Latest News
The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has called for the withdrawal of the tax reform bills.
According to Zulum, the bill transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in September, will drag the northern part of the country backward.
The bill has faced opposition from Northern governors, traditional rulers, and Northern Elders Forum.
However, despite the rejections, the Senate passed the bills for second reading on Thursday despite rowdiness at plenary.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa service, the governor expressed displeasure over how the bills enjoyed speedy and smooth passage to the current phase when other bills had to spend several years to scale through.
He said, “We condemn these bills transmitted to the National Assembly. They will drag the north backward, and not only the north, South East, South West and some states in the South West such as Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, will have problem with these bills.
“It is not opposition. This, based on our understanding, is something that will destroy the north in its entirety. Therefore, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others to review this decision. He secured 60% of his votes in the north. He should not listen to those telling him that northerners are not supporting him. If our interest is served, that is all. What we need now is the withdrawal of the tax bills.
“Why all the rush! There’s a petroleum bill that was presented but it took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this one was transmitted and now receiving legislative attention within a week. What we are saying is that, let it be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children would reap the benefits.
“How we see it is, if these bills scale through, we will not be able to even pay salaries. And if we paid, it won’t be sustainable the following year.”
Asked whether the bills would further exacerbate hunger and poverty in the north, Zulum answered in the affirmative, adding, “Including security. But they’re saying otherwise. We are against it, Lagos is against it; that it will drag it backwards. If this is the situation, then why won’t they rescind it? Our National Assembly members and even some from the Southern region are not in support of these bills.”
The governor, however, clarified that his objection of the bills was not a pointer of any opposition against the government, maintaining that it was only a call to reverse the decision.
He said, “This is our stand and doesn’t mean that we are against the government. We supported and voted for him (President Tinubu). But these bills will not mean good for us.”
Asked to comment on whether the lawmakers would pass the bills when lobbied and given kickbacks, Zulum said, “There are rumours around but we are not certain. But you know we are in Nigeria! What I am saying is that let us all be patriotic. We have children, grandchildren and relatives who are in villages, therefore, we should be careful not to endorse anything that would impede the progress of the north and other regions. We are appealing to the President to listen to us and address our concerns.”
President Bola Tinubu has said the economic reforms of his administration would impact Africa and boost the continent’s economy.
President Tinubu also hailed the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, for his interest in Africa’s growth and development, expressing confidence that Macron’s goodwill would foster stronger bilateral ties, benefiting the entire continent.
He stated this at the State Dinner organized by the French government for Tinubu at Palais des Elysée in Paris on Thursday night.
Tinubu encouraged both Nigerian and French citizens to uphold the cordial relationship shared by their nations.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu accompanied the President to the dinner, along with Nigerian government officials, businessmen, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
“It is a great honour for me to be here. And it’s been a great day because you have arranged a great reception.
“Appreciating that you have a good knowledge of Nigeria is not enough. Your warmth, your commitment, and your foresight in Africa are remarkable.
“You stirred my excitement and caught my attention as a leader. Thank you.
“France went through a lot to put freedom, democracy and commitment together. Your effort is very inspiring for us to work together. We have no choice but to build a continent that connects, resonates for its people, and cares about the people and development,” President Tinubu said.
He thanked the French leader and his wife, Brigitte, for the State Visit and the three-day reception.
“In addition to the economic prospects and what you mean to Europe, to America and the African continent, there is a good prospect that you will not forget who we are. You open your doors for investment for our friends and brothers here. I could see Aliko Dangote, Aig Imoukhuede, and Tony Elumelu here. You have memories of your friends in Nigeria. You asked for Mike Adenuga earlier today. Thank you,” he stated.
President Tinubu noted that the future remained bright for better relations with France.
“It is a good time for all of us. I cannot be prouder than I am to be President of Nigeria at this challenging time. I have people who are very clearly inspired, who are determined to change the course of Africa by changing the rot of the past, blending a future that our children and grandchildren can hold, and be open, and be proud,” he said.
