News Agency of Nigeria
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

NAF airstrikes eliminate 95 terrorists in Niger
Defence/Security

NAF airstrikes eliminate 95 terrorists in Niger

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Air Component of Operation Fasan Yamma has successfully eliminated no fewer than 95 terrorists in major airstrikes around Ragada and Warari villages in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger.

A credible intelligence source revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets intercepted the terrorists on their way from Zamfara on Tuesday at about 1500 hours.

The sources said the bandits were moving from the Zamfara axis through Kebbi state down to Niger.

According to him, enquiry conducted revealed the bandits are moving with one hundred and eight (108) motorcycles armed with sophisticated weapons on their way to Warari and Rijau Local Government Areas of Niger.

“NAF fighter jets intercepted them between Ragada and Warari villages at location general area coordinate 10° 54′ 1.51” N | 5° 25′ 4.96” E in Rijau Local Government Area.

“It has been confirmed that out of the 108 bandits on motorcycles, only 13 of the bandits escaped, but the remaining were neutralised.

“Residents of the villages of Makuku, Warari, and Ragada in Rijau Local Government Area have expressed their happiness and appreciation to the federal government commitment in the ongoing fight against banditry and other criminal elements in the northwest generally,” he said.

The source revealed that intelligence sources in the area had confirmed the information. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Insecurity: Gen. Abubakar calls for robust synergy
General News

Insecurity: Gen. Abubakar calls for robust synergy

By Rita Iliya

The Commander, Corps of Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, has called for a robust synergy amongst stakeholders to tackle insecurity in Niger.

He said this at a maiden security and stakeholders’ meeting held at the Military Cantonment, Kontagora, Niger.

Abubakar stressed the importance of unity and collective action in addressing security challenges affecting the state.

“Security is everybody’s responsibility, we must work together regardless of our backgrounds to restore peace in our communities.

“Peace is a universal language and a prerequisite for any meaningful development,” he said.

The commander noted that credible and timely intelligence sharing among stakeholders was critical in countering the activities of criminal elements.

He emphasised that the meeting served as a forum for collaboration, building mutual trust, fostering community engagement and promoting inter-agency cooperation.

He called on religious leaders to intensify prayers for peace and tasked local government chairmen and community leaders on continuous support for security agencies.

He also urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies to help dismantle bandits’ network.

Speaking, the Speaker of Niger House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, commended the corps commander for the initiative, describing the meeting as the first of its kind in Kontagora.

He expressed confidence that the forum would strengthen ties amongst stakeholders and enhance operational synergy

Sarkin-Daji highlighted the complex nature of insecurity in the state including kidnappingz cattle rustling and communal clashes.

He noted that criminal networks often operate across local, national and international routes and called for strong political will to combat them.

Also, Maj.-Gen. John Sokoya, Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre, called for enhanced cooperation between communities and security forces, reiterating the need for timely intelligence to prevent and respond to threats.

In his remark, retired Maj.-Gen. Salisu Sa’id, urged residents to shun criminal collusion and aid security agencies with credible information to dismantle bandit networks.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by dignitaries from Rijau, Mariga, and Kontagora communities.

Also in attendance were serving and retired military personnel, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political figures and representatives from various security agencies.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Joe Idika

Why NRC suspends railway operations in Niger 
General News

Why NRC suspends railway operations in Niger 

By Reporters

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has attributed the suspension of operations on some of its rail lines to insecurity, banditry and vandalism of its rail tracks.

Mr John Otivere, an official of the NRC in Niger, disclosed this in Minna in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the state of railway infrastructure across the country.

NAN reports that Otivere spoke on behalf of Mrs Blessing Okanezi, District Rail Superintendent, NRC, Minna

Otivere, explained that the challenges of insecurity and vandalism had forced the corporation to halt operations on some routes.

He clarified that the narrow gauge rail lines was not abandoned, rather, the operations have been hindered by security challenges.

“Our lines are not abandoned, our train originates from Lagos down to Kano and returns from Kano down to Lagos,” he said.

The NRC official said the locations mostly  affected by insecurity were Gwada, Sarkin-Pawa to Kuchi in Niger down to Gaddani towards Gwadada in Kaduna state.

He added that the train station in Gaddani, a border community between Niger and Kaduna had been closed for a long time now due to activities of bandits.

He added that Wushishi, Pakara and Akere also experienced the same challenges, adding that its last operations was in Dec. 2022.

Also speaking, Mr Femi Adewakun, District Internal Auditor, NRC in Niger, said the district carried out regular maintenance of its locomotive engines and rail lines.

Adewakun who also spoke on behalf of Alhaji Suleiman Obafun,  Railway District Manager (RDM), in Niger, underscored the importance of rail network to the country’s economy and the need to prioritise the services.

“Here, we operate narrow gauge and we have always carry out maintenance of all our locomotive engines and rail lines inspection on daily basis,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Akin Atanda, District Civil Engineer, NRC in Niger, highlighted the impact of vandalism and banditry activities on railway operations.

He said that some locations had been completely taken over by bandits making it impossible to carry out maintenance or operate trains safely.

