September 17, 2024

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Breaking News

1 FG reaffirms commitment to consumer empowerment through standardisation

2 Firm calls for inclusion of GIS in primary, secondary school curricula

3 India trains more than 27,500 Nigerians in 45 years – Envoy

4 Young innovators advocate digital revenue systems

5 National Identity Day: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to digital infrastructure

Foreign

India trains more than 27,500 Nigerians in 45 years – Envoy

By Sarafina Christopher

Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria Shri Balasubramanian says more than 27,500 Nigerian professionals have been trained across various sectors in 45 years under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC).

Balasubramanian stated this during the 2024 ITEC Day reception at the High Commission of India in Abuja.

The high commissioner identified ITEC as a dedicated platform established by India’s Ministry of External Affairs for capacity building.

“More than 200,000 officials from no fewer than than 160 countries have benefited from this initiative, encompassing both civilian and defense sectors with no charges incurred.

“India extends over 22,500 scholarships annually to individuals worldwide, fostering collaboration and skill enhancement,” he said.

Balasubramanian added that cooperation between the two countries began in 1979 following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning representing Nigeria.

He also emphasised the significance of the programme which has seen around 500 Nigerians receiving training in India annually since 1979.

“Notably, diverse courses including specialised ones are offered under this programme.

“For instance, a specialised course catering to 28 law enforcement officers from Nigeria was conducted earlier this year, along with ongoing programmes in digital health, space exploration, and other pertinent areas,” he said.

Balasubramanian also encouraged Nigerians to leverage this opportunity for professional growth and subsequent contribution to their nation’s progress, emphasising the value of skill development and knowledge exchange.

Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed appreciation towards India’s commitment to enhancing Nigerians’ skills through such initiatives.

Ahmed, represented by Amb. Misitura Mohammed, Director of Asia and Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out how the ITEC Programme has empowered Nigerians across various sectors, playing a crucial role in bolstering Nigeria’s development, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

He stated that the partnership signifies an example of robust South-South cooperation, showcasing India’s unwavering support in driving Nigeria’s growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Emmanuel Yashim)

Science & Tech

Young innovators advocate digital revenue systems

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN) has emphasised the potential of innovative technology in enhancing national revenue generation systems, curbing oil theft, and improving cybersecurity.

YIN’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Abu, made this statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, highlighting activities marking the organisation’s 10-year anniversary.

Abu said the anniversary, scheduled for 16-17 October, would coincide with the second edition of YIN’s Technology Ecosystem Dialogue Series (TEDS).

According to Abu, the event aims to bring together stakeholders from industry, academia, and public institutions to explore ways to advance Nigeria’s digital landscape and foster future innovations.

“This event aligns with national priorities and global best practices, integrating innovative technological solutions into Nigeria’s revenue management framework to promote sustainable economic development, fiscal governance, and stability.

“TEDS 2024 will focus on incorporating innovative technologies into Nigeria’s revenue systems, addressing digital transformation in revenue collection, combating oil theft, and enhancing cybersecurity.”

He said other anniversary activities include a hackathon, the Heroes of the Tech Republics award, and recognition of individuals from public service, innovators, and investors who have contributed to Nigeria’s IT ecosystem growth.

According to him, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State will be honoured for digitising the state’s civil service, investing in digital literacy, and ICT certifications for staff, resulting in increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and enhanced e-governance.

He said other awardees include Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, and Dr Olatunji Vincent, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission.

Abu encouraged innovators to participate in the hackathon, developing solutions for clean energy and climate change, with a submission deadline of 30 September.

“The best three products from the hackathon will be showcased at TEDS, where industry partners can select products for funding or sponsorship/co-ownership.”

“Interested innovators can apply via https://yinigeria.com.ng/hackathon/.

“YIN will also unveil Tech Republic, a comprehensive book documenting Nigeria’s technological advancements over the past decade, providing a roadmap for the future of tech in Nigeria and Africa.

