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The World Bank has fully disbursed a $1.5bn loan to Nigeria following the Federal Government’s implementation of key reforms, including removing fuel subsidies and introducing comprehensive tax policies, PUNCH reports.
The loan, part of the Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing initiative, is among the fastest disbursements Nigeria has received with both tranches released in less than six months.
According to a World Bank document obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, the loan was approved on June 13, 2024, with the first tranche of $750m disbursed on July 2, 2024.
The second tranche, tied to the fulfilment of specific economic reform conditions, was disbursed in November 2024.
This rapid disbursement contrasts with other loan programmes, which typically experience delays due to slow or partial implementation of conditions.
For more context, another loan of $750m was approved on the same day (June 13, 2024) for the Accelerating Resource Mobilisation Reforms Programme for Results project in Nigeria.
The PUNCH observed that the World Bank has only disbursed about $1.88m to Nigeria at the time of filing this story, which is less than one per cent of the total approved $750m for the ARMOR project.
The PUNCH further observed that the $1.5bn loan disbursed to Nigeria was structured in two tranches with different maturity periods.
The first tranche was a $750m credit from the International Development Association, featuring a 12-year maturity and a six-year grace period.
The second tranche, a $750m loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, has a 24-year repayment period with an 11-year grace period.
The World Bank document read, “This document summarises the progress made under the Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing for the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Borrower or Recipient), which was approved by the Executive Directors on June 13, 2024.
“The DPF is a standalone operation comprised of two tranches: (1) first tranche comprising $750m credit from the International Development Association (Association) (Shorter Maturity Loan terms with 12-year maturity and grace period of 6 years, Credit No. 7567-NG); and (2) second tranche comprising $750m loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (Bank) (US dollar-denominated, commitment-linked loan with 24-year maturity and grace period of 11 years, Loan No.9683-NG).
“The Financing Agreement and Loan Agreement were signed and declared effective on June 19, 2024 and June 26, 2024, respectively. The first tranche was released on July 2, 2024.”
While the document itself did not clearly state when the disbursement for the second tranche was made, further findings by The PUNCH showed that Nigeria got a $750m disbursement from the World Bank in November.
According to the document seen by The PUNCH, a critical reform that unlocked the second tranche was the removal of fuel subsidies.
The World Bank commended the government for not only meeting the condition but exceeding expectations by fully deregulating the fuel market.
The document noted, “In terms of implementation, while the TRC [Tranche Release Conditions] formulation required introducing the change over a specified time-bound implementation period, the Borrower has moved ahead and made the change immediately, thereby overachieving the TRC in this respect.
“Effective October 2024, the price of PMS has been determined by the international market and the exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Nigeria.”
This move has allowed petrol prices to align with international market rates and exchange rates, effectively ending the implicit subsidies that had burdened public finances.
Fuel prices have increased more than fivefold since the reform process began in mid-2023, a change that has drawn both praise for its fiscal prudence and criticism for its impact on living costs.
In addition to removing fuel subsidies, the Federal Government introduced sweeping tax reforms aimed at improving revenue mobilisation.
The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, submitted to the National Assembly, proposes a gradual increase in the Value Added Tax rate to 10 per cent by 2025, alongside measures to simplify tax compliance and expand input tax credits for businesses.
The document read, “The Borrower has successfully carried out the programme as outlined in the Letter of Development Policy, with progress along all areas supported by the DPF. Following the implementation of the reforms that constituted prior actions for the first tranche of the RESET DPF (disbursed on June 28, 2024), the Borrower continues to carry out the program as planned.
“The borrower has prepared and submitted to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024, a comprehensive package of tax reforms, which not only reform the VAT regime but also simplify tax policy laws and tax administration.
“Reforms have also been implemented to fully deregulate the fuel market, ensuring that retail prices are determined by market conditions and opening the sector to competition. The authorities are following through on their commitment to cease deficit monetization, relying instead on standard debt instruments to finance the deficit.”
There were three key conditions noted in the document, with the first being increasing net oil revenues.
