NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
MTN, CITN push for tax reforms to boost national development
Economy/Business

MTN, CITN push for tax reforms to boost national development

170 total views today

By Jessica Dogo

MTN Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) have canvassed urgent tax reforms to boost national development.

They made the call in Abuja at the ongoing 27th annual Tax Conference of CITN.

Both organisations highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in fostering fiscal transparency and sustainable national development.

The four-day event has as its theme: “Taxation for Development: Policy, Law and Implementation”.

Speaking during a plenary session, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of MTN Nigeria, Mr Modupe Kadri, called for greater collaboration and tax compliance across sectors.

Kadri informed that MTN Nigeria in 2024 alone, contributed N48.6 billion in taxes, underlining the company’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations.

“Tax compliance is critical to national development. At MTN Nigeria, we are fully committed to our tax obligations because we understand the role they play in building a stronger country,” he said.

He advocated reforms that promote policy clarity, reduce compliance burdens, and ensure that tax revenues were transparently and effectively utilised.

In his remarks, the CITN President and Council Chairman, Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, described the pending Tax Reform Bill as a critical opportunity to reframe Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.

Agbeluyi, the 16th President of CITN, said that unified action from both public and private sectors was required to drive meaningful change in the tax system.

“If we are serious about rebuilding trust, driving investment, and funding development sustainably, then tax reform must move from conversation to execution,” he said.

He urged political leaders at all levels to show the will required to implement policies that would enhance revenue generation and build public confidence in the system.

In his remarks Mr Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that one major tax compliance challenge was lack of trust between the taxpayer and the tax authority.

He spoke on: “Tax Laws and Administration: Challenges of Compliance.”

Falana said that one of the ways to overcome the challenge was through tax education to create understanding between both parties.

“The issue of trust has introduced such a negative relationship between the taxpayer and the tax authority, where the taxpayer sees the tax authority as an adversary.

“Tax education is such that we focus on giving understanding to both the taxpayer and the tax officials to know that there is need for cooperation,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long event brought together key stakeholders, including tax professionals, government officials, policymakers and regional participants. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Justice system key to road safety enforcement – Forum
Defence/Security

Justice system key to road safety enforcement – Forum

152 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Road Safety Stakeholders and Humanitarian Forum has emphasised the critical role of the judiciary in enforcing traffic laws and sustaining reforms to reduce road traffic crashes in Nigeria.

The forum made this known during a courtesy visit to the President, Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, in Abuja.

Speaking, the Chairman of the Forum, Dr Yusuf John-Suberu, said that the visit was as part of activities to mark the United Nations Global Road Safety Week, slated for Monday, May 12 to Sunday, May 18.

John-Suberu, who doubled as the representative of NGOs and CSOs in the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety and Injury Prevention in Nigeria, said the judiciary was a central pillar in the fight against road traffic violations and impunity.

He lauded Justice Dongban-Mensem’s long-standing commitment to road safety and her advocacy for the prosecution of traffic offenders, which had contributed to increased public accountability.

“Without effective legal enforcement, road safety campaigns lose their impact. The judiciary ensures that traffic laws are upheld, and justice is served for victims.

“We are committed to collaborative efforts that promote safety, create awareness, reduce accidents and save lives on our roads,” he said.

John-Suberu said that globally, over 1.35 million people die annually due to road traffic crashes, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt (WHO Report, 2018).

He said that in Nigeria, road traffic crashes resulted in significant economic losses, estimated at over N100 billion annually adding that obvious improvements have been made.

This, he said, included increased collaboration between government agencies, NGOs and CSOs to promote road safety awareness and enforcement.

This, he added also, were strengthening of traffic laws, rules and regulations, noting that improvement has been made on data collection and analysis for policy implementation and enhanced emergency response systems.

“These efforts have contributed to a reduction in road traffic fatalities and injuries in Nigeria.

“As we commemorate the UN Global Road Safety Week, we recognise the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in addressing road safety challenges.

“Our goal is to build on the progress made and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities),” he said.

