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Category: Governance

  • NSIPA empowers 1.8m,to relaunch N-Power, others

    NSIPA empowers 1.8m,to relaunch N-Power, others

    The National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Professor Badamasi Lawal, has announced plan to kick-start key social investment Programmes.

    Targeted for relaunch are the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), N-Power, Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP).

    Professor Lawal made the announcement after the successful payment of stipends to about 1.8 million beneficiaries by the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) and the National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO).

    In a statement by Attari Hope, Head of Communication and Public Relations of NSIPA, the announcement was made during the opening ceremony of an NSIPA Management Workshop, yesterday in Abuja.

    Mr. Hope asserted in the statement that the “workshop marks a significant milestone as it is the first of its kind since Dr. Badamasi assumed office.”

    He stated further that “Dr. Badamasi emphasized the importance of NSIPA’s mandate to design, implement, and coordinate impactful social protection programs that address the multifaceted challenges of poverty.”

    Mr. Hope listed other mandates of NSIPA to include addressing vulnerability, and inequality in Nigeria.

    Dr. Lawal was also reported as stating, “We are at a pivotal moment in our journey, marked by renewed hope and a strengthened resolve under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    He further highlighted the necessity of effective policy frameworks, sound implementation strategies, robust institutions, community ownership, and cross-sector partnerships to ensure the success and sustainability of social investment Programme.

    Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his appointment, Dr. Badamasi assured that he, alongside the National Programme Managers and staff, are committed to delivering on the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.

    “Our goal is clear: to exchange knowledge, harmonize our strategies, and build a more resilient system that delivers measurable impact at scale. We must continuously evaluate our outreach, inclusivity, efficiency, and adaptability,” he concluded.

    The workshop was organized in collaboration with NEETSGE Nigeria Ltd, it covered critical topics, including an overview of Social Investment Programs, the NSIPA Act of 2023.

    Other subject areas covered by the workshop included the roles and responsibilities of Programme Managers, administrative procedures for successful implementation of NSIPA Programmes, NSIPA Programme implementation synergy, and Social Programme policy development and implementation.

  • Persisting insecurity: Senate to stage Security Summit

    The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday set up an ad hoc committee to organise a three-day National Security Summit.

    The upper chamber’s resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored by Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo) and co sponsored by four other senators during plenary.

    The motion was titled “Urgent Need for a National Security Summit”.

    Moving the motion, Ibrahim raised concerns over the high level of global insecurity which was rising due to the events in Russia and Ukraine.

    He said that recent events in the country had led to feelings of discomfort and insecurity which has placed the past accomplishments of our security forces at risk.

    Ibrahim added that insecurity across Nigeria has become pervasive, impacting on both urban and rural areas.

    “Where banditry, ransom kidnappings and terrorism were pressing issues across the country as well as other violent crimes”.

    He said that President Bola Tinubu was serious about the peace of Nigeria, as such, there is the need for some fact-finding intelligence support for the President’s efforts.

    “No country will allow its citizens to understand security by living with insecurity.

    “Therefore, the ideology of peace for all, as outlined in the executive policies of the Renewed Hope Agenda should be upheld and promoted,” he said.

    Contributing, the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro said “What is before us now is whether we should convoke a national security summit.

    “These security challenges are happening in every area and in different dimensions. In proffering solutions to the security challenges, there is ‘no one side fits all’ approach.

    “We’ve provided solutions in the past and they have not worked does not stop us from proffering solutions.

    “Now that we are confronted with hydra-headed insecurity, there is nothing that stops us from exploring all means of bringing insecurity to a halt,” he said.

    In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio noted that the summit will compose delegates from states, communities affected, traditional rulers and students unions.

    This, he said was so we have a holistic debate because security is everybody’s business.

    The summit will include delegates from all levels of government, as well as traditional institutions.

    The Red Chamber also urged the federal government to review and rejig the country’s security policies based on outcomes from the summit.

  • Insecurity: NGF sets up c’ttee to partner security agencies 

    Insecurity: NGF sets up c’ttee to partner security agencies 

    In a belated move, better than none at all, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has set up a sub-committee to work out a solution to security challenges in the country.

