News Agency of Nigeria
Niger Coalitions endorse state govt’s 13% derivation legal battle
General News

Niger Coalitions endorse state govt’s 13% derivation legal battle

By EbereAgozie

The Coalition of Niger state support groups has thrown its weight behind the state government’s legal action against the Attorney-General of the Federation over exclusion of the state from the 13 per cent derivation.

 

Mr Muhammadu Dagaci, the President General of Community Association for Grassroots Transformation (CAGRAT) disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

 

It would be recalled that the Niger State government had dragged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to the Supreme Court over the state’s omission in the 13 per cent derivation.

 

Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, lead counsel to Niger state, had in an originating summons sought the interpretation and application of section 232 (1) & (2) of the Nigerian constitution.

 

The subject matter of the suit is the failure of the federal government to include Niger state among the beneficiary states of the 13 per cent derivation.

 

It is also about the omission of remitting same proceeds of fiscal revenue generated and accrued through Hydroelectric Power dams in Niger State, to the overall electricity generation to the national grid in Nigeria from 1968 till date.

 

Dagaci said that the coalition wholeheartedly supports the state’s lawsuit that seeks to address a long-standing injustice, and ensure that Niger receives its rightful share of revenue.

 

He said that their justification for the support stems from the fact that Niger has significantly contributed to national development through hydroelectric power generation, with no compensation from the federal government.

 

“The state’s exclusion from the derivation fund appears to contravene Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that revenue be allocated based on derivation principles.

 

“Inclusion in the derivation fund would provide Niger State with much-needed resources to address infrastructure deficits, improve living standards, and promote economic growth.’’

 

He said that members of the coalition include CAGRAT, BIDA Forum, Agaie Emirate Consultative Forum, AZA development Association, Nupe development Forum, Edati People’s Foundation, Kutigi Youth Association and Coalition of Niger North Youth Forum.

 

“Others are Borgu Youth Development Association, Kontagora Emirate Youth Development Association, Niger East Emirates Youth Council, Minna Emirate Youth Associations and Coalition of Shiroro Youth Associations.

 

“The coalition also includes Doko Development Association, Kusogi Majin Dodo Development Association and Vunchi Development Association.’’

 

He said that they support the push for the apex court to interpret the constitution to determine whether Niger qualifies as a resource producing state under Section 162(2).

 

“The apex court should grant all the reliefs sort by the Niger state counsel and declare that the state is entitled to the 13 per cent derivation fund, as provided by the Allocation of Revenue Act, 2004.

 

“We stand in solidarity with the state government in this legal battle and we believe that justice and fairness demand that Niger State’s contributions be recognized and rewarded.

 

“We look forward to a favourable judgment that will benefit the people of this state, and promote equitable resource allocation in Nigeria,’’ he added.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the attorney-general was brought before the apex court because he represents and advises the president on all legal matters, but has failed over the years in its duties.

 

This, according to the suit should have been to ensure equitable distribution of resources in conformity with the current realities, particularly in relation to the enormous fiscal revenue generated by the state.

 

It equally noted that Niger, host to the dams, which were established in 1968 and have laid the golden eggs, has been a victim of incessant and continuous flooding in recent years.

 

It has resulted in wanton loss of human lives and livestock as well as destruction of properties, leading unavoidably to displacement of many residents from their homes.

 

The suit claimed that in continuous exploitation and utter impoverishment of the people of Niger, the federal government continuously and continually whisked off profits from the state.

 

It argued that the federal government should not be only concerned about benefiting from the dams located in the territory of the state without a care for its people.

 

It averred that the federal government continues to enjoy the profits from the dams, leaving the state in penury and misery.

 

It said that in spite of the misfortunes of the state, the federal government has ignored the adverse environmental impacts of the activities of the power generating companies. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Emir urges acceptance of bandits attack survivors
General News

Emir urges acceptance of bandits attack survivors

By Rita Iliya

Dr Umar Farouq- Bahago, Emir of Minna in Niger, has urged communities to accept survivors of abduction and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), rather than stigmatise them.

 

He made the call at a one-day sensitisation workshop under the muslim opinion leaders project on the prevention of GBV in Minna on Saturday.

