NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Establishment of health sciences varsity Tsafe ‘ll address “Japa” syndrome – Akpabio
Health

Establishment of health sciences varsity Tsafe ‘ll address “Japa” syndrome – Akpabio

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By Naomi Sharang

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that the establishment of Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology in Tsafe, Zamfara will address  ‘Japa syndrome’ in the health sector.

Akpabio stated this at a one-day public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology Tsafe, Zamfara”, held in Abuja on Monday.

The hearing was organised by the joint Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Education (Tertiary Institutions and TetFund).

Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Tony Nwoye (LP-Anambra) said that the establishment of the institution would address the emigration of health care professionals otherwise known as ‘Japa syndrome’.

“While this bill is apt, in spite of our scarce resources, it will address the seeming migration of health care professionals.

“This is by training new younger ones hungry to serve our dear nation in line with the government’s effort at transforming all critical sectors of the economy.

“Today, the doctor to patient ratio in Nigeria is among the lowest in the world.

“The World Health Organisation’s benchmark is one doctor to 600 patients. But in Nigeria, we have a ratio of four doctors to 10, 000 patients. That is an alarming figure.

“Nigeria needs more health institutions that will help to train more doctors in as much as some of them that we are already trained are going outside the country in the name of Japa syndrome.”

He further said that establishment of the institution would not only strengthen and expand the existing health care sector, but would also position it to a more efficient health care delivery service to improve learning and research.

Chairperson of the Committee, Sen. Ipalibo Banigo said that the committee would continue to enact laws, especially health laws, to meet the health demands of citizens.

She said that this was necessitated by Nigeria’s growing population, emerging diseases and the dire need for development of both manpower, infrastructure and intellect.

“The bill seeks to establish a federal university of health sciences and technology in Tsafe, Zamfara by upgrading the existing college of health sciences and technology.

“To provide full-time courses in health sciences, technology and other fields of study to train high quality medical professionals with broad knowledge, skills and values.

“To strengthen institutional capacity for disease control and surveillance as well as bridging the gap in medical research and making provisions for the general administration in the university among other related matters.”

The lawmaker added that establishing the institution in Zamfara would promote research and training, teaching of health extension services and training of manpower for medicine and allied sciences for Tsafe and by extension, Nigeria.

Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara appreciated the Senate for recognising the need for the establishment of the university.

Lawal was represented by the Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Nakwada.

He said: “This initiative reflects the national assembly’s commitment to uplifting the education sector in the north west.”

Lawal said that the realisation of the institution would create additional opportunities for higher education for secondary school leavers from other tertiary institutions in the state and across the nation.

On his part, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said that the ministry was in support of the effort of the national assembly toward increasing the capacity of the health workforce in the country.

Pate who was represented by Director of Hospital Services Department, Dr Jimoh Salaudeen, said that increasing the capacity of workers was commendable.

He, however, appealed to all the institutions within that zone to put in more efforts to increase the number of science students that would serve as input into the institution.

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman noted that the proposed location for the federal university of health sciences and technology Tsafe has been for some time, security-challenged.

He was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry Mrs Didi Walson-Jack.

He said that the ministry’s perspective was that establishing another institution in such an area may present some further challenges.

“The ministry proposes that the federal university in Gusau, which is in Zamfara may be empowered to establish a department of medical services.”

He said that huge resources were required in maintaining a university adding that the economic situation of the nation was also not at a point where the ministry was able to manage all the existing universities to world standard.

“Based on these reasons, the ministry regrets that she is unable at this time, to support the creation of the federal university of health sciences and technology Tsafe, Zamfara.”(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

NIS boss advocates adequate protection of troops during operations
Defence/Security

NIS boss advocates adequate protection of troops during operations

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, says there is need to keep adversaries in the dark in planning and launch of operations to protect troops from harm during operations.

Nandap said this at the opening of the Leadership Course in Operations Security and Force Protection 3 (LCOSFP3), organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), on Monday in Abuja.