For the first condition, the World Bank noted that there was a Presidential Executive Order that mandated that all fiscal transfers, including crude oil sales and gasoline imports, be executed at the prevailing market exchange rate, with Naira-based transactions starting in October 2024, effectively addressing implicit subsidies.
The second condition was to increase non-oil revenue, and in this regard, the government submitted a draft bill to the National Assembly proposing a VAT rate increase to 10 per cent in 2025, while also allowing input tax credits for capital and services.
The third condition is to ensure social protection delivery was strengthened, and the document noted the submission of an amendment bill mandating the use of the National Social Registry as the primary targeting tool for social investment programs.
The World Bank described the reforms as necessary for diversifying Nigeria’s revenue sources, given the country’s historically low tax-to-GDP ratio.
However, the tax bills have sparked controversy, with northern leaders arguing that the reforms could widen economic disparities between the north and the south.
The disbursement of the $1.5bn loan comes amidst widespread public dissent over the effects of the reforms.
The removal of fuel subsidies has led to soaring petrol prices, significantly increasing transportation and living costs.
Protests erupted in cities like Abuja, Kano, and Lagos, with citizens expressing frustration over rising economic hardships.
President Bola Tinubu and members of his cabinet defended the reforms, describing them as essential for Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.
Tinubu emphasised that the funds saved from the removal of subsidies would be redirected toward infrastructure development, social welfare, and economic diversification.
To mitigate the immediate impact of the reforms, the government has introduced relief measures, including direct cash transfers of N25,000 to 15 million vulnerable households.
However, only about four million households have benefited from this cash transfer programme, which is far below the target.
Also, efforts are underway to promote compressed natural gas as a cheaper alternative to petrol, with a target of converting over one million vehicles in three years to reduce transportation costs.
The World Bank praised the government’s swift and decisive actions, noting that Nigeria’s ability to meet the conditions for both tranches in record time reflects a strong commitment to economic transformation.
The global lender also acknowledged the government’s efforts in addressing structural inefficiencies, such as the high fiscal burden from subsidies and the challenges of revenue mobilisation, calling for sustained reforms.
Amid concerns over rising external debt and the debt service burden, the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has secured loans worth $6.95bn from the World Bank in about 18 months.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the World Bank will decide on three major loan projects for Nigeria in 2025, totalling $1.65bn, as part of efforts to address critical developmental challenges in the country.
The loans, currently in the pipeline, will focus on internally displaced persons, education, and nutrition enhancement.
According to data from the external debt report released by the Debt Management Office, the World Bank’s share of Nigeria’s debt totals $16.32bn, with the majority owed to the International Development Association, which accounts for $16.32bn, which represents 38 per cent of Nigeria’s total external debt.
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, another arm of the World Bank, is owed $484.0m, or 1.13 per cent.
The Federal Government on Sunday expressed sympathy with the government and people of South Korea following the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216.
The crash occurred on Sunday, December 29, 2024, when the Boeing 737-800, returning from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land at Muan International Airport in southern South Korea.
The plane skidded off the runway and collided with a wall, resulting in a fiery explosion. Out of the 181 passengers and crew on board, 179 lost their lives, leaving only two survivors.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal Government conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with South Korea during this difficult time.
The Nigerian government described the crash as a tragic loss and reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the South Korean people.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express her sincere condolences to the Government and People of the Republic of Korea for the unfortunate crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 that occurred on Sunday, December 29th, 2024.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathises with the Government of South Korea and the families of the victims of the deadly plane crash,” the statement read.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Sunday, came down hard on ex-Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, describing him as a rent seeker and an ingrate for siding with incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike was reacting to Odili’s recent remark that Fubara stopped him (Wike) from turning Rivers into his private estate.
According to a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Leke Olayinka, Wike spoke at a Special Thanksgiving Service organised by factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, at the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Oro-Igwe/Eliogbolo Archdeaconry Church of the Holy Spirit, Eliozu Parish, Port Harcourt.
Wike, who tagged Odili an ingrate, narrated how he built a house for the former governor, adding that Odili also had some of his family members occupying positions in the Rivers State government, turning Rivers into his personal estate.
