NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security

EFCC recovers N248bn, secures 3455 convictions in 1 year

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says it has recovered over N248 billion, 105 million dollars and secured 3455 convictions in its fight against corruption in the last one year.

Its Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, announced this on Thursday in Abuja, at a news conference to mark his one year in office.

Olukoyede, who spoke through the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said the commission had also charged four former governors to court over corruption allegations.

He said the feat was achieved from Oct. 18, 2023 to Oct. 18, 2024, when he came on board as the chairman.

“The commission within the year, recovered N248,750,049,365.52; $105,423,190.39; £53,133.64; €172,547.10; T1,300.00 Indian Rupees and CAD $3,400.00 Canadian Dollars.

”It also recovered ¥74,859:00 Chinese Yuan; AUS $740:00 Australian Dollars; 170:00 UAE Dirham; 73,000:00 Korean Won; CFA 7,821,375:00 and R 50:00 South Africa Rands.

”On asset recovery and return, the EFCC on Sept. 6, handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) the sum of $180,300 and 53 vehicles, being assets recovered for Canadian victims of Nigerian fraudsters,” he said.

Olukoyede said 164,000 dollars of the recovered cash assets was for a victim, identified as Elena Bogomas, while 16,300 dollars belonged to a victim, known as Sandra Butler.

“The recovered 53 vehicles were stolen over a period of time in Canada, freighted to Nigeria and distributed to multiple locations in Nigeria by the criminal elements,” he said.

The EFCC chairman revealed that within the year, the commission also charged four former governors to court over corruption allegations.

According to him, the former governors are: Yahaya Bello (Kogi); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra) and Darius Ishaku (Taraba).

”Yahaya Bello is charged in two different courts; one at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, before Justice Emeka Nwite on 19-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80,246,470, 088.88.

”The former Kogi governor alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu is also answering to 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4 billion before Justice Maryanne Anenih.

”Ishaku, the former governor of Taraba State and former permanent secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Bello Yero, are facing prosecution before Justice S. C Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on a 15-count charge bordering on alleged N27 billion fraud,” he said.

Olukoyede also said ex-Kwara governor, Ahmed, alongside Ademola Banu, former Commissioner for Finance, were facing prosecution on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and mismanagement of public funds to the tune of N10 billion.

While former governor Obiano, was on Jan. 24, arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, arraigned on nine counts bordering on money laundering, diversion of funds, stealing and corruption to the tune of N4 billion.

In the same vein, two former Ministers of Power, Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye had been arrested and facing prosecution by the commission.

”Mamman is being prosecuted before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73.

”Agunloye, the Minister of Power in the President Olusegun Obasanjo government is being prosecuted on seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla Power Project contract to the tune of six billion dollars.

”Also, a former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika is currently standing trial before two different courts – Justice S.B. Belgore of the FCT High Court, Garki, and Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court, Maitama,” he said.

He said Sirika was being prosecuted alongside his brother, Ahmad Sirika and two companies, Enginos Nigeria Limited and Samahah Integrated Investment Limited on 10 counts bordering on alleged N5.8 billion fraud.

According to Olukoyede, Sirika is also standing trial before Justice Oriji for six counts alongside Fatima Sirika, Jalal Hamma and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited over alleged N2.8 billion fraud. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Defence/Security

Nigeria seeks regional action against illicit arms, IED threats

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government has advocated stronger regional efforts to counter the threats posed by the proliferation of small arms and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the West Africa sub-region.

This call was made at the opening of the ECOWAS Coordination Meeting of National Commissions on Small Arms on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Director-General, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, who is the representative of Nigeria at the meeting made the call.

The theme of the meeting is, “Countering Improvised Explosive Devices, Promoting Administration and Management of Small Arms and Light Weapons, and Regulating Craft Weapons Production in the ECOWAS Region”.

Kokumo said that the challenge of small arms proliferation and IEDs threats transcended individual borders and therefore demands a robust and unified response.

He commended the ECOWAS for its relentless dedication to regional peace and security,  and reiterated the willingness of the federal government to work with its brothers and sisters in the region.

“This coordination meeting therefore provides a unique platform to further consolidate our strategies, align our goals and ensure that our national actions contribute meaningfully to regional stability.

“The threats posed by the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, the rising misuse of improvised explosive devices presents us with a unique and urgent call to action.