    The committee is expected to collaborate with the heads of security agencies for immediate resolution of the issues giving to the spate of insecurity.

    Governor Hope Uzodinma announced this in the early hours of Thursday while reading a communique issued after the NGF’s second meeting held late Wednesday in Abuja.

    The communique was signed by the forum’s Chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara.

    Uzodinma noted that the governors’ decision was in response to technology-driven solutions presented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

    ”The Forum received a presentation from the CDS on an innovative security initiative aimed at strengthening national and sub-national capacity for early threat detection and coordinated response.

    ”The project envisions the phased deployment of advanced technology and infrastructure to improve surveillance, crisis management and public safety.

    ”Governors expressed support for the initiative’s objectives and underscored the importance of technology-driven solutions in addressing evolving security challenges at the state level.

    ”Governors also commended the CDS and indeed the Nigerian military for these valuable propositions and initiatives,” he said.

    Uzodinma added that the forum also received a presentation from the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, on unlocking the economic potential of land through a Federal-State partnership for land reform.

    He said that the minister outlined ongoing housing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Programme and proposed a comprehensive land registration reform to formalise land ownership, enhance tenure security and boost internally generated revenue across states.

    ”The Forum also received a presentation on a proposed strategic partnership with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited (PSGN), aimed at revitalising the electricity distribution sector through private sector investment.

    ”Under the proposed agreement, PSGN will assume operational control of select distribution companies (Discos), introduce advanced smart grid technologies and establish a meter production facility to enhance service delivery and energy across states,’’ he said.

    Dangiwa who spoke earlier in an interview with newsmen, said the presentation was to update the governors on the current administration’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

    The minister said, the presentation was also to request for land from all the state governors yet to offer the required land needed for the housing programme.

    Also speaking, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the recent killings and attacks in some states should not be seen as an indictment on the governors because they have limited roles to play in addressing security challenges.

    Sani said while he agreed with the National Security Council comment he also believed that security agencies in Nigeria should also step up action and do what is right.

    He said that while leaders must take responsibility, there was need for all stakeholders to work together and address the problem of insecurity.

    ”In my opinion, it is not an indictment. I do agree that we have a limited role to play concerning the constitution of Nigeria.

    ”By the grace of God, it is one of the areas we are going to look at, the possibility of the creation of state police in Nigeria, which for me would go a long way in tackling insecurity, particularly at the sub-national level,’’ he said. 

  • Insecurity: Engage Ex-servicemen – Babandede

    Insecurity: Engage Ex-servicemen – Babandede

    Alhaji Muhammed Babandede, a former head of Nigeria Immigration Services has asked the Federal Government to consider engaging ex-servicemen to tackle insecurity in the country.

    Babandede made the call  in Abuja, at the 21st anniversary of the Peace Building Development Consult (PBDC) book launch and award presentations.

    The book is titled, ’21 Years of Advancing Peace and Security, Reflecting on Progress , Strengthening Commitments and Shaping the Future,’ and written by Kayode Bolaji.

    Babandede noted that many able and trained officers had been retired, hence the urgent need to bring them back to assist in the fight against insecurity.

    “Government spends huge amounts of money to train military officers, and you find that some of them were retired at 50, 55, or even earlier and doing nothing afterwards.

    “You need to have a think-tank in every organisation, government needs to harness these high-level people, they are everywhere,”he said.

    He also said that most of the experienced officers left the service simply because their juniors were appointed as Chiefs.

    “So, they had to go, and they are not being used. We need to form a think-tank on ways to address insecurity in the country,

    “This is my call, and I hope government listens to it,”he said.

    The former CG also advised politicians to desist from dividing the country along religious and ethnic lines.

    He noted that in the past, Nigerians related as one in love and unity, devoid of primordial sentiments.

    Babandede said that in the past, Muslims lived with their Christian neighbours and just minded their businesses.

    The former immigration boss decried politicians, who wanted power, instigating people, using religious and ethnic sentiments to get things done or to avoid losing power, using such strategies to remain relevant in society.