“Must you be a trader all the time? As governor for eight years, what else are you looking for? You know, I didn’t want to say anything. But somebody called me last night, and told me what someone said in the social media. I said until I read it myself. This morning, I read in the newspapers, what our former Governor, Sir Dr Peter Odili said”.
“What did he say? He said that the present governor has been able to stop one man who wanted to convert Rivers State to his personal estate. Between him and myself, who has turned Rivers State to his personal estate? His wife is a Chairman of Governing Council, his daughter is a commissioner, his other daughter is a judge and he is the general overseer. Who has now turned Rivers State to his private estate? I am sure if care is not taken, if there is a chance, he can even arrange a marriage for the governor”.
“In 2007 after he left office, he couldn’t come near power in the State because Amaechi was the governor then. He was gone! Like somebody said that God will use someone to lift up someone. When I came in as governor in 2015, I won’t use the word resurrected, but I brought him back to life,” Wike said.
The Minister also said that Odili had equally also praised him as better than the past governors in the state, stating that the former Governor reduced himself to a laughing stock.
“All of you here remember when I was governor, this same Odili praised me to high heaven. In fact, he said then that all past governors in Rivers State combined did not do better than me. Now, because you have organized a Christmas Carol for the governor, I didn’t say you should not do your Christmas Carol. But why reduce yourself to such a laughing stock. People will still see it on television how he was telling the whole world then how God used me to bring him back to life politically”.
“The governor that all of us made has not spent one year in office and the same Odili was already saying that the governor has beaten the records of all the past governors of Rivers State. When I was there, he said I had surpassed the records of all the past governors, including himself. What can he even show that he did in his eight years as governor? But a governor has not spent one year, you are saying he has done more than all the past governors”.
The Minister also stated that the former Governor has no achievemebts in his eight years as governor, adding that he failed in his Presidency bid, and that former Governor Odili had opposed the emergency of Fubara as Rivers State Governor.
“You spent eight years as governor and someone who hasn’t spent one year has surpassed your records, what manner of elder talks like that? Is that what an elder statesman should be known for?
“When I was plotting who will be governor after me, was he (Odili) there? Then, he was complaining about this governor, saying that he couldn’t stand before the public to talk. But today, he is organising Christmas Carol for the same governor he was against then.
“He has forgotten all that he said in the past. I named this after you, I named that after your wife. What have I not done? This is a man who wanted to run for President then, he didn’t have the balls, he chickened out. Simply because Obasanjo said no, he will not contest, he ran away. Because of him, I never invited Obasanjo to Rivers State to inaugurate projects. I felt it would humiliate him,” Wike said.
Jimmy Carter, the 100-year-old former US president and Nobel peace laureate who rose from humble beginnings in rural Georgia to lead the nation from 1977 to 1981, has died, his nonprofit foundation said Sunday.
Carter had been in hospice care since mid-February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia — the same small town where he was born and once ran a peanut farm before becoming governor of the Peach State and running for the White House.
Carter died “peacefully” at his home in Plains, “surrounded by his family,” The Carter Center said in a statement.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love,” Chip Carter, the former president’s son, said in the statement.
Carter was the oldest living ex-US leader and the nation’s longest-lived president — an outcome that seemed unlikely back in 2015 when the Southern Democrat revealed he had brain cancer.
But the US Navy veteran and fervent Christian repeatedly defied the odds to enjoy a long and fruitful post-presidency, after four years in the Oval Office often seen as disappointing.
During his single term, Carter placed a commitment on human rights and social justice, enjoying a strong first two years that included brokering a peace deal between Israel and Egypt dubbed the Camp David Accords.
But his administration hit numerous snags — the most serious being the taking of US hostages in Iran and the disastrous failed attempt to rescue the 52 captive Americans in 1980. He also came in for criticism for his handling of an oil crisis.
In November of that year, Republican challenger Ronald Reagan clobbered Carter at the polls, relegating the Democrat to just one term. Reagan, a former actor and governor of California, swept into office on a wave of staunch conservatism.
– Active post-presidency –
As the years passed, a more nuanced image of Carter emerged — one that took into account his significant post-presidential activities and reassessed his achievements.