She was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General in Charge of Human Resource Management, NIS, Mr George Didel, at the event.

According to her, in today’s complex security environment, achieving those objectives is more important than ever.

She said that synergy between security agencies and the military was not just about rhetoric but recognising that their collective efforts were necessary to achieve their shared goals of protecting the nation and its citizens.

The NIS boss said the Nigerian Army and NIS have a critical role to play in the effort to secure the country and pledged the commitment of NIS to play complementary role in securing the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

She said there were immigration personnel serving in the Joint Task Force combatting insurgency, adding that protecting the lives of the personnel was a fundamental obligation.

“We recognise the risks they face, and are dedicated to supporting them in every way possible.

“By keeping our borders safe from indiscriminate entry of all who may constitute adversaries and pose a threat to Nigeria, we are also protecting the lives of our personnel and ensuring that they can carry out their duties effectively.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent the influx of individuals who may seek to compromise our National Security.

“I encourage each participant to approach this course with an open mind, willingness to learn, and commitment to excellence.

“By the end of this course, participants will be better equipped to keep our adversaries in the dark, protect our personnel, and defend our territorial integrity and citizens,” she said.

Director General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, said the course was meant to bring practitioners from different services, agencies and organisations to understand their various strengths and weaknesses.

Wahab said the objective of the course was to ensure that when personnel from different agencies meet on the field it would be easier to collaborate, cooperate and work as a team.

According to him, it is about networking, socialising, getting to know each other, getting to know strengths and weaknesses and working as a team.

He said the large of participants in the third edition was the feedback that the previous editions had great impact on the personnel who participated.

According to him, the participants are drawn from the military and various security agencies as well as one or two private security organisation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FCTA marks 500 structures for demolition along Karmo – Dei-Dei road corridor  
Metro

FCTA marks 500 structures for demolition along Karmo – Dei-Dei road corridor  

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By Philip Yatai

The Department of Development Control, FCT Administration (FCTA) has served 24-hour demolition notices to operators of illegal markets and shanties along Karmo – Dei-Dei Road corridor.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 500 illegal structures and shanties, sitting on the road corridor have been marked for demolition.

Mr Garba Jibril, the Sector Monitor and Assistant Director in the department who led the exercise in Abuja on Monday, said that the affected owners have been served with several notices.

Jibril added that the Director of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, had held a sensitisation meeting with the stakeholders.

He explained that demolishing the illegal structures was necessary because they constituted nuisance on the road in addition to heavy traffic, especially on their market days.

He added that their activities were equally emitting environmental hazards, which the FCT Administration frowned at.

The team lead also disclosed that the FCTA had awarded a contract for the construction of Life Camp – Dei-Dei Road.

He, however, said that the traders’ continuous stay on the road corridor was preventing the contractors from moving to site.

According to him, the 24-hour notice is not to be played with and those who refused to comply will have themselves to blame.

He also said that the traders have been asked to move to the designated market called Karmo Market, adding that the market was fully developed and equipped with necessary facilities.

“But the traders have been reluctant to move.

“We have had several meetings with the relevant stakeholders including traditional leaders in the area to get them to move but they remained adamant.

“We equally held a meeting with the traders and the new market operators, who promised to give the traders some incentives to be able to accommodate them in both the informal and the main shops.

“We are hoping that after the demolition, there will be a successful relocation from the road corridor to the main market.

“This will not only maintain a serene environment, but also ensure free flow of traffic in the area,” Jibril said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

How our efforts enhanced welfare of retired military officers -RANAO
Defence/Security

How our efforts enhanced welfare of retired military officers -RANAO

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National President, Retired Army Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulhafeez Adewuyi, said the association has made progress in enhancing the welfare of its members.

Adewuyi said this at a news conference to mark the association’s 36th National Annual General Meeting (NAGM), on Monday in Abuja.