President Tinubu stated that the reforms in Nigeria would improve Africa’s economic prospects.
“Regarding Nigeria’s economy, as you have said, we have embarked on a very strong reform, and there is no looking back. It is in the interest of the entire continent that we don’t continue in the past. We must brace up for the future with commitment and optimism. And with the courage of our founding fathers.
“President Macron, all your efforts about Africa, I promise you shall not be in vain,” he added.
In his remarks, President Macron acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership in Africa, recognizing its role as a ‘big brother’ to the continent.
He praised Nigerians for their resilience and intellect, mentioning Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and musician Femi Kuti as global figures.
“Nigeria is a formidable country with talented young people. Many Nigerians are exceptional in their chosen careers.
“You conquered military rule and took your liberty. President Tinubu transformed the economy in Lagos, and now you are on a mission to transform the country,” Macron said.
Macron noted that French investors have long been active in Nigeria, particularly in oil, gas, construction, and food security.
He also highlighted opportunities in solid minerals, emerging technologies, and the film industry.
“Nigeria and France will continue to lead together, forging a path forward,” President Macron concluded.
The first woman and first African to run the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been reappointed to the role.
She was reappointed for a second term, the global trade body said Friday.
“WTO members today agreed to give incumbent Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala a second term as director-general of the WTO,” the organisation said in a statement.
Her next four-year term will begin on September 1, 2025.
Media
Breaking: the General Council has appointed Director-General @NOIweala for a second term, effective 1 September 2025. More details to follow. pic.twitter.com/JSqC4RDZ8o
— WTO (@wto) November 29, 2024
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has announced the approval of a licence for the construction of a new refinery.
The approval given to a company named Process Design and Development Limited is to establish and construct a new 27,000 barrels per day refinery.
It said the facility will be located in Dole-Wure, Akko area of Gombe State.
The authority in a post on its official X handle on Thursday, said, “Authority Chief Executive presented a Licence to Establish a 27,000 BPSD Refinery to the Managing Director/ CEO of Process Design and Development Limited.
“The refinery is to be located in Dole-Wure, Akko, Gombe State.”
The latest development signifies that Nigeria now officially has about 10 modular and regular refineries, adding to the nation’s refining capacity.
However, despite this increase in the number of refineries, most of them remain moribund, with many not functioning at full capacity or efficiently.
A background check using NG.Checks showed that the company is located in Kano with registration number 487883.
Its directors are Adamu U. Sanda, Abdulkadir Umar, Umar S. Umar and Bashir Umar.
The Lagos state task force says its operatives have arrested four suspected traffic robbers targeting motorists.
Adetayo Akerele, chairman of the task force, said in a statement on Thursday that the suspects are Ismail Akinlade, 26; Rasak Abiodun, 25; Adefabi Gbolahan, 25; and Rilwan Olaloye, 20.
Akerele said the suspects were arrested in the Mushin area of Lagos following investigations that uncovered their hideout.
He said the task force had been closely monitoring miscreants operating in certain areas of the state.
He added that one of the suspects, Akinlade, admitted, “they typically hand over stolen phones to their leader,” who is currently at large, to sell the items.
Akerele said the suspect also disclosed how they take advantage of bad road sections to target motorists, striking when drivers are forced to slow down.
The chairman said after extensive manhunts and intelligence efforts, agency officers tracked a stolen phone to the Idi-Oro axis in Mushin, where the suspects were apprehended.
“These individuals reportedly target distracted motorists, stealing phones, bags, and other valuables from vehicles while distracting the occupants,” he said.
“They have all been interrogated and will be charged in court immediately.”
[TheCable]
![[PRESS RELEASE] Obi delivers a Convocation Speech at American University, Yola](/media/k2/items/cache/2d5265ac93696015741b4e6e1a70eab8_M.jpg)
The leader of the Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, is to deliver this year’s Convocation lecture at the American University of Nigeria, AUN, Yola, Adamawa state,on, Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Saturday’s keynote speech at the 16th Founder’s Day/20th Convocation of the University by the Labour Party leader falls in line with his public speeches in notable educational institutions globally, including Harvard University, Yale University, Wharton University, Pennsylvania, USA, and Peace University all this year.