John-Suberu called for greater collaboration between legal institutions, law enforcement agencies, and Civil Society to ensure timely adjudication of road traffic cases and broader policy impact.

He, however, urged the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to increase funding for road safety reforms and enforcement.

He also encouraged donor agencies to provide technical assistance to strengthen legal frameworks and institutional capacity.

Responding, Justice Dongban-Mensem commended the forum for recognising the importance of collaboration in road safety challenges.

She, however, called on NGOs and CSOs across Nigeria to unite in purpose and work collaboratively for national development.

She emphasised that non-profit organisations should not be seen as platforms for financial gain, but as institutions of service and sacrifice for the good of society.

“If you are running an NGO, it is not a money-making venture. It is a place of sacrifice. It is only when we look at it from that point of view that we can truly succeed.

“NGOs are meant to be a cover for people who cannot go to the government. When members come from various walks of life, their positions can be used to advocate and draw the attention of those in authority to the issues that matter,” she added.

Dongban-Mensem, therefore, urged the forum to serve as voices for the voiceless, especially those unable to directly access government or public institutions.

The Appeal Court President encouraged unity among them stressing that collaboration rather than competition would strengthen their impact across the country.

Highlight of the event was presentation of the “Road Safety Hero 2025” award to Justice Dongban-Mensem in recognition of her leadership, legal advocacy, and support for systemic reforms in road safety enforcement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Varsities’ Registrars unite to boost global ranking
Education

Varsities’ Registrars unite to boost global ranking

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By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

The Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU) has lamented the inability of the Nigerian Universities to be among the best in the world in terms of global ranking.

The association expressed this through its Chairman, Dr Bala Ahmed, who spoke at the 3rd Registrars Workshop and 77th Business Meeting held at the Kaduna State University (KASU).

The theme of the workshop was ‘University Ranking in the Face of Global Competitiveness: The Way Forward for Nigerian Universities’.

Ahmed lamented some of the daunting challenges the Nigerian University system was facing.

According to him, some of the challenges facing Nigerian universities include emerging technological trends that impact their global competitiveness in teaching, research, and innovation.

He also identified other factors that may negatively be impacting on global rankings.

Ahmed listed them to include chronic underfunding and dilapidated infrastructure, continued exodus of top academic talent, low research output and weak visibility in international academic publications.

He also identified insufficient international collaborations and institutional partnerships and disruptions in academic calendars as some of the problems.

According to him, this is due to recurring industrial actions, declining quality of student intake, as evidenced by the recent performance in JAMB examinations, among other factors.

Ahmed explained that Nigerian University Registrars convened to address ranking challenges, mitigate shortcomings, and elevate Nigerian Universities globally.

They also recognised their critical role in shaping academic policies and driving institutional excellence.

“As registrars, the custodians of university governance, records, and administrative frameworks

“We must ask ourselves how we can be more intentional, strategic, and reform-oriented in steering our institutions toward greater relevance,” he said.

Ahmed also emphasised Artificial Intelligence (AI) as another evolving area of teaching and research in technologically driven countries.

He explained that contemporarily, universities and research centres around the world had incorporated the use of AI for problem solving, acknowledge acquisition,
research and innovation.

This, he said, was another vital area that the workshop intended to examine
and raise awareness among Nigerian Universities for its application and adaptation.

He said that resource persons at the workshop would attempt to examine, review and even critique the indices and parameters used by world ranking bodies.

This is in order to formulate alternative approaches and recommend paradigm shift for Nigerian Universities to be more visible and uncompetitive among universities within the global space.

The host registrar, Samira Balarabe, the Registrar of KASU, said the association unites administrators to learn best practices and ensure consistency nationwide.

She, however, urged government support for infrastructure and resources to keep pace with evolving education trends.

The Vice-Chancellor of KASU, Prof. Abdullahi Musa, said the institution aimed to achieve excellence by identifying its unique identity and collaborating with stakeholders including parents, industry experts, academia, and registrars.