 

The workshop was organised for community and religious leaders, spouses and families of the 35 victims of banditry.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop a collaboration between the Development Research and Projects Centre, (dRPC) and Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), with the support of the Ford Foundation.

 

Faruq-Bahago, represented by Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, emphasised the need for communities to provide psychological, social and financial support to survivors to help them reintegrate into their families and communities.

 

“Support these survivors of GBV to reintegrate psychologically, socially and financially and equip them to return to their families and I commended the timely gesture of the organisers,” he said.

 

According to him, about four emirate councils of Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro and Bosso were affected by cases of kidnapping, resulting to GBV, and abduction of several women among whom are the recent 35 rescued women.

Speaking, the Executive Director of dRPC, Dr Judith-Ann Walker, said the workshop aimed to sensitise communities on the need to accept and support survivors in reintegrating into their communities.

 

Walker, represented by Malam Hassan Aliyu-Karofi, Director of Partnerships and Communication, dRPC, said the workshop adopted the Kinshasha declaration protocol to promote the rights of survivors for reparation.

 

He said the protocol also promote and co-create solutions for survivors and victims of conflict-related sexual and gender based violence in Niger.

 

Keynote speaker, Imam Isah, quoted Qur’anic verses and Hadith, which prohibited stigmatisation of survivors and urged communities to abide by their religious guidance in treating survivors of GBV.

 

Also speaking, Dr Umar Faruq, Director General of Niger state Religious Affairs, represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Mukhtar, called on stakeholders to continue to preach against the stigmatisation of survivors.

 

In his remarks, Chairman of Shiroro Local Government, Alhaji Akilu Kuta, represented by Alhaji Tanko Muhammad, commended the organisers and called on donors and development partners to come to the aid of survivors.

 

One of the survivors, Zainab Salihu, from Madaka community, narrated her experience during captivity.

 

“They came on that faithful Thursday in the afternoon during the 9th day of Ramadan fasting in 2024, they killed people and abducted us.

 

“We spent one year and four months in their hands and they kept us in the bush doing farm work for them until we were rescued,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

House of Reps committee, NIWA assess Baro port
General News

House of Reps committee, NIWA assess Baro port

By Rita Iliya

The House of Representative Ad-hoc Committee on Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of Baro Inland Port and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) were at the port for an on-the-spot assessment.

 

Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Sai’du Abdullahi (Bida/Gbako Federal Constituency), led members to the port to engage stakeholders on Saturday.

 

He explained that the committee’s visit was to assess the port’s facilities and identify challenges hindering its commencement.

 

Abdullahi expressed satisfaction with the port equipment but lamented the outstanding road and rail connectivity.

 

“From our assessment, virtually all equipment needed for the take off of the port are on ground except for access road and rail connectivity.

 

“It is quite unfortunate that a journey of 30 minutes has taken four hours due to lack of access road,” he said.

 

The chairman noted that the contract for the access road was awarded nearly 10 years ago and it has yet to be completed.

 

He stressed the need for project management and timelines for contracts, adding that the committee would engage other stakeholders at the national assembly to tackle the challenges facing the port.

Also speaking, Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of NIWA, described the visit as a welcome development.

 

Oyebamiji, represented by James Adetola, General Manager Business Development, said the port inaugurated by Buhari since 2019 has been underutilised.

 

He disclosed that NIWA has been working to make the port operational and the committee’s assistance would help address funding challenges.

 

He noted that the port needs an access road and dredging to function effectively.

 

“Everything that a port needs to work is on ground, apart from the access road and our channel always seal up, so we need to dredge,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Baro port is situated along the River Niger and serves as a critical transportation hub for the country’s inland waterways and rail network. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

How security forces captured top Ansaru terrorist leaders- NSA
Defence/Security

How security forces captured top Ansaru terrorist leaders- NSA

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said on Saturday that security forces recorded a major breakthrough with the capture of two top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group.

 

Ribadu told newsmen in Abuja that the intelligence-led operation conducted between May and July decapitated the leadership of the Al-Qaeda-linked group and dealt “the most decisive blow against them.”

 

He said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security stakeholders.

 

Ribadu added that the operation was launched against Ansaru enclaves in and around Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara, with links extending into Benin Republic.

