News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a move that contradicts previous government denials, President Bola Tinubu has approved a plan to redirect dividends owed to the federation to cover the cost of petrol subsidies.

This is contained in a report released by BusinessDay. 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited will utilise the 2023 final dividends to offset subsidy expenses, with the president also suspending 2024 interim dividends to bolster the company’s finances.

The NNPC had warned that subsidy payments have severely impacted its ability to contribute taxes and royalties to the federation account. 

Internal forecasts indicate that petrol subsidy expenses from August 2023 to December 2024 will total N6.884 trillion, resulting in a shortfall of N3.987 trillion in taxes and royalties owed to the federation account.

The exact dividend amount affected by this decision remains undisclosed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Muhammad, co-led a 5km walk on Saturday, August 17, 2024, to strengthen collaboration and promote work-life balance between the two agencies. 

The walk, tagged “Work-Life Balance,” started at the FRSC Headquarters and traversed Herbert Macaulay Way to the Wuse Market traffic light, before returning to the FRSC Headquarters via Maputo Street. 

CGC Adeniyi expressed determination to enhance inter-agency collaboration, particularly in curbing smuggled vehicles on Nigerian roads.

He stated the importance of fostering a spirit of friendship and brotherhood among security agencies. 

Corps Marshal Muhammad believed that organizing social activities and exercises between sister security agencies could be key to building a prosperous nation.

He expressed appreciation for CGC Adeniyi’s attendance and noted that the NCS has been a solid partner to the FRSC on several occasions. 

Both leaders agreed to continue the monthly exercise to improve health and well-being, and to explore ways to work together to achieve their mandates.

By Uzair Adam

A tragic incident has occurred in Karkari village, Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, where a widow and her five children lost their lives after consuming a local Hausa delicacy known as Danwake.

The Kano Police Command confirmed the heartbreaking event, stating that the victims were rushed to Gwarzo General Hospital but were declared dead upon arrival.

According to the Police spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna, investigations have begun to determine the exact cause of the deaths.

The Daily Reality gathered that preliminary reports suggest that the widow, Alhakatu Abdulkarim, may have used expired cassava flour in preparing the meal, leading to the unfortunate outcome.

The deceased children have been identified as Bashir, Firdausi, Hafsat, Usman, and Jamilu.

The community and the authorities are now awaiting a detailed medical report from the hospital to confirm the cause of death and prevent future occurrences.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered an immediate investigation into a contentious medical drug supply contract involving all 44 local government areas.

The governor vowed to take action against those responsible, warning that “anybody found to be behind it will have himself to blame”. 

Governor Yusuf denied any knowledge of the contract, which was recently awarded for the supply of drugs to the local councils, and directed the State Anti-Corruption Commission to leave no stone unturned in their investigation. 

In a statement released to the press, the Governor’s office assured the public that the outcome of the investigation would be made public, and that anyone found to be involved in any wrongdoing would face the full force of the law. 

The governor appealed for patience from the people of Kano State, promising that justice would be served once the investigation was complete. 

Recall that the controversy was triggered by a video made by a popular Northern skit maker, popularly known as Dan Bello, who alleged that the government was enmeshed in the said contract of accumulating N10m from the 44 local government councils in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ismail Sahabi, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education in Zaria, Kaduna State, has been released after being held captive for 31 days.

Sahabi was abducted by suspected terrorists on July 18th, along with his brother, Sidi Aliyu Sahabi, and several others, at Kasuwar Magani in Chikun Local Government Area.

The abduction resulted in the tragic death of Mohammed Bashir (Govinda), Chairman of the Tudun Wada, Zaria Butchers Association.

According to Malam Musa Sahabi, a brother to two of the victims, the attack was carried out by an informant.

The victims were finally released on Friday and are currently receiving medical attention to assess their health condition.

While a family source confirmed their release, it remains unclear whether a ransom was paid to secure their freedom.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to reduce the size of Nigeria’s official delegation to the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in New York, United States.

This directive was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday in Abuja during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.

Addressing participants at the retreat, the Chief of Staff said the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September is part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.

Highlighting the need for the State House and agencies under its supervision to ensure that its functions are guided by statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives, Honourable Gbajabiamila hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations.

”I just discussed with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York.

”During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA.