A statement from the University's annual Founder’s Day honors the Founder of the University, who is also the former Nigeria Vice President, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Wazirin Adamawa, for his numerous contributions to society and especially his advancement of education and human development.
The 16th Founders Day lecture will be the highlight of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of the American-style Development University where students are educated to direct their learning and research outcomes towards addressing the socioeconomic challenges of the African Continent.
In the 20 years since its establishment, the numerous community service and outreach projects executed by students, alums, faculty, and staff have earned the Development University a spot among the top three Nigerian universities in Times Higher Education (THE’s) 2024 global impact ranking.
Since its establishment in 2003, AUN has significantly expanded its academic programs and affiliations with foreign institutions. AUN presently hosts the American Window in the northeast region where students and members of the public can access relevant information about scholarship and research opportunities in the United States.
President of AUN, Professor DeWayne Preston Frazier, heartily welcomed Mr. Peter Obi as Keynote Speaker and conveyed to him the appreciation of the AUN Community for his acceptance of the invitation.
“I am highly pleased and honored to announce that the former Executive Governor of Anambra state, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, CON, will be our Keynote Speaker. Mr. Obi is an accomplished public servant and politician who has spent most of his life providing quality leadership and service to Nigerians. He is a champion of education and will be an excellent speaker to celebrate our 20 years”, Dr. Frazier said in a message to the Community.
Mr. Peter Obi joins an elite cast of global personalities who have delivered the AUN Founders Day lecture, which includes Dr. Paul Vita (2019), Professor Ibrahim Gambari (2009), Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah (2011), former Ugandan Vice President Dr. Gilbert Bukenya (2013), Professor Charles Soludo (2012), Tulane University Professor Dr. William Bertrand (2014), and President Emeritus of Iowa Wesleyan, University, Professor Steven Titus (2023).
Ibrahim Umar
POMR Press Release
November 28, 2024
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Commits To Returning Out-Of-School Children To Classrooms While Equipping Them For The Future
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Commits To Returning Out-Of-School Children To Classrooms While Equipping Them For The Future](/media/k2/items/cache/aa26c79bbba2add206c1fdf8ea1dcf8e_S.jpg)
In a dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Élysée, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to prioritizing education for Nigerian children.
He outlined plans to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children through innovative return-to-class initiatives and skills development programs.
President Tinubu highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to create a supportive framework that ensures school-age children re-enter classrooms, emphasizing the role of motivation and skill acquisition in this initiative.
"In order to bridge the gap for some who are of age, and have been out of school for a while, we will encourage skills development," the President added.
Accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President stressed to President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron that Nigeria’s developmental potential hinges on a well-educated populace.
"The insecurity in some parts of the country makes it hard for children to return to school, but we are gradually re-populating the classrooms. And we need skills development to bridge the gaps," the President stated.
President Tinubu highlighted the notable progress in enhancing security across Nigeria, employing "kinetic" strategies as part of the peace-building process.
"With some more efforts, we will be able to get some level of stability. We had very good harvest this year. And as soon as more farmers can go back to the farm, we will have more stability in harvest and supply," he said.
In response, President Macron acknowledged Nigeria's vast growth potential and the importance of investing in educational initiatives. He reflected on his formative experiences during a six-month internship at the French Embassy in Nigeria, including visits to Lagos and Kano.
President Macron and Brigitte Macron expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their State Visit, promising to elevate the France-Nigeria partnership to new heights.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu received by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, at the French Military Museum in Hotel National des Invalides in Paris.
State House Photo:
The House of Representatives on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
While the constitution does not make provision for confirmation of appointments by the House of Representatives, the lawmakers adopted a report of its ad–hoc committee on the confirmation/screening of the Acting Chief of Army Staff and confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff.
Chairman of the committee Babajimi Benson in presenting the report, said Lt. Gen. Oluyede had satisfied all requirements.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Oluyede in an acting capacity in October following former army chief Taoreed Lagbaja’s illness.