He founded the Carter Center in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy, and he was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to promote social and economic justice.
He observed numerous elections around the world and emerged as a prominent international mediator, tackling global problems from North Korea to Bosnia.
Carter, known for his toothy smile, said basic Christian tenets such as justice and love served as the bedrock of his presidency. He taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist, his church in Plains, well into his 90s.
In recent years, he had received various hospital treatments, including when he revealed in August 2015 that he had brain cancer and was undergoing radiation.
US Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia, who is the pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church where Martin Luther King Jr preached, wished the Carter family comfort as the former president entered hospice last year.
“Across life’s seasons, President Jimmy Carter, a man of great faith, has walked with God,” Warnock wrote on X, then Twitter.
“In this tender time of transitioning, God is surely walking with him.”
In April 2021, President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, met with the Carters at their home in Plains.
The White House later released a photo showing the couples smiling together, although only Rosalynn was seen by the press outside, bidding the Bidens farewell while using a walker.
Rosalynn, Carter’s wife of 77 years, died on November 19, 2023 at age 96.
The former president, who looked frail, poignantly appeared at her memorial service in a wheelchair, with a blanket on his lap bearing their likenesses.
Carter is survived by the couple’s four children, three sons and a daughter.
The Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Animashaun, says she has successfully completed the construction of a modern wooden jetty at Take Nla Village, Ward D1, in Epe local government council Area of Lagos state
Princess Animashaun appreciated the Baales, community leaders and the villagers for their perseverance, patience and support before, during and after completion of the project, promising them more dividends of democracy to the riverine communities of the council areas of Lagos state.
She also reiterated her commitment to driving programmes and policies that would prioritise their social protection, noting that project underscored her unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of Epe residents and stimulating economic growth in the council's area.
According to her "The newly construction wooden jetty is expected to significantly enhance the village's water transportation system, facilitate trade and commerce, and boost tourism potentials in the region.
"This strategic infrastructure development will create new economic opportunities for villagers, especially the fishermen, it will as well improve the standard of living, and make Epe a more attractive destination for tourists, investors and visitors."
She said her visionary leadership has made the local government council witnessed significant transformations in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, tourism, culture and community engagement, saying her administration has prioritised inclusive decision-making processes, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of Epe residents are addressed.
While thanking the Chairman for the outstanding achievement, a fisherman, Mr. Salau Olatunji appreciated the Chairman and her exco members for the giant strides, saying that they were looking forward to her continued leadership in driving growth, development, and prosperity in Epe.
The completion of the wooden jetty at Take Nla Village marks a significant milestone in Princess Animashaun's efforts to reposition the council as a thriving economic hub in the comity of councils in Lagos state.
Nigerian businesswoman Oluwatofarati has stirred up conversations online with her strong opinion on DNA tests after childbirth. In a recent statement, she made it clear that if she found out her husband had secretly conducted a DNA test on their newborn, she would not hesitate to take drastic action.
“If I find out my husband had a DNA test done after I just pushed a baby out, immediately I leave the hospital, I’m leaving with my child and serving divorce papers,” Oluwatofarati boldly stated. Her remarks highlight the deep sense of betrayal and lack of trust she would feel in such a situation.
The businesswoman's comments have sparked a heated debate online, with many supporting her view that trust should be paramount in marriage, while others question whether DNA tests are justified in today’s world.
“If I find out my husband had a DNA test done after I just pushed a baby out, immediately I leave the hospital, I’m leaving with my child and serving divorce papers,” Oluwatofarati boldly stated. Her remarks highlight the deep sense of betrayal and lack of trust she would feel in such a situation.
The businesswoman's comments have sparked a heated debate online, with many supporting her view that trust should be paramount in marriage, while others question whether DNA tests are justified in today’s world.
The former governor of Rivers State and one-time presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Peter Odili, has said Governor Siminalayi Fubara stopped the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, from turning the state to a private estate.
Odili disclosed that Governor Fubara summoned an unusual fortitude to confront the quest by Wike to capture Rivers state through ferocious, but unnecessary political war.