    “They always exploit the culture of religion and culture of sectionalism in order to gain benefits. I call on these politicians and on government, if they are careful to prohibit this.

    “Let us prohibit this, let it be a crime for you to rally your people based on religion, language, or ethnicity. Let it be a punishable offence,”Babandede said, adding that this would make the society better.

    “If we do that, the society will be better, because if there is joy, nobody is enjoying that joy strictly because of religion or culture.

    “If there is suffering, nobody is suffering because of religion, culture, or tongue. That’s my call. I hope Nigeria will feel better if we consider this,” he said.

    Also speaking, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and one of the awardees, who was represented at the event by Alhaji Saleh Samanja, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, described the award as a morale booster.

    Samanja said the award would spur Buni to continue doing more for the state and its people with the goal of ensuring that normalcy, peace and security is restored in Yobe.

    He said that Buni, since assumption of office, priotised security of lives and property in the state, working with security agencies.

    He said that relative peace had been restored in Yobe, which according to him, was one of the most peaceful states in country.

    “This is made possible because of the support and cooperation being given to security agencies, and the untiring efforts of the Executive Governor of Yobe.

    “As Chief Security Officer of the State, Buni feels that he has both moral and legal obligations to support and cooperate with security agencies to achieve maximum peace in Yobe,”Samanja said.

    Bolaji, author of the book, said Nigeria can not develop without peace.

    He added that peace and security were collective responsibility, adding that the PBDC needed the cooperation of all Nigerians.

    The event was attended by both serving and retired military generals, traditional rulers, heads of government agencies, political stalwarts and ECOWAS representatives. 

  • Mark bemoans mass killings, urges FG to be more proactive

    Mark bemoans mass killings, urges FG to be more proactive

    Former President of the Senate, David Mark has called on the Federal Government to be more proactive in  tackling the high level of insecurity in the country.

    He stated this in a goodwill message by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Paul Mumeh on Sunday in Kano  to commemorate this year’s Easter celebration.

    Mark bemoaned the unabating violent crimes, especially in the North Central states of Plateau and Benue that had  claimed lives and properties.

    According to him, the menace of violent crimes,  kidnapping and armed  herdsmen, devastating parts of the country, is becoming worrisome and needs to be tackled headlong.

    He  suggested that such violent and murderous groups perpetrating the acts, should be declared  as terrorists and should be treated as such.

    “We must not shy away from the truth. If they are not terrorists, why are they killing people,

    destroying communities and chasing people away  from their ancestral homes,” he said.

    Mark decried the unending activities of armed herdsmen, suspected to be behind the killings and kidnappings.

     According to him, their activities are unacceptable and should not only be condemned, but be prohibited in its entirety, as nobody has the right to take anybody’s life.

    On the unabating  murderous attacks on several communities in Benue and Plateau, he  called on the Federal Government to proscribe open grazing in all parts of the country.

    Mark, who decried the carnage going on in the two states, said that a debilitating disease deserves a more serious medication, if it must be cured.

    Rather than the open grazing, he called for the establishment of an enclosed ranching, as was being practiced in other climes.

    The former senate president, whose Otukpo, Benue South country home had been under suspected herdsmen attacks, called for  a more inclusive approach to tackle insecurity in all ramifications.

    He  called for the establishment of a well-equipped Border Security Forces (BSF) to halt the influx of suspected criminals into the country.

    According to him,  most of these suspected herders killing the citizens,  take advantage of the porous nature of the borders, by streaming into the country unchecked, from other neighbouring countries.

    “We must not allow criminal elements to stream into our country. We must change our strategy. Maybe, we can begin to think of fencing our borders like India, Israel, the U.S. and  Mexico,” he said.

    He said that when established, the National Border Security Force (NBSF) would not only be saddled with the mandate of policing the  porous borders.

    “It will  also have the mandate of fighting terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes,”he said.

    He commiserated with the people and governments of  the two states and all those who lost their loved ones.