Musa added that KASU prioritised innovation, sensitivity to community needs, with a strategic framework guiding their progress.

He said the university had achieved notably in Nigeria for being the first to offer programmes in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Supply Chain, Islamic Economics and Finance, among others.

“For us, excellence is a core concept, extending beyond competition to impactful change, with the university’s programmes designed to address local and global challenges including poverty eradication, security, and well-being,” Musa said.

Also, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, emphasised that Registrars were the backbone of university governance.

He said they directly impact on the quality of human resources and the effective functioning of higher education institutions.

Ribadu, represented by Adewale Bakare, Deputy Director, Corporate Services, said the workshop would provide a valuable platform for enhanced knowledge sharing, professional development and collaborations.

He urged them to develop lasting strategies to strengthen universities administrative
frameworks in line with global best practices.

Ribadu assured them of the NUC’s commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives that would promote efficient resource utilisation and enhance effective leadership in Nigeria universities.

He, therefore, urged them to actively engage in the discussions, share ideas and explore innovative solutions that would elevate the standards of Nigerian universities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Bashir Rabe Mani Read More

NAICOM, minister unveil insurance regulation to crash airfares, boost airline operations
Aviation

NAICOM, minister unveil insurance regulation to crash airfares, boost airline operations

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By Ginika Okoye

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development have unveiled the Revised Insurance Regulation on Leased Aircraft to boost airline operations.

The aim, according to them, is to slash airfares.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Olusegun Omosehin, said the regulation would promote stability of the aviation insurance market.

Omosehin said the regulation had been designed in a way that the insurance market aligned both with the desire of government in terms of local content and the agenda of the liaisons and financiers.

According to him, the leasing of aviation aircraft will give the operators the needed advantage they require in terms of being able to procure new aircraft which will ultimately be to the advantage of Nigerians.

He said the regulation would positively impact the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and allow for capacity building locally where people benefit from the transfer of knowledge.

“This, we hope, will drop the cost of air travels in Nigeria because they can get more aircraft now with this agreement.

“We also believe that with the agreed insurance regulation, it will also give them (operators) some level of comfort in terms of securing this within a timeframe.

“With the right insurance framework, Nigeria’s aviation sector can overcome challenges, adapt to changes, and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

“The major concern of airline operators before now had always been their inability to meet the requirements of the liaisons to the financiers.

“There has been this requirement in the contract where the liaisons require about 95 per cent of insurances of this aircraft to be placed offshore.

“After a series of engagements and in line with our extant laws, we are able to agree a position that allows local operators who are taking aviation policy on a net account basis to be able to cede as much as 90 per cent to the international market.

“We have also stated the condition or the requirement for those capacities that are required,” he said.

Festus Keyamo (SAN), the minister, commended NAICOM for its efforts and collaboration toward making the regulation a reality.

Keyamo said the regulation would help the aviation industry to meet international best practices.

“What we have today is a complete Nigerian position that is also in tandem with what the world also expects.

“The official Working Group has looked at what they have done and have agreed with it.

“They have shared it with most of the businesses across the world and we have a complete revised insurance regulations (3:29) on these aircraft in Nigeria,” Keyamo said.

Dr Adetayo John-Fisher, the Managing Director, First Standard Insurance Brokers Limited, said the revised regulation would give operators conducive atmosphere to bring in aircraft in the country.

John-Fisher, who spoke for the insurance industry, said the regulation would support the Federal Government’s intention to grow the economy.

Princess Zahrah Audu, the Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), commended the collaboration between all stakeholders.

Audu called for better service delivery from airline operators.

The Executive Chairman of United Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, who spoke on behalf of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), said that the implementation of the regulation should be seamless.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other airline stakeholders including the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) attended the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Court case stalls Reps hearing on takeover of Benue, Zamfara Houses of Assembly
Politics

Court case stalls Reps hearing on takeover of Benue, Zamfara Houses of Assembly

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By EricJames Ochigbo

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has adjourned hearing in a petition seeking the National Assembly to takeover Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly, to May 28.