”From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their personal businesses.

”I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President,” he said.

The Chief of Staff urged heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the President is listening to the concerns of Nigerians and is committed to addressing them diligently.

On the retreat, Honourable Gbajabiamila noted that it will facilitate collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those under the direct supervision of the State House.

”The idea is to ensure coherence as we jointly work together to achieve the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

”Coordination is not just a choice but a necessity for the government to succeed and for us to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people,” he said. He said the retreat would be a continuous exercise, as governance is an evolving process that requires regular adjustments.

The Chief of Staff also urged the State House management and chief executives of agencies under its supervision to lead by example by ensuring compliance with statutes, laws, regulations, and various policies designed to enhance governance.

”We must demonstrate excellence in our compliance with the Public Procurement Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and various appropriation acts in operation.

”Compliance with the civil service rules and the scheme of service guidelines, especially regarding recruitment, promotion and presidential approvals is also non-negotiable,” Honourable Gbajabiamila said.

The theme of the one-day retreat was ‘Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Effective Delivery.’

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 Sabiu Abdullahi 

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, visited the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Friday, August 16, 2024, to express gratitude for the Nigeria Customs Service’s support in trade facilitation and border security. 

Governor Zulum acknowledged the strategic importance of Borno State, which shares borders with three countries, and noted the need for collaboration to enhance security and trade.

“We are grateful for the dedication and assistance the Nigeria Customs Service has provided to Borno State.

Our borders with Cameroon, Chad, and Niger require robust management, and we are keen to strengthen our relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure the safety and prosperity of our state,” he said. 

Comptroller General Adeniyi appreciated the visit and reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to supporting Borno State.

“We appreciate the support we have received from Borno State in carrying out our core responsibilities. The Customs Service is committed to enhancing and facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring the protection of our borders,” he assured. 

The meeting concluded with Governor Zulum inviting the CGC to visit Borno State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The World Bank has described Gombe State as a model for other states in Nigeria for its remarkable achievements in implementing numerous development projects and programmes. 

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Ndiame Diop, made the commendation during a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

Dr Diop, who appreciated the commitment of Gombe State to executing World Bank-supported projects across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, environment, agriculture, and water resources, noted that Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s approach has not only accelerated development but has also demonstrated a clear example of effective governance and accountability in the utilization of funds.

Among the standout projects mentioned by the WB country director were the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP), the SPTAS and the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH), which he noted have significantly improved the well-being of citizens by enhancing infrastructure, increasing access to clean water, and boosting economic opportunities.

Dr Diop emphasized that Gombe’s commitment to these projects has set a high standard for other states in Nigeria, adding that the World Bank now sees the state as a successful model of partnership that effectively addresses local challenges while fostering sustainable growth and development.

Dr. Ndiame Diop, however, also pointed out areas where the state could further strengthen its efforts, especially as some of the ongoing projects are approaching completion.

 He emphasized the need for sustained momentum and strategic planning to ensure that the impact of these projects continues to be felt even after they wind down. 

He stressed that Gombe must take proactive steps to consolidate the gains already made by institutionalizing reforms and integrating them into the state’s development agenda. This, he noted, would ensure that the benefits of these programmes are not only sustained but scaled up for greater long-term impact. 

He assured that the World Bank remains committed to supporting Gombe State in these efforts and encouraging the government to explore new avenues for collaboration that would address emerging challenges and ensure the continuity of progress in key areas.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya acknowledged these observations in his remarks and reassured Dr. Diop that his administration is fully committed to restrategizing.

He expressed optimism that with continued partnership and innovation, Gombe State would maintain its developmental trajectory and deepen the successes achieved through ongoing and future projects.

He highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with international organizations like the World Bank in driving progress and providing much-needed services to the people of Gombe State in line with his Development Agenda. 

Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized that the state’s priorities are fully aligned with its development agenda, and Gombe remains committed to leveraging World Bank projects and initiatives from other development partners to achieve its goals. 

He pointed to the Network 11-100 project, which is being executed in collaboration with RAMP, the ACReSAL project and the SPTAS programme, as clear examples of the state’s success through its strong partnerships with the World Bank.

He reiterated that his government will remain focused on impactful projects that improve the quality of life for all citizens, especially in areas such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and human capital development.