arrests during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024. 

    According to a statement from the Force, these claims are inaccurate and contradict reports submitted by police commands involved in managing the protests.  

    The police maintained that officers followed strict guidelines throughout the demonstrations, ensuring the safety of peaceful protesters while addressing violent situations with specialized units.

     The Inspector-General of Police had instructed officers to avoid using arms unless protests escalated into violent riots threatening lives or property.  

    READ ALSO: Full List: Amnesty International Identifies 24 Protesters Killed During August Protest

    Officials also clarified that arrests were focused on individuals engaged in criminal acts such as vandalism, looting, and arson. 

    The Force emphasized that detainees were treated lawfully, and no protester fatalities were caused by police actions.  

    In a reconciliatory move, the Federal Government has pardoned those arrested during the protests, furthering efforts to foster national unity.

  • CBN to Sack 1,000 Workers, Offers N50bn Incentive Package

    CBN to Sack 1,000 Workers, Offers N50bn Incentive Package

    Even though 17 directors whose appointments were recently terminated are still in court, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has initiated an Early Exit Package to eliminate 1,000 employees.

    Sources close to the apex bank reveal that targeted staff members were given up to December 31, 2024, to either take the offer or grapple with whatever comes their way.

    The voluntary Early Exit Package (EEP) will cost the bank over N50 billion.  

    A circular released by the CBN announced that the EEP application is open to staff across all levels, except those with less than a year of service.

    READ ALSO: CBN Moves to Replace Sacked Directors

     The exit date is fixed for December 31, 2024. 

    Employees opting for the package will receive financial compensation based on their remaining years in service, with additional benefits such as financial planning support and extended healthcare.  

    As of now, 860 employees have applied for the program, fueling concerns among staff about the impact of the downsizing.

     The initiative follows the disengagement of 17 directors earlier this year, whose positions remain vacant. 

    As of now, the Yemi Cardoso-led bank has not given any clear reason for this purge other than to say that the program presents an opportunity for employees to explore new career paths.  

    This development occurs at a very crunchy time when many Nigerians are grappling with harsh economic realities precipitated by difficult economic reform policies by the Federal Government.

    READ ALSO: Layoffs as CBN Sacks NIRSAL MD, other Executive Directors

  • Sen Orji Kalu, Others Disagree with the FG on Tax Reform Bills

    Sen Orji Kalu, Others Disagree with the FG on Tax Reform Bills

    The President Tinubu administration has been advised to follow the due process and not rush the passage of the Tax Reform Bills into law.

    Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and other discussants who spoke on Thisday Live, an Arise TV talkshow, yesterday berated the Federal Government for not consulting adequately before presenting the proposal to the national assembly.

    The panelists wondered why, for instance, neither the Council of State nor the Nigerian Governors Forum was consulted, seeing as the reform has implications for constitutional review.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu Rejects NEC’s Advice, Won’t Withdraw Tax Reform Bills

    The programme which was anchored by Dr. Reuben Abati also featured Barr Jide Ologun and human rights activist, Opeyemi Adamoleku, Executive Director, Enough is Enough.

    Senator Kalu said the “Federal Government erred by not seeking the buy-in of the Council of State, the Governors Forum and the public before coming up with the bill.”

    He remarked that the Presidency even had to break ranks when it disagreed openly with the National Economic Council (NEC) that is chaired by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, when the body called for caution.

    He explained that it is for that it was for those reasons that he supports the position canvassed by Senator Ali Ndume and some other northern Senators who called for more time for consultations and consensus building.

    Senator Kalu commended the stance of senator Ndume because, as he argued, “that’s what democracy is all about.”

    Sen. Kalu was however, optimistic that all the grey areas of the Bills will be cleaned up during the public hearing, even as Dr. Abati wondered if there would be a “proper public hearing that can pass the integrity test.”

    LONG READ: VAT, Vassal States and Restructuring (2)

    Regarding the accusation by some analysts that President Tinubu has a “Lagosnisation Agenda.” By which they imply that the Bills and other policies of the government are geared towards empowering Lagos, the home state of the President, Senator Kalu replied:

    “The bill is very progressive and brings back Fiscal Federalism. There will be no kangaroo public hearing. Any part of the bill that conflicts with our constitution will not fly.”

    According to him, “Tinubu needs to work on the integration of the country.”

    In her reaction, Ms. Adamolekun said, regardless of the nobility or otherwise of the proposed tax laws, since it relates to constitutional amendment, it should have been passed through the Council of States and subjected to a thorough engagement with the people.

    She added that not doing so gave rise to the present emotive outbursts on the matter.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills: The Beginning of Fiscal Federalism?

    On his part, Barr Jide Ologun said he aligns with the northern senators and governors that aspects of the laws have the potency to pauperise the people, if implemented as proposed, even though it is an aspect of fiscal federalism.

    He argues that “our ultimate consideration should be the national interest.”

    He contends however, that the speed at which the Bills are being processed is a bit too much. He admonished that the government should “consider the interest of the nation before you do this, because the country is in dire need.”

    PLEASE READ ALSO: Only Lagos Will Benefit From Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, says Zulum