The Chairman of the committee, Rep. Bitrus Laori (PDP-Adamawa), gave the ruling at the resumption of hearing on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the adjournment became necessary as the committee had been served court documents, notifying it that the matter is currently in court.

Laori said that the detials is Suit No. FHC/MKD/CS/146/2025) filed on May 5, 2025 at Federal High Court, Makurdi Division and had been adjourned to May 19.

The chairman also said that the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly had also written a letter to the Senate and House of Representatives Benue Caucuses seeking an interaction over the matter.

“In view of the court processes and the request of the Benue State House of Assembly leadership seeking to dialogue with Senate and House of Representatives Caucuses, the decision to continue sitting on the petition or not will be determined on the next adjourned date, May 28,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in Benue, the House of Assembly suspended 13 lawmakers for three months over their alleged opposition to the removal of the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.

The judge was accused of gross misconduct and corruption, sparking controversy and division within the assembly.

While in Zamfara, the political crisis deepened in February 2024 when the Assembly suspended ten lawmakers.

Of the 10 suspended lawmakers for allegedly convening an illegal plenary session, four are from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and six from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

NAN also reports that the situation in Zamfara has since escalated into a leadership tussle, with two lawmakers, Mr Bilyaminu Moriki and Mr Bashar Gummi, both laying claim to the speakership.

The Gummi-led faction reportedly held a parallel sitting during which they purportedly impeached Moriki.

In response, the Moriki-led Assembly suspended 10 members aligned with Gummi, labelling the impeachment as invalid and accusing the group of conducting an illegal session.

These crises form the basis of the petitions currently before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions.

NAN observed that the governors and speakers of both State Houses of Assembly who were again invited last week did not appear.

However, the petitioners, the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law represented by a lawyer, Mr Emmanuel Onwudiwe as well as the suspended members of Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly were present. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Food security: 400 Delta farmers get grants, inputs from First Lady
Agriculture

Food security: 400 Delta farmers get grants, inputs from First Lady

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By Ifeanyi Olannye
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has distributed farm inputs and financial grants to 400 farmers in Delta under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Agricultural Support Programme.
The programme, in collaboration with the ‘You Matter Charity Foundation”, a pet programme of the Delta Governor’s Wife, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, held at the Event Centre, Asaba.
Tinubu reiterated the crucial role of agriculture in achieving food security, creating employment, and driving economic growth.
The President’s wife, represented by Oborevwori, expressed delight at seeing women, young farmers in secondary schools, youths, and cooperative groups becoming actively involved in farming.
She noted that gardening remains a time-honoured tradition which sustained our forefathers and could benefit families today.
She encouraged every home to own a garden, adding that home gardening would help to reduce economic hardship for families.
“The beauty of it is that it’s not limited by gender or age. Growing your own food helps promote healthier eating, improves your diet, and provides fresh, nutritious produce.
“You will agree with me that it is possible for us to grow our own food. The earth is blessed for our sake. When you plant, it germinates and yields a great harvest.
“The essence of this initiative is to bring us back on track and increase food production across the nation. This is about feeding your family and sharing with your neighbours,” she said.
The first lady announced that the beneficiaries as women, youths, secondary school students, and farming groups were selected to receive various farm implements and seedlings as part of the initiative.
“I hope this gesture encourages you. I urge you to give your best as you return to your farms daily.
“I have my own garden behind my house, and soon I will begin harvesting corn, vegetables, and other crops. On a lighter note, I am happy to share with you.
“For those who haven’t started, please give it a thought. Let’s join hands to grow more food and move from scarcity to abundance,” Tinubu said.
In her address, Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs Catherine Onyeme, said the event was dedicated to empowering student farmers, women, youths, and cooperative farming groups in Delta.
“Today’s event reflects our unwavering commitment to equipping farmers with the tools and financial support they need to thrive.
“Through the Agricultural Support Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative, led by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, we reaffirm our dedication to strengthening agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.
“Empowering farmers is not merely an intervention, it is a necessity. It restores hope, promotes food security, boosts household income, and positions farming as a viable and transformational enterprise,” she said.
She thanked Tinubu for her visionary leadership and commitment to the Renewed Hope Initiative and encouraged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Val Arenyeka, underscored the essential role of farmers in ensuring food security.
He said that without farmers, there would be no food, while urging the people to embrace farming for food sufficiency.
On his part, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Harry Triakriowei, thanked the President’s wife for including Delta youths in her Renewed Hope Initiative.
He said that the initiative would improve food security and generate income through agriculture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that items distributed include bags of fertilizer, wheelbarrows, seedlings, cassava stems, pesticides, herbicides, fingerlings, chicks, goat kids as well as financial grants. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
12th CNS Swimming championship kicks off July in Asaba
Sports