Odili spoke at a Christmas ballad organized by him in honour of Governor Fubara and his family.
He stated that as a family, he, his wife and children, decided to host the Rivers State Governor and his family to a night of varieties of song and other activities in appreciation of “the fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he has demonstrated”.
Dr Odili explained that it is now over 12 months, since the 25th of October 2023, when a fierce existential fight, though unnecessary, was waged against Governor Fubara over the soul of Rivers State.
He said that with assuring fortitude, “Governor Fubara confronted the challenge, prevented the quest by one man to capture the State as a private estate, emancipated Rivers people, steadied governance and made civil servants and Rivers people happier as it used to be until he left office in 2007,” he said.
Fubara speaks
Responding, Governor Fubara said that God has proved Himself worthy as the Ultimate Liberator of the State and its people because He ensured total triumph over the political crisis and those behind it.
Governor Fubara stated that while the political antagonism lasted, God gave him a new perspective to leadership.
He added that with the strength of support from Rivers people, he stopped seeing the crisis as a problem, but as a necessary enabler in governance.
“And not just because I want to accept it, I get stronger in this course every day when I look at the support I am getting from the true Rivers people.
“So, it is not me being strong. My strength is drawn from everyone of you that is here. You gave me the encouragement; you do the work for me; you make the calls for me. So, why won’t I stand up for you.
“But we also believe strongly that the ultimate game changer, the ultimate liberator, and the ultimate fighter still remains God Almighty. And because we have Him on our side, victory is assured.”
Governor Fubara said God is in control of the affairs of the State, adding that as they look forward to a very prosperous 2025, they should be assured that it will be better than what had been experienced.
He assured of the determination of his administration to make every succeeding year in the State better with remarkable records of progress, stressing that the excitement experienced among Rivers people during the Christmas celebrations is indicative of a brighter future ahead.
Governor Fubara vowed to continue to do what is right.
He said it is also delighting to see true leaders of the State and well-meaning Rivers people standing on the right side of history despite the pressures to surrender to tyranny and oppression.
“I want to thank everyone, and I assure you that we will continue to run a government that will uplift the image of the State. We will not be tyrants.
“We will remember that what we are doing here today is a shift job, and that one day, our time will be up, and we’ll leave for another person to take over.
“And what is important is to allow the machine to keep running effectively, so that when the other person comes, he continues with that steam for progress in the State.
“So, I thank everyone of you for your support,” Fubara added.
Speaker
Also speaking, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo recalled how the crisis that erupted in the Assembly swept them off their feet, but quickly added that the encouragement from Governor Fubara emboldened him and a few others to stand up for the truth to liberate the State.
In his speech, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, said he least expected to have remained a chief judge, just as he didn’t expect the Governor to last in office up until now given the political crisis.
He noted that God has turned the crisis as a liberation fight, and assured that he will continue to be on the right side in defence of the State.
Sekibo
Also speaking, former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, noted that the gathering was a roll call of the political family of Dr Peter
He said Governor Fubara had sufficiently blended traits of Dr Odili’s leadership style with his, and steered the course of governance successfully, making the people of State proud of him as a worthy son.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman, of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), thanked the Odilis for organising the family reunion, and lauded the Governor and his family for showing unassuming humility and honouring the invitation.
He also thanked genuine elders and leaders of the State for joining in the celebration
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the increasing incidents of vandalism targeting critical power transmission equipment hindered the achievement of the ambitious goal to generate 6,000 megawatts of electricity by December 2024.
He explained that the government had implemented measures to reach the milestone and was on track until multiple incidents of vandalism to electricity towers disrupted the plan.
The Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, revealed this during an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH when asked about the reasons behind the failed projections.
Nigeria’s power generation currently ranges between 4,000 MW and 4,900 MW from 19 power generation plants, serving a population of approximately 200 million people.
For instance, the latest operational report showed that the country’s power generation was 4,363.79MW as of 6 am on Saturday.
Earlier this year, Adelabu pledged that power generation in Nigeria would reach 6,000MW by the end of the year, citing improvements in the sector over the past year.
