Remember the good old days of Finance Houses in Nigeria? Our young men achieved success overnight. One minute they were marketing officers and the next, they were on management floor. Those places were real magic places. And you know how young men who come into money early run things. They simply remember their long gone ancestor, the prodigal son in the Bible. Exactly. They lived large and spent money like it was going out of fashion. The set-up of the Finance Houses didn’t help matter much either. They paid more attention to glamour than the deposits. Their buildings were chrome and glass. The new rich boys dressed in the best of the season. Or have you forgotten that that was when such expressions as ‘power dresser,’ ‘yuppies’ and upwardly mobile’ joined our lexicon?

Those were the magical days when the streets were full of 26-years old green horns who became treasury managers straight after doing their NYSC year in remote farm settlements.

They drove Daewoo Racer, Daewoo Espero, Hyundai Excel, Sonata .Then, affairs were straight from best sellers, complete with expensive perfumes, chic restaurants and weekend trips. Husbands performed their God-given roles and wives did their wifely duties. Girls milled around the glamour boys. The boys picked, chose and discarded as they wanted. Yes, they were spoiled for choice. Shameless desperate uncivilized girls fought over them in public places. But it was fun and dance for the lucky ones. But you know how it is with things that are too good to be true. The Finance Houses soon fizzled out, collapsed like a pack of cards.

Suddenly, the big salaries and posh cars disappeared. Some of the directors of the glass and chrome offices were declared missing or wanted or both. The fine girls left the fine boyfriends who no longer had enough money to give them. Engagement rings were returned or kept as ‘retirement benefit’.

The search for Mr Right who dwelled in greener pastures resumed. The home girls were wary . The fast- lane ones worried about how soon the easy life would return, when things would return to normal and the days would be lit again? Their prayers soon got answered as resourceful Nigerian blokes came up with new tricks. There was advance fee fraud (419), armed robbery, Otokoto and now yahoo, yahoo plus and yahoo plus plus.

The bad fast girls were back in business. All that mattered was the posh cars and bright lights. Who cares where the money came from?

With careless, greedy mothers all over the place scheming and swindling, more and more of our girls are today falling into deadly traps and becoming raw materials for diabolical concoction of desperate get-rich-or-die-trying boys. These days, you wake up to one stranger-than-fiction story or the other. A young pretty girl the other day alighted from a cab and stripped herself naked in broad daylight. Another one has been menstruating since she returned from a ‘baecation’ in South Africa with her young ‘Boo’ who has since dumped her.

The flashy guys with no defined business address are back in town and it’s so easy to fall for them. Fortunately, there are signs and characteristics that set apart this breed of men.He is 32 or thereabouts, money makes up for whatever he lacks in looks or dress sense.

He drives G-Wag, Lexus gleaming black, in the mornings and has an array of convertibles for evening swags.

He wears designer wristwatches and shoes. In fact, each fashion item from his head-to-toe carries mind-blowing price tags.

He has all manners of call cards. The reason is he has a chain of businesses ranging from importing condoms to crocodile. There is always a bevy of bleached girls around him as he moves from night club to night club, mixing all kinds of powdery stuff with alcohol. The way he spends money tells all his right-thinking neighbours he is either going to go broke soon, die young or end up in jail, or all of the above. Unfortunately, the death of one has not diminished the zeal of more to join the evil wagon. Easy life, soft life, soft money have all become the albatross of decency. Bad parenting is making our boys into little demons who seek money in all the wrong ways and wrong places. But I am more worried about how our young women, our precious daughters are getting sucked into the destructive cauldron . For the desire of something as flimsy as bone-straight , double-drawn lace front wig, our girls are being‘used’ to cook blood money.

To a non-African, that is a strange concept but here, it is a sad reality. And to worsen an already deadly trend, the girls these fast boys used no longer have to die ‘after use’. They are allowed to wear their designer wigs and false lashes but they are empty shells, according to a pastor friend . He told me this sad story.

‘One of these bad boys came to my church and gave his life to Christ. His confession was long and terrifying. He told me that most of the beautiful girls we see around have been ‘used’ for money rituals.The boys no longer need to kill them physically. They just do what they need to do on a sacred bedsheet, chant some lines of incantations, for five or seven days and the fate of the victim is sealed. The victim is quickly dumped by the man once the ritual is complete.

‘They start by wooing the girl with expensive gifts. That is followed by a vacation where her full attention is on the man. According to my new convert, when they return, the guy starts picking quarrels over inconsequential things and then dumps her. The sad thing is even though the girl looks okay to all, she is finished. She is not likely able to have children even when all medical reports say she is fine. She may never be able to hold down a good job or make a success of any business. Indeed some of them may never be able to find husbands because there is already an evil mark dedicating them to someone’s pot of wealth. In other words,many of the girls you see around are empty shells.’

