National

By Sabiu Abdullahi  

The Federal Government has announced a hike in the cost of obtaining Nigeria’s international passport, effective September 1, 2024. 

According to a statement by DCI Kenneth Udo, spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the move aims to “maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport.” 

The 32-page passport booklet with a 5-year validity will now cost N50,000, up from the previous N35,000.

The 64-page passport booklet with a 10-year validity will now cost N100,000, up from the previous N70,000. 

However, the fees remain unchanged for applicants in the diaspora. 

The NIS spokesman apologised for any inconvenience the increase may cause, assuring Nigerians of the agency’s commitment to “transparency and quality service delivery at all times.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards implementing the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on financial autonomy for local government areas (LGAs).

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to enforce the court’s judgement. 

The committee’s establishment follows the Supreme Court’s July 11 ruling, which ordered the federal government to pay allocations directly to local government councils.

This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to implement the Constitution’s provisions, recognising local governments as the third tier of government. 

The committee comprises representatives from various ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Its primary goal is to ensure local governments receive full autonomy, enabling them to function effectively without state government interference. 

The SGF’s office stated, “This move is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to give appropriate implementation to the provisions of the Constitution, which recognizes local governments as the third tier of government.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, on his 83rd birthday today, August 17. 

General Babangida, popularly called IBB, was Nigeria’s military President from 1985 to 1993.

President Tinubu salutes IBB on this special occasion, noting his endeavours towards the nation’s development, especially in infrastructure and other areas, notably the completion of the Third Mainland Bridge, which at the time was the longest bridge in Africa.

The President acknowledges General Babangida’s role in shaping modern Nigeria and commends him for his services to the nation.

President Tinubu wishes the former head of state many more years in good health.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) has called on the public, especially job seekers, to disregard rumours of employment slots for sale.

The company states that there is no iota of truth in the insinuations that it has employment slots on offer to anyone who wishes to buy, describing such antics as fraudsters who want to take advantage of unsuspecting applicants.

It cautions that as a responsible corporate entity, recruitment into the company is a straightforward process and does not involve the sale of slots or inducement of any kind.

It warns that anyone who pays money to anyone for any job in the company does so at his or her own risk.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR 

Experts say that the newly established Dangote Refinery might address Nigeria’s energy crisis, but this legacy project is finding its footing in navigating the rigours of International Oil Companies (IOCs). Not only this, but government strategy policy greatly affects operations in the business space. The refinery is facing a fresh challenge from regulatory bodies in Nigeria, which may make or mar its success.

The $19 billion Dangote Refinery project has ignited a fierce debate between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) and Aliko Dangote – Africa’s richest man. This flagship project, poised to be the largest single-train refinery in the world, has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy and reshape the continent’s energy landscape. 

Yet, the dispute between NNPC and Dangote threatens to derail this vision. Can Nigeria find a harmonious balance between private sector efficiency and public sector oversight, unlocking the full potential of this game-changing project?

Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery is to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported refined petroleum products, saving the country billions in foreign exchange. He emphasises the need for private sector management to ensure efficiency and accountability, citing historical inefficiencies in government-run enterprises. Dangote seeks assurances that his substantial investment will yield returns, expressing concerns about potential government interference that could jeopardise profitability.

On the other hand, the NNPC maintains that it must have a significant role in the refinery to safeguard national interests. The corporation argues that state involvement is crucial to ensure that the refinery’s output aligns with national energy policies and goals. NNPC also emphasises the need for regulatory oversight to prevent monopolistic practices and ensure that prices of refined products remain affordable for Nigerians.

According to Mele Kyari, NNPC’s Group Managing Director, “Our involvement in the Dangote Refinery is to ensure that the project aligns with national interests and that the country benefits maximally from the investment.” Aliko Dangote, however, believes that “private sector efficiency is key to the success of the refinery, and government interference could hinder its progress.”

Dangote might be jittery about the government’s ineffectiveness in running similar assets. His fears would be that he who failed to turn around his refinery successfully wanted a front seat and, perhaps, direction. The business mogul’s aims surpassed the government’s fight against it after the allegations of monopoly attempts by the government. 

Dangote said his friend, who warned him against investing in Nigeria, now mocks him. He was ready to be bought out by the government when the regulatory body said that the refinery’s output was inferior to imported products. This statement ignited reactions from netizens.

The dispute highlights the tension between private enterprise and state control in critical sectors. Both sides present valid arguments that merit consideration. Balancing economic independence with national control, operational efficiency with public accountability, and investment security with public interest is essential to harness the benefits of both approaches.

As the saying goes, “Too many cooks can spoil the broth,” but in this case, finding a harmonious balance is key to ensuring the refinery’s success and, ultimately, Nigeria’s economic stability. Efficiency must be paired with accountability for any project to succeed, and this wisdom applies aptly to the current NNPC-Dangote situation.

Transparency and mutual respect are the pillars upon which this partnership should rest. By acknowledging the strengths and concerns of both parties, Nigeria can move towards a solution that advances the Dangote Refinery project while ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth for the nation.

In the words of Aliko Dangote, “The success of the refinery is paramount for Nigeria’s economic stability.” Mele Kyari also notes, “Our goal is to ensure that the refinery serves the national interest while also providing returns on investment.” Ultimately, the NNPC-Dangote dispute underscores the complexities of managing critical national assets. By finding a middle ground that balances private sector efficiency with public sector oversight, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of the Dangote Refinery and secure a brighter energy future for generations to come.