  • NSCDC reaffirms commitment to protecting oil facilities despite attack of personnel

    NSCDC reaffirms commitment to protecting oil facilities despite attack of personnel

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bayelsa Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure in spite of the recent unfortunate incident.

    Bayelsa Commandant of the NSCDC, Eweka Douglas, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

    Douglas said oil thieves had recently attacked its officers, who were working in collaboration with Tantita Security Services, which resulted in the gruesome killing of one of its men.

    He, however, noted that the incident would not dampen the morale of its officers and men.

    He said that the Corps remained resolute in its determination to clamp down on vandals and oil thieves operating in the state.

    Douglas said the operation took place near Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of thestate.

    He said the attack led to the death of an NSCDC officer after the patrol team was attacked by suspected oil thieves.

    According to him, the incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on April 10, as the joint team was returning from an anti-vandal operation.

    “The officers were ambushed, and a gun battle ensued, resulting in the unfortunate death of one NSCDC personnel.

    “The NSCDC will not be deterred by attacks from vandals intent on sabotaging government efforts to eradicate illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta,” he said.

    He added that the NSCDC high command commended the bravery and resilience of the patrol team and disclosed that a manhunt had been launched to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

    Meanwhile, the remains of the fallen officer, Victor Ibang, have been deposited in the morgue.

    The Corps expressed condolences to his family and assured them that all necessary burial rites and benefits would be duly accorded to the late officer.

  • Ignore calls for state of emergency in Zamfara, Group urges Tinubu

    Ignore calls for state of emergency in Zamfara, Group urges Tinubu

    An interest group, Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), has urged President Bola Tinubu and lovers of democracy to ignore calls for declaration of a state of emergency in Zamfara.

    The PAPSD Executive Director, Dr Sani Shinkafi, made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

    Shinkafi was also the Patron of Bola Tinubu/Kashim Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in 2023.

    He described the call by some groups which he referred to as faceless as an agenda to distract Gov. Dauda Lawal from his Rescue Mission and destabilise the state.

    The executive director said that the ‘reactionary forces’, blinded by parochial interests, had demonstrated ignorance of Nigerian constitution on the provisions for declaration of state of emergency in a state.

    According to him, Zamfara does not fall in any of the constitutional provisions for removing the governor or declaring a state of emergency.

    He urged politicians in the state to play by the rules, uphold democratic values, ideals and ethics, and eschew politics of bitterness capable of impeding the gains of Nigeria’s hard earned democracy.

    Shinkafi noted that the army and other security agencies, supported by the governor, had fought armed banditry and had significantly improved security, public safety and order in Zamfara.

    He noted that the improved security had paved the way for vigorous economic activities, social services and infrastructural development, all combined to provide dividends of democracy to citizens.

    “This also includes the payment of ₦70,000 national minimum wage to civil servants and a promise to address the grey areas in the implementation of the national minimum wage to senior civil servants,’’ he said.

    The executive director said if the intention of the groups and their sponsors was to distract the governor, they had failed woefully.

    He urged all lovers of good governance in Zamfara to set aside petty politics and join hands with Lawal to transform the state and make it great again.

    “The interest of the state supersedes individuals’ political ambitions.

    “It is not yet time for partisan politics for the 2027 general elections.

    “Everybody should calm down and contribute to building a better Zamfara State. It is time for patriotism, not antagonism,” he said.

  • Information Minister, Garba Shehu, others appointed IPI committees members

    Information Minister, Garba Shehu, others appointed IPI committees members

    The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has appointed Information Minister, Mohammed Idris and media personalities to its standing committees.

    The appointments were announced in a statement by IPI Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau on Sunday in Abuja.

    Alhaji Shekarau said the appointments were are aimed to promote press freedom and responsible journalism in the country.

    According to Shekarau, the committees are Fundraising, Programming, Advocacy and Membership, each comprising seasoned industry professionals.

    He stated that “notable appointees include the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity and former President of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mrs Funke Egbemode.

    “Others are former Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, Mr Emma Agu and former Provost of Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye.”