Did that leave you shaken? I was covered in goose bumps when I heard the story. And this is just half of it. Occasionally these days, when I see a fine babe swinging her waist, I ask myself, is she still whole or she has been used? Imagine buying a basket of big snails and finding that they are just health brown on the outside but empty shells.

Dear mothers, my dear sisters and daughters, this ugly trend is heart tending. It’s not a matter we can invite the police into or a case we can prove in court but it is a present palpable evil. The mean glamorous, fun-loving, sleek man doesn’t even look like the mean things he’s capable of but the polished look is only skin-deep, for the discerning, that is.

He talks and drives like an Italian.

His money is not inherited or from a long chain of family business. His money is his. Ask yourself how he made so much at age 30. Are his decent parents also dazed at the rate at which their son ‘arrived’ suddenly?

He most likely belongs to many societies and clubs that on the surface look like social associations. But they are cults. He is too far gone to consider leaving. His blood brothers are his lifeline. He owes them and his life is in danger if he betrays the oath.

Girls who flock around him are taking big risks and if you are involved, you need all the luck you can be wished. This dude may offer you his kind of romance and glamour. He may spoil you with money. But remember he may also be cut down in his prime.

His brains may get spilled all over your bedroom wall in the middle of the night. His offended blood brothers may send goons after him. His cult may ask for your blood for the next sacrifice.

You may end up as accessory after murder. Whichever way you look at it, greedy girls who flock around men of questionable income are not likely to end up well.

Then, what’s the worth of all the glamour dollars and pounds sterling if you can be dead or widowed at age 25 or worse still, end up an empty shell, walking corpse designed to move from one disappointment and failed venture to another.

There is a new sheriff in town. One who is a stickler for excellence. One who sees, who listens, who superintends, who manages, and who executes. This sheriff does not take a nap on the shift. His judgment is swift; his decision measured and calculated; his process thorough, incisive, and decisive.

Napping federal government agencies are suddenly angling to outdo one another in a show of performance. It is the Tinubu effect; the wand waking up dead matter. With President Tinubu, it is no longer governance by body language, but governance by bold language. It is clear to all that the President has no stomach for incompetence, indolence, and indiscipline. It is either performance or the heave-ho.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu obviously has a different aspect; a diligent one, to leadership. He has demonstrated the possibilities of change. He has chiselled an arc of possibility over seeming impossibilities. He has shown with purposive leadership, mountains can be moved.

With diligent leadership, ye can say to that mountain, be moved; and it shall be moved.

And President Tinubu has just begun.

WHEN GOVERNANCE RUNS ON THE STIMULUS OF HOPE

President Tinubu earned the tag “Baba-go-fast” for the decisiveness, punctiliousness, diligence, and swiftness of his leadership.

“Hitting the ground running” has a walking and talking example in the President.

Upon assumption of office, he did the derring-do — axing petrol subsidy; averting a national strike and giving the naira the muscle to find its fortune in the agora of trade.

According to JP Morgan, a US financial services firm, the naira is expected to appreciate, and trade at N600 to the dollar over the coming months.

The firm said: “While it will take a few days for USD/NGN spot to settle, we fully expect an initial overshoot towards the parallel market rate of -750 or higher, after which, we expect USD/NGN to settle in the high 600s over [the] coming months.”

Bloomberg, an international news agency, reported that investors were excited about Nigeria owing to the president’s swift reforms. It also reported that Nigeria’s equity market witnessed a boom — a corollary of the incipient policies, signalling a return of confidence in the market.

Reuters reported that investors were stunned by the quick reforms of the President. Reuters reports: “Nigeria’s new president, in office, for less than a month, is pushing to put Africa’s largest economy on a reform track that investors have eyed for decades, fuelling excitement that money could flow to the nation that many had deemed uninvestible.”

Governance is not rocket-science after all. It takes courage. Audacity. Diligence. Purpose. And forthrightness. Bold decisions take bold leadership.

The President has signed four seminal bills into law. The bill harmonising retirement age for judges and stipulating uniformity in pension rights for judicial officers; The Electricity Act which effectively decentralises power, empowering states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity; The Student Loan Act which allows students in tertiary institutions access to interest-free loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and The Data Protection Law which protects the privacy and liberties of citizens.

The past 16 days have been motion. Movement. And acceleration. Good things happen when governance runs on the stimulus of hope.

RANK OF ‘AGBADO CONVERTS’ SWELLS

Good governance is contagious in its effect. It is enthralling. It soothes everyone — supporters and opposition alike. The best form of political proselytising is performance. The evidence of good governance is in the performance. Nigeria’s trajectory is obvious to everyone — an upward swing. Citizens did not have to wait to decrypt the direction of the government; they saw the course the leadership was charting from the very first day.

