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- Tinubu: reforms working
- Customs crosses N5.07tr revenue target
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reappraised his administration’s reform programmes, saying they have resulted in the country attracting $30b in investments in almost 17 months.
Tinubu also said that peace had returned to parts of the nation previously known for insurgence, violent crimes, and crude theft.
‘’In the significant search for Foreign Direct Investment, in less than two years in office, my administration has received over $30 billion from foreign investors. This achievement demonstrates that our policies yield positive results, making Nigeria increasingly attractive for domestic and international investors, ’’ the President said.
Tinubu, spoke through the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, at a news conference by the Comptroller-General (CGCs) in Abuja.
He was a guest speaker at the conference, which had the theme “Nigeria Customs Service Engaging Traditional and New Partners With Purpose.”
He said that the security situation in the Niger Delta had improved to the extent that crude production hit 1.8 million barrels per day as of Monday.
He said: “People in many parts of our country today are living in peace. Go to the Niger Delta, things have changed. Today, we have gotten up to 1.8 million barrels of crude oil. We have not seen this for a long time. The Southeast is getting to be at peace with itself and the rest of our country.”
Tinubu explained that on assumption of office on May 29 last year, he set out with a clear and unwavering vision to strengthen the country’s economic base and deliver positive growth and development for the benefit of all.
He said 18 months later, the vision remains unchanged.
Tinubu added: “In pursuing this vision, we have built upon existing foundations while introducing necessary reforms to adapt to our evolving economic realities.
‘’Our focus has been on strengthening what works, refining what needs improvement, and introducing new initiatives where gaps exist.
‘’We recognised that specific economic policies, though useful in their time, needed to be realigned with current global economic dynamics to better serve our national interests and the well-being of our people.”
Tinubu stated that due to the determination and unity of his cabinet, corrupt practices are being drastically reduced.
“Early this year, February and March, we had this crisis of the food shortage and food security, we came in as a team and within a short period of time, we stopped many businessmen that used to export food items.
“You know when the Naira collapsed it was a stampede taking things out of our country. There was a day within 24 hours Customs and all of us together arrested more than 500 trucks,” he said.
He also said that his reforms have made it difficult for embezzlement of funds to happen in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“CBN is clean. Nobody is making one dime there unlike up to 2023. I can also assure you that the Naira will be stabilised. Just wait and see,’’ said the President.
On subsidy, the President reiterated that the days Nigeria was subsidising petrol used in neighbouring countries were forever gone.
He said many oil marketers were feeding fat on the subsidy regime.
Tinubu added that being a slush fund, subsidy accounted for the establishment of numerous petrol stations in the country.
He said: “The marketers are now saying they are supplying Ghana, they are supplying Cameroon.
“Before, it (petrol) was all coming through Nigeria.
“Nigeria is the only country in the world where everybody is an oil marketer. But the welfare(subsidy) they were enjoying is gone forever.
Ribadu stated that gains of the reforms have made many world leaders either request President Tinubu’s visit to their countries or indicate interest in paying working visits to Nigeria.
“ Today, the whole world is looking for President Tinubu. I just came back from India, the Prime Minister is coming on the 15. The President of Germany is coming.
“They have invited him to the G20 meeting. The President of France is looking forward too. There are more than 30 requests for President Tinubu to visit and many are also looking forward to coming here,” the NSA said.
Customs crosses N5.07tr annual revenue target
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday said it collected N5.97 trillion in revenue from January to November 12, 2024, surpassing its 2024 target of N5.07 trillion.
Comptroller –General of the service Adewale Adeniyi, who made this known, said he was sure that the target would be exceeded by 10 percent before December 31.
Adeniyi attributed the feat to enhanced stakeholder collaboration, improved processes, and modernised systems.
He said: “ I am pleased to announce that yesterday, 12th November 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service hit its 2024 revenue target of N 5.07 trillion, collecting N5,079,455,088,194.38 with more than a month remaining in the fiscal year.
“This exceptional performance – projected to exceed our target by 10 percent – validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation.
“ The achievement is not merely about numbers; it demonstrates how enhanced stakeholder collaboration, improved processes, and modernized systems can deliver tangible results for our nation’s economy.”