12th CNS Swimming championship kicks off July in Asaba

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By Ijeoma Okigbo

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), says preparations are in top gear for the 12th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Swimming Championship slated for the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, from July 15 to July 19.

Chinoye Aliyu, president of the federation, said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja adding that the tournament will discover talents to represent the country.

“This championship is a cornerstone of our strategic plan to identify, nurture and prepare elite athletes who will represent Nigeria at international events.

“Recently, Nigeria made history by breaking two African records in the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle events at the Africa Junior Swimming Championships earlier this month (May).

“It is on the backdrop of these that we encourage swimmers below 18 years of age to register as the CNS tournament has both junior and senior or elite categories.

“We are also expecting a wide range of swimmers; from tertiary institutions, the para-military, states and clubs to register and participate in the tournament.

“The federation’s technical committee and national scouts will be on ground to evaluate performances and select exceptional swimmers for advanced training,’’ Aliyu said.

The President also lauded efforts of the Nigerian Navy and the CNS Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla for his continued support and collaboration towards discovering young talents in the sport.

“I want to particularly thank the Nigerian Navy for restoring the lost glory of swimming in Nigeria.

“Like I said earlier, we broke two records in Egypt, eventually clinching three golds and one bronze medal—an unprecedented feat in the nation’s swimming history.

“This was also due to the support from the CNS who released to us Lt.-Cdr. Labake Oriretan, a former champion and seasoned coach to guide the national team during the competition,” she said.

On his part, Rear Adm. Patrick Nwatu, the chairman, Nigerian Navy Swimming Association, said the partnership has been worthwhile, stressing their continued support for the sport.

“We see supporting NAqF as one of our corporate social responsibility to the nation.

“For almost 14 years now, the Nigerian Navy has been part of this endeavour and we are constantly looking for ways to see how we can improve and contribute our quota.

“We will see how we can identify athletes to be able to participate in international events and also encourage open water swimming.

“Over the years, the collaboration has been worthwhile and we look forward to other areas we can support and partner in the future.

“The last edition was well attended and we look forward to a greater participation this year where we can have our youths express themselves,” Nwatu added.

Also in attendance at the event are Rear Adm. Yusuf Idris, the director of sports Nigerian Navy, Taiwo Oriss, the secretary general of NAqF, Dauda Usman, the vice president of NAqF, amongst others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

NAF marks 61st anniversary with display of fighter aircraft
Defence/Security

NAF marks 61st anniversary with display of fighter aircraft

420 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday displayed its fighter aircraft, accoutrements and other facilities to the public as ‘Open Day’ activities to commemorate its 61st Anniversary Celebration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NAF had announced the ‘Open Day’ as one of the activities lined up to celebrate the 2025 edition.

NAN also reports that the platforms on display at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja include Super Tucano, Maritime Patrol LTR42-500 aircraft, L39 Alpha jets and Bell EC135 Helicopter.

Speaking of the activity, the Commander, 307 Executive Airlift Group Abuja, Air Commodore Mohammed Ahmed, said it was a good thing having civilians to see what the Air Force does.

Ahmed said the NAF saw itself as part of the larger society and owned by the people as well, hence the need to open its doors to Nigerians to see what they are and what they do.