The government has, essentially, earned public trust and goodwill. And I believe it will keep it.

Today, ardent critics of the President have become his griots, singing his praises on the rooftops. It is good to see. Good governance does not discriminate. Soon more ‘’Agbado converts’’ from all sections of the country will join the bubbling line-up of ‘’Agbado exponents’’. Nigeria needs the rank of active citizens who supports the government but criticises it constructively where necessary. It will take the effort of all Nigerians to make Nigeria work. The leadership is already leading the way.

I had ‘’prophesied’’ in a previous column that a bountiful agbado season was upon us. And true to that prophecy, it has been a season of fetching expectations, giant leaps, and reforms.

A new beginning for Nigeria is here. A New Nigeria is emerging. I hear the joys of expectations from fellow citizens; I see the longing and desire for change. Our earnest prayers and wishes for a peaceful and progressive Nigeria will come fulfilled. To more of the governance by bold language.

Nwabufo aka Mr OneNigeria is a media executive

Even the worst of  President Bola Tinubu’s critics will admit that he has proved to be a man on a mission. Within two weeks of assuming duty, he has removed subsidy on fuel causing the price to rise by over 150 per cent. He has announced the unification of FX window putting an end to multiple exchange rates; suspended the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and signed into law the Student Loan Bill, among others. 

The student loan act is worthy of attention because it is the first major policy targeted at Nigerian youths whom the President claimed to have heard loud and clear following the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in which the younger generation pushed their political advocacy beyond the social media to the polls. 

In his acceptance speech after emerging the President-elect, President Tinubu promised to grant education loan to Nigerian students and ensure that university lecturers no longer go on strike. “Four years course will be four years, no more strikes. Education loans will be available,’’ he had said among others. So, signing the student loan bill into law on Monday was  indeed a promise fulfilled. 

Tagged “Access to Higher Education Act, the law makes provision for interest-free loans to indigent Nigerian students. It is also available to all  students seeking higher education in any public institution in Nigeria provided they meet the criteria for qualification. The loan  according to the document in public space is only for the payment of Tuition fees. 

The Act provides for the establishment of a Nigerian Education Bank to be funded by the Federal Government. The Bank is expected to start with a share capital of N1 billion at N1/share with the Federal Government holding 100 per cent of the shares. 

Beneficiaries are expected to start paying back two years after their compulsory national youth service. Payments will be 10 per cent direct deductions from their salary account. Self-employed graduates are expected to document their income for deductions within 60 days. They will also remit 10 per cent of their monthly profits. Defaulters will face two years imprisonment or N500,000 fine. 

To be eligible, applicants must have secured admission into any tertiary institution either federal or state. This could be universities, polytechnics or colleges of education.  The student must also come from a family with an annual income of less than N500,000 and provide at least two guarantors who must either be civil servants above Level 12 or a lawyer with at least 10 years post-call experience. 

The education bank will get its supply from education bonds, all interests arising from deposits in bank and education endowment fund schemes. Also, one per cent of taxes, levies and duties to the Federal Government through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigerian Customs will go to the bank. It will also be funded by one per cent of profits from oil and other natural resources as well as grants, gifts and any other endowments. 

Applications are to be done through the Students Affairs Offices of the respective institutions to be forwarded to the Chairman of the Education Bank in their territory. These applications will thereafter be forwarded to the Minister of Education for approval within 30 days of submission and disbursement made immediately after the minister’s approval.

Students are disqualified from applying if they have defaulted in any loan before; have proven case of exam malpractice; ever been convicted for any offense of dishonesty or fraud; convicted for drug abuse; or their parents have any history of previous default on any loan. 

President Tinubu believes this loan is capable of ensuring that every Nigerian has access to higher education. Considering its multifaceted sources of revenue, the Education Bank is not likely to suffer a drought.  After all, other Federal Government initiatives with lesser funding channels still run successfully today. Take for instance the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) whose major source of funding is the two percent education tax paid from the assessable profit of companies registered in Nigeria. With this, TETFUND has done incredibly well in uplifting essential physical infrastructure for teaching and learning in many tertiary institutions in Nigeria. 

If not for TETFUND, perhaps many public institutions in Nigeria may not have new structures. I was once at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro in Ogun State, and all the new buildings there were built by TETFUND. The story is similar in many institutions.  The fund has also helped in training many Nigerian academics abroad, though many of these lecturers have also been lost to these foreign countries no thanks to the unconducive learning environments back home. Perhaps, the only area where Nigeria is yet to feel the worth of TetFund is in the area of research and development.