“Our collective work here reflects a fundamental truth, that is, no one nation can tackle these complex challenges alone.

“Together, through concerted action and commitment, we can make our communities safer, our borders more secure and our region a beacon of peace and resilience,” he said.

Kokumo said Nigeria had consistently demonstrated its resolve to continue to counter the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

He said that the assent to the NCCSALW Act 2024 by President Bola Tinubu had empowered the centre to serve as Nigeria’s primary agency in SALW control in the country.

According to him, this new Act aligns the National Centre with Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW as well as the UN Programme of Action to combat illicit arms trade.

He said the act had also empowered the centre to develop more robust and sustainable strategies for arms control and reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling its international and regional obligations.

According to him, NCCSALW has destroyed thousands of illicit arms, spearheaded training programmes for weapons marking and embarked on advocacy and sensitisation efforts.

“These efforts have been strengthened by a rigorous partnership with civil society, security agencies and state governments to enhance arms control and accountability.

“Earlier this month, over 2,400 illegal weapons were destroyed while we have also facilitated enhanced training to better address issues related to improvised explosive devices,’’ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Defence/Security

Army must select recruits with physical, intellectual capacity– Experts

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Some serving and retired army generals have emphasised the need for the Nigerian Army to select recruits with both physical strength and intellectual capacity to meet future operational demands.

The views were canvassed at a one-day Nigerian Army Military History Seminar organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) on Tuesday in Abuja, with the theme “Military History and Decision Making in the Nigerian Army Drawing Lessons from the Past Challenges and Prospects.”

Retired Maj.-Gen. Stephenson Olabanji, who delivered a paper on “Nigerian Army’s Cultural Evolution Since 1863”, said that little emphasis was placed on educational qualifications of enlisted men at inception.

Olabanji said that the force had, however, metamorphosed into a highly educated upwardly mobile band of professionals across all facets of learning.

He explained that “the current Nigerian army is making commendable strides to modernise the force.”

He emphasised that recruitment must be enhanced with improved processes to be able to achieve an ideal soldier.

According to him, recruitment system should be up-scaled with heightened emphasis on physical fitness, mental toughness, strategic thinking and
adaptability to diverse operational environment.

“This is because future battlefield will not only require physical strength, but intellectual capacity and emotional resilience.

“The concept of ideal soldier is central to Nigerian army’s vision for operational success, while the skills and competencies of the ideal soldier must align with Nigeria’s national interest.

“Ideal soldiers function as cohesive and highly effective force in pursuit of national interest.

“Ideal soldier is expected to exhibit profound love for homeland because love for country translates to readiness to defend the country at all cost, soldier with strong patriotism likely to uphold Nigerian army’s values and contribute to successes,’’ he added.

In his remarks, Retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Jibrin, the Special Assistant, Technical to the Minister of Defence, said the seminar would help to expose soldiers to lessons learnt from past wars and battles.

Jibrin said it was not enough for the military to prepare and go to war but having it in mind that some of the plans made might not come true.

According to him, each and everyone of the principles of war is derived from the lessons learned in history.

“And so, since we are using the principle to fight the present war and even the future war, then it is necessary for us to know that without history, we cannot build today and the future.

“In the past, these technological advancements were not in the stage, but the lesson of history has taught us that things will not continue to be as they used to.

“Nations will continue to strive to make efforts to come up with more modern ways and means of dealing with security situations confronting them.”

The Deputy Chief of Training (Training and Exercise), Army, Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, said the soldier of the future must be a smart soldier that should be well-educated.

Etsu-Ndagi said such a soldier should be in tune with realities of the time such as technology, to be able to navigate the battlefield of the future.

The Director-General of NARC, Retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, described the seminar as an “indirect approach training to look at what was being done right from lessons learnt from the past.”

Wahab said that the first seminar had been of immense benefit to the army, adding that the second edition was expected to help them come up with lessons and gaps needed to be filled.

According to him, it is not just for the soldier to be physically fit and man the weapon, but ability to relate with the community, and be able to communicate effectively.

He said: “it goes beyond handling of weapons because that weapon is being held in trust for Nigerians to be able to secure them.