He added that the service has scaled up its intervention as reflected in seizures worth N28.1 billion this year.
The CG said the NCS intercepted 48 containers of illicit pharmaceutical products due to the declaration of a state of emergency in major ports.
Adeniyi added: “In fulfilling our enforcement mandate, we have achieved unprecedented success in protecting both our citizens and economy. The scale of our intervention is reflected in seizures valued at N28.1 billion and counting in 2024 alone.
“ These seizures span critical areas of national concern – from wildlife items and arms and ammunition to narcotics and pharmaceutical products.
‘’An important moment in our enforcement strategy was the declaration of a state of emergency at our major ports, which led to the interception of 48 containers of illicit pharmaceutical items and narcotics, significantly disrupting the flow of potentially harmful products.”
The CG however lamented the rate of management team members exited the service.
He stated that 60 percent of them left in 2022, 36 percent in 2023, and 40 percent expected to quit this year.
[TheNation]
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on Wednesday, warned that if Nigeria refused to do away with the 1999 Constitution, it would be hard for anyone to fix the country.
He described Nigeria as a pluralistic country that needed to address its diversity with true federal constitutions.
“To those who think that the trouble with Nigeria today is the political leadership, I would say that as long as we have the 1999 Constitution as our grundnorm, not even Angel Gabriel or Malaikah Jibrin as leaders can successfully tackle the divisiveness, the underperforming economy with the resultant poverty, the insecurity, the humongous corruption, and the other major challenges currently facing Nigeria,” Anyaoku said.
The elder statesman spoke at the launch of the book: “The Noble Academic and Patriot: A Biography of Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun,” held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Anyaoku, who was the chairman on the occasion, said, “I start from the clearly undeniable fact that Nigeria, like many other countries across the world, is a pluralistic country, that is, a country whose population consists of groups of peoples long established in their separate geographical areas with different histories, cultures, languages and religions.
“The universal lesson is that pluralistic countries which have survived as single political entities in unity and progress are those that addressed their pluralism, that is their diversity, with genuine federal constitutions. Examples of such countries are India, Canada and Switzerland.
“I believe, therefore, that if our pluralistic Nigeria is to achieve true unity and political stability, and to successfully tackle the serious challenges that the country currently faces, it must have a truly federal constitution.”
Lauding Osuntokun, Anyaoku recalled how the renowned professor campaigned for him when he was vying for the position of Secretary General at the Commonwealth.
“I first knew of Jide Osuntokun when he was Adviser to Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, General Ike Nwachukwu, and accompanied the Foreign Minister in his journeys to campaign for my candidacy for the office of Commonwealth Secretary-General.
“I was then running against the man who had been the Prime Minister of Australia for seven and a half years.”
According to him, Osuntokun is not only an accomplished academic, “but also a patriot who was deservedly recognised last year by the prestigious Hallmarks of Labour Foundation, through the conferment of an award with the title HLF on him, which means a role model for our young people in how to achieve success through hard work and integrity.”
On his part, a former governor of Ekiti State and the book reviewer, Dr Kayode Fayemi, explained how Osuntokun authorised the biography in 2021, though the idea was conceived by the authors in 2018.
Fayemi took the attendees through the genealogy of the professor, including his academic and family life, as documented by the authors.
“The authors informed us that the book project was conceived in 2018 after Prof Osuntokun served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. Prof Osuntokun graciously authorised the biography in 2021 by granting the authors extensive interviews and two virtual interviews in addition to providing access to his library and archives.
“The book manuscript, in nine crisp and concise chapters, with three appendices, started in the first chapter by tracing the genealogy of Prof Osuntokun.
“The authors provide extensive evidence of family history, entrepreneurial acumen and pacesetting influence in the community to explain the values and attributes we later associate with Professor Osuntokun.
“The chapter covered in great detail the struggles, his bold forbearance waged in the course of establishing a clan in Oke-Mesi and their involvement in the federating military of Ekiti and Ijesa against the rampaging Ibadan army in the Kiriji war.