Atanda said that vandals had been removing tracks fastenings in some locations such as Beji axis.

“Some of the vandals were arrested and taken to court, while some are in prison,” he said.

He also cited the issue of washout of rail lines, particularly in Mokwa where erosions had removed some complete tracks.

Atanda said the combination of these challenges had affected train operations in the areas.

He emphasised the importance of safety in railway operations and the need to address the challenges hindering the operations. (NAN)(www.nannewd.ng)

Edited by Mohammed Baba Busu/Rotimi Ijikanmi

NYSC urges improved welfare for corps members
General News

NYSC urges improved welfare for corps members

By Rita Iliya

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed to corps employers in Niger to provide accommodation and stipends for corps members serving in the state to complement the federal efforts.

 

The Acting Director of NYSC North Central Area Office, Mrs Tosin Ikupolati, made the appeal during the corps employers’ workshop on Thursday in Minna.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had as its theme “Administration of Contemporary Corps Members (Gen Z) for Achieving Organisational Objectives”.

 

Represented by Deputy Director in the North Central Area Office, Mr Tony Nzoka, Ikupolati said that the state was lacking in providing accommodation and stipends to corps members, which were essential for their welfare and performance.

 

She explained that the workshop was to strengthen the working relationship between the NYSC and corps employers, and to discuss ways to improve the scheme’s effectiveness.

 

According to her, corps members are products of a global order influenced by the internet and social media, and employers must make deliberate strategies to think in their direction.

 

Ikupolati also urged corps employers to apply artificial and emotional intelligence, empathy, sincerity, maturity, and tactics in dealing with contemporary corps members.

 

Earlier in her remarks, Mrs Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, the NYSC Coordinator in Niger, commended Gov. Umaru Bago for his compassion for the scheme at all times.

 

Shuaibu-Ibrahim said that the workshop was an avenue for stakeholders to interact and chart a course of action for the continued actualisation of NYSC’s lofty ideals.

 

“This gathering is to also appreciate and evaluate the contribution of stakeholders and corps employers for increased collaboration for more effective output,” she said.

 

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, urged stakeholders to harness the energy of corps members to achieve organisational objectives.

 

Usman, who is also the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, said that the scheme remained a powerful platform for youth empowerment, national unity, and community development.

 

He was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Dr Idris Legbo.

 

“As administrators and employers, your role is pivotal in shaping the experience of corps members, guiding their actions, and aligning their efforts with our state’s developmental goals,” he said.

 

Highlight of the event includes the presentation of awards to outstanding corps employers in the state.(NAN)

Edited by Victor Adeoti / Isaac Ukpoju

AEDC reiterates commitment to customer satisfaction
General News

AEDC reiterates commitment to customer satisfaction

By Rita Iliya

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), says it is undergoing a transformation aimed at turning around the company’s fortune and improve customer satisfaction.

 

Mr Chijioke Okwuokenye, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, disclosed this on Wednesday in Minna.

 

He explained that the company’s transformation was centred around educating customers, improving network reliability and security as well as investing in infrastructure upgrades.

 

“The ability to satisfy and educate customers is the heart of transformation, we are uplifting our staff to ensure we have the right set of people to drive through transformation,” he said.

 

He disclosed that the company had installed over 6,150 meters in Niger under the Meter Asset Provider and Meter Acquisition Fund scheme and commenced refunding customers that have  paid for them.

 

Okwuokenye said that the company loses large revenue monthly in Niger due to various challenges ranging from non-payment of bills and energy theft.

 

Also speaking, Mr Sam Odekina, Chief Business Officer of AEDC in Niger, said the company had identified unwillingness of customer to pay for electricity consumed as major challenge.

 

He said that the issue has resulted in a significant revenue deficit, affecting the company’s ability to invest in infrastructure and improve service delivery.

 

“The most pervasive challenge is the wild spread of unwillingness of customers to pay for the electricity they consume.

 

“This is not merely a collection issue, it is a systemic problem that starves the company of the financial resources necessary for its survival.

 

“This has led to a deterioration of service quality and safety hazards,” he said.

 

He said other challenges were energy theft and vandalism which makes the company to lose revenue due to stolen energy.

 

He said that the company had intensified its operational efforts through interventions such as commissioning of a new substation, rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and replacement of faulty equipment.

 

He noted that these interventions had improved billing transparency and customer satisfaction.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

180,000 households to get FG N75,000 in Niger
General News

180,000 households to get FG N75,000 in Niger

By Rita Iliya

The National Cash Transfer Office in Niger says no fewer than 150,000 vulnerable households will get N75,000 each from the Federal Government Renewed Hope Economic Shocks Response Initiative.

 

Malam Sulaiman Kpange, Programme Manager of Cash Transfer in Niger, disclosed this during the distribution of 19,000 debit cards to the beneficiaries in Paiko Local Government of the state on Wednesday.

 

He said the initiative was to cushion the effects of economic shocks on vulnerable households.

 

Kpange disclosed that over 50,000 vulnerable individuals had already received their debits cards across the 25 local government areas in the state.