Likewise, the  Universal Basic Education Commission  (UBEC) has been sustained over the years despite being funded solely by two per cent of Nigeria’s Consolidated Revenue. In fact,  UBEC has so much money in its kitty that it is always begging state governments to come and access it. The management of the commission recently lamented that about N110bn of the intervention funds for the 2021 financial year had yet to be disbursed in 2023. So, we can imagine the amount of funds that will come to the education loan bank through all the government agencies and other sources that have been mandated to contribute towards it. 

But money is not enough. There should be a clear definition of what the scheme aims to achieve and how it intends to succeed. Right now, the first major threat to its survival is nonrepayment of loans. An average Nigerian graduate earns between N30,000 and N50,000 a month. This is less than $100. These are the fortunate ones. Many of them are unemployed. Unfortunately, this problem is not ending soon. Unemployment rate is projected to reach 40.6 per cent in 2023.  Without jobs, the loans may end up as students’ own share of Nigeria’s national cake. Besides, what happens to student dropouts who could have enjoyed the loans for years and never get employed or engaged in business. 

Yet as big as the concern over repayment is, it is just a minute part of a bigger issue. The real question is how is this loan going to ensure that lecturers are well paid as at when due and that they do not go on strike. The government has always complained of inadequate funds to honour the different agreements it signed with university lecturers. How is a student loan scheme intended to boost the revenue base of Nigeria’s public institutions? 

Secondly, Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions are currently tuition free. Agreed, students pay for course registration, accommodation, etc. but that is not tuition. So, what is the purpose of this loan. Is it to help students pay registration fees? Or is it a precursor to the introduction of tuition in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions? If students will pay tuition, how much is government projecting?

The act says the loan will ensure access to education for all Nigerians. How? Currently, less than half of about 1.5 million candidates that sit for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination yearly, gain admission to tertiary institutions. While some candidates don’t meet the cut-off mark for admission, majority are left out due to lack of space in the institutions they applied to.  

In 2019,  over 1.8m candidates sat the UTME, but only 612,098  representing 33.7 per cent were admitted. A report shows that about 367,499 candidates applied for the 43,717 slots available in Medical Departments in Nigerian universities in 2022. Likewise, 231,907 applied for social science courses that had only 93,277 slots while 204,734 applied for science-related courses that had just 132,796 vacancies. 

Likewise, 81,653 applied For Law-related courses that had 8,529 vacancies; 103,891 students applied for technology-related courses with 60,199 vacancies; 72,014 applied for courses under Arts and Humanities despite the 48,744 vacancies in this programme. 

For now, the only courses that have lesser candidates than available slots are Agriculture and Education. For Agriculture, 21,568 applied despite the 31,217 vacancies that were available while only 53612 applied to fill the 111,601 vacancies existing for education courses. 

When it comes to accessing tertiary education, the real problem is limited carrying capacity of our institutions which limits the number of students that can be admitted per time and lack of students’ interest in certain courses which results in the undersubscription of such courses. 

Solving this problem requires boosting the carrying capacity of our institutions and making courses like agriculture and education more attractive to students. This means employing more lecturers to boost the student-lecturer ratio; constructing more lecture theatres; investing in teaching aids; and enlarging accommodation spaces on campus for students among others. Giving students loan will not solve any of these problems.

Interestingly, the loan act states that students can only benefit from the scheme if their family income is not more than N500,000 per annum. In other words, a family where both parents are minimum wage earners are automatically exempted from the scheme since their total income is more than N500,000. If children of people earning less than $100 a month cannot benefit from a loan, who then can, or who should? 

The law also says guarantors should be above Level 12 or lawyers that have over 10 years post-call experience. How easy will it be for people that earn less than $100 a month to get senior civil servants as guarantors? 

The act is silent on both the minimum and maximum amount of money that can be drawn by a beneficiary. Maybe these details will be provided when the law is gazetted.

From all indications, President Tinubu is planning to introduce tuition in Nigerian universities. I have nothing against this. I have always advocated it. It is the way to go if we are sincere about rescuing our education system from its current state of rot. But this process should be well-thought-out. Existing laws that provide for free tertiary education in federal-government-owned public institutions should be amended. Also, the tuition should be reasonable. Education is a public good. It can’t be funded with tuition alone. Tuition can never be the alternative to government funding and student loan will not do any magic in this regard!

Olabisi Deji-Folutile (PhD) is the Editor-in-Chief, Franktalknow.com and Director at AF24NEWS.COM. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Eze Anaba, has been elected President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE). He polled 250 votes to defeat his opponent, the former Managing Editor of THISDAY, Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, who polled 81 votes.

The NGE is the umbrella body of the highest strata of working journalists who have attained the exalted position of editors in the journalism profession.