“As the air force is to us, that is how the air force is to you. It is taxpayers’ money being used to buy these airplanes and pay our salary.

“So we appreciate you all. And that is why the Chief of the Air Staff wants us to bring you in so that you can see what your money is being used for.

“Now when we are taking pictures, I saw a young man coming up and his father was saying, come to the future.

“Hopefully one day I will see him and celebrate him as a pilot in Nigeria. So that’s what we are doing here now for today.

One of the visitors, Mr Victor Dickson, a Business Consultant, said it made sense to compare what the air force was before and now, saying what the NAF did had been shrouded in secrecy.

According to him, the only thing people know are just planes, people that wear uniforms but we don’t even understand the rank and where they are situated around the country.

“But here we are for the first time in my life, with my wife and my children, having the opportunity to have air force officers introducing themselves to us.

“They are introducing their uniforms, what they use their different uniforms for, and how they are positioned around the country. And then here again I am at the hangar now, seeing their aircraft.

“I think one of them that stood out for me today was when the senior officer used the word, he said, ‘we know we use your taxpayers’ money,’’ he said.

Dickson described the statement by the NAF officer as a sense of accountability, adding that the open day had provided him the opportunity to see the Nigerian air force at work.

He thanked the leadership of the Nigerian air force for creating avenues for the citizens to connect with their military.

A student from Nigerian Tulip International College Abuja, Stephanie Martin-Sini, said it was interesting to see how the NAF works.

She said they had the opportunity to meet pilots, nurses and doctors, as well as being enlightened on the types of aircraft being used by the air force. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Military more determined than ever to go after terrorists – CDS
Defence/Security

Military more determined than ever to go after terrorists – CDS

227 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the military is more determined than ever to go after all terrorists to restore peace and stability in the country.

Musa gave the assurance at the Defence Headquarters Psychological Operations Workshop with the theme “Defence Headquarters Influence Operations: Optimising Psychological Operations for Efficiency in a Joint Environment” on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that there was a need for enhanced non-kinetic activities, particularly psychological operations, to shape the environment in favour of the ultimate aim of all on-going operations.

According to him, the workshop is timely, given the evolving nature of modern warfare and the increasing importance of influencing perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours.

He said the nation had in recent times, grappled with complex security challenges and threats which had brought to the fore some occurrences that threaten the peace and security of the nation.

These, he added, had undoubtedly continued to test the resolve of the Nigerian people and the capacity of security agencies to discharge their constitutional roles.

The CDS said the tactics of the non-state actor of indiscriminate violence against innocent citizens had continually created fear and despair amongst the populace.

He said the prevalent threats in Nigeria’s internal security landscape will not be tackled through kinetic operations alone, due largely to the continuous mutation in the nature and character of the threats.

“This situation therefore presumes that the threat has since gone beyond purely traditional military actions but requires a combination of robust and well-coordinated non-kinetic efforts by all the stakeholders to support our kinetic actions.

“From the kinetic perspective, troops have continued to deny insurgents/terrorists freedom of action despite isolated attacks on troops’ locations.

“With the recent changes in some of the commands in the theatres, we expect new strategies to further destroy the capacities of the terrorists to attack troops’ locations and isolated communities.

“We are more than ever determined to go after all the non-state actors to restore peace and stability in the country.

“In the same vein, we need non-kinetic activities, particularly psychological operations, to shape the environment in favour of the ultimate aim of all on-going operations,” he said.

The Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr Mohammed Bulama urged the military and other security agencies to find ways to end the killings within the country and restore peace.

Bulama said the solutions and resolutions from the workshop would contribute in entrenching peace and stability in the country

He said that Nigeria had over the past decade, faced and still facing one of the greatest security challenges in its history.

“As much as I am aware that such security threats are usually difficult to tackle, I have never doubted the capabilities of the Nigerian armed forces and all government security and intelligence agencies in eradicating these security challenges.