“So, we have to find a way of ensuring that trust is built between not only the army, but all the security agencies and the community they are securing.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Defence/Security

Insecurity: Kenyatta seeks strong institutions

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasised the importance of strong institutions in addressing insecurity, stating that the police and military must be the only legitimate actors to avert violence.

He stated this at the inaugural lecture for Course 33 of the National Defence College Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.

Kenyatta stressed that the military and police must be capable and willing to secure citizens and their properties.

“This includes having the analytical ability to identify threats and effective communication to shape perceptions of the state’s deployment of violence.”

He cited pastoralist conflicts and militia formations as indicators that more work is needed.

To achieve national security and development, Kenyatta highlighted the need for effective administrative control.

He advised that government control should flow from national to grassroots levels.

Kenyatta said there was need for investment in human capital by creating social and economic pathways for youth to actualise themselves.

He also called for government’s respond to the demands of young people, who make up more than 70 per cent of the productive population.

Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, commandant of NDC, noted that the college’s mission was to develop future leaders equipped with knowledge and analytical skills to navigate dynamic defence and security environments.

“Since its establishment in 1992, NDC has graduated more than 2,000 senior officers from various security agencies and strategic ministries.

“The current Course 33 comprises 100 participants, including 54 Nigerian Armed Forces officers, five Nigerian Police Force officers, and 18 personnel from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as 23 international participants from 19 countries.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security

Correctional centres will be places of hope- Tunji-Ojo

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says correctional centres across the country will continue to be places of hope for all categories of inmates.

 

Tunji-Ojo said this at a  Performance Contract Signing Retreat, which had the theme “United Front for a Secure Nation and Future”, on Monday in Abuja.

 

The Minister said that this would be achieved through a positive change in the institutional management of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCOS) for better service delivery.

 

“I will not defend you that you are doing good in terms of institutional management, but we will take responsibility as it must be better.

 

“Our responsibility is to make sure people are treated with dignity as the service serves as the bridge between the weak and strongest.

 

“Whatever you are presenting during this retreat must be based on the premise of rehabilitation, correctional reformation and respect for human rights,” he said.

 

He said he was pleased with the border control measures put in place by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), adding that a lot still needs to be done to improve these measures.

 

“We need a service with better border control, administration and management as there are more undesignated borders than the designated ones,” he said.

 

Tunji-Ojo tasked the NIS to ensure every Nigerian is accounted for at every point in time.

 

He charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen efforts in safeguarding the nation’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).

 

“Today we see a lot of vandalism in the power, telecommunications and solid mineral sectors, among others.

 

“There is, therefore, the need for the Corps to be in charge of all CNAI in line with the Act governing its operations,” the Minister said.

 

He said that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) remains the security identification architecture of the country.

 

Tunji-Ojo, however, said that a lot of measures needed to be taken by the Federal Fire Service to enshrine a culture of effective rescue and firefighting operations.

 

He said that the signing of the performance bond by the heads of parastatal signified a commitment to better service delivery to Nigerians.

 

“Your uniform is a sign of patriotism, loyalty; so let your patriotism be a sign and not just in words.

 

“We will give you all the mentorship and support you need but when you fail, but I hope you will not fail, because failure has repercussions,” Tunji-Ojo said.

 

According to the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the contracts are a roadmap for the ministry’s vision.

 

“They set measurable targets that will reflect our impact on the nation’s security and well-being. Through these agreements, we are not only signing our names but committing to tangible results,” she said.

 

She charged participants to utilise the retreat as a forum to innovate, strategise and set realistic, achievable and timely key performance indicators.

 

“Our targets must not only be ambitious, but also grounded in the realities of our current security landscape.

 

“It is by aligning our goals and pooling our strengths that we can unlock our full potential and transform the vision of a secured Nigeria into reality,” Ajani said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Defence/Security

Tinubu tasks NUPRC, industry players on crude production

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By Emmanuella Anokam

President Bola Tinubu has tasked industry players to collaborate with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in realising its One Million Barrels Oil Per Day (1MMBOPD) Initiative.

Tinubu said this on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of Project 1MMBOPD Initiative and commemoration of the third anniversary of the NUPRC under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021).

The project is an NUPRC collaborative initiative to evolve alternative funding mechanisms to unlock incremental oil production in the short-to-medium term with expanded opportunities for all industry stakeholder groups.

Represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tinubu charged relevant industry stakeholders to join NUPRC in realising set goals of incremental oil production target within specific timelines.

He said the shared responsibility initiative would be a collaborative undertaking, involving government agencies, major producers, service providers, financiers, host communities and other stakeholders.

This, he said, would expand government revenue, eradicate poverty and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in a sterile, shared prosperity.

“These commitments will be critical in ensuring that we achieve an incremental production in the next 12 months. Growing not just production levels, but also increasing efficiency and competitiveness of our industries.

“This initiative is of national importance and it should support Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth,” the president said.

The president said his administration while focusing on decarbonisation approaches to oil and gas, a renewed drive for economic diversification, usage of oil and gas industrials and development, remained intact.

He expressed delight that the sector had witnessed major financial and investment decisions across the value chain, since inception of the reform.

“To this end, we must work more subtly to grow production, meet domestic energy security needs and shore up foreign exchange gains.

“I congratulate all active oil and gas industry players for the modest gains in oil production which rose to 1.6 million barrels per day.

“I am pleased that the NUPRC, working with industrial stakeholders has transformed that executive charge into a tangible measure set as progress to one million barrels per day in oil and gas production.

“By enhancing domestic energy security and supporting growing vibrancy, this initiative will ensure that Nigeria remains a crucial player in the global energy asset and means of worldwide energy transition.

“Increased oil production will mean more job opportunities, increased revenue for the government, and more stable energy supply for the assets,” he said.

Tinubu commended the Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), NUPRC, NNPC Ltd., industry captains and oil producing organisations for delivering to contemporary challenges to foster development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Defence/Security

Governors’ forum backs EFCC, urges synergy on cyber-security

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has expressed the forum’s support to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This is coming as the Supreme Court reserved ruling on the suit against the EFCC by 19 other governors over the constitutionality of its establishment.

The NGF chairman expressed this commitment at the 2024 National Cybercrime Summit held in Abuja.

The summit was organised by the EFCC in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), and the European Union

It focused on enhancing digital skills as a strategy to combat cybercrime.

The summit is with the theme: “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development”.

The NGF chairman called for synergy on cyber-security in the country to enhance national development.

“I am impressed with what the EFCC, NDLEA, and NOA are doing in the new media and our basic schools to dissuade young people from engaging in crimes, drug abuse, and to promote patriotism.

”This effort should be elevated so that we can achieve a national consensus on the behaviors that form the foundation of our cultural legacy as Nigerians.

“We also commend the EFCC for organising this summit. I am confident that, after this gathering, we will be better informed and more motivated to improve the public’s perception of cybercrime,” he said.

 In the same vein, Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, in a chat with newsmen, expressed readiness to support the commission in its anti-corruption crusade in Zamfara and the country as a whole.

Lawal said he was not afraid of the EFCC’s investigation, and would give the commission the required assistance.

According to him, people elected to positions of leadership should be accountable and transparent.

”My coming here is also to give my support to the commission, especially at a time like this when Nigeria is facing many negative challenges related to cybercrime.

“So, this is a very good opportunity, and I believe this is the way forward so that we can redeem the image of Nigeria in the commity of Nations,” he said.

The governor said that he was not aware of the suit brought by some of his colleagues against the EFCC.

“I am hearing this for the first time about the suit, and that is the truth. So, I do not know what it contains. I cannot comment on that,” he said.

Also Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe emphasised the importance of collaboration in combating the growing threat of cybercrime.

Yahaya commended the EFCC for organising the national cybercrime summit.

He said that the event was a timely initiative towards addressing the growing challenge of cybercrime.

He emphasised 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 recognise that combating cybercrime requires partnership,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Defence/Security

EFCC urges youth to leverage cyber skills for national development

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Nigerian youth to channel their cyber skills towards national development, rather than engaging in cybercrime.

The EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, who made this call at the National Summit on Cybercrime held in Abuja, emphasised the need for collective action against internet fraud.

The conference with the theme “Alternatives to Cybercrimes:  Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development” is to raise awareness on the dangers of cybercrime and promote alternative uses of cyber skills.

It was organised by EFCC with the support of the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-Phase II), Programme of the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

Olukoyede raised concerns about the growing menace of cybercrime in the country, warning that “it poses a significant threat to the nation’s reputation, economic well-being, and the future of its youths.