The election took place at the NGE’s Biennial National Convention which was held in Owerri, Imo State from 15th to 17th June 2023. The convention held at the Rockview Hotel was declared open by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

 Sheddy Ozoene

The Director of News, Radio Nigeria, Mrs. Husseina Bangshika was elected unopposed as Deputy President while the Editor of Guardian newspaper, Kabir Alabi Garba and Umoru Ibrahim of Triumph Newspaper Kano were also elected unopposed as Vice President (West) and Vice President (North), respectively. 

In a keenly contested election for the Vice President (East), the Editor-In-Chief of People&Politics, Sheddy Ozoene defeated Mrs Boma Nwuke of Rivers State Radio Corporation by 204 to 119 votes. 

Editor with THISDAY Newspaper, Iyobosa Uwugiaren defeated Lanre Oyetade to be re-elected as the Guild's General Secretary. Others elected include Steve Nwosu as Treasurer, Gabriel Akinadewo as Assistant Secretary and Charles Kalu, formerly of Silverbird TV, as Social/Publicity Secretary.

The Managing Director of Sun Newspapers Onuoha Ukeh, Rose Moses and Oluwole Sogunle of the News Agency of Nigeria were elected members of Standing Committee (West). Others are Chinedu Egere and Dom Isute as members of Standing Committee (East) while Muhammad Sanusi and Paulyn Ugbodaga of AIT/Raypower Abuja are members of the Standing Committee (North).

The results were announced by the Chairperson of the election committee, Maimuna Garba.

Anaba takes over the Guild presidency from Mustapha Isah of Voice of Nigeria. The new exco would pilot the affairs of the NGE for the next two years.

Over 400 editors are in Owerri for 2023 NGE biennial convention with the theme: ‘Post 2023 Election: Promoting Professionalism for Enhancement of Democracy and Good Governance.”

The Convention had the Vice President, Kashim Shettima as Special Guest of Honour while the Keynote Speaker was Dr. Chido Nwakanma; Father of the Day was the former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, while Dr. Tony Onyima was the Chairman of the Convention.

Speaking after his election, Mr Anaba thanked members of the Guild for the confidence reposed in him and promised not to let the Guild down. He thanked the outgoing president, Mustapha Isah, for his leadership attributes and for organising a successful elective convention.

City FM is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI

Time: 12:00pm

Guest: Jideofor Adibe (Professor of Political Science and International Relations)

Topic: State of the Nation: Matters Arising

Date: 17TH JUNE, 2023
                         
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92877141732?pwd=VEJWb29OL2VVekZUTHRpdWYxK0xxZz09

Meeting ID: 928 7714 1732
Passcode: 600206

Yesterday, there were varying responses to the suggestions put forth by the Policy Advisory Council established by President Bola Tinubu. The recommendations included advocating for a state of emergency to be declared in the areas of revenue generation and national security.

An anonymous source has revealed that a council, allegedly established by Tinubu during his tenure as president-elect, has made a recommendation to merge three government agencies. These agencies include the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Further investigation is required to confirm the authenticity of this claim.

In a recent report by the council, it has been revealed that three organisations are set to undergo a transformation into the Nigerian Revenue Service. The council, which is chaired by Senator Tokunbo Abiru and has Sumaila Zubairu, Dr. Doris Anite, and Dr. Yemi Cardoso as members, has made this announcement. Upon further investigation, it has been discovered that the document in question was created through a collaborative effort involving KPMG, a prominent consulting firm.

The council's recommendation to implement the Stephen Oransaye report on the rationalisation and restructuring of government ministries, agencies, and parastatals is worth investigating further.

An ambitious revenue target of $1 trillion has been set within a relatively short timeframe of eight years following the proposed merger of three agencies. The question remains: is this target achievable, and what factors have been taken into consideration to arrive at this figure? Further investigation is needed to determine the feasibility of this goal.

The government has been advised to take action in order to increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to the gross domestic product. This includes providing incentives and forming partnerships with strategic trading partners. The goal is to accelerate the growth of key sectors such as light electronics assembly, garments, fertiliser, refined sugar, oil palm, and automotive. The ultimate target is to generate an output of over $50 billion annually.

The document reveals some ambitious targets, including a plan to increase the current growth rate of 3.25 percent to an average annual growth rate of 7 percent. Additionally, the plan aims to lift 100 million people out of poverty and create an environment that will generate 50 million jobs. The ultimate goal is to achieve sustained inclusive growth.

According to a document, there is a recommendation for the passage of an Emergency Economic Reform Bill. This bill would grant the president special powers to drive the economic reform agenda. Further investigation is needed to determine the specifics of this bill and the potential implications of granting the president such powers.

A proposal has surfaced regarding the creation of a strategic coordination organ. This organ would serve to ensure that monetary and fiscal policies are in alignment. The proposed members of this organ include the president, vice president, minister of finance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, minister of trade and investment, and chief economic adviser to the president.

