News Agency of Nigeria
3 die in Niger IDPs camps as NSPF donates N30m relief materials
General News

3 die in Niger IDPs camps as NSPF donates N30m relief materials

By Rita Iliya

Three persons have died in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas of Niger, following lack of healthcare facilities and food.

Mr Hussaini Alhassan, Desk Officer, Gwada IDPs camp, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

Alhassan stated this during the donation of N30 million worth of relief materials to the camps by the North South Power Foundation (NSPF).

NAN reports that the intervention covers 12 IDPs locations in Shiroro and Munya councils.

Alhassan said that the IDPs, who fled Kaore and Bassa communities in Shiroro due to insecurity, had lived in Gwada camp for six years.

He explained that the camp recently recorded the death of two newborns during delivery, due to lack of health facilities and other basic amenities.

Similarly, Mr Yusuf Kuta, Coordinator of Kuta IDPs camp, confirmed the death of an elderly woman in the camp, bringing the total deaths to three.

Kuta noted that the 300 IDPs, mostly women and children, lacked food and other essentials, and commended NSPF for its timely interventions.

Presenting the items, Dr Kemi Adekanye, Head of NSPF, said the foundation was moved by the plight of the displaced persons, having observed their struggles with hunger and other needs.

Adekanye, represented by Dr Samson Esumeh, Consultant on Public Relations to the North South Power Company (NSPCL), said the gesture was in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on food security and elimination of hunger.

“We are committed to the welfare of these IDPs as they are from our host communities. It is part of our routine to ensure they are happy and healthy,” she said.

She listed the relief materials to include: 150 bags of 25kg rice, 150 bags of 50kg maize, 20 bags of 50kg garin kwaki, five bags of 50kg sugar, and 12 bags of 50kg beans.

Others were 40 cartons of seasoning cubes, 50 cartons of tomatoes, 52 gallons of palm oil, 42 gallons of vegetable oil and 12 bags of 25kg salt.

In his remarks, Alhaji Aminu Najume, Chairman of Munya LGA, appreciated NSPF for the donation, noting that government had made efforts to resettle displaced persons.

“Security has improved in Munya unlike in the past, and people can now travel freely within the council,” he said.

Also, Mr Sanusi Musa, Secretary of Shiroro LGA, thanked NSPF for its consistent support, adding that the state government was working towards the return of IDPs to their communities.

NAN reports that the benefiting camps include Central Primary School, Town Hall, Basic Health Centre, Area Development Centre, Central Primary School, Gwada; Model Primary School, Gwada; and Central Primary School, Kuta.

Others are Central Primary School, Dangunu, Rural Hospital Extension, Dangunu, Danawi Primary School, Sarkin Pawa, Jaifulu Primary School, Sarkin Pawa, and Town Hall, Sarkin Pawa/Kuchi in Shiroro and Munya LGAs.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

Niger govt. spends N250m on women empowerment
General News

Niger govt. spends N250m on women empowerment

By Rita Iliya

Niger government on Monday empowered no fewer than 2,500 women in Kontagora Local Government Area with N250 million as part of Gov. Umaru Bago’s women empowerment grant to boost their business.

 

Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to the governor on Social Investment Programme and Focal Person, National Social Investment Programmes, disbursed the grant to the beneficiaries on behalf of the governor.

 

Bako said that each of the beneficiaries received the N100,000 to improve their businesses.

 

She said that the aim was to support nano-businesses ran by women and promote community-driven development and inclusivity.

 

“The initiative prioritised women from diverse backgrounds, including Fulani women, women with disabilities, widows and low-income households.

 

“The approach ensures that the initiative reached a wide cross-section of women in Kontagora and environs,” she said.

 

Bako disclosed that the selection process involved traditional community, women and religious leaders to help identify deserving beneficiaries.

 

Some of the beneficiaries, Hadiza Bala and Larak Isah from Kawo Village, thanked the Niger government for the gesture.

 

The duo promised to use the money to invest in their existing businesses, saying the money would go a long way in improving their income and livelihoods.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Isaac Ukpoju

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

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

By EbereAgozie

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

UNICEF, Niger Govt. unveil report on impact of insecurity on schools
General News

UNICEF, Niger Govt. unveil report on impact of insecurity on schools

By Rita Iliya

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Niger state Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education have unveiled a report highlighting the devastating impact of insecurity on education in the state.

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the report was unveiled on Wednesday in Minna during a one-day dissemination on the impact of insecurity on access to learning in Niger State.

 

 

The study, which adopted a mixed-methods approach, collected primary and secondary data from 20 schools in Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi Local Government Areas from 2020 to 2025.

 

 

According to the findings, 114 schools were shut down due to insecurity, with 29 re-opened.