“Cybercrime is corrupting our family values and promoting a get-rich-quick mentality among our youths. We must rescue our young generation from the stranglehold of cybercrime.”

According to him, projections by multiple sources show that the global loss to cybercrimes may reach a staggering 10.5 trillion dollars by 2025, with approximately 2,328 cases occurring daily.

“The implication of all these is that, if left unchecked, cybercrimes portend grave dangers to the entire world.

“These are the realities stoking the commission’s fight against these crimes. Cybercrime accounts for a significant percentage of the 3,455 convictions recorded by the EFCC in my one year as Executive Chairman.

“A significant portfolio of choice assets have also been recovered and returned to both local and foreign victims of cybercrimes by the commission.

“ We are not oblivious of insinuations and misconceptions in some quarters that the commission is concentrating its operational works on the fight against internet crimes.”

He said that while this narrative was not really true, the fact remains that cybercrime threatened the nation’s most significant asset, its reputation, and economic wellbeing.

“The losses by the financial services sector to cybercrime in the last three years is staggering.

“We cannot continue to sit idly and watch the integrity of our institutions compromised and our youths degenerate into uselessness.

“The future of our nation cannot and would not be allowed to hang in the balance. We must take collective actions against cybercrimes”.

According to him, talking about alternatives to cybercrimes, there are ample skills that can be optimised for national development.

He noted with concern that it was the lack of serious thought on the alternatives that had not made the youth shift their focus from criminal tendencies.

“First, there is the alternative of creative and innovative development of socially-beneficial applications that can deliver better prospects than internet fraud.

“Today’s event is tailored towards exposing young Nigerian with strong tech skills to the opportunities that abound in various industries, and sectors for legitimate wealth creation and honest livelihood.

“These opportunities can be found in the creative industry, tech ecosystem, financial services sector, medical services and even law enforcement,” he said.

The Head of Programme, International IDEA, Mr Danladi Plang, said that  Nigeria has a very youthful population that is versatile in the use of technology.

He noted with concern that the skill had, however, been used negatively in various forms including in digital financial crime.

“This has not only given the country a bad name internationally, but also a significant threat to the country’s financial system; and increased crimes against the person including child pornography.

“While we acknowledge the effort made by the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies in fighting cybercrime, perhaps we need to rethink our traditional approach of arrest, trial, conviction and imprisonment in fighting crime.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Defence/Security

Prioritise road safety for sustainable devt- FRSC boss

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By Ibironke Ariyo
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, has said that Africa must prioritise robust road safety measures to protect lives and property.

Mohammed said this at the 1st Congress of the African Union of Transport and Logistics Organisations on Tuesday in Tangier, Kingdom of Morocco.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in recognition of the critical roles played by FRSC in West African sub region, the Corps Marshal was honoured with an award.

NAN reports that the award was presented by the President of the Africa Union of Transport and Logistics Organisation, Mr Mustapha Chaoune, during the opening ceremony.

The FRSC boss emphasised the continent’s need for effective transportation infrastructure, while urging African nations to make road safety top priority.

He said that the theme of the joint exhibition titled “Building Sustainable Logistics Chains for Africa’s Structural Transformation” was relevant to the current global trend in urban transportation systems.

“We are all aware that for an effective transportation system, we need a workable transport infrastructure that is interconnected to provide a dynamic and sustainable safe mobility of persons and service.

“This is expected to unite and enhance collaboration between African countries and foster better regional integration, especially in the area of road transport safety.

“I must therefore commend the vision behind the 1st Congress of African Union of Transport and Logistics Organisation.

“Permit me to also mention that the choice of the theme for the 1st International Exhibition on Mobility, Transport and Logistics seeks to address the challenges of Africa’s infrastructural transformation through sustainable supply chains.

“Apparently, Africa has admitted that road transport sub-sector remains the major channel for the mobility of goods and services. However, one of the major logistic challenges of the road transportation system in Africa is road safety.

“This is because road crashes have been a recurring decimal on African roads with high human casualties and unquantifiable destruction of goods and services,” he said.

The corps marshal said that Nigeria developed the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) document in line with the UN resolution for African countries to develop a national road safety development plan.

“The NRSS is a national blue print expected to galvanise both Government and Private Sector as critical stakeholders to ensure that road crash related deaths and injuries are reduced by 5 per cent by 2030.

