By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched B’Odogwu, a revolutionary Unified Customs Management System, commencing with a pilot phase in Lagos at Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML).

This innovative platform represents a significant milestone in Nigeria Customs’ modernisation journey, aligning with global best practices. 

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, noted the significance of B’Odogwu, stating, “B’Odogwu is our new customs management system that embodies our vision for a paperless customs administration that facilitates seamless trade while maintaining robust security measures.”

He noted that B’Odogwu will eventually replace the current Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) as the NCS Legacy System. 

The system’s development acknowledges the forthcoming National Single Window and will integrate with it upon implementation by the Federal Government.

Adeniyi revealed the legal framework supporting the initiative, citing sections 28 and 29 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which empower the Service to develop, maintain, and employ electronic systems while ensuring transparency and stakeholder consultation. 

Adeniyi urged stakeholders to embrace the change optimistically, providing constructive feedback to refine and improve the system. “B’Odogwu will enhance our ability to streamline end-to-end business processes, provide stakeholders with customised integration capabilities, support more efficient and intelligent business decisions, and facilitate ease of doing business,” he said.

The Comptroller General expressed gratitude to terminal operators, customs officers, licensed customs agents, and the Trade Modernisation Project team for their support. He charged PTML command officers to take training seriously, as they will implement the system in other commands. 

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has declared support for the initiative, acknowledging the transformation of the clearing profession.

By Nafisa Ismail Sadiq 

As a concerned Nigerian, I feel deeply disappointed in our leaders and ourselves. When President Bola Tinubu assumed office, many hoped for a significant shift. After years of enduring bad governance, we were desperate for leadership that would bring transparency and accountability. However, instead of progress, his administration has deepened our despair.

Bad governance didn’t begin with Tinubu’s administration. It has plagued Nigeria for decades. According to a study by the “Council on Foreign Relations” (CFR), corruption and bad governance have been key factors in Nigeria’s underdevelopment since the military era, particularly following the first military coup in 1966. The report highlights how the military regimes laid the foundation for systemic corruption that has persisted into civilian rule.

Yet, Tinubu’s rise to power came with promises of change. Many Nigerians believed that his leadership would mark the end of this destructive cycle. Unfortunately, as a report from “Transparency International” in 2023 indicates, Nigeria remains among the most corrupt countries globally, ranking 150 out of 180 in the Corruption Perceptions Index. This has cast a shadow over any hope for reform under the current administration.

On August 1, Nigerians took to the streets in protest. The protests lasted for ten days and were driven by frustrations over rising fuel prices, food costs, and economic hardship. 

When President Tinubu addressed the nation, many expected solutions or a roadmap to alleviate the suffering. However, political analyst Ayo Obe noted, “The President’s address was a missed opportunity to connect with the people and provide tangible solutions.” Instead of relief, Nigerians were met with more hardship—fuel subsidies were removed, and prices soared, pushing many into deeper poverty.

The removal of fuel subsidies, which the government argued was necessary to stabilize the economy, has had devastating effects. According to a “World Bank” report, the removal has led to a 40% increase in transportation costs, which has cascaded into higher food prices and other essential goods. This has further strained the already stretched budgets of ordinary Nigerians.

The protests, which started with hope, ended in silence. The momentum faded, and the issues we protested against remain unresolved. The media has moved on, and our leaders have offered no real solutions.

The tragic loss of innocent lives during the protests is a stark reminder of the high cost of bad governance. As noted in “Human Rights Watch” reports, the Nigerian government’s response to demonstrations often involves excessive force, leading to unnecessary casualties.

Given this history, it’s clear that we need new strategies to address our challenges. Political scientist Larry Diamond states, “Strengthening civil society is crucial for Nigeria’s democratic development.” Civil society organizations (CSOs) are vital in holding governments accountable and advocating for political reforms.

Moreover, technology offers a powerful tool for promoting transparency. In a 2022 paper, the “Brookings Institution” highlighted how blockchain technology could revolutionize governance in Africa by preventing the manipulation of elections, budgets, and resource allocation. Nigeria, with its tech-savvy youth, is well-positioned to leverage these innovations.

The solution isn’t in one man or one protest. It’s in our collective action, our shared resolve. We must come together to unite to build a better Nigeria. This is our moment. If we don’t seize it, the silence we hear now will only deepen, and our country will be the one that suffers.

Nafisa Ismail Sadiq wrote via nafisasadiq005@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has reshuffled his cabinet, removing six ministers and submitting the names of seven new nominees to the National Assembly for confirmation.

The new appointments aim to fill the positions left by the outgoing ministers.

In a major restructuring, Tinubu also appointed Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission, which will now manage all sports-related activities following the dissolution of the Ministry of Sports Development.

Two former ministers under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration have returned to key positions.

The former Minister of Police Affairs was named Minister of Labour and Employment, while Sunday Dare, ex-Minister of Youth and Sports Development, has been appointed Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation.

The six ministers removed from the cabinet include Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), Uju Kennedy Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Mohammad Gwarzo (State for Housing), Jamila Ibrahim (Youth Development), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), and Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.