 

He identified one of the suspects as Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled “Emir of Ansaru.”

 

Ribadu also identified the second suspect as Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Malam Mamuda),Bara’s deputy and Chief of Staff.

 

He said both suspects had been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years.

 

“Abu Bara was described as the coordinator of terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to fund terrorism.

 

“His deputy, Malam Mamuda, was said to have trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specialising in weapons handling and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication,” he said

 

The NSA said the two leaders jointly spearheaded multiple terrorist attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break and the attack on a Niger uranium facility.

 

Others, he said, included the 2013 abduction of French engineer, Francis Collomp, in Katsina, the 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura) and the abduction of the Emir of Wawa.

 

He added that they were also linked to Ansaru’s networks across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

 

According to him, the capture of Abu Bara and Mamuda marks a turning point.

 

” It has dismantled Ansaru’s central command structure and signals the beginning of the end to impunity for terrorist leaders in Nigeria,” Ribadu said.

 

He said security forces also recovered valuable materials and digital evidence during the operation which were now undergoing forensic analysis.

 

According to him, these are expected to generate further actionable intelligence against residual Ansaru cells and their foreign collaborators.

 

“This feat exemplifies Nigeria’s advancing counter-terrorism capabilities.

 

“It followed months of deep surveillance, human intelligence and technical tracking, demonstrating enhanced sophistication and seamless inter-agency synergy,” he added.

 

The NSA commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic guidance as well as the armed forces, intelligence agencies and security services for their doggedness in achieving the success.

 

He reassured Nigerians that the government would sustain the momentum, stressing that the fight against terrorism was far from over.

 

“Nigeria will continue to pursue extremists with precision, resolve and unwavering determination,” he added.

 

He also called on citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies, noting that “national security is a shared responsibility.”

 

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended the military and other security forces for the collaborative efforts.

 

He also urged the media to continue to deny the terrorists the opportunity to use the media to propagate their evil agenda.

 

“It is incumbent on all of us to ensure that we work collaboratively together so that Nigeria can be safe again,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Mokwa Bridge: Minister lauds Tinubu for approving immediate reconstruction
General News

Mokwa Bridge: Minister lauds Tinubu for approving immediate reconstruction

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the immediate reconstruction of Mokwa bridge in Niger.

 

The minister spoke on Saturday in Abakaliki on the sidelines of a visit to his Works counterpart, David Umahi.

 

Idris said: “We want to thank Mr President; and I feel really very honoured.

 

” When we discussed with the president, he said this means a lot for us. He quickly appended his signature. So we feel very happy.

 

“Even though the Minister of Works is from Ebonyi, he was the first set of people that sent people to Mokwa to go and look at what happened there.

 

“Only yesterday or two days ago, Mr President graciously approved the immediate reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge for our people.

 

” We feel very honoured for that. I know that even our governor, Malam Umar Bago, would be happy to hear this. Thank you.”

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bridge was recently washed away in an unprecedented flooding in which no fewer than 200 lives were lost.

 

NAN also reports that the bridge is a vital link between the northern and southern parts of the country.

 

The reconstruction of the Mokwa bridge is expected to cost N16.7 billion.

 

 

Umahi, on his part, said that Tinubu’s approval was based on the request by the information minister.

 

“Let me announce that, before President Tinubu travelled out some days ago, he graciously approved the immediate reconstruction of the Mokwa bridge.

 

“He also approved the reconstruction of the washed away five-span bridge of Wukari in Taraba State.

 

” Tinubu is very fair; each time he does something, it touches the entire geopolitical zone,” he said.

 

Umahi also said approval had been received for work to commence on Lokoja bridge.

 

The minister further said a permanent exercise would be carried out on the road between Afikpo as well as Abia and Imo, adding that the president had already released money for the project.