“This is evident in the successes that have been recorded so far in the various theatres of operations across the country.

“In recent times, however, the news of insecurity within the nation’s internal security landscape has made headlines in most of our print and electronic media outlets, especially the social media.

“I must therefore observe that the armed forces has done and is still doing a lot to stem the rising insecurity across the country, despite its limited resources,” he said.

Bulama called for timely but workable solutions that convinced Nigerians that the government was committed to its primary responsibility of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.

He said the federal government has so far demonstrated strong political will to end the menace of insecurity in the country.

The FRCN boss charged the military to counter radicalisation, win hearts and minds in conflict zones and counter misinformation by utilising AI, social media, and analytics to monitor sentiment, track propaganda, and measure impact. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Economic reforms deliver growth, spur investor confidence – Bagudu
General News

Economic reforms deliver growth, spur investor confidence – Bagudu

182 total views today

 

By Salif Atojoko

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, says Nigeria’s economy is witnessing a significant turnaround, driven by bold reforms, improved coordination, and a renewed focus on national priorities.

In an interview for an upcoming documentary marking President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary, he said the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda was working and winning over investors at home and abroad, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

“This is two years well spent reaffirming the government’s commitment to the economic reforms.

“Mr President confronted Nigeria’s economic realities with bold and necessary choices – tough as they might be – and those measures are now yielding results,” said Bagudu.

He added that the reform-driven economy had seen four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, exchange rate stability, and a resurgence in private sector confidence.

According to him, rating agencies have consistently appreciated the efforts of the government.

He stated that foreign and domestic investors had responded positively to the government’s economic agenda, particularly agriculture, energy and infrastructure.

“We have seen investors from Brazil, Belarus, and Saudi Arabia increasingly entering our agricultural space. The world economic community and multilateral institutions are putting more faith in our economy,” said Bagudu.

According to the minister, this renewed interest stems from the administration’s commitment to credibility, transparency, and structural change.

“Investors want to see good policy – can I get paid back? Are the numbers credible? Is the environment transparent? That’s why they appreciate when they see quarterly GDP growth.

“For the first time in 25 years, Nigeria is refining oil. Mr President was courageous enough to allow crude sale in naira to our refiners. This is a testament to his belief in our economy,” he said.

Bagudu described removing fuel subsidies and unifying the foreign exchange market as transformative decisions restoring fiscal sanity.

“We were losing five per cent of our GDP on fuel subsidy – money going to just a few. Mr President took the courageous step to end it.

“The foreign exchange reform removed uncertainty and favouritism. We now have a fair market – willing buyer, willing seller – which has generated revenue growth and boosted private sector confidence,” he said.

Bagudu said the 2024 and 2025 budgets balanced fiscal responsibility and strategic investment in priority sectors.

“We have increased spending in health, education, infrastructure, security, and technology. The 2024 budget achieved significant deficit reduction, and more importantly, it showed that we are serious – and the markets believed us,” continued the minister.

He emphasised Tinubu’s respect for the rule of law, even in managing inherited debt and Central Bank financing.

He said the President inherited ₦22.7 trillion in Ways and Means financing, but he insisted on respecting the Central Bank’s independence, and that the discipline was earning the country credibility globally.

He credited the Presidential Economic Coordination Council and the Economic Management Team – led by President Tinubu and Mr Wale Edun, Coordinating Minister for the Economy – with ensuring coherent, results-driven governance.

“This is teamwork. The President is the chief coordinator. He understands the global economic context, and the private sector respects him. We’re not just doing government-to-government coordination – the private sector is part of this reform effort,” said Bagudu.

While acknowledging that the reforms may feel challenging in the short term, Bagudu likened the process to a necessary fitness regimen.

“Our economy is like a body going to the gym. It might feel painful now, but the muscles of progress are forming.

“Mr President is saying: ‘I’m ready to take the pain so our children and grandchildren will inherit a more prosperous Nigeria.’ This isn’t just economic reform – it’s a moral responsibility,” Bagudu added. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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