He said the decision to form the association was informed by the situation the pensioners found themselves in the 70s and late 80s.

According to him, once an officer retired from service, he goes into oblivion. Nothing is ever heard of him again.

“Those who had health challenges died without any idea on how to seek help. It was like ‘to your tents O Israel’.

“The objective of forming RANAO Association where officers come together, once every month to discuss issues affecting their welfare has been substantially achieved.

“It has continued to foster the spirit of togetherness, espirit de corps, brotherhood and camaraderie.

“Retired officers who spent a better part of their youthful life in the military use it to recharge their batteries,” he said.

Adewuyi said the association organised into three tiers of administration, had its national headquarter in Abuja with seven zonal headquarters similar to the six Geopolitical Zones of the federation and FCT.

He said the former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, had described RANAO as an outstanding organisation that every retired military officer would aspire to join with pride.

According to him, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, confirmed that his pension was enhanced through the effort of RANAO and regretted he had not joined the association.

“Today, we are here essentially to conduct the association’s 36th NAGM.

“It is a culmination of all activities of the association, ranging from Chapter, Zonal and HQs activities, RANAO Day celebration, PSOs Meeting, BOT implements in the Association activities and so on.

“NAGM fosters the reflection and loyalty that you feel for people with whom you have spent the better part of your life,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

My immediate task is to qualify Nigeria for 2026 World Cup, Finidi says
Sports

My immediate task is to qualify Nigeria for 2026 World Cup, Finidi says

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

Finidi George,  Head coach of the Super Eagles, says his immediate task and priority is to qualify the nation for the 2026 World Cup slated for Canada, Mexico and U.S.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Board of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on April 19, appointed George as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

George stated this at his unveiling as the new head coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), at the Moshood Abiola National stadium on Monday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the former Ajax Amsterdam winger, who was assistant to former Super Eagles gaffer Jose Peseiro was jointly unveiled by the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and Sports Minister, Sen. John Owan Enoh.

“For me, my first target is to make sure we are in line to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the AFCON qualifiers will also be coming up soon.

“But the major target for me is the two games we have, we will do everything to win against South Africa and Benin Republic.

“Once we do that we will have set the tone and we will take it from there,” George said.

The coach warned that going forward; players will be invited to the Super Eagles based on regular playing time in their clubs and commitment to the national team.

He dismisses insinuations about having rift with some players in the Super Eagles, stressing that the relationship with the players was ‘perfect’ and professional.

“My relationship with the players is very perfect. I will try to improve on my relationship as this will be different. You will not hear any controversy on my relationship,” he said.

Earlier, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said the coach will be given all the support he needs to succeed in the task ahead.

“We have given our coach the opportunity to choose his assistants. We won’t impose anybody on him.

“We are going to engage the assistants on game basis but will pay the head coach monthly salary. We want to avoid salary issues,” he said .

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh stressed the importance of having and supporting indigenous coaches to succeed.

“We have an opportunity to have a local coach to lead the Super Eagles. Back then in my University days, I would go to UJ Eseune stadium to watch Calabar Rovers and see Finidi George play.

“I am honoured to be here to witness his unveiling, if you love Nigerian football, you must love and support Finidi George. His success will bring joy to Nigerians.

“Any country I find an indigenous coach sitting on the bench, I always feel very proud and I am glad that we have an opportunity that have a Nigerian coach, Finidi George, as football men national team coach, ” he said.

NAN reports that  details of the contract was not revealed.

The  coach has picked  ex-international, Daniel Amokachi as assistant coach,  Olatunji Baruwa (goalkeeper trainer), Benjamin James, Mehmet Ozturk (match analyst) and Chima Onyeike (fitness trainer)

The immediate task of the coach is to get the Super Eagles back on track in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers where Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, with two points from two matches.

Nigeria drew with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the first two matches in the qualifying series in November.