 

Idris and his team were in Enugu and Ebonyi to inspect Federal Government projects as well as engage with the people of the states to get feed back. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Trans-Saharan Superhighway will unlock economic opportunities- FG
General News

Trans-Saharan Superhighway will unlock economic opportunities- FG

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Federal Government says the Calabar-Ebonyi Trans-Saharan Superhighway, when completed, will unlock economic opportunities, boost regional integration and enhance connectivity across different regions of the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris disclosed this when he led the Federal Government delegation on the inspection of projects in Abakaliki on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Idris went to see the ongoing work on the 118km Calabar–Ebonyi section of the Trans-Saharan Superhighway alongside media heads in the Information Ministry.
The Superhighway is being constructed by Infouest Nigeria Ltd at a cost of ₦445 billion with a rigid concrete pavement.
The minister described the superhighway as “one of the signature projects” being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“The construction of the 700-metre, 12-span bridge on the superhighway will address decades-long flooding challenges in the N’dibe Beach area and restore access for affected communities.
“This project when completed, will connect Calabar, Ebonyi, Benue, Nasarawa, and Abuja and unlock economic opportunities, boost regional integration and enhance connectivity and prosperity across different regions of the country.
“For the first time, Ebonyi State is hosting multiple major federal government projects simultaneously; a testament to the administration’s commitment to equitable development,” Idris said.
He urged contractors to uphold quality and expedite delivery, assuring citizens that the government remained focused on infrastructure that tangibly improved lives and livelihoods across the country.
NAN reports that the Minister and his team were in the South-East for a project tour and citizens engagement with the people of the region especially Enugu and Ebonyi. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
Agric: Nwifuru tasks FG on youth engagement
Agriculture

Agric: Nwifuru tasks FG on youth engagement

By Douglas Okoro

Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to engage youths in practical agriculture, noting that hunger and idleness fuel online anger and misinformation.

 

Nwifuru made the call on Friday in Abakaliki when the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, paid him a courtesy visit during the minister’s tour of federal projects in the state.

 

He said that engagement of youths in practical agriculture would properly channel their energy and potential in meaningful ventures and deter them from engaging in destructive social media activities.

 

He called for the imposition of restrictions on social media usage to curb the spread of unfounded information about national development.

 

The governor said that while government was not out to control the youths, it had a responsibility to protect them from misinformation and the negative impact of false social media reports.

 

“While growing up as a young man, it was always a thing of joy to own a farm but these days, youths hardly engage in agricultural activities.

 

“It is high time we put serious restrictions especially on unfounded stories.

 

“You go to social media and see posts declaring someone dead while the person is hale and hearty, yet the writer faces no sanction. This is not how a country should operate,” Nwifuru said.

 

On the performance of the President Bola Tinubu administration, Nwifuru said activities of several ministries were under-reported, giving the impression that only the Ministries of Works and the Federal Capital Territory were active.

 

According to him, this is the first time since Nigeria’s independence in 1960 that an Igbo man has been appointed Minister of Works, describing the current minister, Chief David Umahi as vibrant and committed.

 

“He left his signature in Ebonyi which will be very hard for anybody to erase and we are proud and confident that he will leave same signature in the Federal Ministry of Works,” the governor said.

 

He expressed confidence that with Tinubu’s achievements in physical infrastructure and human capital development cutting across the length and breadth of the country, his re-election in 2027 was guaranteed.

 

The governor pledged the full support of Ebonyi people in achieving the goal.

 

He lauded the president for establishing the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said, had attracted over 400,000 student beneficiaries.

 

The governor also commended the Ebonyi postgraduate scholarship scheme aimed at training indigenes at Masters and Doctorate levels in local and foreign universities.

 

Nwifuru added that the state had improved infrastructure and staffing in secondary schools to raise the quality of education.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Tinubu voted N86bn as fees, upkeep of vulnerable students -Minister
General News

Tinubu voted N86bn as fees, upkeep of vulnerable students -Minister

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

President Bola Tinubu has voted over N86 billion for payment of school fees and upkeep of over 400,000 students across the country.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed this on Friday during a visit to Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi in Abakaliki.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister and his team are in Ebonyi for a tour of Federal Government projects, and citizens’ engagement with the people of the state.

According to him, over 400,000 students from all parts of the country, including Ebonyi and states in the south east region have benefited from Tinubu’s NELFUND programme.

“What the President seems to say is that he dislikes the situation, where students who have the requisite qualification to be in school, like tertiary institutions, but were not able to, because their parents or guardians are unable to pay for their fees or upkeep.