    Shekarau added that the fundraising committee will be chaired by Egbemode, while the Secretary is Alhaji Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operations, The Nation.

    Other members of the committee are Idris, Juliet Bumah, Editor, New Telegraph, Shehu, Ken Ugbechie, publisher of Political Economist, Victoria Ibanga, publisher of The Next Edition, Olufunke Fadugba, Chairman of the Editorial Board of PenPushing Media and Ogunleye.

    He said that the Chairman of the programming committee is Mr Oladotun Oladipo, Managing Editor/CEO, Premium Eagle Limited, publishers of The Eagle Online and the Secretary is Hajia Sani, Director, Digital Media at Voice of Nigeria (VON).

    Other members are Hajiya Zainab Okino, Chairman Daily of the Editorial Board of Blueprint, Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director at The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Catherine Agbo, Deputy Editor, 21st Century Chronicle, Emma Agu, former Managing Director/CEO, Champion and Ahmed Shekarau, CEO, Media Trust Group.

    “Advocacy Committee’s Chairman is Tobi Soniyi, Media Adviser to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Secretary, Ochiaka Ugwu, Editor, Features, Peoples Daily.

    “Other members are Sule Ya’u Sule, Associate Professor at Bayero University Kano, Danlami Nmodu, Publisher of Newsdiaryonline, Laide Abbas, Assistant Director, News, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).

    “Also as members are David Ajikobi, Nigerian Editor of Africa Check and Fred Ohwahwa, former Editor at The Guardian and Senior Partner, Tokee Consult Limited.”

    Shekarau said that the membership committee would be chaired by Ruqayyah Aliyu, Associate Professor at Bayero University Kano, while Linda Kpum, IPI Nigeria’s Administrative Secretary would serve as Secretary.

    The committee has Fidelis Mbah, Al Jazeera Media Network and Deputy President of IPI Nigeria, Naziru Mikailu Abubakar, PhD Fellow at the University of Westminster, United Kingdom and Bolanle Ismail, Lecturer, Crescent University, Abeokuta as members.

    The secretary said each committee is tasked with key responsibilities, explaining that the Fundraising Committee is expected to plan, coordinate and execute fundraising activities to support IPI Nigeria’s programmes.

    “The Programming Committee will design initiatives and develop compelling programmes aligned with IPI Nigeria’s objectives.

    “The Advocacy Committee will provide strategic direction for IPI Nigeria’s advocacy efforts, promoting press freedom and engaging public officials on key policy issues.

    “The Membership Committee will focus on attracting new members, assessing applicants’ qualifications and enhancing engagement.”

    He quoted IPI Nigeria’s President, Musikilu Mojeed, as saying “the reconstitution of these committees aims to accelerate efforts in safeguarding press freedom and promoting responsible journalism practices in Nigeria.”

  • Mining Marshals arrest 3 foreigners, shutdown mining site

    Mining Marshals arrest 3 foreigners, shutdown mining site

    The Mining Marshals have shut down an illegal mining site in the Rafin-Gabas community of Kokona Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, confirmed this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Alake stated that the Mining Marshals, a security outfit established by the Ministry, dismantled the site and arrested three foreigners.

    He described the operation as a major step toward curbing illegal mining and sanitising the sector.

    The site, he said, had long evaded law enforcement and was reportedly protected by compromised security personnel.

    “However, following a strategic and well-coordinated operation, the Mining Marshals penetrated the stronghold, leading to the arrest of three foreign nationals.

    “Several other suspects managed to flee, allegedly with the help of security operatives,” he said.

    The minister commended the Marshals, describing the operation as a breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining.

    He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal mining and ensuring accountability.

    Meanwhile, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja, said a manhunt was underway for the escaped suspects.

    Onoja added that investigations were ongoing to identify security personnel who facilitated the illegal activities.

    According to him, the company behind the illegal operations, along with some fugitives, have pending criminal charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The Federal Government has arrested 327 suspects and prosecuted 143 for illegal mining since the Marshals began operations in 2024.

    The Marshals, drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were trained in tactical skills to combat illegal miners, bandits, and other criminal elements.