Lagbaja later died on 5 November and has since been buried.
The president thereafter wrote to the National Assembly, seeking Oluyede’s confirmation as the substantive army chief, and described him as one committed to the security of the country.
On Wednesday, Oluyede appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Defence and Army and promised to resolve the country’s security challenges if his appointment is confirmed.
Accompanied by top military officials and the Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, Oluyede told the lawmakers he was “honoured this evening to be considered worthy to play a part in these efforts [to fight insecurity) and I look forward to contributing my utmost best by working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in bringing lasting peace to the length and breadth of our dear country Nigeria”.
“In the past five years or thereabout, I have operated at the senior operational and management levels of the Nigerian Army and I have somewhat been part of the running of the service in its entirety,” he said.
“Thus, I cannot completely distance myself from the successes or setbacks of our great army in the past couple of years. However, I see my nomination as the Chief of Army Staff as a privileged opportunity to be in the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes to the Nigerian Army to enable it to fulfil its
constitutional responsibilities.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Thus, if confirmed by this joint committee and given the common mandate to lead the Nigerian Army during this period, I promise to do my best to justify the confidence imposed in me by the appointing authority which is His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the confirming authority which is you members of the National Assembly and the generality of Nigerians.”
On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate passed President Bola Tinubu’s controversial Tax Reform Bills for second reading.
The Bills are: ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman, for the harmonisation, coordination and settlement of disputes arising from revenue administration in Nigeria and for other related matters, 2024.
‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No. 13, 2007 and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act to Establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, charged with powers of assessment, collection of, and accounting for revenue accruable to the Government of the Federation, and for related Matters, 2024.
‘A Bill for an Act to Provide for the assessment, collection of, and accounting for revenue accruing to the Federation, Federal, States and Local Government; prescribe the powers and funtions of tax authorities, and for related matters, 2024.
‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal certain Acts on taxation and consolidate the l;egal frameworks relating to taxation and enact the Nigeria Tax Act to provide for taxation of income, transactions and instruments, and for related matters.
Sponsor of the bills, Senate Majority Leader Bamidele Opeyemi, explained the general principles, saying the proposed legislation, if passed into law, will mark a paradigm shift in tax administration in Nigeria, to the advantage of Nigerians.
Senator Ali Ndume, however, raised concerns on the sanctity of the reforms, saying it contradicts certain provisions of the Constitution.
He insisted that the Constitution 1999 as amended should have been re-amended to reflect the desire of tax reform.
Ndume also cited the bills rejection by Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the National Executive Council, as well as by traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
Noting that he was not against the reforms as some provisions are good for the development of a robust tax administration system in Nigeria, he stressed that necessary steps should have been taken to follow due process in line with parliamentary rules.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio after listening to Ndume, as well as presentations by Seriake Dickson and Mohammed Ali Monguno, who stoutly supported the bills, passed them for second reading through voice vote.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday night, reversed his approval of free bus services across the state announced earlier in the day.
Initially announced on Wednesday morning as part of the state’s welfare initiatives, the decision to suspend the service was communicated later the same day.
The initial directive, as outlined in a press statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, stated that the free bus service would cover intra-city routes within Benin metropolis and inter-city routes across the three senatorial districts.
It was intended to reflect Okpebholo’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of Edo residents.
However, a subsequent statement from Itua late Wednesday night called for the earlier announcement to be disregarded.
“The earlier statement announcing the approval of free bus services by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, should be disregarded,” he said.
The CPS explained that the governor was being briefed on operational issues within the Edo City Transport Service, which manages the free bus initiative.
“For now, the free bus services have been placed on hold. A new decision by the governor will be communicated to the general public,” he said.
The reversal has raised questions about the operational and logistical challenges facing the programme, leaving residents awaiting further clarification on the state’s transportation policies
Earlier in an interview with The PUNCH, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State chapter, Bernard Joman, had commended the governor, saying the gesture would help cushion the effect of the harsh economy on Edo commuters.