 

 

In her remarks, Vanessa Lee, Chief of Education, UNICEF Nigeria, said that key findings revealed that insecurity had impacted access to quality learning, with various forms of communal conflict and criminal activities affecting the education system in the state.

 

 

Lee, represented by Mr Believe Eke, Education Specialist, UNICEF Abuja, said that the report offers evidence-based insights into the human, social, and economic consequences of ongoing insecurity.

 

 

She said that the report emphasised the importance of education in addressing insecurity.

 

 

“For the sake of our children, we are calling on the government, community stakeholders, development partners, and private partners to support the implementation of recommendations presented in the report,” she said.

 

 

She said that the report revealed that communities had adopted coping strategies to ensure continuity of learning despite adversity and disruption of schooling.

 

 

Also, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Dr Hadiza Mohammed, expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on education in the state.

 

 

“Insecurity has posed a serious threat to our education system, from the safety of learners and teachers to the very ability of schools to function effectively,” she said.

 

 

Mohammed said the state government was committed to ensuring every child had access to safe, inclusive and quality education.

 

 

According to her, out of 45 secondary schools shut due to insecurity, 33 have been reopened while 12 are yet to be opened.

 

 

Mohammed disclosed that the state government had created a stakeholder committee for school safety and education reform across the 25 local governments.

 

 

She appreciated UNICEF’s unwavering support for the study and the broader education sector.

 

 

Presenting the report, Mr Saviour Kolo, Consultant from Oxford report, said the key findings showed banditry and kidnapping as the most prevalent forms of insecurity in the state, with over 370 incidents reported between 2020 and 2025.

 

 

Kolo said the study revealed that 27 learners and 4 staff were abducted, while one learner was killed during the period under review.

 

 

He said that the study also found that insecurity had a significant impact on students and staff, with 83.7 per cent of students struggling to concentrate due to anxiety over potential security incidents.

 

 

“50 per cent of teachers in Rafi and 34.6 per cent in Munya reported that their lessons and examinations are frequently cancelled due to insecurity,” he said.

 

 

Kolo said that the study recommended support for livelihood recovery and social protection by tackling the root causes of insecurity through economic development and social welfare for conflict-affected households.

 

 

He added that the study’s findings also highlighted the urgent need for decisive, coordinated, and adequately funded interventions to address the impact of insecurity on education.

 

 

Kolo also said that the study recommended upgrading infrastructure in schools, setting up an early warning system, training teachers and older students in emergency response, and supporting community-based learning spaces, among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Victor Adeoti/Ayodeji Alabi

Skills: Niger empowers 3,000 young entrepreneurs
General News

Skills: Niger empowers 3,000 young entrepreneurs

By Rita Iliya

Niger Government has trained 3,000 young entrepreneurs on financial literacy and business management skills, as part of its capacity building initiative in the state.

 

Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to the governor on Social Investment Programme (SIP), stated this at a 3-day training of the second batch of the youths on Tuesday in Minna.

 

She said that the training was conducted by the state government in collaboration with MasterCard Foundation and Enterprise Development Centre.

 

According to Bako, the online and offline training programme tagged: ‘Transforming Nigerian Youth (TNY) was launched in March to train 10,000 youths, particularly young women, between the ages of 18 and 35.

 

“The training is being conducted in batches, with 2,000 young entrepreneurs already being trained online and almost 1,000 trained physically in the first batch.

 

“The aim is to transform the mindset of these young entrepreneurs, move them from the informal to the formal market and provide them with access to markets,” she said.

 

She revealed that the 50 First Class graduates trained in May as Business Development Service Providers were  already working with small business startup and existing businesses, and  providing them with necessary support.

 

Bako commended Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger for his human capital development initiatives, especially for women and youths to excel in their various endeavours.

 

Also speaking, Alhaji Shehu Bwari, Coordinator, Entrepreneurship, Ministry for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise, described the training as one of the best initiatives to come to the state.

 

“For years, we have been skilling up young people in the state without tangible results, but with this business development entrepreneurship guide, our youths are ready to conquer the world,” he said.

 

In his remarks, Mr Yusuf Christopher, Project Coordinator, Enterprise Development Centre, said the training would help young entrepreneurs build their capabilities on how to own successful and sustainable businesses.

 

“We will be training them on capacity building, also provide mentorship for three months and help them register their businesses for those yet to do so,” he said.

 

In their separate remarks, some of the beneficiaries, Fatima Abdullahi and Fatima Hamza, expressed appreciation to the state government for the initiative.

 

“We have learnt how to establish a business, handle it and make it grow, I see myself as one of the biggest business owners in the state in the next five years,” Abdullahi said.

 

“The training has been impactful, providing us with new ideas on how to grow our businesses,” Hamza added. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

First Lady donates N1bn to disaster, banditry victims in Niger
General News

First Lady donates N1bn to disaster, banditry victims in Niger

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday announced donation of N1 billion to the Niger State government to assist victims of natural disasters and banditry attacks in the state.