 

He also disclosed that beneficiaries were individuals listed in the National Social Register and those who had previously applied.

 

He said that the beneficiaries were those on the National Social Register and those who previously applied through the Rapid Response Register.

 

The programme manager said selected beneficiaries must have a valid national identity card required to receive a debit card.

 

The State Programme Manager expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and Niger State Government for supporting the logistics needs of the office.

 

Some of the beneficiaries, including Bahago Musa, Hadiza Nawa, appreciated the Federal government for the intervention.

 

“We are grateful for the support given to us by the Federal Government ,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was part of the Federal government efforts to provide direct financial assistance to vulnerable households to help them cope with economic challenges caused by subsidy removal. (NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

NSP foundation donates food items to flood victims in Niger
Environment

NSP foundation donates food items to flood victims in Niger

By Rita Iliya

The North South Power Foundation (NSPF) has donated essential food items worth millions of Naira to victims of the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger state

 

Mr Hassan Abdullahi, Consultant on Corporate Social Responsibility for the foundation, disclosed this while handling the items to Niger government in Minna on Wednesday.

 

He extended the organisation’s deepest condolences to the people of Mokwa community, following the devastating flood that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of properties.

 

Abdullahi noted that the donation aimed to alleviate the suffering of displaced families.

 

“We extend our deepest condolences to you and the people of Mokwa community; may the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he said.

 

He listed the items to include; 50 bags of 25kg rice, 50 bags of 25kg beans, 50 bags of 10kg semovita and 50 cartons of spaghetti.

 

Others are 50 bags of salt, 50 cartons of Maggi, 50 gallons of 5kg Kings vegetable oil and 50 gallons of 5kg palm oil.

 

He revealed that since its inception, the foundation had spent over N1 billion on corporate social responsibility within its host communities in Shiroro and Munya and had also provided support to IDPs.

 

Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed, Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, who received the items on behalf of the state government, appreciated the effort and show of concern of the foundation.

 

He assured the foundation that the relief items would be delivered to the victims.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yetunde Fatungase

Niger, AGRA train 1,000 women, youths on livestock production
Agriculture

Niger, AGRA train 1,000 women, youths on livestock production

By Rita Iliya
The Niger Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has trained 1,000 youths and women on livestock production to boost animal production in the state.

Mr Jonathan Wasa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, said this during the livestock entrepreneurship training for youths across Niger.

Wasa, who was represented by Abbas Mohammed, Director of Animal Production in the ministry, said the training was in partnership with Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

He said that 50 beneficiaries would be trained in the first phase with two persons selected from each of the 25 local government areas of the state.

“We decided to synergise with AGRA to train our women and youths to change their mindset in animal rearing to improve livestock production in the state.

“The aim is to transform our food system, support smallholder farmers as well as make our youths self-reliant,” he said.

The permanent secretary added that the training was also for the beneficiaries to get acquainted with the realities on ground.

“The plan was that the beneficiaries would be empowered financially and given basic tools and materials to start up livestock production,” Wasa said.

Speaking, Dr Matthew Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary, Niger Ministry of Agriculture, advised the beneficiaries to acquire skills on livestock production that would be beneficial to them.

In his remarks, Mr Godswill Aguiyi, the Programme Officer of AGRA in Niger, advised the beneficiaries to see the training as an opportunity to venture into businesses and enhance the agricultural sector.

He said that the aim of the training was to transform the food system, support smallholder farmers and help the youths become self-reliant.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training covered topics such as livestock production economics, business and pasture developments. (NAN)

Edited by Chidi Opara

Golf and Tour charity visits orphanages in Niger on its 12th edition
Sports

Golf and Tour charity visits orphanages in Niger on its 12th edition

By Rita Iliya

The Golf and Tour Charity Association of Nigeria has commenced its 12th edition in Minna, with a pledge to contribute to orphanages in the state.

 

Wing Commander Dangana Sarki, Chairman of the Minna Local Organising Committee, disclosed this during a press conference in Minna on Thursday.

 

Sarki said the edition, starting from May 29 to May 31, was not only to play golf, but to also give back to the community through charity activities.

 

He disclosed that the association would visit orphanages during the tournament and contribute to their well-being.

 

He said the association comprises of members from various entities including the military, security agencies, public servants, and traditional rulers.

 

“Any state we hold our tournament, we take our time to visit orphanages, the needy to see how we can contribute to their wellbeing.

 

“This initiative is part of the association efforts to impact positively in the society while promoting the game of golf,” he said.

 

He explained that the tournament was expected to boost the local economy with 100 golfers from across the country lodging in hotels while participating in various activities.

 

Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Onoyiveta, Chief Coordinator of the association, said that the group has completed orphanages, installed solar panels, and carried out medical outreach in states.

 

He said the association aimed to dispel the notion that golf is an elitist game.

 

“There is a perception about the game of golf as an elitist game.

 

“But despite that, for us in our group, we feel that society is very critical, and members of the society are very important, particularly the less privileged ones,” he added.

 

Also, Mr Jerry Gerald, Vice Captain of Minna Golf Club, expressed gratitude for the tournament, describing it as a privilege for the people of Niger state.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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