News

By Anwar Usman 

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s loan request of $2.2 billion to partially finance the ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year. 

The approval followed the presentation of a report by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Aliyu Wamakko, during plenary session. 

While leading the session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended the committee for its swift action and thorough examination of the loan request. 

In a letter presented during the Senate and House of Representatives plenaries on Tuesday, Tinubu explained that the loan was integral to his administration’s fiscal strategy for the coming year. 

“The Presidential request for $2.2 billion, equivalent to ₦1.77 trillion, is already stated in the external borrowing plan for the 2024 fiscal year,” Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated while reading the letter. 

He further instructed the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to expedite its review of the request and present a report within 24 hours. 

“The Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Loans should, therefore, give the request expeditious consideration and report back within 24 hours,” Akpabio said.

Although the deadline was passed on Wednesday, the committee submitted its findings during Thursday’s plenary, leading to the loan’s approval. 

Details later…

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command has collected N2.014 trillion in revenue as of November 19, 2024.

This feat was announced by Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, during a routine parade at the command headquarters in Apapa. 

Comptroller Olomu praised officers for their dedication. He stated, “To meet this revenue target, despite economic challenges, reflects the sacrifice and commitment of our officers, men, and stakeholders.”

He stated the command’s aim to reach N2.2 trillion by year-end, citing the Comptroller-General of Customs’ (CGC) potential 10% target increase. 

The command’s revenue contribution represents 40% of the NCS’s total collection of N5.07 trillion. Olomu attributed the success to the CGC’s leadership in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and enforcement. 

Comptroller Olomu urged officers to maintain positive revenue and enforcement records, ensuring seizures are accompanied by arrests for effective anti-smuggling efforts.

The command will host an end-of-year gathering and award night to honour contributors to its 2024 success.

By Uzair Adam

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Kashere in Gombe State, Prof. Umaru Pate, has lost his mother, Hajia Zainab Pate.

According to family sources, Hajia Zainab, aged 80, passed away in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on Wednesday following a brief illness.

The Daily Reality gathered that she is survived by three children: Prof. Umar Pate, Amina, and Hamza.

The funeral prayer was said to have taken place this evening in Yola.

By Anwar Usman

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, said that the country must tackle the pressing issue of the National Library, which has been abandoned for over 18 years, by making sure it’s been completed.

Obasanjo, who delivered a goodwill message at the 60th anniversary of the National Library of Nigeria in Abuja, described the library as not only a symbol but also a critical necessity.

The Daily reality reports that the contract for the library, which stands incomplete on Plot 35, Cadastral Business District in the Federal Capital Territory, was awarded to Reynolds Construction Company in 2006 during Obasanjo’s administration.

The contract was worth N8.9 billion, with a stipulated completion period of four years.

However, the former president stated, “As we celebrate this remarkable milestone and embrace new directions, we must also address a pressing challenge: the completion of the National Library of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja.

“The vision for a purpose-built, state-of-the-art national library is not merely a symbolic aspiration; it is a critical necessity for our country. It represents a physical and functional commitment to our collective belief in the transformative power of knowledge in our lives and societies.

“I, therefore, call on all stakeholders – from the government to the private sector and international partners – to prioritise the completion of this vital infrastructure. A fully operational headquarters will serve as a beacon for literacy and learning, a hub for cultural preservation, and a global symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to education and innovation.”

On his part, the national librarian, Professor Veronica Anunobi, while highlighting the achievements of the library, said, “Since 1974, we have issued 1,000,574 International Standard Book Numbers, as well as 27,755 International Serials Numbers since its inception in 1976.

“A greater push was made this year to fulfil our responsibility in the issuance of International Standard Music Numbers, and we were able to issue numbers for published music scores.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal Government has earmarked N112 billion for the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, which will aim to secure learning environments nationwide over the next three years.

Minister for Women Affairs Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim made this announcement to commemorate Universal Children’s Day, themed “Advancing Children’s Rights for a Sustainable Future.” 

“Through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, over N112 billion has been allocated to safeguard learning environments over the next three years, ensuring that schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for all children,” she stated.

This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and providing a secure environment for education. 

The government has made significant progress in advancing children’s rights through various initiatives.

All 36 states have adopted the Child Rights Act, marking a significant step in protecting children’s rights under the Nigerian Constitution.

Additionally, the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act has strengthened policies to shield children from abuse, violence, and exploitation.

By Abdullahi Muhammad

Renowned US-based Islamic scholar Dr. Yasir Qadhi paid a visit to Dr. Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, at his royal palace. Accompanying Dr. Qadhi was the esteemed Shaykh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar.

During the visit, Dr Qadhi, who has delivered a sermon and lectures across Nigeria in the last few days, presented one of his scholarly works to the Emir as a gesture of intellectual camaraderie. 

Dr Qadhi acknowledges that Emir Sanusi II was widely respected as both a traditional leader and an academic. Sanusi holds multiple degrees in economics and Islamic law, reflecting his dedication to scholarship and his role as a revered political figure.

The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of all parties to fostering intellectual and spiritual growth within the Muslim community. 

Dr. Qadhi expressed his admiration for the Emir’s leadership and intellectual pursuits, while the Emir extended his gratitude for the thoughtful visit and gift.

