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By Uzair Adam 

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment on a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

The case, initially brought by Kogi State, questions the validity of the EFCC’s operations.

The Daily Reality learned that three states—Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi—withdrew from the lawsuit during Tuesday’s hearing. 

The states’ attorneys general notified the court of their decision to withdraw, citing notices filed on October 14 and 20.

Osun State applied to consolidate its own grievance against the EFCC with Kogi State’s suit.

The EFCC was established in 2002 by President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. 

However, the plaintiff states argue that the National Assembly did not follow the necessary constitutional provisions, specifically Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution.

The states contend that the EFCC’s operations are illegal, as the majority of state houses of assembly did not approve them. 

They argue that any agency formed under the Act should be considered illegal.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, countered that the EFCC was validly established. 

He urged the court to dismiss the case, emphasizing the far-reaching implications of ruling favouring the plaintiffs.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, reserved judgment until a later date.

By Uzair Adam 

The Federal Government has launched an ambitious initiative to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production by one million barrels daily within the next 12 to 24 months. 

This plan is part of broader efforts to address challenges such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism, outdated infrastructure, and attracting new investments.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) noted a 1.68% decline in production from 1.571 million barrels per day in August to 1.544 million barrels per day in September. 

Despite this, the government’s new initiative, “Project 1MMBPD,” is expected to restore production levels through strategic interventions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasized that increasing production is crucial for boosting national revenue and economic growth. 

“Projecting one million barrels per day is a step towards a more sustainable future for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” the President said at the event marking NUPRC’s third anniversary.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, urged the sector to aim for even higher targets. 

He noted that Nigeria once produced over two million barrels per day and should be looking to reach 2.5 million in the short term and four million barrels per day in the long term.

The government also approved four major divestment deals, including ExxonMobil’s sale of its assets to Seplat Energy, while blocking a $2.4 billion Shell divestment deal with Renaissance. 

Mallam Mele Kyari, the group CEO of NNPC Limited, and Tony Elumelu, the chairman of UBA Group, stressed the urgent need to modernize the country’s over 50-year-old oil infrastructure as key to achieving the new production goals. 

Both highlighted the impact of pipeline vandalism and regulatory uncertainty as major hurdles that need to be addressed to safeguard Nigeria’s oil sector and economy.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu and Muhammad Umar Shehu

As Nigeria celebrated its 64th independence anniversary a few weeks ago, it is essential to reflect on the nation’s potential and the persistent challenges that continue to hinder its progress. Despite being blessed with vast natural resources and a vibrant population of over 200 million people, Nigeria’s struggles have deepened rather than improved over the past year. From widespread poverty to increasing insecurity, the country’s path to growth remains uncertain unless urgent and substantial action is taken.

Poverty in Nigeria continues to be one of the most pressing challenges. A significant portion of the population, over 40%, still lives below the poverty line. As the cost of living soars and job opportunities remain scarce, millions of Nigerians find themselves trapped in cycles of deprivation. While government programs aimed at alleviating poverty have been implemented, the results have mainly been insufficient due to inefficiency, poor implementation, and corruption. 

The lack of job creation remains a critical concern. Despite having a young and dynamic population, many Nigerians face an uncertain future as there are not enough opportunities for them to contribute to the nation’s economic growth. The high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth, exacerbates feelings of hopelessness, contributing to social unrest.

Corruption continues to plague every sector of Nigerian society, from the public to the private sector. It has been described as a systemic problem deeply embedded in the fabric of governance, politics, and even business practices. Public funds for infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation are often diverted for personal gain, leaving the masses to suffer.

Though active in many areas, the fight against corruption has proven ineffective in bringing about substantial reform. The long-standing lack of political will and the entrenchment of corrupt practices ensure that those in power remain immune from real accountability. Until corruption is thoroughly tackled, Nigeria’s progress will continue to be hampered.

One of the most alarming issues Nigeria faces today is the increasing insecurity. What began as localised conflicts in specific regions has evolved into nationwide terror. Terrorist groups, bandits, and separatist movements are now operating with impunity across the country. The rise in violent crimes, abductions, and ethnic clashes has not only resulted in loss of lives but has also displaced millions, further straining the nation’s resources.

Investors remain wary of Nigeria’s unstable environment, while everyday Nigerians are forced to live in fear. Insecurity has undoubtedly slowed economic activity, as businesses are reluctant to set up or expand in areas prone to violence. The government’s inability to secure the nation and protect its citizens is a glaring failure that demands urgent attention.

The educational sector, too, is still struggling. Though the government has made some efforts to reform education, such initiatives have not yielded the desired results. The country’s education system remains underfunded and ill-equipped to handle the growing demands of a population that values knowledge and skills as the gateway to prosperity.