“Another of his forebears had fought in the First World War on the side of the British. His own father had gone in pursuit of the Golden Fleece, as far afield as the mines of Ghana, and became a wealthy itinerant trader, all the while his employers returned from Ghana, in the course of which he married his mother, and settled the family in Ilawe-Ekiti.”
Speaking at the event, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, said he had so much to learn from Osuntokun “because if you have taught these wonderful people who spoke about you today (I have a lot to learn from you).”
He, however, lamented that Nigeria had cultivated a culture of celebrating those who contributed nothing to nation-building, noting that it was destroying society.
Obi said, “When the National Universities Commission Secretary-General said they are looking for PhD people to teach in our universities, I called him and said, why do you want anybody to do PhD when you don’t pay them and you pay thugs 100 times what they are paid. We are choosing the least among us to be our role models. And that is destroying our society.”
The Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Tunde Bakare, extolled Osuntokun as a great teacher, whom he also said was very crucial to his sojourn as a student at the University of Lagos.
Bakare, who did the unveiling of the book, said “He (Osuntokun) and his late wife were a blessing to me at one of the most critical periods of my life.
“I present the book today and it is my great privilege sir and you don’t know how overwhelmed I am at this stage.”
He prayed that “God Almighty will ensure that those who will read and benefit from this (book)” would be among those who will build the nation.
Other dignitaries who graced the NIIA venue for the launch included the Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Senior Special Adviser on Policy, Strategy and Logistics, Wahab Alawiye; Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso; TV anchor and former spokesperson for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati; Chairman of the Editorial Board of Nation Newspapers, Sam Omastseye; the governorship candidate of the LP in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, among a host of others.
[Punch]
TEXT OF ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2024 COMPTROLLER-GENERAL OF CUSTOMS CONFERENCE AT TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA, NOVEMBER 13, 2024, AS DELIVERED BY THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER, MALAM NUHU RIBADU
Protocols
1. I am delighted to join you at this year's Comptroller-General's conference. I salute the officers and men of the Customs Service for your dedication to duty and our country.
When I assumed office last year, I set out with a clear and unwavering vision - to strengthen Nigeria's economic base and deliver positive growth and development for the benefit of all. Eighteen months later, the vision remains unchanged. In pursuing this vision, we have built upon existing foundations while introducing necessary reforms to adapt to our evolving economic realities. Our focus has been on strengthening what works, refining what needs improvement, and introducing new initiatives where gaps exist. We recognised that specific economic policies, though useful in their time, needed to be realigned with current global economic dynamics to better serve our national interests and the well-being of our people.
2. We pursued this vision and embarked on bold and necessary economic reforms. Working with expert advice and carefully considering our unique circumstances, we implemented strategic policy adjustments to strengthen our economy. Removing fuel subsidies and unifying our exchange rate system were crucial steps toward building a more transparent and sustainable economic framework. While these decisions required short-term adjustments from all Nigerians, they were essential to redirect our resources toward productive investments that will yield long-term benefits for our people. These reforms have already shown positive results, setting the stage for sustainable economic growth and improved prosperity for all Nigerians.
3. Building on these foundational reforms, we have expanded our focus to strengthen Nigeria's global trade and investment position. Through strategic initiatives, we are enhancing trade facilitation, modernising our port infrastructure, and streamlining business processes to reduce trade barriers. Our commitment to creating an enabling business environment has resonated with the international investment community. The confidence in our economy is reflected in the significant surge in foreign direct investments. In less than two years in office, my administration has received over $30 billion in commitments from foreign investors. This achievement demonstrates that our policies yield positive results, making Nigeria increasingly attractive for domestic and international investors. More importantly, these improvements create new opportunities for Nigerian businesses to participate more actively in global trade.
4. Central to the success of these economic initiatives is the role of our strategic institutions and their dedicated personnel. Our vision required government agencies to proactively align their statutory responsibilities with the broader national economic objectives. Agencies needed to demonstrate initiative in identifying opportunities within their mandates that would best serve and advance our national aspirations. I am pleased to note that the Nigeria Customs Service is one of the agencies that has risen to this expectation, demonstrating how government institutions can effectively contribute to our economic transformation agenda while fulfilling their core mandates.