By Anwar Usman 

The Federal Government has lifted the ban that restricted the posting of members of the National Youth Service Corps to the public institutions, allowing for corps members to now be posted to private sector organisations, including banks and oil and gas companies. 

According to a memo released by the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on November 18, 2024, the new policy directive will take effect with the commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise. 

The previous policy that was implemented during the former Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, aimed at discouraging private companies from exploiting cheap labour while promoting public sector capacity building and restricted corps members to only four sectors of the economy, including education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. 

The minister added that the new policy follows President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to tackle rising youth unemployment by ensuring that government agencies align with the vision of his administration, adding that the directive will initially take effect in Lagos and Abuja. 

“The new policy would also allow the corp members to gain valuable experience in their chosen fields of study, noting that the previous policy discouraged Nigerian youths from gaining experiences that would prepare them for the labour market. 

The memo further read in parts, “There is a serious need to review this policy to expand the opportunity and access for corps members to serve in places that are relevant to their areas of study. Without prejudice to the need to constantly review per prevailing realities, I now direct as follows: Lifting of all restrictions on postings.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the creation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, championed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil. 

Tinubu described the alliance as pivotal in the global fight against hunger and poverty. He made this statement on Monday at the 19th G20 Leaders Summit opening session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  

He lauded the initiative and described it as the right step to address one of the world’s most significant challenges.  

“This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today.  

“The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations around the globe. 

“By fostering collaboration between governments, international organisations, and civil society, this initiative offers a comprehensive approach not only to addressing immediate needs but also tackling the structural causes of hunger and poverty,” he said. 

President Tinubu compared this global initiative to one of the eight priority areas he outlined at his inauguration 18 months ago, expressing Nigeria’s eagerness to adopt international best practices to advance its economic development. 

According to President Tinubu, Nigeria’s endorsement of the declaration of commitment to join the Global Alliance is a significant step in its efforts to address hunger and poverty by leveraging international cooperation and resources to bolster domestic strategies. 

He added that by supporting the initiative, Nigeria also demonstrates a solid commitment to realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which focuses on eradicating poverty, and SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger. 

“These goals are at the core of Nigeria’s development agenda, and the Alliance offers a platform to accelerate progress towards them.  

“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger. The endorsement reinforces Nigeria’s role as a key player in global efforts to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all its citizens,” President Tinubu said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have sealed a landmark partnership, following signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fortify Nigeria’s public health and national security.

This historic agreement aims to intensify collaboration in combating illicit pharmaceutical products and harmful substances. 

Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi hailed the partnership as the culmination of dedicated dialogue and coordination.

“What we have seen today is a culmination of efforts for several months—I must say, years—of regular consultation between the two of us. This partnership is a response to a major scourge we are facing in the country.” 

NAFDAC Director-General Professor Moji Adeyeye noted that, “It is important because of you and me. We consume at least two of our regulated products every day—food and healthcare items.”

She also stressed the importance of ensuring safety and quality in food, drugs, and healthcare products, adding that there are threats posed by unregulated products to national security.

“We have ghost companies that are not on our lists. This MoU marks the beginning of the end of such practices.” 

By Uzair Adam 

The Ulama Forum in Nigeria has expressed strong opposition to the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill (NTB) 2024 and Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB) 2024, currently before the National Assembly. 

In a joint statement signed by its Convener, Aminu Inuwa Muhammad, and Secretary, Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu, on Monday, the forum raised concerns about the bill’s implications on equity, federalism, and economic fairness.  

The statement criticized the bills for transferring the largest share of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue from consumption or generation areas to states hosting production entities’ headquarters. 

“VAT is a consumption tax. Transferring its revenue from the areas where it is generated to the locations of head offices undermines fiscal equalization, widens income disparity, and risks social disharmony,” the forum said.  

The forum also noted that the bills threaten the survival of critical agencies such as TETFUND, NITDA, and NASENI by proposing a gradual reduction in their funding through the Development Levy. 

“Phasing out these agencies will jeopardize infrastructure, research, and capacity-building efforts in our tertiary institutions, leaving students to bear exorbitant tuition fees under an ill-conceived student loan scheme,” the statement warned.  

The forum accused the government of rushing the bills without sufficient public scrutiny, alleging that they align with a long-term reform agenda by international financial institutions such as the World Bank and IMF. 

“There is room to suspect that these bills are part of the World Bank’s 10 to 15-year reform agenda, threatening our sovereign independence,” the forum alleged.  

To address these issues, the Ulama Forum urged the National Economic Council and State Governors to intervene and demand a thorough review. 

“The concerns of state governors and other stakeholders must be addressed to give these bills credibility and avoid perceptions of external imposition,” it added.  

The forum recommended that the bills be subjected to extensive public debate and expert analysis to ensure they align with Nigeria’s federal structure and national interest. 

It called on members of the National Assembly to act in the best interests of their constituencies and resist any pressure to pass the bills in their current form.  

“We urge public-spirited individuals and organizations to rise against this threat to fair and even development. The VAT-sharing formula and the proposed bills strike at the heart of federal constitutionalism,” the forum concluded.  

The Ulama Forum emphasized the need for justice and fairness, calling for the bill’s withdrawal to allow for broader discourse and a national consensus.