“It is a welcome development for the Edo Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress and to the people of the state. It will help to cushion the harsh economic conditions on the people and workers.
“The higher institution students have resumed and they will all be going to various destinations in the state and the free transportation will surely help them.
“I will urge the governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpehbolo, to ensure that the scheme is enduring so that the people and workers will benefit for a long time.”
More...
The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked its Committees on Finance, Petroleum (Upstream and Downstream) to investigate reports from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Responsibility Commission “alleging that the NNPC (now Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited) withheld N8.48tn as claimed subsidies for petrol.”
The House further stated that “the investigation will address the NEITI report stating that NNPC (now NNPCL) failed to remit $2bn (N3.6tn) in taxes to the Federal Government.”
The committees were further directed to verify the total cumulative amount of unremitted revenue (under-recovery) from the sale of petrol by the NNPC between 2020 and 2023.
This is as the House approved the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper ahead of next week’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
MTEF is a multi-year plan for public expenditure that sets targets for budget expenditure and fiscal policy. They are designed to ensure these objectives are respected throughout the budget process.
FSP on the other hand, is a document that outlines a country’s fiscal policy and medium-term macro-fiscal framework. It’s a key component of the annual budget process and the Medium-Term Budget Framework.
Recall that President Tinubu on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, transmitted the MTEF/FSP to the National Assembly for consideration, following the approval of the Federal Executive Council.
The Tinubu-led government set the oil benchmark for 2025 at $75 per barrel with oil production projected at 2.06 million barrels per day.
The government also pegged exchange rate parameters at N1,400 per dollar and a projected Gross Domestic Product growth rate of 6.4 per cent per annum.
Dissolving into the Committee of Supply to consider the report of the Committees on Finance and National Planning and Economic Development; presiding officer and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu had expected the usual ‘carried’ chorus from members when he commenced the clause-by-clause considerations of the 15 recommendations but the Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda changed the tone of the exercise.
Oil benchmark controversy
Speaking on the $75 oil benchmark controversy, Chinda argued in favour of retaining the 2024 stipulation, arguing that in the first quarter of the year, the country surpassed it.
He said, “Because of the importance and sensitivity of MTEF, I will advise that we consider it thoroughly before we pass. This is one of the most important bills this parliament will ever pass. They recommend a $75, $76.2, and $75.3 benchmark per barrel of crude for 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively.
“We are aware that for 2024, what we recommended was $77.96, which is the current budget. Today, it is about $85 per barrel. That is, in the first quarter of 2024, we achieved $85 and it increased further. If we are recommending $75 for next year which is one month away against the $77 we recommended for this year, I will advise that we retain the minimum we adopted for this year.
“Rather than increasing, we are reducing, I am not unaware of the issue of moving to gas-propelled vehicles, leaving fossil fuel. I am aware that the world is moving that way and reliance on crude may be a bit reduced but going for $75 might be a bit too low,” he said.
Allaying these fears, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Abiodun Faleke, described the $75 per barrel benchmark as “responsible.”
He said, “Crude oil prices at the international market are not controlled by any country. In 2024, we were lucky unfortunately that there were crises in some oil-producing countries and this shot up the prices. In 2025, there is likely to be more stability. If you shoot out too much, it means you are bloating your expectations. Today, the price has crashed to $74. I think our benchmark is reasonable.”
This position was supported by the member representing Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Ogun State, Mr Ibrahim Isiaka.
He said, “If we pass this MTEF today and there is a need for amendment, this House can sit and do the necessary review. There was a time when crude sold for $120 per barrel and there was a time it sold for $20. Let us see this as a working document that is subject to review.”
At the end of the debate, the $75 benchmark was adopted and passed.
Oil production
Another contentious clause was the significant increase in domestic crude oil production from 1.78mbdp in 2024 to 2.06, 2.10, and 2.35mbpd for 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively.
Again, Chinda who represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State was on hand to question the rationale for projecting a 2.06mbdp in 2025.