“Topics to be discussed at the event include Digital Transformation in Revenue Collection, Data Analytics and Revenue Leakages, and Leveraging Technology to Combat Oil Theft.

“The programme is being hosted in collaboration with the Network of Incubators and Innovators in Nigeria, under the theme “Securing Nigeria’s Revenue Streams: The Power of Technology”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News , Environment

Maulud: Al-Habibiyyah embarks on tree planting campaign across Nigeria

By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society has begun the planting of over 1,000 soursop trees across the country, as part of activities to mark this year’s Eid-el- Maulud (commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad).
The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah, Shiek Fuad Adeyemi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Society had launched the “Project Make It Green” on Sunday in Abuja.
He said the initiative aims at promoting a green friendly environment in line with the dictates of Prophet Muhammad, PBUH.
The cleric explained that 1,000 of the trees would be planted in Abuja and environs, while the remaining would be planted in designated areas across the country.
“As we commemorate this year’s Maulud, we want the entire world to know what the Prophet Muhammad stood for, his missions and his messages.
“I think part of his greatest messages is the sustenance and conservation of the environment.
“The Prophet has given us lots of lessons and teachings as far as environment is concerned,” he said.
Adeyemi said that planting trees as encouraged by the Prophet will go a long way in addressing issues of climate change and other disasters like the recent floods in Maiduguri.
“The Prophet mentioned that we should plant trees and that animals that eat from it, humans that eat from it, people that stay under their shades would be counted as ‘Sadakat-ud-Jariyya’, for us, both here and in the hereafter.
“Also, if one look at the Maiduguri flood, it is 70% environmental related issue. Had it been we are proactive and listen to the messages of Prophet Muhammad I don’t believe this thing will have happened,” Adeyemi said.
He said that the choice of the soursop tree is due to the fact that medically the leaf cures so many sickness and the fruit is also very valuable.
The Imam admonished Nigerians to cultivate the habit of planting trees as encouraged by the Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet to mitigate some of the environmental challenges facing the country. (NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Culture & Tourism

Culture: China reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Nigeria

By Sarafina Christopher and Mercy Eletta

Li Xuda, the Director of China Cultural Center in Nigeria, says there is a strong commitment to strengthen the people to people relationship between China and Nigeria.

Li said this at the 2024 Mid-Autumn festival organised by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre on Saturday in Abuja.

Li, who is also the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said the Festival was one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture that had been celebrated for over 3,000 years.

He said that the festival was not just about the moon as it embodied the values of family, unity and cultural appreciation which would be fostered between China and Nigeria.

According to Li, the festival serves as a bridge; enabling cultural exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding.

“By celebrating this festival in Nigeria, we are not only sharing our traditions but also inviting Nigerians to partake in our rich culture,” he said.

Li also noted that the festival was often celebrated annually on the 15th of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in Sept. or Oct. when the moon was very full and bigger in size.

Mr Michael Olubode, a Nigerian recipient of a dining voucher valued at N1 million, extended his gratitude to the Chinese Government for the undertaking.

He conveyed his heartfelt wishes for a joyous and bountiful Mid-Autumn celebration.

Presentation of gifts to some attendees.

NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the distribution of electronic devices, TV boxes, dining vouchers, health products, among others to Nigerians and Chinese participants to commemorate the 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival.

The event also featured a Chinese chef, who educated both Nigerian and Chinese attendees on crafting mooncakes.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Business

Customs boss tasks new management on mentorship

By Martha Agas

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has tasked the newly confirmed Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCG) and Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACG) on mentoring the service’s personnel.

Adeniyi made the call during the investiture of the officers at the service headquarters on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCS’s Board, during its 60th regular meeting on Tuesday, confirmed the appointment of two DCGs and five ACGs to join the management team.

The appointments were made in response to the statutory retirement of senior officers and are fully aligned with the Federal Character Policy, as outlined in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The C-G said that the newly decorated officers have shown competence, diligence, and commitment in the discharge of their duties and other responsibilities assigned to them.