The Super Eagles will face South Africa and Benin Republic in June, in what has been described as a make or mar clash.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

100 Most Notable Africans’ summit in Rwanda’ll showcase Nigeria’s potentials- organisers
General News

100 Most Notable Africans’ summit in Rwanda’ll showcase Nigeria’s potentials- organisers

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By Joshua  Olomu

Organisers of the annual  ‘100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit have said that the 2024 edition of the acclaimed event will be held in Rwanda.

Amb. Kinsley Amafibe, Project Director Africa, for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the summit is poised to showcase the extraordinary achievements and potential of Nigerian and other African business titans, leadership and security stakeholders and entrepreneurs.

”The flagship event is scheduled to hold in Kigali the Rwanda capital from Aug. 1 to Aug.4, with the theme, “Fostering   Collaboration and Networking  Among Business Leaders and Stakeholders.”

The project director said the summit was organised in collaboration with several stakeholders, including  the Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation, American Management University, Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide and the Global Africa Trade Advisory Chamber.

He said the event would bring together seasoned entrepreneurs, leaders of businesses from different sectors across the continent to chart a common front towards promoting economic prosperity, peace and stability in Africa.

“The 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit 2024 is primed to serve as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and investment around the Africa continent.

“We shall assemble pacesetters across different sectors, including those in  business, government, academia, security, entertainment  and the civil society to discuss sustainable development, economic prosperity, and peace building initiatives for positive transformation across Africa.

“As we converge on Rwanda, we hope to harness the transformative power of business and leadership to propel Africa and its people towards unprecedented heights of prosperity and well-being,” he said.

Amafibe said the choice of Rwanda as location for the summit was crucial as is signifies, tenacity, hope, unity and progress, which were the focus of the event.

He added that the event would feature keynote addresses, vibrant panel discussions, specialised workshops and captivating keynote addresses, and interactive sessions geared towards achieving sustainable development.

He said insecurity, illegal migration, poverty and the empowerment of the youth for a prosperous Africa are among issues that will be on the front burner.

“A crowning moment of the summit will be the official unveiling of African Business and Leadership Club, Art and Cultural Exhibition, and then the presentation of awards.

“The Leadership and Excellence honour will be given to deserving Africans, including  peace and security  icons, women leaders,  and then  Young Entrepreneurs Under 40. ((NAN) (nannews.ng)

 

Invest in young people now for long-term benefits – Entrepreneur
General News

Invest in young people now for long-term benefits – Entrepreneur

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By Philomina Attah

Mrs Ibukun Awosika, a Motivational Speaker and an Entrepreneur, has stressed the need to invest in younger people now to ensure a long-term benefit for the Church and nation was necessary and important.

Awosika stated this in Abuja at the Woman to Woman (W2W) Conference organised by the House on the Rock, the Refuge, Church, Abuja on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference with the theme, ‘Planted to Flourish’, is organised by the Church to also mark the 2024 Women’s Day.

Awosika emphasised the importance of shaping young minds early enough to avoid future challenges.

She pointed out that investing in people not only ensures their long-term value but also benefits nations, communities, and the church.

She equally stressed the need to maximise the talent of women as they were strategic assets for societal development.

Dwelling on the theme “Planted to Flourish”, the Lead Pastor of the Church, Mr Uche Aigbe highlighted the significance of women in life, even as he emphasised their crucial role as helpmates created by God.

Acknowledging their contributions, the lead pastor urged them to continue fulfilling God’s purpose.

He then expressed gratitude for women, recognizing their efforts in making life fulfilling and vibrant.

He urged women to continue to be what What Gdd has created them to be and fulfil God’s purpose and mandate in the world.

“God created man and woman, and women have a very important role to play in life. God created a woman as a helpmate to the man, which means women are important,” he said.

Also speaking, the President of Woman to Woman Ministry of the Church, Abuja, Dr Chichi Aigbe, encouraged women to support their husbands and stay rooted in faith.