However, the frequent collapse of the nation’s electricity grid and the vandalisation of towers ultimately affected the stability of the electricity supply, hindering efforts to raise the country’s power generation.
The special adviser, who had expressed optimism about reaching the target in a meeting with journalists in November, stated that approximately 1,000 megawatts had been added since the current administration took office.
He said, “If you look at the situation when the current administration took over, the generation was just about 4,000 megawatts. However, within a year, about 1,000 megawatts were added. By November 27, we again reached a target of 5,231 megawatts. Indeed, a promise of 6,000 megawatts was made, and with what we were doing, we felt it was achievable. Unfortunately, the work of vandals set us back a bit. We are not resting on our oars to ensure additional supply to the grid.”
As of November 2024, the Transmission Company of Nigeria stated that it had spent N8.8bn to repair and restore 128 vandalised transmission towers across the country.
He also mentioned another issue facing the sector: cash backing for subsidy payments, noting that only N450bn was budgeted for the current year, while the debt incurred for subsidy payments amounted to N2.3tn.
Bolaji said, “One of the key issues has been the cash backing of the subsidy, which relates to debt owed to generation companies and gas companies. This year’s subsidy will be approximately N2.3tn, but only N450bn was budgeted.
“Another issue has been the fragility of the transmission grid due to the level of vandalism.”
On possible solutions to improve generation in 2025, the media adviser said, “Firstly, the government will make improved provision in the budget for subsidies to ensure payments are made on time. We will continue to push to ensure the market continues to pay for the electricity consumed.
“The committee on revamping ageing equipment is also in place. The Federal Government has increased the budget allocation to the Ministry of Power and its agencies to ensure increased infrastructure investment.
“The minister continues to ensure a conducive environment for private sector participation, as this is the only way to provide the capital required for infrastructure improvements in the power sector,” he concluded.
In the proposed 2025 budget, the power ministry budgeted a sum of N269.74bn for special intervention power projects, N47.35bn for the construction of transformers and substations, and N36.82bn as counterpart funding for earmarked transmission lines and substation projects.
A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people from Bangkok to South Korea crashed on arrival Sunday, colliding with a barrier and bursting into flames, with only two survivors rescued so far and 96 confirmed dead.
A collision with birds and adverse weather conditions were cited by the authorities as likely causes of the crash that flung passengers out of the plane and left it “almost completely destroyed”, according to fire officials.
Video showed the Jeju Air plane landing on its belly without wheels at Muan International Airport, skidding off the runway as smoke streamed out from the engines, before crashing into a wall and exploding in flames.
“Passengers were ejected from the aircraft after it collided with the barrier, leaving little chance of survival,” a local fire official told families at a briefing, according to a statement released by the fire brigade.
“The plane is almost completely destroyed, and identifying the deceased is proving difficult. The process is taking time as we locate and recover the remains,” he was quoted as saying.
“So far, two people rescued — both are flight attendants — 96 dead,” the fire department said, revising an earlier statement that said one of the survivors was a passenger.
A photo showed the tail section of the plane — a Boeing 737-8AS according to Flight Radar — engulfed in flames on what appeared to be the side of the runway, with firefighters and emergency vehicles nearby.
“The cause of the accident is presumed to be a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions. However, the exact cause will be announced following a joint investigation,” Lee Jeong-hyun, chief of Muan fire station, said during a briefing.
A response team officer at the local fire department, Lee Hyeon-ji said rescue authorities had evacuated passengers from the rear section of the jet.
The Muan International Airport is in Muan county, which is about 288 kilometres (179 miles) southwest of Seoul.
The fire agency said it had mobilised 32 fire engines and scores of fire fighters to the scene.
The accident took place at 9:03 am (0003 GMT) on Sunday during the landing of Jeju Air Flight 2216, the Ministry of Land said.
“A total of 175 passengers — including two Thai nationals — and six crew members were onboard,” it said.
The initial fire was extinguished and a search and rescue operation was “under way at the crash site”, it said in a statement at around 11:00 am local time.
Low-cost carrier Jeju Air apologised and vowed to do all it could to help.