According to Adeniyi, the qualities demonstrate their exceptional ability to mentor younger officers in the service.

“So there is going to be a rich depth of people that can give you (NCS personnel) inspiration for what you do.

“They will provide mentorship and guidance for the younger generation of officers that are coming.

“We are in a period when we should begin to identify, nurture, and cultivate those that will form the future leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service, and we must therefore put our emphasis on merit,” he said.

He urged the newly promoted officers not to relent in their efforts to perform their constitutional duties, as their new positions come with higher obligations and responsibilities.

He expressed confidence that, due to their pedigrees and selection on merit, they will effectively carry out the critical roles of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling.

“It is expected that they will justify the confidence that we have reposed in them.

“Therefore, the virtues of commitment, of dedication, of discipline, and, most importantly, exemplary conduct, are expected from all of you.

“I want you to continue to use merit or to depend on merit to drive your operations,” he said.

The C-G thanked the spouses of the officers for their support in enabling the officers to accomplish great feats in the service.

He urged them to offer more support and understanding, as the new responsibilities would require greater commitment.

Responding on behalf of the newly decorated officers, DCG Olaniyi Alajogun assured the C-G of their commitment to duties.

He acknowledged the CGs fairness and equity in the various appointments, particularly adhering to seniority and reflecting federal character.

NAN reports that the senior officers decorated were Olaniyi Alajogun, DCG in charge of Enforcement, Investigation, and Inspection; and Kikelomo Adeola, DCG to head the new Information Communication Technology Modernisation unit.

Timi Bomodi, ACG to oversee Enforcement Investigation and Inspection; Babatunde Makinde, ACG in charge of Human Resources and Development.

Others are Odaudu Salefu, ACG, in charge of Doctrine and Coordination at the Training and Doctrine Command, and Isah Umar, ACG, in charge of Headquarters. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Religious

Anglican Church gets new archdeaconry in Abuja

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Kubwa, has inaugurated a new archdeaconry in Abuja to further propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Rt. Rev. Duke Akamisoko, the Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, who inaugurated the new archdeaconry (Kubwa North Archdeaconry) with headquarters at the Church of Transfiguration, Arab Road, Kubwa, Abuja, said that the parish deserved its new status.

The new archdeaconry–Kubwa North–with Venerable Emeka Anyaora, as the Archdeacon, comprised six local churches in the area.

They are St. James Gbazango, Kubwa, Church of Epiphany Gbazango Extension, Kubwa, St. John’s Kagini, All Saints Church Guida, Emmanuel Church Kaba and St. Philip’s Church, Jibi.

Akamisoko said the inauguration of the Kubwa North Archdeaconry would bring evangelism closer to the people.

“It is a plus to the diocese; it is also a growth and with this, we now have 18 archdeaconries in the diocese, and this is one of them.

“God will continue to help them to grow and excel in mission, evangelism and other aspects of human relationship as well as work in the diocese.

“We encourage our members to work hard and show commitment so as to attract God’s blessing.

“Anyone that is not committed to the things of God is doing himself harm; those that are committed will be blessed.

“So, I urge everyone to be committed because it can’t go unrewarded.’’

According to the Bishop, the economic challenges in the country are man-made, as God did not design Nigeria to be so.

He urged Nigerians to dedicate themselves to the service of God, no matter the economic challenges.

“God did not put us where we are; with the right leadership, dedication, commitment from leaders and followers, we will get out of this.

“Nigerian leaders must be courageous; have human feelings and think about the people.

“The cost of living is getting high; cost of fuel is also going higher and higher.

“God has blessed this country with all the resources that are available; so, we have no reason to be where we are,” he said.

Director of Administration, Kubwa Diocese, Venerable Adamu Sabo, said the inauguration would galvanise and encourage expansion in the house of God.

“I was the first Parish Priest of this church and I am happy with what has happened,” Sabo said.