She explained the role of women as helpmates to their husbands, urging them to support their spouses through challenges and difficult times.

She highlighted women’s resilience, likening them to palm trees that could find water even in the desert.

Encouraging them to hold onto their faith, she emphasised that God is the only one who can help them through any challenge in life.

She stressed the importance of staying connected to God and His word, especially in difficult times.

On her part, the Team Lead of GROW, an arm of Woman to Woman Ministry, Doreen Mogaji outlined their efforts to support women-owned small businesses and aid the community.

The initiative, part of House on the Rock church in Abuja, focuses on giving back to the community and engaging church members in charitable activities.

They provide support to small businesses, particularly those owned by women, by offering equipment and seed grants.

Additionally, they engage in community outreach, including feeding programs and clothing donations.

The initiative also offers counselling services to families facing crises, emphasising the importance of building a solid foundation based on scriptural teachings(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

FG establishes academy for cultural reawakening —NICO
Entertainment

FG establishes academy for cultural reawakening —NICO

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By Joshua  Olomu

The Federal Government has created Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS), a specialised institution to train individuals for innovative studies and the development of Nigeria’s culture and history.

Otunba Biodun-Ajiboye, Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) made this known in a statement on Monday.

According to him, the specialised academy will serve as  the nation’s citadel of cultural training.

He said the institution, hitherto the training school of NICO, now has the approval of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

He added that NACUS has received accreditation to run a programme leading to the award of National Diploma in Cultural Administration & Management (NDCAM), while its Postgraduate Diploma programme  is affiliated with the Nasarawa State University.

According to Ajiboye, the development is a pointer to the fact that Nigeria under the present administration has seen the need to embrace culture at its highest level.

“We appreciate the federal government for the rebranding and elevation of the institution, which was hitherto the training school of NICO, to a full-fledged higher institution for cultural education and training.

“This is a clear indication that the President Bola  Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda has come to fully recognise culture and the need for cultural renaissance to take  center stage in its policy making  processes.

“The nation has seen the need to incorporate adequate cultural content in our school curriculum both in the primary, secondary and tertiary education systems.

“What this means is that we are able to shed off the foreign cultural antecedents that we have inadvertently imbibed over the years.

“We will now begin to realise the importance of our innate cultural essentialities which will confer on us as a people, a great dose of originality, thereby paving way for adequate cultural identity,” he said.

Ajiboye noted that the accreditation and affiliation have  provided an opportunity for certification of individuals who have obtained the  Diploma to proceed for the Postgraduate Diploma programme and eventually enroll for their Master’s degree.

He said efforts were already in place to involve the Head of Service of the Federation to ensure that   certificates from the academy are accepted in the civil service and beyond.

He disclosed that “according to  Hannatu Musawa,the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy,  the institution shall have campuses  in four geographical  zones of North, South and East and in the FCT.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

NNPC E&P Ltd begins oil exploration at OML 13, Akwa Ibom
Oil & Gas

NNPC E&P Ltd begins oil exploration at OML 13, Akwa Ibom

483 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration and Production Limited (NNPC E&P Ltd.) and Natural Oilfield Services Ltd. (NOSL) have announced the successful commencement of oil production at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 13 in Akwa Ibom State.

The NNPC E&P Ltd. is an NNPC Ltd’s flagship upstream subsidiary, while NOSL is a subsidiary of Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Ltd (SEEPCO).

Mr Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., made this known in a statement on Sunday.

Soneye said the production, which commenced on May 6 with 6,000 barrels of oil would ramp up to 40,000 barrels per day by May 27, 2024.

“The first oil flow from OML 13 is a historic milestone in the partnership between NNPC E&P Ltd and NOSL.

“It highlights their dedication to driving growth and development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which remains a vital component of the nation’s economy,” he said.

Soneye said the achievement did not only signify the culmination of rigorous planning and execution by the teams involved, but also represented a new era of economic empowerment and development opportunities for the host communities.