“We are making projections for domestic crude oil production from 1.78mbpd in 2024 to 2.06, 2.10 and 2.35mbdp for 2025, 2026 and 2027. If you look particularly at the social media, they will tell you that we are producing about 2mbp but the truth is, we are not, Although, there is an improvement, but as of yesterday, the volume was 1.05mbpd.
“These are the things that will help us in proper planning so that the government does not have to always come to the National Assembly for borrowing which also exposes us further to criticisms by Nigerians.
“We must be critical about how we set our benchmark. Our target has always been to produce 2mbpd. OPEC quartile for us is 1.8mbpd. Putting this ambitious target of 2.06 and 2.35, we might not really achieve it. If we don’t achieve it, we know we will be tightening our belts. We are already projecting that we will sell 2.06 barrels and if we sell lower than that, we will get lesser funds. Let us reduce our target rate to 2m barrels per day, which has always been our target,” Chinda said.
Justifying the recommendation of the Committee, Faleke stressed that “As of today, the production is close to 2m barrels. It is getting better. Operators of NUPRC gave us the details. If you put a lower projection, you are indirectly telling the operators not to work hard. Let us push them to work harder and get more funding for our country. There was a time during the era of Goodluck Jonathan when we were around 2.5mbpd. Mind you, this 2.06 projection includes all the concentrates. It is not just crude oil alone.”
On the proposed exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar in the three years under consideration, a lawmaker from Nasarawa State, Gbefwi Gaza said, “In the past few years, we have seen the volatility in our currency. In this country, virtually everything we do is pegged to the dollar. If we don’t have a very good proposed rate, what that means is that we have to increase our borrowing for any deficit.
“What do we have on the ground to make the naira stronger and make the dollar weaker? Yes, we have the Dangote Refinery but we are in a phase of energy transition. We are going to the era of using more batteries and fewer fossil fuels; yet, fossil remains our main source of income.”
The House also adopted inflation rate projections of 15.75, 14.21 and 10.04 per cent for 2025, 2026 and 2017 respectively.
Also in the recommendations, the House agreed that “The 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria budget proposed spending of N47.9tn of which N34.82tn was retained. New borrowings stood at N9.22tn, made up of both domestic and foreign borrowings.”
Capital expenditure is projected at N16.48tn with statutory transfers standing at N4.26tn and sinking funds projected at N430.27bn.
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Commences State Visit To Paris](/media/k2/items/cache/bface1c35006a3962983adeedc04213a_XS.jpg?t=20241128_044657)
President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day State Visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.
Touching down at Orly Airport around 5:10 p.m., President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard, marking a ceremonial start to his visit.
The official engagements will begin on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will warmly receive President Tinubu. The visit will continue with a distinguished reception at the Palais de l'Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader.
The visit aims to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. It promises substantial benefits for Nigeria.
In collaboration with President Macron, President Tinubu will address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
The visit includes strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.
Additionally, both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.
Brigitte Macron and Nigeria's First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria's First Lady's Renewed Hope Initiative.
President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner hosted by the French President before their departure.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed Edith Uduma, an inspector, for allegedly collecting a bribe from Abraham Uzuobo, a sergeant, to conceal a rape incident.
Uzuobo was accused of raping a 17-year-old female suspect in a room inside South-Ibie police station in Edo state.
The suspect was detained at the police station for allegedly receiving stolen property.
In October, a video showing Uzuobo hurriedly wearing his trousers while the female suspect was lying on a chair inside a room in the police station appeared on social media.
In the video, Uzuobo was challenging a female officer for recording the incident.
The female officer in the background of the video was later identified as Uduma.
Uduma was the charge room officer (CRO) on duty on the day the incident happened.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said Uduma called her husband, Ibrahim Mohammed, a police inspector, instead of reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities.
Adejobi said Uduma and her husband demanded a N1 million bribe from Uzuobo to assist him in concealing the incident.
The force spokesperson said Uzuobo offered the couple N45,000.