“Today, that is the tale of the past. If you get admission into any tertiary institution, you can apply to NELFUND; and you don’t even have to know anybody.

“This is one of such programmes that President Tinubu has designed for all Nigerians to participate in; you don’t have to know anybody to be a beneficiary of the programme.

“I was checking the figures before I came here. Tinubu has voted about N86 billion so far in the payment of school fees and upkeep of over 400,000 Nigerian students whose parents are unable to pay for their school fees.

“That is not the end, because Tinubu has better plans for all and he will ensure that millions of people, including those in the South-East, are empowered,” Idris said.

The minister also commended Nwifiru for providing an office space to the Nigerian Press Council to enhance their operations and deliver on their mandate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister’s entourage include Special Advisers to the President, and all heads of Federal Government’s media organisation.

Others are the President of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, National Presidents of RATTAWU, NUJ and other stakeholders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Tinubu to ensure timely completion of projects in S’East
Metro

Tinubu to ensure timely completion of projects in S’East

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Federal Government says President Bola Tinubu is determined to ensure timely completion of all projects in the South-East Region to enhance connectivity and boost the economic prosperity of the people.

 

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during the inspection of the ongoing works on the 88 kilometres Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Federal Road on Friday.

 

The Minister is in the state for the Citizens Engagement and Tour of Federal Government’s projects in Enugu and Ebonyi states.

 

According to Idris, this is one among the major projects that Tinubu is doing for the region.

 

“As a matter of fact, we want to ensure connectivity, especially in the Southeastern Region. President Tinubu is delivering the dividends of democracy to people of the Southeastern part of the country.

 

 

“He is working hard to ensure that the people of the Southeast are not left behind in his march towards ensuring that there is massive infrastructural development across Nigeria. This is just one of it.

 

 

“We have seen it yesterday. We saw what happened in Enugu State. We saw the massive flyover of about 350 metres.

 

 

“We saw all the roads in Enugu. Now we are beginning to see what is happening in the neighbouring states. Subsequently, we will go to other parts of the Southeast to see what is also happening.

 

 

“What is important is to indicate that President Tinubu will ensure timely completion of all these massive projects, especially in the Southeastern part of the country,” Idris said.

 

 

Also speaking, the site engineer handling the project, Mr Wasiu Femi, said the activities involved massive earthworks, but due to the incessant rains, not much work could be done until after the rainy season.

 

 

“They are doing concrete works now and a little bit of work on the carriageway, but they cannot do much on earthworks now until the rains go.

 

 

“However,  we moved to the paving with the stone base, which falls within the aggregate envelope. Now, we are waiting for the moisture content to be at the optimal level. Then when we run our institute test, we start with our rigid pavement.”

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister and his team started the project tour and citizens engagement on Thursday with a visit to Enugu State Governor, Mr Peter Mbah.

 

 

They also visited the ongoing works at the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, flyover bridge on Enugu-Abakaliki Road, the Oncological Centre of the University of Nigeria’s Teaching Hospital, Enugu and many others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Tinubu’ll do more for Nigeria- Idris
General News

Tinubu’ll do more for Nigeria- Idris

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation,  Alhaji Mohammed Idris says President Bola Tinubu has done well within the two years of his administration and will do more in the next two years and beyond.

 

Idris stated this during a visit to the governor of Ebonyi, Mr Francis Nwifuru on Friday in Abakaliki.

 

The Minister is in the state in continuation of the Citizens Engagement and Tour of Federal Government’s projects in Enugu and Ebony states.

 

He explained that from massive  road projects to healthcare, education, security, agriculture,  economy, regional development, Livestock, humanitarian, women affairs and many others, Tinubu has done well.

 

“Recall that all these achievements of  Mr President has happened only in the last two years.

 

“We still have another two years in the first instance of the  mandate given to Mr President.

 

“We know that if what we are seeing is anything to go by, by God’s grace, Tinubu will be here again after his first term for the circumvention to continue the good work that he has been doing.

 

“I know, and I can see, and I have heard from the people that we have interacted with, that the people of Ebonyi are indeed happy with President Bola Tinubu,” Idris said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email