The President has submitted the following names for confirmation:

Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment), Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (State for Housing and Urban Development), and Suwaiba Said Ahmad (State for Education).

Additionally, ten ministers have been reassigned to new portfolios, part of the President’s strategy to optimize cabinet performance.

Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, for example, has been moved from State Education to State Humanitarian Affairs, while Abubakar Momoh has transitioned from Niger Delta Development to Regional Development.

The Ministry of Niger Delta Development has been renamed the Ministry of Regional Development to supervise the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other regional commissions.

President Tinubu urged his appointees to dedicate themselves to the nation’s growth and contribute to achieving the administration’s priorities.

By Uzair Adam

A Kano State High Court has set November 20 to hear pending applications in the case of alleged bribery and misappropriation of public funds amounting to billions of naira involving the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, and six other defendants.

The defendants, including Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited, are facing an eight-count charge relating to bribery, misappropriation, and the diversion of public funds.

During Wednesday’s session, the counsel for the plaintiff, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, expressed readiness to proceed, having filed a counter affidavit, with one of their witnesses testifying remotely from Lagos.

However, the defense teams for several defendants requested more time, stating they had not been served with the necessary documents.

Counsel for the 1st, 2nd, and 4th defendants, Offiong Offiong, SAN, and others representing the remaining defendants, all requested adjournments for the hearing of their preliminary objections.

Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu emphasized the importance of proper service of processes and adjourned the case to November 20 for the hearing of all pending applications. Hi

By Uzair Adam

A High Court sitting in Bwari, Abuja, has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to apprehend anyone attempting to sell the properties of the late Justice Moses Bello, a former President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Delivering the ruling, Justice M.A. Madugu issued an injunction barring the sale of the late judge’s property located at Panama Street, Maitama District, Abuja.

The court instructed that the order be visibly posted on the property and published in national newspapers.

The court’s decision followed an ex-parte application filed by the late judge’s daughter, Ann Eniyamire, through her counsel, Yahuza Maharaz.

The suit lists Christ the King Catholic Church in Okene, Kogi State, and its parish priest, Reverend Father Ezekiel Awolumate, as defendants.

Justice Madugu ordered the defendants to refrain from selling, leasing, or mortgaging the disputed property until the case is resolved.

The court also empowered law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC and DSS, to arrest and prosecute anyone who violates the court’s orders.

Additionally, the court authorized Eniyamire to mark the property with red paint, indicating “NOT FOR SALE / Lis Pendens,” pending the outcome of the suit.

The judge warned that any attempt to remove the court’s orders from the property would result in contempt of court.

Eniyamire filed the lawsuit, alleging she was unfairly deprived of her rightful inheritance from her father’s estate. She claims her father’s will stipulated an 11.11 percent share of his assets for each of his eight children and his wife.

However, she accused the first defendant, Reverend Awolumate, of altering the share to 4.16 percent, contrary to the will.

In her suit, she is seeking a court declaration confirming her entitlement to 11.11 percent of her father’s estate and demanding the defendants present all relevant documents pertaining to the estate’s management and distribution.

Eniyamire is also requesting N500 million in general damages.

By Haroon Aremu

The world is reeling from a relentless storm of inflation that knows no borders. Post-pandemic recoveries have become nightmares for many, with economies struggling to keep pace with skyrocketing demands. Disrupted supply chains—fueled by the devastation of COVID-19 and further shattered by the Russia-Ukraine war—have left nations gasping for stability. Commodity prices for essentials like oil, gas, and food have surged, igniting a crisis felt most acutely by those already on the edge of survival.

Global inflation hit 8.8% in 2022, shrinking consumer spending and pushing 150 million people into extreme poverty. Economic slowdown and uncertainty have gripped every continent, turning hopeful recoveries into distant dreams. In one sentence, we can say, “The Global Economic Chaos: A World on Fire”. But if the global economy is trembling, Africa—already vulnerable—is teetering on the brink of collapse.

With inflation soaring to 12.3%, Africa is caught in a spiral of despair. Food inflation hit 15.6% in 2022, driven by droughts, conflict, and the uncontrollable price surge. Energy costs have become unmanageable, soaring by 20.5%, and with local currencies crumbling against the U.S. dollar, daily survival has become a question mark for millions.

The hope of a unified, self-reliant Africa through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seems increasingly remote as corrupt leadership and poor economic management derail potential progress. Sigh, Africa’s Plight: A Heavy Toll on the Weakest

Now to Nigeria’s Economic Downfall: A Land Bleeding Under the Weight of Inflation. Nigeria! Africa’s largest economy is sinking under the weight of its own ills. With inflation at a devastating 31.7% as of February 2024, Nigerians face a nightmare scenario where everyday life becomes a battle for survival. 

Food prices have skyrocketed due to domestic challenges like drought, conflict, and the fallout from removing fuel subsidies. Transportation costs have become unbearable, and with the Naira weakening against foreign currencies, the cost of imported goods has skyrocketed.

Yet, these economic problems are not only the result of natural or external factors. Nigeria’s reliance on oil exports has left its economy vulnerable to the volatility of global oil prices. Corruption and inefficient supply chains worsen the impact, while a broken infrastructure leaves the country incapable of delivering basic services.