Mrs Tinubu announced the donation in Minna at the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women Empowerment Programme in Minna.

The first lady said the donation would be directed towards housing support and essential supplies to help displaced families get back on their feet, earning daily living and having a better life.

She said the donation was in line with the objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, as contained in its motto, “Towards a Better Life for Families”.

Speaking in the RHI Women Empowerment Programme, Mrs Tinubu’ said 500 women from the state would receive  N25 million empowerment grants with each receiving N50,000.

She said the empowerment programme  which targets 18,500 women across the country, has covered 15 states.

According to Mrs Tinubu, the empowerment programme was done by the RHI in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

She reiterated the RHI’s commitment to uplifting women, in line with the belief that the strength of a nation lies in opportunities for women and children.

The first lady said the economic empowerment programme is designed to support the entrepreneurial spirit of women petty traders and small-scale business owners.

According to her, the women petty traders wake up each day determined to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.

“I am delighted to be here to inaugurate the Women Economic Empowerment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in conjunction with the Tony Elumelu Foundation in Minna.

“Let me emphasise that this is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalise your existing businesses.

“It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation.

“I thank the Tony Elumelu Foundation, who donated One Billion Naira to the RHI to directly support 18,500 women across the Nation.m,” she said

Mrs Tinubu’ added: ‘500 women from each of the 36 states and the FCT will be receiving N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalise their existing small businesses.

“Today, this programme is being inaugurated in Adamawa and Niger States simultaneously.

“Disbursement of empowerment funds to beneficiaries in other States and the FCT will be held shortly after”.

The first Lady thanked the Tony Elumelu Foundation for the support as well as the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago and his wife.

Bago in his remarks applauded the first lady for her kind gesture, acknowledging that she had donated to his people in several ways in the past.

He recalled that the first lady visited and touched the lives of the Niger people during a bomb explosion in a mine site and donated N100 million..

“That money went a long way in changing the lives of the victims, it touched lives and livelihood.

“We want to thank you, again. There is no better time to be in this state than now in this season that our people are washed away by flooding,” he said.

The governor said that the love shown by the first lady is a reflection of the progressive leadership of her husband,  President Bola  Tinubu. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

IPI demands immediate reopening of closed Radio station in Niger
General News

IPI demands immediate reopening of closed Radio station in Niger

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has condemned the suspension of Badegi 90.1 FM, an independent radio station operating in Minna, Niger State.

 

The closure was reportedly ordered by Gov. Umaru Bago over the station’s alleged broadcast of content critical of his administration.

 

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi.

 

The Institute described the suspension as “yet another crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom,” calling it a grave violation of press rights and democratic norms.

 

IPI Nigeria highlighted a pattern of press repression under Bago’s administration.

 

It recalled that in January 2025, Yakubu Mustapha, a journalist with Peoples Daily and Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), was detained for three days.

 

His detention followed the circulation of an article critical of the governor’s media adviser.

 

Similarly, in Nov. 2023, VOA correspondent Mustapha Nasiru Batsari was allegedly assaulted by a commissioner after requesting an interview about a violent clash in Bosso Local Government Area.

 

IPI Nigeria said the governor’s actions contravened Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guaranteed press freedom and access to information.

 

It called for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the suspension on Badegi FM, warning that failure to comply within 48 hours would result in the governor’s inclusion in its Book of Infamy.

 

Launched in April 2022, the Book of Infamy documents individuals who repress or intimidate journalists and media organisations in Nigeria.

 

Mojeed stated that the list would be shared with embassies, media rights groups, and human rights organisations worldwide to ensure accountability.

 

Announcing the initiative during a meeting with the then Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, stated that the Book of Infamy would be regularly updated.

 

He added that it would be circulated to embassies, international media freedom organisations, and human rights bodies across the world.

 

“We will use the records to ensure that those listed are held accountable, one way or another,” Mojeed said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigerian Army warns criminal elements operating in Niger
Defence/Security

Nigerian Army warns criminal elements operating in Niger

By Rita Iliya

The Commander of the Corps of Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar has said that Kontagora and its environs were no longer a safe haven for criminal elements operating in Niger.

 

He said this during a filed demonstration, involving the test-firing of artillery guns, held at the Nigerian Army Military Training Area (NAMTA) in Kontagora on Saturday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the test-firing guns was aimed at sending a strong message to criminal groups operating in the area.

 

Abubakar said that peace was the foundation of every meaningful development, adding that everyone has a responsibility to promote and sustain it.

 

“Sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace,” he said.

 

The commander urged troops to remain vigilant, professional and proactive in their duties, stressing the need to deny miscreants any opportunity to disrupt relative peace enjoyed in the region.

 

He also called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations to rid the area of insecurity.