Chairman, Clergy Association, Kubwa Diocese, Venerable James Lamja, said that the Kubwa Anglican Diocese was growing from strength to strength.

“I am excited and we thank God for the developmental strides of the bishop.

“From here, the diocese will be going higher; from 17 archdeaconries, we are now 20, with an additional three new archdeaconries.

“This is the beginning of good things to come in this diocese; this is bringing administration to the grassroots and connecting with the diocese,” he said.

Mr Edwin Nwoko, Chairman of the Inauguration Planning Committee, said that the creation of the new archdeaconry would translate to the spiritual expansion of the Church and service to humanity.

He urged members of the archdeaconry to be committed to God’s work.

“We thank God for a successful event and our people are happy.

“We expect spiritual and membership growth as well as prosperity among the people and we expect people coming here to know God.

“We had a short time to plan this, but the members were united and they cooperated among themselves to achieve the result we got,” Nwoko said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Business

Infrastructure devt. : ICRC to issue certificates in 7 days— D-G

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) says it will henceforth issue Outline Business Case (OBC) Certificate of Compliance and Full Business Case (FBC) Certificate of Compliance within seven days.

This follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu to the commission’s Director General, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, “to accelerate investment in national infrastructure through innovative mobilisation of private-sector funding.”

In a statement signed by Ifeanyi Nwoko, Acting Head of Media and Publicity, ICRC, in Abuja on Monday, the commission said it had streamlined its approval processes to issue the certificates.

Nwoko said that the move aimed to accelerate the turnaround time for approvals by the commission.

He quoted Ewalefoh as saying, “in line with President Tinubu’s charge and the Renewed Hope Agenda, we have updated our approval processes.

“This process aims to issue either the OBC or FBC to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that meet the requirements within seven days.

“This is part of the current administration’s efforts to accelerate infrastructure development, bridge infrastructure gaps, and stimulate the economy through private sector investment in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives.”

He said by streamlining its processes, the commission was not compromising its stringent approval steps or key requirements.

“Therefore, only business cases that are viable, bankable, offer value for money, and meet all other requirements will be approved.

“The ICRC cannot achieve this alone; I urge all chief executives of MDAs to match our momentum and align with the President’s charge to accelerate infrastructure development.

“This will ensure that PPP projects are delivered within record time without being stalled.

“The commission is ready to partner and collaborate with all MDAs to achieve this.”

Nwoko said the ICRC was established to regulate the Federal Government’s PPP initiatives, address Nigeria’s physical infrastructure deficit and promote economic development.

The statement said an FBC is a comprehensive document outlining the detailed investment plan, capital and operating costs, benefits, risks framework, and negotiated financials associated with a PPP project.

It is prepared and submitted by the MDA to obtain the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval, as required by Section 2(2) of the ICRC Establishment Act.

“This formed the basis for secure funding, approvals, or partnerships.

“In contrast, the OBC is less detailed than the FBC but provides a determination of project viability and bankability, offering a solid foundation for the project’s overall strategy and direction.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environment