In a recent development, the council has put forth a recommendation that has caught the attention of many. As per the council's suggestion, it is imperative to domesticate a minimum of 50 percent of the value chains of the three largest manufacturing sub-sectors, namely food and beverages, chemicals and petrochemicals, and textiles, apparel, and footwear. The total value of these sub-sectors is estimated to be a staggering $17 billion.

Investigative journalists have uncovered a proposal for a consumer credit scheme that includes housing and consumer goods such as automobiles and furniture. The scheme is said to be funded by either utilising 20 percent of the Cash Reserve Fund of N5 trillion in the CBN or leveraging pension funds of N9 trillion. The proposal aims to promote long-term mortgages and affordable consumer credit. Further investigation is needed to determine the feasibility and potential impact of this proposal.

According to Professor Nwokoma, the task at hand is expected to be arduous and difficult.

According to Ndubisi Nwokoma, a professor of economics, the proposed merger of three agencies appears to be a cause for concern. He believes that the merger could potentially create an excessive amount of bureaucracy, making the process more complicated than necessary.

The individual claimed that the integration of large-scale corporations may result in the formation of bottlenecks. Could this idea potentially have negative consequences? Further investigation is needed to determine the potential risks and drawbacks associated with this proposal. The purpose of this strategy appears to be aimed at enhancing the organization's operational capabilities by emphasising various revenue-generating aspects. Further investigation is needed to determine the specific methods and techniques being employed to achieve this goal. Could the consolidation of multiple organisations into one mega organisation potentially have negative consequences?

The director of the Centre for Economic Policy Analysis and Research (CEPAR) at the University of Lagos, Nwokoma, has brought attention to the foreign exchange policy. Nwokoma has recalled that during the tenures of Charles Soludo and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as CBN governors, there were multiple rates in place. However, the margin between these rates was very narrow.

Are there underlying issues that are causing problems beyond just policies? Are policies truly effective? This is the question that begs to be answered. It is important to investigate whether policies have been successful in achieving their intended goals. Under whose leadership did things go haywire? The answer seems to point to Buhari. What exactly happened during his tenure that caused this? Could political interference be the reason behind the issue? Could it be that there are templates under Soludo and Sanusi that could be adopted?

As an investigative journalist, it appears that the individual is suggesting that the concept of obtaining an object from the moon is not a novel idea and therefore does not require a complete overhaul. The source suggested reverting to successful methods from previous experiences and implementing them.

The university don has made a bold statement regarding the employment target set by the government. According to the don, the target is not feasible and he has advised the government to address certain factors that contribute to job creation. Further investigation is needed to determine the specific factors the don is referring to and whether the government has taken any steps to address them.

Has the issue of security been adequately addressed? The question remains: has there been any progress made in addressing the issue of infrastructure? The issue of multiple taxes: has it been resolved? Investigative journalist version: The investigation should focus on growth-inducing factors as they have the potential to create jobs through increased production and expansion.

Manufacturers seem to be constantly complaining about the difficulty of getting rid of their products. Multiple agencies are reportedly involved in the clearance of goods. Further investigation is needed to determine the identities of these agencies and their roles in the clearance process. Is it possible that clearing goods from the port in Nigeria costs more than the actual transportation of the goods from China? Upon further investigation, it has been discovered that a multitude of factors require attention. Did Buhari make a promise about creating 3 million jobs? They are now talking about creating 50 million jobs. Did they manage to accomplish that goal?

Nigeria's future prospects appear to be precarious, with a high population growth rate and a decreasing gross domestic product per capita.

What are the specific high-impact initiatives that are needed to achieve a 7 percent average annual GDP growth rate and reach a $1 trillion GDP in the next eight years? Who is responsible for implementing these initiatives and what steps are being taken to ensure their success? What are the potential challenges and obstacles that could hinder the achievement of this goal? These are important questions that need to be answered in order to fully understand the feasibility and likelihood of achieving this ambitious economic target.

The former president of CITN endorses the proposed plan and emphasises the need for cautious integration.

Our correspondent had a chat with Adesina Adedayo, the former president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), regarding the merger of three agencies. Adedayo expressed his opinion that the merger could be a wise decision, but he also stated that Nigeria may not have the necessary structure in place to support such a move.

As an investigative journalist, it is crucial to uncover the truth behind the issue of governance cost and duplication of duties. To gain a better understanding of this matter, it is essential to examine the directional flow of revenue sources. As an investigative journalist, it has been brought to my attention that in other developed countries, there are measures in place to monitor the importation of equipment into companies through customs. It is imperative to investigate whether such measures are present in our country and if not, why not. The lack of control over imported equipment could potentially lead to illegal activities and must be addressed.