As Nigeria’s economy crumbles, its leaders—those entrusted with the nation’s welfare—have instead chosen to enrich themselves. Public funds meant for development are looted, while ordinary citizens—whether struggling innocents or corrupt poor—are left in despair. Yahaya Bello and Rochas Okorocha have been accused of dipping their hands into funds meant to lift Nigeria out of the abyss. The worst part? The justice system, weak and compromised, seems incapable of holding them accountable.

Yahaya Bello, for instance, has mastered the art of playing “hide and seek” with the law, knowing that in a system as broken as Nigeria’s, his chances of facing real consequences are slim to none. Meanwhile, regular citizens, including “yahoo boys” and even innocent individuals, are being hunted and prosecuted with swift brutality. This stark contrast between how the law treats the powerful and the powerless is a cancer eating away at the soul of the nation. Who protects the people if the leaders steal from the innocent and the corrupt?

Should all this be blamed solely on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu? Or is there a broader problem that goes deeper into the fabric of Nigeria’s leadership and society?

The mismanagement of Nigeria’s resources is not only the fault of a select few in power. It is the collective failure of all those in leadership positions who have turned governance into a self-serving endeavour. Governors, senators, and other public officials have consistently failed to deliver on their promises, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of their incompetence.

But are the citizens themselves free of blame? The culture of apathy that pervades Nigerian society has allowed this systemic rot to fester. When people fail to hold their leaders accountable by demanding better governance or active civic participation, they become complicit in destroying their nation.

If Nigeria continues on this path of corruption, injustice, and economic decay, the consequences will be catastrophic. The poverty rate is already climbing at an alarming pace, with an estimated 87 million Nigerians living below the poverty line. This number will only increase as inflation pushes basic commodities out of reach for the average citizen.

Social unrest is bubbling beneath the surface, waiting for a spark. Frustration and desperation are building, and if left unchecked, they could lead to widespread violence and instability. As Nigeria’s institutions crumble, its brightest minds will continue to flee the country in search of greener pastures, further accelerating the brain drain that has left Nigeria without the intellectual capital it needs for progress.

Decisive action is required to prevent Nigeria from falling into the abyss. For the government, transparency and accountability must become non-negotiable. Strengthening institutions, particularly the justice system, is critical if corruption is to be rooted out. Public funds must be directed toward tangible development, focusing on infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

For citizens, the time for apathy is over. A collective awakening is needed, where people demand better governance at all local and federal levels. Nigerians must realise that their silence is contributing to the nation’s downfall. Only through collective effort—by both government and citizens—can the cycle of corruption and economic ruin be broken.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a mass communication graduate and an NYSC member of the PRNigeria Center in Abuja. He can be contacted via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, participated in the National Cybercrime Summit held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja earlier today. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and the European Union, organized the summit, which focused on enhancing digital skills as a strategy to combat cybercrime.

The event’s theme was “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimizing Cyber Skills for National Development,” a demonstration of commitment to building digital resilience and ensuring a secure online environment for sustainable national development.

 The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially inaugurated the summit and launched a new Rapid Response Centre to address cybercrime emergencies.

Speaking to journalists after the event, Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating the growing threat of cybercrime. 

The Governor commended the EFCC for organizing the National Cybercrime Summit, recognizing the event as a timely initiative to address the growing challenge of cybercrime. 

He emphasized the importance of multi-level cooperation, including leveraging technology and youth involvement, to promote positive alternatives to cyber activities.

“We appreciate the EFCC for bringing this important issue to the forefront. My government is ready to partner in this endeavour because we recognize that combating cybercrime requires partnership.

“We need to work together with the federal government, EFCC, and other relevant bodies to address this global challenge. Our youths must also be involved, as they are both the drivers of technology and the leaders of tomorrow.”

The summit brought together prominent figures, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Governors of Katsina and Zamfara, members of the National Assembly, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Saad Abubakar III, and other traditional rulers and diplomats.

By Uzair Adam 

A Federal High Court in Kano has disqualified Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi as Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) due to his affiliation with a political party. 

Justice Simon Amobeda delivered the ruling following a suit filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court also disqualified five other members of KANSIEC—Anas Muhammad Mustapha, Mukhtar Garba Dandago, Isyaku Ibrahim Kunya, Kabir Jibril Zakirai, and Amina Inuwa Fagge—on similar grounds. 

According to the court, they are active members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), making them unqualified for their roles under the Nigerian Constitution and the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law.

Justice Amobeda further ordered that KANSIEC must cease all activities related to the upcoming 2024 Local Government Election in Kano State until a properly constituted commission is appointed in accordance with the law. 

This includes halting the issuance of election guidelines, candidate screenings, and the sale of nomination forms, all of which were declared null and void.

Additionally, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold all electoral materials, including the voter register, from KANSIEC until the commission is legally restructured.

The ruling emphasizes that any actions taken by KANSIEC in preparation for the 2024 Local Government Election are invalid unless qualified individuals are appointed to the commission.

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.