“Furthermore, the FRSC initiated and developed measures to ensure the safety of persons, goods and services plying the highways.

“The road safety programmes were anchored on two policy thrusts; public awareness component of the road safety, and the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.

“From the history of our road safety awareness ccampaigns, it is clear that the enforcement of road traffic regulations is a major logistic component in road transportation.

“No doubt, enforcement of road traffic laws and penalizing traffic offenders remains a major deterring factor. This has improved safety in the road transportation system,” he added.

Speaking further, the FRSC Corps Marshal said that Nigeria also acceded to the United Nations Road Safety Convention to strengthen road safety as a key logistic component on the road transport sub-sector.

“Therefore, in our deliberations during this congress, we should consider the following legal instruments as key logistics components that must be regulated and enforced for a sustainable Africa’s structural transformation, especially, in road transportation

“This includes Traffic Rules, Road Signs, Vehicle Regulations, Transport of Dangerous Goods; and Professional Driver Fatigue, among others.”

The corps marshal who was the head of the Nigerian delegation, said that Nigeria was also a member of the Advisory Board of the United Nations Road Safety Trust Fund.

He added that the fund was conceived as a deliberate effort to bridge the gaps in road transportation by improving safety as a logistic component in road transport sub-sector.

“Furtherance to that objective, FRSC is also proposing a dedicated road safety fund (RSF).

“If this is achieved, it will foster the integration of road safety into project planning; including safety assessments, designs and implementation, thus, improving safety in the road transportation sub-sector,”he said.

Mohammed said that in the course of the Congress, discussions would further reveal possibilities and opportunities for Africa to collaborate and develop a cost effective integrated transport logistics.

This, he said, would promote economic growth and improve Africa’s socio-cultural integration.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

Fighting cybercrime requires multifaceted approach —First Lady

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The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu says winning the war against cybercrime in the country requires the involvement of various stakeholders to achieve it.

The first lady said this at the 2024 National Cybersecurity Summit, organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday in Abuja.

The conference with the theme: “Alternatives to Cybercrime; Optimizing Cyber Skills for National Development,” aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of cybercrime and promote alternative uses of cyber skills.

It was organised with the support of the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-Phase II) Programme of the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

Mrs Tinubu said that cybercrime was not just a crime against individuals or businesses but an assault on collective integrity, the nation’s economic stability and the future of the youth.

She expressed concern over the alarming rates of youth involvement in cybercrime and urged parents to guide their children appropriately by inculcating good values, morals and sense of patriotism in them.

The first lady lauded the EFCC chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, for organising the summit, which theme she said resonated deeply with current global challenges encountered globally.

“These include parents, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, the private sector, religious leaders, traditional rulers, business leaders, communities and civil societies.

“It is crucial that we emphasise and entrench the culture of hard work rooted in honesty and dignity of labour among our teeming youth.

“In this regard, parents play a pivotal role in raising and guiding their children and wards to be God-fearing.

“Bond of trust and understanding should be created between parents and their children to allow for open communication, whereby their fears and insecurities could be addressed,” she said.

Sen. Tinubu said that there was no economy that could thrive if its most active and talented youth were sold to crime.

“At the level of the government, the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu, is not oblivious of the challenge of youth involvement in cybercrime.

“Efforts are already being made to address the situation.

“The President in his national broadcast on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, announced plans to convene a National Youth Summit.

“Without preempting the agenda, I can say with certainty that some of the issues for discussion today will feature in the Summit,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu said her organisation, the Renewed Hope Initiative, had empowered women and youth through training and grants for small businesses, scholarships for undergraduates and other social investments to curb crimes.

She called on parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, organisations and all handlers to take the responsibility of curbing cybercrimes in the society.

Also speaking, the EFCC chairman lauded the first lady for the various roles she had played in the society, and also thanked President Tinubu for his administration’s fight against cybercrime.

He said that the commission was planning to launch a research and rehabilitation centre to educate people, especially ex-victims to create opportunities for them to stop committing crime.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, governors, the diplomatic community, national youth corps members, women and youth, among others.

They included Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara; Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina; Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara; Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.

Others included the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was represented by the Alara of Ilara Epe Lagos, Oba Olukoyede Ogunsanwo; and the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.(NAN)

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Edited by Mark Longyen

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