5. This alignment is demonstrated in the Service's comprehensive modernisation agenda. Responding to our administration's call for enhanced trade facilitation and economic growth, the Service has introduced significant reforms, including the Advanced Ruling system and the Authorised Economic Operator Program. These initiatives align with global best practices and show how agencies can innovatively implement solutions that advance our national economic objectives while meeting international standards. Such reforms enhance trade facilitation and create a more predictable business environment that supports our broader financial goals.
6. The results of these initiatives across the Service's core mandates have been encouraging. The Nigeria Customs Service has shown remarkable progress in revenue generation, enhancing the government's capacity to fund critical national development projects. The Service is strengthening Nigeria's position as a trade-friendly nation through strategic reforms, particularly in export promotion and port efficiency. This has contributed significantly to our improved global ranking and ease of doing business. The Service has also demonstrated that effective trade facilitation can coexist with robust regulatory compliance, as evidenced by its enhanced border security and anti-smuggling operations. These achievements affirm our administration's belief that public institutions can effectively drive transformative change when adequately aligned with national objectives.
7. While these results are encouraging, they represent only the beginning of what we can achieve through focused institutional reforms and alignment with national objectives. It is, therefore, fitting that this conference centres on the theme "NCS Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose." This theme reflects our administration's broader vision of fostering strategic partnerships and collaborative approaches to governance and economic management. It acknowledges that sustainable progress in today's interconnected global economy requires us to strengthen existing alliances while building new ones, always guided by clear purpose and shared objectives.
8. Let me assure you that our administration remains committed to supporting the Nigeria Customs Service in its modernisation and reform initiatives. We will continue to provide the necessary policy backing and enablement to strengthen the Service's capacity to deliver on its mandates. This includes support for technological advancement, infrastructure development, and capacity-building programs that align with global best practices.
9. As you convene for your deliberations over the next few days, I urge you to build upon these foundations with clear cognisance of our regional and continental obligations. Your discussions should be timely and strategic, considering Nigeria's role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and our position as West Africa's largest economy. Focus on innovative approaches to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones to advance our national interests within this expanding trade landscape. Your deliberations should chart a path for enhancing our trade processes and compliance frameworks in ways that position Nigeria to maximise the opportunities presented by regional and continental integration while maintaining robust border security. The outcomes of this conference should provide a clear roadmap for achieving these objectives in line with our national economic aspirations.
10. To our international partners and stakeholders present today, your participation at this conference exemplifies the global dimension of our reform agenda. As Africa's largest economy, Nigeria is determined to deepen its integration into global value chains and strengthen its position as a reliable trading partner. Our commitment to sustainable economic reforms, trade facilitation, and creating an enabling business environment is firm and irreversible. We see our international partnerships as crucial catalysts in our journey towards becoming a more competitive player in global trade, particularly as we position ourselves to harness the opportunities presented by expanding regional and continental markets.
11. Distinguished participants, as we forge ahead with these partnerships and celebrate our progress thus far, we must focus on the journey ahead. Economic transformation is a continuous process that requires sustained commitment, innovation, and adaptation to emerging global trends. The Nigeria Customs Service, as a critical facilitator of international trade and guardian of our borders, will continue to play a fundamental role in advancing our national economic objectives. The success of our reform agenda significantly depends on the Service's ability to balance trade facilitation with regulatory compliance while fostering meaningful partnerships.
12. As I declare this conference open, I encourage all participants to bring their expertise, insights, and innovative ideas to the discussions ahead. Your deliberations over the next few days should address current challenges and anticipate future developments in global trade. The collective outcome of your engagement will be valuable in shaping Nigeria's trade policies and strengthening our position in the international trading system. I look forward to receiving the recommendations from this conference, particularly those that will enhance our trade facilitation initiatives while ensuring the effective administration of our borders.
May God bless the Nigeria Customs Service.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan was arrested on Wednesday over allegations he used the organisation’s money for his own purposes, according to local media reports.
Jordaan, who was a leading figure in bringing the 2010 World Cup to South Africa, had tried to interdict his imminent arrest on Tuesday, but the Johannesburg High Court is only scheduled to hear his submission on Thursday.