Furthermore, for Nigeria, the first oil from OML 13 holds some significance as it contributes to the country’s efforts to increase its oil production capacity, which is crucial for meeting domestic energy needs and driving economic growth.

The NNPC E&P Ltd and NOSL partnership is also committed to operating in a manner that is safe, environmentally responsible, and beneficial to the local communities.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

SAN urges FG to allow customary owners control natural resources
Judiciary

SAN urges FG to allow customary owners control natural resources

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By Ebere Agozie

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani says the Nigerian constitution should be review to allow customary owners of natural resources have over-riding control with regard to those assets.

Ndarani said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that one of the hindrances to the realisation of the full taxing potentials of the country, is the restrictive and usurping provisions of Section 44 (3) of the Constitution.

“This section alienates the customary owners of the land and bestows on the Federal Government all rights to exploit, produce and dispose of all mineral deposits under the soil, land, waters and air in Nigeria.

“This has led to numerous growing and unrestrained agitation by the oil-producing areas.

“All legal and political restraints to the oil and sundry minerals host communities to exploit their minerals should be removed.

“I urge the abrogation, repeal and nullification of Section 44 (3) of the Constitution, the Land Use Act, 1978 and the Petroleum Act, 1969, to make allowance for and give room for resource control.

“This will give the owners of the natural resources within their enclave have over-riding control of these resources,he said.

According to him, it is absolutely an unfair deal to continue to deny and deprive the oil-bearing areas as well as those other areas that are endowed with commercial mineral deposits.

“It is more so now that oil deposits have been found in other areas of Nigeria, in that it would be justified and preferable for the federal government to partner with the States and Regional Governments to exploit.

“It will also allow them to produce, sell and share in the resources, like what obtains between the International Oil Companies (IOCs).

“I think the present case where the federal government arrogates to itself, the exclusive right to own and manage the “entire property in, and control of minerals among others is offensive and disruptive,”he said.

“This is why the modalities for oil exploration have been a major source of conflict and militancy in the Niger Delta Area.

“Making the owners of the crude oil and sundry natural resources and minerals shareholders, and partners will go a long way towards helping the federal government surmount most of the problems surrounding oil and minerals extraction and processing,” he said.

He said that the owners should exploit the benefits of their natural resources and pay taxes to the federal government, as it was during the First Republic.

“This is what is obtains in other political climes all over the world, hence I want this corrected during the amendment, or enactment, of the (new) constitution’’.

“The Supreme Court in the case of AG OF OGUN STATE v. ABERUAGBA (1985) 1 NWLR [Pt. 3] 395 @ 415, per BELLO, JSC, paras A — C did decide thus that the control of the economy is not within the exclusive power of the federation.

“Each government (Federal, State and Local) has a share in the control,’’ he added.

Ndarani said that while the constitution requires the federal government to control the national economy, it also empowers the state and local government in the development of the economy within its area of jurisdiction.

“In adopting the above views of the apex court, we should broadly and massively do a total overhaul of the revenue generation machinery and re-order the taxing powers.

“That was why we recommended Regional Governments so that the fiscal policy would devolve to the Regional and State Governments, who shall pay taxes and agreed percentages of the proceeds to the federal coffers.

“Let the regions and state be given the power to generate, exploit and sell the minerals and through that, generate the needed revenue, superintended by the federal government, to ensure that the process is flawless and transparent’’.

The senior lawyer suggested that in the alternative, the revenue allocation formula should be redesigned and altered in line with the Louis Chick Commission of 1954 which recommended as follows:

“Mining Rents, Royalties and Derivation from crude oil and minerals: i) Regions of origin = 50 per cent
ii) Federal Government = 20 per cent, and iii) Distributive Pool = 30 per cent.

He said that the distribution pool should be based on population, responsibilities placed on each regional government, the need for continuity in regional public services and the need for balanced development of the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

EPA/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

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