Stakeholders urge unified action to scaled-up climate finance for Africa

By Muhyideen Jimoh
Stakeholders have called for a unified action to secure scaled-up climate finance for Africa.
The stakeholders spoke at the 12th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XII) in Abidjan.
The conference served as a crucial platform for African leaders, policymakers, and experts to address the urgent climate challenges ahead of the upcoming COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The theme of the conference is, “Financing Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Africa”.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Environment, Jacques Konan, said that the theme resonates deeply as Africa continues to grapple with the disproportionate impact of climate change.
Konan said that this was in spite of it contributing less than four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Combating climate change is the greatest challenge humanity has faced in the last century.
“There is need for adequate financing to support Africa’s adaptation efforts, which is critical to mitigating the continent’s vulnerability to climate-related impacts,” Konan said.
Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), highlighted the ongoing shortfall in global climate finance.
“Despite the 2009 pledge of 100 billion dollars annually, only a fraction of the estimated 1.3 trillion dollars needed to support global climate resilience has been mobilised,” she said.
Morsy called for innovative financing mechanisms to avoid exacerbating Africa’s debt burden, suggesting that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could be leveraged to channel investments into the efforts.
Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, emphasised the immense financial requirements for Africa’s climate commitments.
According to Sacko, African countries will need approximately three trillion dollars to fully implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030.
She urged the continent to unite and speak with one voice at COP 29, stressing the importance of securing grants over loans or debt, to finance impactful climate projects.
The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Director of Climate Change and Green Growth, Anthony Nyong, stressed the need for recognition and compensation for Africa’s contributions to global mitigation efforts.
“Our priority must be fostering climate-resilient development while balancing adaptation with climate-informed investments.
“Achieving this goal hinges on securing adequate financing, technology transfer, and capacity building,” Nyong said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that CCDA-XII aims to catalyse bold actions and commitments that will address Africa’s immediate climate challenges.
It is also meant to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come.
The conference, convened by a coalition of partnerships known as ClimDev-Africa, including the African Union Commission, the ECA, and the AfDB was hosted by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited  by Kadiri Abdulrahman
Oil & Gas

FG tasks investors on proper utilisation of NCDMB intervention funds

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government has tasked investors in the country to utilise the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) intervention funds for the purpose they were meant for.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), made this known on Thursday during a facility tour of Amal Tech Limited, located at Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister who was on the tour with some officials of the ministry was conducted round the company’s facility by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Shehu Abdullahi.

Lokpobiri, who was proud of the company’s proficiency, expressed commitment towards strengthening its partnership with the NCDMB because of the value it had added to the Nigerian economy.

“I use this opportunity to tell other people who are in partnership with NCDMB to use the funds that they have been able to get at single digit for the purpose the investments were made.

“It is surprising to hear that between the investments and the loans, the NCDMB in the last few years has spent over half a billion dollars,’’ he said.

The minister, who was amazed that Amal Tech Ltd. got the least amount in terms of what NCDMB invested, promised to grant the company any support it needed for showing capacity in managing funds and creating value.

He thanked the Amal CEO for choosing to domesticate his knowledge/expertise in different sectors of the economy to create employment, contrary to some Nigerians who chose to take their expertise outside.

“As rightly said, this company started with a small idea of a smoke and leak detector production, and now you have expanded to manufacturing meters, Point of Sale (POS) machines and pipeline cellulose.

“I believe that in the next few years, you will do amazing things. The least we can do is to strengthen our support for you, so that you can do more, not just for the Nigerian economy but for the entire world,’’ he said.

The minister also promised to work with the company to spur more engagements, particularly by deploying its technology on the pipeline surveillance to assist in curbing oil theft.

Lokpobiri said that its facility and services would be strategic to achieve the objective of reducing the infractions on the pipelines which was affecting the country’s overall production.

“We have the capacity to produce 2 million barrels per day (bpd) or more and it is our ambition to ensure that we do 2mbpd or more by the end of 2024.”

The minister expressed delight that as a serving senator in 2010, he was among those who basically conceived and passed the bill for the NCDMB to be created to support local industries.

He promised to assist the company to market its products and services in the West African sub region and in other locations where Nigeria’s affiliations reached such as the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO).

Abdullahi, while responding, thanked the minister for the financial support his company had received.

He said that the gesture demonstrated the government’s willingness to drive local content for the good of the economy.

Abdullahi said that he was looking forward to more partnership as promised by the minister.

He said the company which was commissioned in 2023 rely solely on local resources for its production to enhance local content, give value to the Nigerian market and save money for the Nigerian economy to thrive.

Among its technologies include a wireless alarm transmission, a technology driven approach to pipeline monitoring and GIS-Based Pipeline Monitoring which allows for the visualisation of pipeline routes and potential issues on a map with clear overview.