A critical shortage of teachers, infrastructure, and learning materials leaves millions of children and young adults without access to quality education. Many Nigerian students are forced to attend overcrowded classrooms, while those in rural areas often lack basic educational resources. The result is a generation of young people who are ill-prepared to face the challenges of the modern world.

Unemployment remains at an all-time high. The nation’s reliance on oil as its primary source of revenue has left it vulnerable to global price fluctuations, causing economic instability. Additionally, the lack of diversification into other sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, limits job creation.

Without a comprehensive economic overhaul focusing on sustainable development and the growth of non-oil sectors, Nigeria’s economy will continue to stagnate. The country must invest in infrastructure, create an environment that nurtures entrepreneurship, and promote policies that stimulate job creation.

The question is not whether Nigeria has the potential to be great but whether its leaders can rise to the occasion and make the necessary changes to unlock that potential. There is no shortage of resources in the country—natural, human, or financial. What is lacking is effective governance, transparency, and leadership that prioritises the needs of the people over personal gain.

The Nigerian government must take decisive action to address poverty, reduce corruption, enhance security, and overhaul the education system. Citizens, civil society organisations, and the private sector must also play their part by demanding accountability, fostering innovation, and supporting initiatives that contribute to national development.

At 64, Nigeria remains a land of possibilities. However, unless these challenges are addressed, the country will continue to suffer, and the future will remain uncertain. It is time for bold steps and concrete reforms to secure the next generation’s prosperous and peaceful future.

Usman Muhammad Salihu was among the pioneer cohorts of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship, along with Muhammad Umar Shehu. They can be reached at muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri recently stated that his successor must be a grassroots politician. So, to all grassroots politicians, are you prepared?

Whether or not you agree with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, it’s impossible to ignore that he delivered an impressive performance in just five years. His leadership style, marked by decisiveness and a strategic approach, has left a lasting impact on Adamawa State. 

Three key factors contributed to his success: first, he profoundly understands local politics at the grassroots level. This knowledge allowed him to manage diverse interests, bringing various stakeholders together while effectively navigating the political landscape. He knows how to utilise power not just to control but to drive progress and development as well as the political power itself.

Second, Fintiri is known for making bold decisions without hesitation, which sets him apart from many political leaders who are often bogged down by fear or indecision. Whether in policy formulation or tackling complex issues, he has consistently courageously taken risks where necessary. However, boldness doesn’t equate to rashness. Fintiri rarely rushes critical decisions, opting instead for careful deliberation. He balances this decisiveness with a thoughtful approach, ensuring resources are allocated judiciously across various sectors, leading to sustainable development and equitable growth.

Finally, while he can be measured and calculated in his decision-making, Fintiri is also forthright. He doesn’t shy away from expressing his views openly, making him a leader who is both pragmatic and honest. This combination of boldness, caution, and openness has earned him recognition on a national level, bringing Adamawa into greater prominence. Recently, Fintiri expressed his political views in Rivers State but remained balanced as a leader. That is how a true leader speaks.

For Fintiri’s successor, the road ahead will be marked by both challenge and opportunity—a situation that could be described as sweet-bitter. The primary challenge will be following in the footsteps of a highly successful leader. Succeeding a high performer often comes with the burden of high expectations. The new leader will be required to exceed Governor Fintiri’s accomplishments, as merely matching them or falling short would likely be a failure. This catch-22 is often the hardest part of leadership transitions—especially when the predecessor has set a high bar.

On the flip side, there is a significant advantage. Fintiri has laid a strong foundation, which includes efficient tools, systems, and a skilled human resource base. Gov. Fintiri’s successor will have the opportunity to build on these assets, improving where needed while inheriting a well-established structure. With the right approach, he or she can take Adamawa to even greater heights.

Fintiri’s understanding of politics in Adamawa has been straightforward—he sees it as the art of balancing interests driven by fairness and people’s rights. His ability to manage conflicting interests while making decisive moves has been crucial to his success. Bold yet measured, he has used resources to create visible impacts, from infrastructural developments to social programs, all of which have put Adamawa in the national spotlight. His performance will give his successor powerful momentum on which to capitalise. However, whoever succeeds Governor Fintiri must recognise the weight of expectation that comes with succeeding a well-regarded and high-performing predecessor. It will require vision and strategy to maintain the trajectory and deliver even greater results.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam

Dangote Refinery has approached the court seeking the annulment of import licenses held by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Matrix, and four other firms.

The Daily Reality learned that Dangote Refinery is also claiming N100 billion in damages from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to NNPCL and the other companies.

Details later…

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has responded to legal challenges questioning its constitutionality, asserting that the individuals behind these lawsuits are reacting to the pressure of its anti-corruption drive.

Sixteen state attorneys-general have approached the Supreme Court, disputing the legality of the EFCC’s establishment.

They argue that the National Assembly failed to follow Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for incorporating international treaties into domestic law.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, emphasized the commission’s legitimacy.