Katlego Mogale, South Africa police spokesperson said the arrest stems from a raid by police on the SAFA offices in March.
“Between 2014 and 2018, the president of SAFA used the organisation’s resources for his personal gain, including hiring a private security company for his personal protection and a public relations company, without authorisation from the SAFA board,” Mogale said.
Jordaan, 73, and his reported co-accused, SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, are due to appear in court later on Wednesday.
Neither Jordaan nor SAFA responded to a request for comment from Reuters, but in his affidavit to court seeking to block his arrest, he denies any wrongdoing.
(Reuters/NAN)
Gov Okpebholo Sacks Permanent Secretaries Appointed Outside Civil Service, Dissolves State Boards
AFOLABI
The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the dissolution of all executive boards within state agencies and parastatals, alongside the dismissal of permanent secretaries appointed from outside the Edo State Civil Service.
The news was shared on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, who issued a statement in Benin City confirming that the changes take effect immediately.
The National Vice-Chairman of the Labour Party, North-Central, Ibrahim Idoko has slammed the National Coordinator of the ‘Obidient Movement’, Yunusa Tanko, for claiming that the movement is bigger than the Labour Party and, therefore, brought it into the limelight.
In a recent interview with Arise News, Tanko, while asserting that the movement is larger than the party, also noted its independence and the possibility of moving to another political platform to uphold its values of good governance and accountability in the forthcoming 2027 elections, should it become necessary for the Labour Party to embrace its ideas.
There’re Two Rules In Nigeria, One For Every Other Nigerian, Another For Ndigbo – Rep Aguocha
AFOLABI
A member of the House of Representatives, Obi Aguocha, has decried the treatment of Ndigbo in Nigeria when compared to other tribes.
The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, Aguocha, said the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, ought to have been granted the same privilege given to Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.
He disclosed that Kanu’s detention remains an injustice that has been condemned by stakeholders.
Out of 38 directors vying for positions as permanent secretaries within the Federal Civil Service, half failed to pass the qualifying examination.
In October, the Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), began the selection process to fill permanent secretary roles across eight states with vacant positions.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has distanced itself from the new terror group operating in the north known as Lakurawa.
Miyetti Allah added that its members are also victims of the illegal activities of Lakurawa.
The Kebbi State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah group made the clarification in a statement by its secretary in Kebbi State, Abubakar Lamido, who distanced the group from the recent killing of six indigenous Fulani and the destruction of 185 settlements and 42-grain silos in a reprisal attack.
MACBAN said the attack was carried out by the volunteers’ security known as Yansa Kai following the killing of 15 persons in Mera last Friday.
Lamido disclosed further that Lakurawa terrorists have been terrorising pastoralists through forceful taxation called (Zakat), and sometimes confiscated their animals and collected money ranging from N300,000 to N20m,120 cows, 51 goats and sheep from Fulani cattle rearers in the Augie area of the state.
“Lakurawa are hardened criminals, and should be treated as such. We are not associated with them. We are worst affected by their illegalities,” the statement said.
MACBAN added that members of the terror group are international criminals, and have been moving freely with sophisticated weapons around Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and around Nigeria and Niger Republic borders.
It, therefore, called for urgent government intervention in arresting the criminals and support for victims of the reprisal attack, saying they had lost the foodstuff they harvested, shelter and cattle.
A man named Olamide Akinolu was allegedly beaten to death by unidentified individuals at the Osas Hotel in the Wadoye community of Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State.
PUNCH Online learnt from locals on Wednesday that the incident occurred on Tuesday around 12:40 p.m.
The 30-year-old victim had reportedly gone to the hotel to meet a man to whom he had paid N50,000 to rent musical instruments when he was allegedly attacked by some suspects.
While the Ogun State Police Command did not disclose the motive behind the assault, local sources told our correspondent that Akinolu began vomiting blood after the alleged attack.
Following the victim’s condition after the assault, our correspondent learnt that witnesses rushed Akinolu to a nearby hospital, where a doctor on duty pronounced him dead.
The command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online on Wednesday morning and stated that efforts were underway to apprehend those responsible.