Who exactly is responsible for overseeing the customs and revenue levels in Ghana? According to sources, it appears that the Ghana Revenue Service holds the technical authority in this matter. As an investigative journalist, it appears that there may be potential for optimising our revenue flow to maximise profits. Further investigation is necessary to determine the most effective strategies for achieving this goal. From an investigative journalist's perspective, it appears that the mergers in question may be a wise decision. Is there a deeper issue at play here? Are there measures in place to prevent conflicting objectives among the parties involved? The individual made a statement.

The individual stated that in the event of a merger, it is imperative that it is executed with precision. They emphasised the importance of ensuring that all parties involved are treated equally and that there is no hierarchy established.

Adedayo suggests that Nigeria should focus on its comparative advantage in manufacturing and invest in those areas to generate employment opportunities.

The individual in question has made a statement regarding job targets, emphasising the need for clear and specific information regarding the nature of the jobs that are intended to be generated. Are the 50 million jobs being referred to limited to those that require a college degree or do they also include positions in the lower ranks? The individual stated that there must be a sense of reasoning behind the sequence of events.

According to Babatunde Adeniji, an economic analyst, there seems to be a lot of merit in the idea of merging government agencies. This is due to the bloated nature of many government agencies, and the need to make the government more nimble and efficient.

The source suggested that the government could potentially generate additional employment opportunities, provided they possess the necessary political determination.

The National Population Commission (NPC) has reportedly disclosed that a whopping sum of N200 billion has been expended over the course of eight years in preparation for the census.

The Director of Public Affairs for the National Population Commission (NPC), Isiaka Yahaya, has refuted claims that the commission spent a large sum of money in recent years. Yahaya stated that the commission has been making preparations for the census since 2014, and therefore, the insinuation that the sum was spent in the last few years is inaccurate.

During a press conference held on Friday in Abuja, he made this statement.

The Daily Trust Saturday has reported that Nigeria's census, which was supposed to be conducted in accordance with United Nations guidelines since 2016, has been postponed for various reasons since its last occurrence in 2006.

Investigative report reveals that a whopping sum of N200bn has allegedly been expended on preparations for the 2023 Census. It has been discovered that the aforementioned fund was not utilised in recent weeks, months, or even years. Shockingly, it has been revealed that the fund has been in use since 2014, during the initial stages of preparation for the highly anticipated 2023 Census.

It has been revealed that a portion of the N200 billion was spent prior to the current commission's arrival. This commission was inaugurated twice between 2018 and 2020, and even before the Buhari Administration began. These findings raise questions about the allocation and management of funds prior to the current commission's tenure.

According to Yahaya, a significant amount of money was allocated towards various preparatory measures to guarantee the accuracy and legitimacy of the upcoming operation.

According to his statement, a significant portion of the spending was allocated towards the demarcation of the country into enumeration areas, which facilitated the clustering process and subsequently provided the country with valuable data on the number of houses present.

Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's inauguration, his administration has made several noteworthy decisions that have garnered praise from Nigerians.

Since Tinubu's inauguration on May 29, 2023, there have been some surprising developments in the country. The President has made some unexpected decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the suspension of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

In a recent development, the Central Bank of Nigeria has received the attention of Tinubu. This comes after the suspension of Godwin Emefiele, who has been in charge of the country's monetary system for the past nine years. The reason for the suspension is said to be due to Emefiele's abysmal handling of the system.

Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has received a treatment similar to that of other high-profile individuals who have been accused of corruption. The allegations against Bawa are weighty and have prompted an investigation into his conduct.

Is the President truly conscious of the Nigerian situation? This is the question on the minds of many citizens who have been observing his speeches. Some are convinced that he speaks with assurance about the issues plaguing the country, not as an aspirant but as a sitting President. But is this really the case?

Could it be possible that decisions that were neglected or took years to be made during the past administration have been swiftly executed by the current administration in just a matter of hours or days? This is a view held by some Nigerians.

Could it be that Nigeria's success is a result of carefully calculated economic decisions?

The government has implemented several policies including the removal of fuel subsidy, signing of the Electricity Act 2023, Data Protection Act, Student Loan Act, unification of the foreign exchange market, and other measures.

Reports suggest that the President Bola Tinubu Policy Advisory Council may have made a recommendation regarding the merger of key Nigerian agencies. Specifically, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are said to be the agencies in question.

Why did the council propose the merger? According to sources, the aim was to facilitate the streamlined collection of both direct and indirect taxes, as well as levies, on behalf of the federal government.

As the president's plans and direction remain shrouded in ambiguity, there is a growing sentiment among Nigerians that his rhetoric aligns with what one would anticipate from a conscientious leader committed to nation-building.

