News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a ceremony held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi handed over the Vice-Chair of the World Customs Organization (WCO) West and Central African Region to Mali’s Inspector-General of Customs, Amadou Konate. 

CGC Adeniyi stated the significance of the sub-region, saying, “The sub-region serves as a platform for Customs Administrations to share experiences and develop lasting solutions to their common problems.” 

He also pledged mutual mentorship and support, identifying areas where the Nigeria Customs Service could assist the Malian Customs Administration.

Adeniyi explained the WCO framework, stating, “The WCO is an umbrella body uniting over 184 Customs Administrations worldwide. Each of the six global regions has an elected Vice-Chair who assists the Secretary-General in the administrative structure.” 

Inspector-General Konate expressed gratitude for the hospitality and expressed interest in building strong collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.

He noted the differences in administrative structures but welcomed the opportunity to learn from Nigeria’s experience. 

The handover marks a significant milestone in regional cooperation and knowledge sharing among customs administrations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State has made a significant stride in its investment drive by becoming the first state in Northern Nigeria to benefit from the Nigeria Investment Promotion Certification programme, which is being implemented by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC). The programme is funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

This was disclosed by the UNDP representative, Adejumobi Fashola, at the opening session of a three-day workshop for officials of the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in Gombe state on building the state’s competence to provide information capable of attracting investment for sustained economic growth and development.

According to Fashola, the selection of Gombe as the first beneficiary in Northern Nigeria underscored the state’s strategic importance and the potential it holds for attracting both local and foreign investments, emphasising sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, and renewable energy, which have been identified as key drivers of the state’s economic growth.

“The goal of this programme is to build the capacity of state MDAs to effectively engage with investors and create a conducive environment that will encourage sustainable investment. 

“Gombe State has demonstrated a strong commitment to this process, and we believe the outcomes of this workshop will significantly enhance the state’s investment profile,” the UNDP representative said.

“The Nigeria Investment Promotion Certification Process (NIPC) aims to standardise and enhance the capabilities of MDAs at state levels in promoting and facilitating investments by equipping them with the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge to create a more conducive and attractive environment for both local and foreign investors. 

It focuses on improving the efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of investment promotion activities, ensuring that states become competitive and preferred destinations for investment in Nigeria”, he added. 

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary/Sole Administrator of the Gombe State Investment and Property Development Company Limited, Mohammed Abubakar Bello Kumo, expressed Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to transforming Gombe into an investment hub, noting that the state government has been working tirelessly to improve the business climate by implementing reforms and infrastructure projects that will attract investors.

“We are honoured to be the first state in Northern Nigeria to benefit from this programme. This is proof of the ongoing efforts of Governor Inuwa Yahaya to make Gombe State a business-friendly environment. This workshop will equip our MDAs with the necessary skills to attract and retain investment, which is crucial for the economic development of our state”, Kumo stated.

He also acknowledged the role of UNDP and NIPC in supporting Gombe State’s development agenda, particularly in fostering partnerships that will lead to job creation, poverty reduction, and improved living standards for the people of Gombe.

Some of the participants who spoke at the event expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn from industry experts and engage in practical sessions that will help them apply the knowledge gained in their respective MDAs. 

They noted that the training provided them with valuable insights into how the state can leverage its unique resources to attract investment.

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 

Bello Galadanchi, widely known as Dan Bello, has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming they are causing widespread hunger and suffering among Nigerians. 

In a recent interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics, the famous skit maker voiced his concerns about the government’s approach, stating that people are enduring severe hardship, including consuming grass and contaminated water, due to avoidable policy decisions.

Dan Bello, who claimed to have no political affiliations, challenged the government to take legal action if it disagreed with his statements. 

He emphasized the plight of Nigerians who, in desperation, are seeking food door-to-door and argued that this crisis is not due to natural disasters but deliberate political choices.

He questioned the priorities of the ruling party, suggesting that their policies favour massive personal gains over addressing the basic needs of the population. 

“If their policies are genuinely beneficial, the criticism from content creators like myself won’t resonate with the people,” he argued. 

Dan Bello expressed his willingness to face legal consequences if it means drawing attention to the dire situation, urging the government to consider the human cost of its actions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Navy have joined forces to suppress waterway smuggling in Lagos.

Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye of the NCS Western Marine Command visited the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Real Admiral Mustapha Hassan, on Tuesday, seeking support in tackling smuggling within the waterways. 

“We are here for consolidation. The FOC has promised us so many things, and they are even ready to release their boats,” Bamisaiye said, adding to the existing synergy between the two agencies. 

On tackling smuggling, Bamisaiye stated, “We are unrelenting in suppressing smuggling… We will match force with them. We are ready, and even with the promise from the FOC, we know that we are good to go.” 

Real Admiral Mustapha Hassan acknowledged the role of Customs in Nigeria’s blue economy, saying, “When the Western Marine Command tops its job, the sky is the limit.”

He proposed a joint patrol to combat smuggling, saying, “We will collaborate and make sure we bring smuggling to an end in Lagos.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has attended the National Council of State meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The meeting which held at the Council Chamber of the State House Abuja, had in attendance former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.

Former Heads of State, Generals Gowon Yakubu and Abdulsalami Abubakar joined virtually.Also present were; the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Apart from Inuwa Yahaya, other Governors were also either physically present at the meeting or joined virtually.

This is the first meeting of the National Council of State to be held since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

The Council of State is an advisory body that comprises the President, Vice President, all former Presidents and Heads of State, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, all State Governors, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

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 Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday, August 14, depart Abuja for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on a three-day official visit to honour the invitation of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

President Tinubu will meet with the Equatorial Guinean President at the Presidential Villa on arrival, where meetings will be held between the two leaders and agreements, particularly on oil and gas and security, signed.

The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and other members of his cabinet who will be involved in the signing of agreements and review of opportunities to improve bilateral relations.

By Uzair Adam

The Niger State Police Command has reported the discovery of a deceased infant, estimated to be a day old, on a farmland in Tayi village, Minna.

According to SP Waisu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer, the GRA Police Division received a report on August 9 about the lifeless baby found in the village.

Police personnel, accompanied by welfare officials from Chanchaga Local Government Area, responded to the scene.

The Daily Reality gathered that a medical examination confirmed that the baby was already deceased.

According to the police, an investigation is underway with community assistance to identify and apprehend those responsible.

A local resident, who preferred anonymity, suggested that the baby might have been abandoned by an unmarried woman.

The resident noted that the baby likely perished due to exposure, marking an unusual occurrence for the area.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has vowed to take action against contractors involved in constructing substandard school buildings nationwide.

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, announced this during a training session for the commission’s Department of Physical Planning staff.

The training, in collaboration with the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and Tectonics Engineering Group, focused on improving project quality through on-the-spot assessments.

Dr. Bobboyi emphasized that the UBEC would no longer tolerate poor project execution, reiterating the importance of providing a safe and conducive learning environment for children.

To ensure this, the commission plans to deploy monitors to inspect construction sites regularly, equipped with tools to assess material quality and compliance with design specifications.

The UBEC is working closely with NBRRI, led by Professor Samson Duna, and the Council for the Registration of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) to ensure that the quality of school infrastructure meets the required standards.

Professor Duna highlighted the proactive measures being taken to prevent building collapses, particularly in school environments.

He stressed that contractors must adhere to specified material standards and that UBEC inspectors would be equipped to verify compliance on-site.

The initiative aims to safeguard the well-being of students and enhance the durability of educational facilities across the country.