The path forward lies in a collaborative effort where the private and public sectors work together. If handled with care and foresight, this partnership can transform Nigeria’s energy landscape and set a benchmark for future endeavours. The Dangote Refinery has the potential to be a game-changer, and it is in the best interest of all Nigerians to see it succeed.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

A devastating clash between farmers and herders in Kodomun, Demsa Local Government Area, Adamawa State, has left at least eight people dead and several others injured.

According to Suleiman Nguroje, Police Command PRO, a joint security team has been deployed to restore order in the area, but no arrests have been made yet.

This latest incident marks a recurring pattern of violence, resulting in significant loss of life, livestock, and property over the years.

The Daily Reality gathered that the crisis allegedly began with the murder of a youth in Kodomun by suspected herders, escalating tensions and spreading to neighboring villages, including Kudiri, Sabonlayi, Kwayine, and Gorogbakai.

In response, Demsa LGA Chairman Akham Jalo called for calm during an emergency meeting at the palace of Hama Batta, HRM Homun Alhamdu Gladstone Teneke. Jalo urged stakeholders to work towards a lasting solution to the persistent conflict.

By Uzair Adam 

Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South in the National Assembly, disclosed that his monthly take-home package amounts to over ₦21 million. 

This revelation came just 24 hours after the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) stated that each of the 109 senators in the Nigerian Senate receives a monthly salary and allowances totalling ₦1.06 million.

The RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, had clarified that senators’ official earnings include a basic salary of ₦168,866.70, along with various allowances such as ₦126,650.00 for motor vehicle fueling and maintenance, ₦42,216.66 for personal assistant, and other minor allowances, bringing the total to ₦1,063,860.00 per month.

However, in an interview with BBC Hausa, Senator Kawu revealed a stark difference in the figures, explaining that while his monthly salary is indeed around ₦1 million, additional administrative fees and allowances he receives as a senator bring his total monthly earnings to ₦21 million. 

According to Kawu, this amount covers various office running costs, including domestic travel and newspaper purchases.

The controversy surrounding the earnings of Nigerian federal lawmakers has been reignited, especially after former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticized the practice of lawmakers setting their salaries and allowances, labelling it as immoral. 

Similarly, a former senator from Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, had previously disclosed that senators receive a monthly running cost of ₦13.5 million in addition to their salaries. 

The debate continues as Nigerians scrutinize the actual earnings of their representatives in the National Assembly.

By Uzair Adam

In a recent operation, Nigerian Army troops successfully eliminated five terrorists affiliated with the Islamic West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.

The clash with the terrorists resulted in the recovery of significant arms and ammunition, including two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, two Dane guns, an RPG bomb charger, an AK-47 rifle magazine, 23 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, and six motorcycles.

Additionally, the troops recovered assorted medications and rustled cattle.During ongoing operations in the North East, the Army reported that 44 Boko Haram terrorists and their families have surrendered in Bama, Dikwa, and Gwoza Local Government Areas.

In Plateau State, the Army apprehended a notorious cattle rustler, Mallam Maawuya Shuaibu, in Mararaban Kantom, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

Shuaibu, previously on security agencies’ watch lists, was arrested with 32 stolen cows.

In Bayelsa State, a raid in Korokorosie Community led to the arrest of Mr. Donald Emason, who was found with a revolver pistol and two locally made guns.

In Oyo State, Mohammed Bello, 33, was detained in Akinyele Local Government Area for allegedly supplying arms to a kidnap syndicate.

These operations highlight the Nigerian Army’s ongoing commitment to addressing terrorism and criminal activities nationwide.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has initiated an investigation into a viral video showing a woman tearing up a Nigerian Standard Passport at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. 

According to NIS spokesperson Kenneth Udo, the individual involved has been identified and called in for further investigation. 

The video, widely shared on social media, shows a woman, identified as Mrs Igiebor, ripping her husband’s Nigerian passport shortly after their arrival at the Lagos Airport on Saturday, August 10, 2024. When confronted about her actions, Mrs. Igiebor responded, “Is it your passport?”

The NIS noted that the incident could be a violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), which prohibits the willful destruction of Nigerian travel documents. 

The act specifies penalties for such offences, and if the allegations are proven, the individual’s actions will breach these provisions. 

The corresponding penalties are detailed under Section 10(h) of the same Act, which includes a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine.

Kenneth Udo emphasised the Service’s dedication to enforcing the Immigration Act to protect national security and uphold the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Polish government has refuted claims that its nationals, arrested in Kano, Nigeria, displayed the Russian flag during a protest.

The six students and their lecturer were detained on August 6, along with six Spanish nationals, for allegedly participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest. 

Peter Afunanya, spokesperson for the Department of State Services, stated that the Poles were arrested “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags.”

However, the Polish foreign ministry denied this allegation, saying the group “merely took photos” and did not participate in the protest. 

The students, who were on an exchange program at Bayero University, Kano, are being held on unclear charges.

The University of Warsaw has made their release a top priority, with the Rector, Alojzy Nowak, in contact with the detainees. 

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Jakub Wisniewski has pleaded for their safe return, expressing skepticism about the Russian flag claim.

“I personally find this claim hard to believe. We are urging for their safe return home, where their loved ones are anxiously waiting for them.” 

Former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, advised the Polish government to be patient and allow the investigation to be completed.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Poland, Omooba Ayoola, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of the students and their lecturer.