She said, “The victim’s father reported the incident to the Ajuwon Division. His son had gone to the hotel to meet a man to whom he had paid N50,000 to rent some musical instruments.
“As a result, he sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital, where the doctor pronounced him dead. This prompted a group of people to organise an attack on the hotel.
“The hotel manager was injured, and several instruments were damaged during the violence. Our officers were dispatched to the scene to restore order. Meanwhile, the body has been taken to a mortuary in Olambe for examination and autopsy.”
More...
‘The Battle Was Heavy’ – Bobrisky Appreciates His ‘Humble Billionaire’ Man After Ordeal With EFCC
AFOLABI
Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, has taken to social media to thank his ‘Humble Billionaire’ male friend who helped him during the recent tough times with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In the post via his Instagram page, Bobrisky described the ordeal with EFCC as a heavy battle, but his friend told him to worry less about the situation.
The controversial crossdresser also addressed those wondering how he would survive abroad.
Oshiomhole’s Son, Obasanjo’s Daughter, 7 Other Children Of Nigerian Politicians Taking On Public Service Roles
AFOLABI
Across Nigeria, the children of well-known political figures are increasingly following in their parents’ footsteps, assuming important roles in both state and national government.
Notably, after his inauguration on November 12, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo appointed Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the son of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, as the new Commissioner for Health-designate.
Here are some other children of influential Nigerian politicians who are making their mark in public service.
Adams Oshiomhole and Cyril Adams Oshiomhole
Olusegun Obasanjo and Iyabo Obasanjo
Nasir El-Rufai and Mohammed Bello El-Rufai
Musiliu Obanikoro and Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro
Ifeanyi Okowa and Marilyn Okowa-Daramola
James Ibori and Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu
David Mark and Blessing Onuh
Adebayo Alao-Akala and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala
Olusegun Osoba and Olumide Osoba
The Nigerian Army has revealed the burial arrangements for the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Last Wednesday, the Nigerian Government announced the death of Lagbaja.
In a special circular issued by the Nigerian Army via its verified social media accounts on Tuesday night, Lagbaja’s burial is slated for Friday, November 15, 2024 at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. The final interment is slated to hold between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Funeral service will be held between 10 am and 12.45 pm at the National Christian Centre Abuja on November 14, 2024.
The Service of Songs will be held between 5 pm and 7 pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the Army Headquarters, Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
Lagbaja, 56, died on November 5, 2024 after a protracted illness. The presidency on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 confirmed his death.
"Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
"He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness. Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu," a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said.
SaharaReporters had exclusively reported how the Army General was flown abroad by his family members to attend to his medical needs.
Sources described his ailment as “strange” to SaharaReporters.
President Tinubu has made Lieutenant General O.O. Oluyede the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), following Lagbaja’s demise.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, seized 709.979kg of illicit substances in October in Kano state.
This was disclosed in a statement signed and released by the spokesman for the agency’s Kano Command, ASN Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, on Wednesday.
The State Commander of the agency, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, said in the statement that the command also arrested 129 suspects.
“All the 129 suspects are males.
“The total illicit substances recovered under the period is 709.979kg, which is made up of 309.991kg of cannabis sativa.
”Others are 394.835kg of various psychotropic substances,comprising 741,600 tablets of Tramadol, 2.789kg of pregabalin and 0.027kg of methamphetamine, among others,” he said,
According to him, under the period, the command secured 22 convictions.
“These convictions serve as a deterrent to those involved in drug-related activities and underscores the agency’s dedication to enforcing the law.
“The suspects arrested have been profiled, and those who deserve prosecution have been charged to court, while others have been referred to the counseling unit for support and rehabilitation,” Idris-Ahmad said.
He commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen, Mohammed Marwa (Rtd), for his unwavering support and encouragement, which have significantly contributed to these achievements.
The commander also commended the Kano State Government and all other stakeholders for their collaboration and assistance in the ongoing fight against drug abuse.
“The command will continue to work tirelessly in collaboration with all other stakeholders to combat drug trade and promote awareness of the dangers associated with drug abuse” he said
Idris-Ahmad called on the general public to join the fight against drug abuse and trafficking by reporting any information to the agency through its dedicated hotlines “0800 1020 3040”.