Others are Operator Training Simulation, Drone Monitoring and Surveillance for aerial views of the pipelines especially in remote areas, Control and Command System and Distribution, Acoustic Sensing and Seismic Technology and Sensor Integration.

The products also include pipeline monitoring components, three-in-one devices with Wi-Fi, gas leak and smoke detector, smart metres, water heater, fire alarm panel and POS machines that accept payment offline with other functionalities, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

General News

Poor implementation of anti graft laws fuel Nigeria’s corruption – Group

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) has identified poor implementation of anti graft laws as a major challenge in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

The Executive Director, CeFTPI, Dr Umar Yakubu said this  at a Criminal Justice Cohort Post-IACC Engagement Workshop organised by MacArthur Foundation, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the workshop became necessary to review decisions reached at the international anti corruption conference held in Lithuania in June concerning the fight against corruption.

“We agreed to develop a mechanism for monitoring implementation of all the anti corruption instruments and coordinates in various countries including Nigeria.’’

According to him, the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media are the major partners in achieving the task of monitoring the government and its institutions responsible for fighting corruption.

“So, that is where CSOs and the media can come in and monitor to ensure that the government is implementing all the commitments it has made.

Yakubu said Nigeria had made all the laws necessary to fight corruption but found it difficult to implement them.

He, therefore, urged the government to step up the fight against corruption to save the country from economic collapse.

“When things are new, there is resistance to change and some of them are legal-based which means that laws must be changed but the most challenging is implementation.

“We don’t have a problem with our laws but the problem of implementation.

“So, what we did in Lithuania was to develop a mechanism for monitoring implementation of all the anti-corruption instruments and all the anti-corruption coordinates we have in Nigeria.

“That is why we are having this post-conference meeting to discuss the implementation; we as CSO and the media should start to implement the recommendations of the conference.’’

He also alleged that procurement in various offices had become a conduit pipe for syphoning funds, adding that transparency had become the greatest tool for curbing procurement fraud.

He stressed the need to pressure the three tiers of government to ensure that all procurement processes are conducted transparently.

“We are talking about enhancing procurement processes to reduce corruption, monitoring climate finance, electoral integrity of people we vote into office and the level of integrity they should have.

“We are also talking about illicit financial flows and the level of assets that were stolen from the country and the continent to other jurisdictions, to see how we can enhance our democracy.

“Under the EITI agreement, procurement processes should be proactively disclosed, meaning that one doesn’t need Freedom of Information Act to get any information.

“For instance, in the extractive sector, when the government proactively discloses how many barrels of crude oil we are producing and how many we are selling and the production sharing contract, there will be no need for investigative journalism.

“Developed countries do better than us because the level of citizen engagement is very high.

“It is not about the media and CSOs; when citizens are aware and demand accountability, you will find out that the institutions will be responsible because citizens trigger responsibility in the government,” Yakubu said.

Earlier, Prof. Muhammad Ladan, Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), urged every head of an institution to take charge of finances to be able to check corruption in the system.

Ladan said that any abuse of power created an element of corruption.

“The level of corruption in the system has left those that are principled without any choice of being corrupted.

“From that conference in Lithuania, we were told to go and repackage the anti-corruption fight based on their context and peculiarity.

“The declaration has one key takeaway – that we must enhance the capacity of the citizens to participate in governance.

“You can find this particular declaration clause in the Nigerian Constitution, Section 24, Subsection 2, paragraph C of the Constitution provides for citizens to participate in governance.

“So, what we need is to translate this provision into actual practice which includes the fight against corruption at all levels including the private sector,” Ladan said.

Also, Mrs Nkemdilim Okereke, Programme Officer, Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, advocated for the inclusion of persons with disabilities while forming a mechanism for reporting of corruption.

“So, civil societies and other stakeholders, in all their interventions should ensure that feedback and preferences from the marginalised population (women, young people and persons with disability) are incorporated in their interventions,” she said.

Okereke said that the fight against corruption in Nigeria should not be left for a particular group but for all the citizens. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

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