 

The commander appealed to religious leaders to continue preaching messages of peace to their congregation, saying that peace was a universal language that must be upheld by all.

 

He called on aggrieved individuals or groups to lay down their arms, embrace peace and be responsible citizens to the progress and development of Kontagora and environs. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Editors condemn closure of radio station in Niger
General News

Editors condemn closure of radio station in Niger

By Mufutau Ojo

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the recent order for the closure of Badeggi Radio by Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger.

 

The apex body of editors in Nigeria said in a statement that the governor’s action was a “blatant attack on press freedom and democracy.”

 

The statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja was signed by the guild ‘s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary,

Onuoha Ukeh.

 

” This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable,” it said.

 

The statement said Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom.

 

According to the statement, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression

 

It added that the governor acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.

 

” The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.

 

” We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Malam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out.

 

” This should go beyond observing the anomaly.

 

” The Federal Government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out,” it said.

 

The statement said arbitrary closure of media houses was a reminder of the dark days of military rule.

 

It, however, noted that Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station was a serious issue which had to be investigated and proven before any action could be taken.

 

” We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals,” it said.

 

The statement called on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.

 

” Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues,” it said.

 

The guild reiterated that a free and independent press remained essential for a functioning democracy.

 

It also demanded that governments at all levels must respect and uphold this fundamental right.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

13% derivation: Niger drags Attorney-General to Supreme Court
Judiciary

13% derivation: Niger drags Attorney-General to Supreme Court

By Ebere Agozie

The Niger State government has dragged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to the Supreme Court over its omission from the 13 per cent derivation.

 

 

 

In an originating summons sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the apex court, the Niger government through its counsel, Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, seeks the interpretation and application of section 232 (1) & (2) of the Nigerian constitution.

 

 

 

The suit seeks the inclusion of Niger state in the 13 per cent derivation as enshrined in the Enactment of Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act, 2004.

 

 

 

The state wants the court to determine whether Niger State does not qualify to be classified among the states that produce natural resources and therefore entitled to 13 per cent derivation within the meaning of 162(2) of the 1999 constitution.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Ndarani argued that the State hosts four major hydroelectricity dams: Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro and Zungeru, which serves as a power house for electricity supply to various states in the country.

 

 

 

He also said that through these power stations, the Federal Government extends electricity supply to the Republics of Niger, Benin, Togo.

 

 

 

He averred that the attorney-general was brought before the apex court because he has an oversight legal advice function over advising and representing the Accountant-General.

 

 

 

The Accountant-General has the constitutional role of preparing the Nation’s Financial Statements arising from collection and receipts of income, fees, rentals and taxes and payment out of the Federation Account.

 

 

 

That the attorney general at all times is charged with legally advising and representing the Auditor-General of the Federation and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission that oversees revenue accruing to, and disbursement of such funds from the Federation Account.

 

 

 

He said that the defendant represents and advises the president on all legal matters involving the functions of the president but has failed over the years in its duties.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

The learned silk averred to the fact that Niger is a purely agrarian state as the inhabitants are subsistence farmers whose produce are enjoyed across the state and beyond.

 

 

 

He noted that as a result of the large expanse of the land occupied by the dams, a large population of the citizens and residents of Niger are denied the opportunity of engaging in agricultural activities.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

He claimed that Physicochemical/Microbiological Impact Assessment Report conducted by the state government showed the level of degradation in the affected areas.

 

 

 

This represents an impending danger for the state over the coming years if urgent environment protection measures are not taken.

 

 

 

To the chagrin, detriment, continuous exploitation and utter impoverishment of the people of Niger, the defendant continuously and continually whisked off profits from the state.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

He said that unfortunately the office of National Bureau of Statistics had no information on the volume of electricity by megawatts generated by the dams since 1968 and 2019, except for those of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

 

 

 

They gave the NBS’s computation of the volume of electricity by megawatts generated into the national grid from 2020 – 2023 as follows:

 

 

 

“The sum total megawatt generated in 2020 is equal to 2,232,706.27, 2021 equal to 2,632,348.00, 2022 equal to 2,830,002.96 and in 2023 equal to 2,658,612.96.

 

 

 

These dams have generated fiscal revenue which has been controlled by the federal government and have been indisputably redistributed equally among the constituent states without considering the host state since 1968.

 

 

 

Ndarani stated that Niger and its citizens and residents suffer continuous exploitation, neglect and ravaging flood owing to the power generating activities of the federal government and its agencies.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

He added that the pitiable, miserable and hopeless plight of the Niger indigenes and residents alike cannot be over emphasised.

 

 

 

In spite of all these, the federal government has also not paid attention to the adverse environmental impacts of the activities of the power generating companies at the dams.

 

 

 

 

 

He said that not even the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), has put any programme in place to ameliorate the sufferings of the people of the state.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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