What are the potential ramifications of this on the cost of goods and services for the Nigerian populace? In his Democracy Day broadcast, Tinubu implored the public to persevere for a brief period.

Former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adigun Agbaje, has commented on the impact of the student loan scheme. According to him, the bill has been received with open arms and is considered a positive development.

The individual claims that Nigeria is in dire need of a government that can effectively tackle the multifaceted challenges plaguing the education sector.

"This initiative is a step in the right direction." It’s a meaningful step, and it tells the story that perhaps this government is going to take on critical issues from the previous government and make advances in terms of moving the country forward.

"It is a welcome development; there will always be challenges, but they will be tackled as they come." This is a step in the right direction, but it can only make more impact when we begin to address the majority of the leakages in our economy," he said on Arise TV.

Here is how some Nigerians reacted to Tinubu’s economic decisions on social media:

@AyoBankole, "I must commend President Tinubu for quick decision-making. I mean, you can critique his decisions and policy thrusts and the eventual implications of them, but at least you can’t criticise him for his initial inaction, especially compared to the sleepy retiree we had with Bubu."

@Obi_Nwosu, "When President Tinubu said he would hit the ground running, he was not lying."

@Ogenidipo, "Subsidy, gone. Multiple exchange rates are gone. Education loan bill signed. The Data Protection Bill was signed. A labour strike was averted via dialogue.

"Bola Ahmed Tinubu has started on a good footing. Long may progressive actions in the interest of the people continue."

@Akin Oyebode, "Subsidy and the exchange rate peg will be gone in two weeks. PBAT’s economic agenda is well and truly on. It’ll be a bumpy ride for a few months for sure, but two necessary actions for long-term macro and fiscal recovery are done."

@GoziconC, "With barely 11 days in office, President Tinubu is already working like he’s been in Aso Rock for 4 years.

"President Tinubu has met with governors from 36 states; he has met with the oil marketers; he has sworn in the SGF; his aides are up and running.

"The Nigerian GDP is rapidly growing; our economy is gaining ground again. I swear we made the right choice."

The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, will on Monday meet President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

Dangote disclosed this after a closed-door session with Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Vila on Friday.

“I did not come to do much. I only came to inform the President about our visit with Microsoft co-founder and my friend Bill Gates. We will both see the President on Monday when we come together,” he told State House correspondents.

Although Dangote did not reveal the purpose of Monday’s visit, it is believed to be part of ongoing consultations Tinubu is having with key leaders within the local and global business community.

Your claims ‘spurious’, name military officers involved in oil theft, Navy tells Asari Dokubo
In his inaugural speech on May 29, Tinubu promised local and foreign investors that he will “review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions.”

“We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard-earned dividends and profits home,” he added.

The President also promised to pursue industrial policies that will “utilise the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.”

While targeting a higher GDP growth and lower unemployment rates, he said “We intend to accomplish this by taking the following steps; first, budgetary reform stimulating the economy without engendering inflation will be instituted.

“Second, industrial policy will utilise the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency. Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike.

“Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.”

A former deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, says he’s too old to be jostling for appointment under any government.

This is as he refuted claims that he is looking for appointment under President Bola Tinubu.

He, however, stated that he will be willing to nominate competent hands from his party if approached for such purpose.

George made this known in an interview with Punch on Friday.

George, who had been a vociferous critic of Tinubu, disclosed that he ended his feud with the President, not because he wanted to be in his good graces or seek favour, but for peace to reign, and as a sign of respect to those who intervened in the matter, at on behalf of Tinubu.

He stressed that after some senior indigenes of Lagos State and a delegation from the All Progressives Congress visited him to end the longstanding rift and sought his support for the Tinubu government, noting that he could never have desired anything more at his age.

He stated, “On this, people are only talking rubbish and they need to shut up. This man (Tinubu) is just starting and we said my party was still in court. They said we should let bygones be bygones. In the Bible, it is very clear that vengeance is only with God Almighty and you don’t continue fighting when everybody has persuaded you that it’s enough.

“All those saying I want an appointment don’t know what they are saying. What exactly do they want to happen to the young ones coming up? I said I have forgiven him. We had an issue and people settled it for us and I have forgotten about it.”

Asked whether or not he would accept an appointment from the government if offered, he stated, “I will give him people that have the knowledge from the party having been a manager of the party for years. If he says he wants me to help him get someone, there are millions of young people who still have all the energy to run around and not me.

“It is not for me, because I am not looking for a job. But if he calls me, we will discuss it before the party leaders, put heads together and nominate from our side somebody who is still young, agile, has the knowledge and can add value to this country.”

He said he could not congratulate or visit Tinubu at the villa while his party, the PDP, was still in court challenging the outcome of the presidential election. This, he said, would amount to betrayal of his party