“However, the sergeant offered only N45,000 in cash, which they collected at that instance, and after a few days, contacted the sergeant to request the same sum of N1,000,000, but the sergeant refused to comply,” Adejobi said.
“Dissatisfied by his refusal to follow through with the blackmail, they decided to report the erring officer to the DPO and also simultaneously share the video on social media.
“Everyone culpable in this case has been sanctioned appropriately, as there is no intention to impede justice.
“The erring sergeant has been dismissed and prosecuted and is currently in prison custody as the trial progresses.
“Inspector Edith Uduma was also dismissed for her role, while her complicit husband has been reduced to the rank of sergeant.
“However, it has come to the attention of the force that following her dismissal, Mrs. Edith has made numerous unfounded claims regarding her innocence and has sought to taint the reputation and integrity of the adjudicating authority, the inspector-general of police, in person and the entire police force.
“It is imperative to set the record straight and provide clear context regarding her actions and the decision to dismiss her from service.
“The dismissal of former police inspector Edith Uduma was not only justified but necessary, based on thorough investigations that presented irrefutable evidence of her failure to follow standard incident report protocol to immediately document the incident, attempt to conceal an offender for benefit, participation in extortion, and manipulating the justice process for personal gain.”
[TheCable]
![[PRESS RELEASE] Oyo Stakeholders Seek Speedy Passage of Digital Economy, e-governance Bill](/media/k2/items/cache/8249cd44fc340d8241a19ab89211c6e2_XS.jpg)
The Oyo State government and some stakeholders have advocated the speedy passage of National digital economy and e-governance bill to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
The stakeholders who gathered in Ibadan on Tuesday, said the passage of the Bill would smoothen government activities and boost government-citizen engagement.
This was the submission of speakers at a stakeholders’ engagement on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill held in Ibadan.
Speaking during the event, the Minister for communications, innovation and digital economy, Olatunbosun Tijani represented by Banke Ajagunna, noted that the importance of the bill cannot be underestimated as it will enhance the digital economy and build trust between the government and the people.
The Minister called on Nigerians and the National Assembly to give the bill the needed support.
According to him, the consultative engagement is going on in all the states of the federation to seek the input of stakeholders on the bill.
He submitted that the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024, is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
This bill, according to him, aims to drive economic growth through digital technology, improve public service delivery, and create a competitive environment for the Nigerian digital economy.
He noted that in a bid to migrate Nigeria into a smart country, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy proposed the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.
The Minister said the bill offers numerous opportunities for businesses to innovate and expand, with improved digital infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment. Individuals will also benefit from improved access to digital services and better governance through e-Governance initiatives.
He highlighted the advantages of E-governance bill to include Economic Transformation and Establishment of a regulatory foundation to encourage digital commerce, cross-border trade, and innovation, positioning Nigeria as a major player in Africa's digital landscape.
He added that the bill, when passed will encourage Modernized, Citizen-Centric Public Services.
“It will facilitate the digital transformation of government services to make them more transparent, accessible, and responsive to citizens.”
He also said the bill will ensure Digital Access for All, saying, “it will promote infrastructure and digital literacy programs to make digital services accessible across Nigeria, including underserved regions.”
Speaking earlier, the Senior Special Assistant on ICT and E-Governance to the Governor, Mr. Bayo Akande hailed the federal government’s National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.
Mr. Akande, who observed that the nation is overdue for a digital economy, which is the order of the day, added that this bill will drive economic growth through digital technology.
According to Akande, “Despite advances in technology, Nigeria's digital economy faces critical challenges, Nigeria lags behind countries with robust e-governance frameworks that empower citizens and protect consumer data. Without intervention, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities in an increasingly digital world.”
He added, “though Oyo has already started to introduce digital methods in the governance space of the state, as the state recently deployed Business Process Automation, in a bid to make Oyo state government services go paperless, the bill is a step in the right direction.”
It also seeks to create export-oriented capacities in Nigeria’s digital economy, support international digital trade and investments, and provide a legal framework for these activities.
In attendance were various stakeholders including several Tech Ecosystem leaders.
E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.