He noted that the EFCC was created following due legislative process and expressed concern over the timing of the legal challenge amidst Nigeria’s ongoing corruption issues.

“I find it troubling that with the magnitude of corruption in this country, some individuals are choosing to challenge the legality of the EFCC. “What’s unfolding is simply an effort by those feeling the impact of our work to derail it. They perceive the EFCC as a threat,” Uwujaren said.

He further urged Nigerians to see through the actions of those opposing the commission, stressing that the EFCC has been vital in recovering stolen funds and prosecuting high-profile corruption cases.

“Nigeria cannot function without the EFCC, given the level of corruption we face. This is a distraction that we must resist,” he added.

The Supreme Court is set to hear the case on Tuesday, October 22.

While human rights lawyer Femi Falana and several civil society organizations have criticized the lawsuit, former Nigerian Bar Association President Olisa Agbakoba has backed the challenge, questioning the constitutional basis of the EFCC’s establishment.

By Uzair Adam

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied recent reports about the appointment of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), dispelling speculation from certain media outlets.

The DHQ emphasized that no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

In a statement on Monday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information, clarified that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on his 2024 annual leave.

The Daily Reality reports that the statement emphasized there are no changes in the military leadership.

“The AFN is professionally managed and all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the FGN.

“Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures,” the statement read.

The DHQ urged individuals spreading rumors to stop immediately, clarifying that the COAS is “hale and hearty” and will resume duties at the end of his leave.

Media organizations were advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing “fake news.”

Gusau further noted that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) had spoken with the COAS only a few minutes before the statement.

Additionally, Gusau warned that those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should note that “such actions are treasonable under the Constitution.”

“The AFN is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and are loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Gusau added.

The Daily Reality gathered that the military remains focused on protecting the nation’s integrity. The relative peace being enjoyed is a result of the President’s support for the military and the dedication of AFN leadership.

“To this end, the AFN and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country.

“The CDS appreciates Nigerians for their support and prayers. Victory is assured,” the statement concluded.

By Uzair Adam

A prosecution witness, Mr. Stephen Gana, testified on Monday before an Abuja High Court, stating that two companies linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, received preferential treatment in vehicle procurement contract bids.

Gana, the tenth prosecution witness, explained that the contracts were awarded to Emefiele’s companies through selective processes, which bypassed regular competitive bidding.

Gana, who served as the Head of the Procurement Department at the CBN, disclosed this while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

He confirmed that he was in office when contracts for vehicles, as highlighted in exhibits presented to the court, were approved.

The witness testified that Toyota vehicles valued at N99,900,000 were procured from April 1616 Company Ltd through direct procurement.

Referring to another exhibit, Gana stated that two Toyota Hilux vehicles, costing N23,100,000 each, were obtained through selective bidding.

The April 1616 Company was awarded the contract after offering the lowest bid and meeting the CBN’s in-house estimate.

Gana explained that at the CBN, contracts could be awarded through direct procurement or selective bidding, depending on the recommendations of the Director of Procurement, who worked alongside him and other officials in the department.

Following Gana’s testimony, the prosecution counsel requested an adjournment, citing his involvement in a Supreme Court case.

The defense counsel, Matthew Burkaa, did not oppose the request but raised concerns about the cost of transportation. Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case until November 13 for further hearings.

Earlier, Burkaa had challenged the prosecution’s move to introduce new witnesses, arguing that the defense was not informed about these additions during the initial charge.

Emefiele faces allegations of forgery, conspiracy, and breach of trust during his tenure as CBN Governor.

He is accused of using his position to favor two companies—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd—in a case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The hearing will continue next month.

By Hajara Abdullahi

The long reoccurring war between Israel and Palestine spans decades which can be traced to the Balfour Declaration of 1917  that led to the creation of a national home in Palestine for the Jewish people fleeing the Nazi Holocaust in Europe. After the creation of the zionist state in 1948, the Arab states went to war with Israel, which led to the first Nakba (Catastrophe) that led to the killing of hundreds of Palestinians and thousands of others fled their homes. Israel won the war, and the reality surfaced that the Zionist state had come to stay, especially with unwavering support from allies like the US, France, Germany and other European countries.

Since the creation of Israel, Palestinians have been subjected to the worst form of apartheid and dehumanisation, as well as the forceful annexation of their lands to establish Jewish settlements, which the U.N. have described as illegal under international law. Peace accords and diplomatic efforts have done little to address this decade-long conflict from Camp David to Oslo.

On October 7 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel that led to the loss of about 1,139 lives, while about 250 were kidnapped, according to the BBC. This attack sparked rage worldwide, considering the strong support Israel enjoys from powerful allies like the U S and the U.K. This attack had led to the launch of a full-scale wall on the besieged Gaza Strip that has claimed the lives of at least 45,000 people, and almost 100,000 have been injured. It has also led to the displacement of nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, a hunger crisis and a genocide case at the World Court. Even the occupied West Bank is not spared, as IDF have carried out airstrikes and shellings that have killed civilians and displaced thousands. The U.N. has described 2024 as the deadliest year for Palestinians in Gaza, with the IDF offensive reducing the enclave to rubble.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, The U.N., E.U., U.S. and other world leaders have condemned the Hamas act and called for restraint to avoid escalation. Diplomatic efforts have been put in place after months of fighting with Iran-backed resistant groups Hezbollah and Houthi launching solidarity attacks against Israel. On October 18 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden visited Tel Aviv to make a peace deal between the warring parties. Similarly, the G7 leaders also met in Tokyo in June to push forward for a ceasefire to avoid a wider regional conflict.

On May 31, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a three-phase proposal to the U.N. Security Council to end the war in the Gaza Strip. He called, first, for a temporary ceasefire tied to partial withdrawals of Israeli forces, limited hostage exchanges, and an influx of aid. Negotiations would then begin and, if successful, lead to the second phase, involving a permanent cessation of hostilities tied to total withdrawals and complete hostage exchanges. The final phase would see reconstruction efforts being set up, but Israel’s refusal to accept the conditions witnessing the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza a total setback amidst protests by families whose relatives are held as hostages in Gaza. However, the ceasefire plan was short-lived when Israel, with the assistance of intelligence support from the U.S., launched a deadly attack that led to the killing of at least 200 Palestinians while  4 Israeli captives held in Nuseirat camp in Central Gaza were rescued, according to the BBC.

Hopes were lit when U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, in his 11th trip to the Middle East on August 15 to avert a wider conflict after the killing of top Hamas leader by Israel, told a gathering of reporters while departing Tel Aviv that the ball is in the court of Hamas to accept the conditions as Israel has accepted the bridging proposal for the ceasefire to work. Unfortunately, Hamas said it won’t be part of a new proposal, saying it will only accept the initial proposal put forward by President Biden.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently opposes the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel in exchange for captives held in Gaza, the withdrawal of IDF from Gaza while Hamas has not been dismantled, as well as leaving the strategic Philadelphi corridor  ditched the last hope of the ceasefire which two key mediators Egypt and Qatar have been working on.

Marwan Bishara, a senior political analyst with Aljazeera, said, “Both parties understand that they cannot achieve in diplomacy what they couldn’t achieve in war” This implies that the Israelis won’t get the captives back on a platter of gold, neither would Hamas get Gaza free of Israeli soldiers free of charge.

The  Wall Street Journal, in an exclusive article it published on September 20 2024, said it’s unlikely for a ceasefire to be reached in Gaza, citing top-level officials in the White House, State Department and Pentagon without naming them while explaining two obstacles will make it difficult: Israel’s demand to keep forces in the Philadelphi corridor between Gaza and Egypt and the specifics of an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. In the recently concluded 79th session of the UNGA, world leaders called for restraint in Lebanon as tension heightened.

In the end, diplomatic efforts may produce little or no results because, as Tim Marshall explained in his book Prisoners of Geography, the map of the region is being redrawn in blood, and the current fault lines emerged from the artificial lines drawn by Europe. Therefore, the U.N., U.S, Arab League and other world leaders must work hand in hand for a two-state solution agreed upon in the Oslo Accord of 1993, as well as press Israel and Hamas to accept the conditions laid down for the ceasefire to work which will ensure a peaceful coexistence in the Middle East region as well as prevent a wider regional conflict the region risk facing with the recent clash between Hezbollah and Israel on the Lebanese southern border.

Hajara Abdullahi wrote from the Dept of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received the prestigious Golden World Award (GWA) for Crisis Communication from the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), which recognised its outstanding public relations efforts.

The award was presented at a grand ceremony on October 18, 2024, at the Metropol Palace Hotel in Belgrade, Serbia, to Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. 

The award honours the NCS’s “100 Days of Impactful PR at Customs Service” campaign, which effectively addressed critical challenges during Adeniyi’s first 100 days in office.

“The campaign was about crisis communication,” Adeniyi said.

“The entry submitted during this period was recognised as the best, from the perspective of addressing the campaign’s challenges, its impact, and the positive outcomes we have seen”. 

The campaign excelled in the Crisis Management category, demonstrating the NCS’s ability to navigate operational difficulties, foster vital stakeholder collaboration, enhance border security, and drive significant revenue growth.

Philip Sheppard, IPRA Secretary-General, praised Adeniyi’s leadership, noting that it significantly improved border security and revenue generation, instilling optimism within the organisation. 

Established in 1990, the Golden World Awards celebrate excellence in public relations across various categories.

This recognition underscores the NCS’s commitment to aligning its activities with international communication and governance standards.

By leveraging strategic public relations, the NCS has promoted customs reforms, national security, and economic development.