“We at Jeju Air will do everything in our power in response to this accident. We sincerely apologise for causing concern,” the airline said in a statement posted on its social media channels.
– Engulfed in flames –
Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for the mobilisation of all resources to save the passengers.
“All related agencies… must mobilise all available resources to save the personnel,” he instructed officials in a statement.
Choi convened an emergency meeting with cabinet members to discuss rescue operations and response before heading to Muan, his office said.
“I believe no words of consolation would suffice for the bereaved families who have suffered this tragedy,” said Choi, who took office only on Friday.
“The entire government is working closely together to manage the aftermath of the accident, dedicating all available resources, while making every effort to ensure thorough support for the bereaved families,” he added.
It is the first fatal accident in the history of Jeju Air, one of South Korea’s largest low-cost carriers, which was set up in 2005.
On August 12, 2007, a Bombardier Q400 operated by Jeju Air carrying 74 passengers came off the runway due to strong winds at the southern Busan-Gimhae airport, resulting in a dozen injuries.
South Korea’s aviation industry has a solid track record for safety, experts say.
Last year, a passenger opened an emergency exit on an Asiana Airlines flight as it was preparing to land, with the aircraft landing safely but several people hospitalised.
A number of fatal aviation accidents have occurred globally due to bird strikes, which can cause a loss of power if the animals are sucked into the air intakes.
In 2009, a United States Airways Airbus A320 famously landed in New York’s Hudson River after bird strikes on both of its engines, in an incident widely known as the “Miracle on the Hudson” because there was no loss of life.
AFP/Punch.NG
Two persons have been electrocuted during an attempt to steal solar streetlights at Ogobiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Speaking with our correspondent on Saturday, a community source said their bodies were discovered in the morning within an area bordering the New Site of the state-owned Niger Delta University and Ogobiri roundabout.
An eyewitness told Punch Metro that the thieves had already loosed four streetlight poles on the ground and were loosening the fifth one before they met their demise.
“They had already loosened five solar poles, and they were loosening the fifth pole when the pole fell on the nearby high-tension wires. Unfortunately, there was power and they got electrocuted,” the eyewitness said.
He said one of the thieves was severely burnt and died instantly, while the other one could not be recognised as he was burnt to ashes.
According to him, the ashes were still at the scene of the incident at about 11:30 am; it had the form of a human being.
The other body was taken away to the mortuary while the fallen streetlight poles were still lined up beside the road.
It was gathered that stealing of streetlights was rampant in the area and that the incident would help reduce the growing crime.
When contacted for comments, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr Musa Mohammed, said he was yet to receive the report.
“I have not received the report,” he told our correspondent.
More...
As the world prepares to usher in the New Year, stakeholders across major sectors in Nigeria, including manufacturing academia, security, local government unions, and the Ijaw National Congress, have called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure a better economy in 2025.
They noted that 2024 had been “tough” and “difficult,” but expressed optimism that the coming year would make life better for Nigerians.
Reflecting on the underperformance of the manufacturing sector in 2024, the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, noted that major changes are needed to stimulate growth.
According to him, the key to these changes is the full implementation of fiscal policy and tax reforms, which he hopes the National Assembly will pass in the coming year.
He also emphasised the need for the Central Bank of Nigeria to stabilise interest rates and redeem the N2.4bn forex forwards owed to manufacturers.
Ajayi-Kadir said, “We also look forward to the expansion of the credit facility of the government. The N75bn that has been disbursed is a start, but we are looking forward to the N1tn promised in the stabilisation plan, which should help cushion the impact of access to credit.”
He urged the government to adopt measures to tackle inflation, particularly by addressing logistics costs, and to ensure better synergy between fiscal and monetary policies to promote sustainable growth.
Additionally, the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, urged the Federal Government to prioritise the creation of a conducive educational environment in 2025.
According to him, young Nigerians must have access to quality education, free from the burden of loans that are increasingly affecting students in universities.
He stated that while previous generations of leaders enjoyed free education and bursaries, current students are burdened by financial encumbrances.
“We should not close TETFUND, which supports tertiary education, and turn it into a loan scheme. They should cut down on their so-called high cost of governance and expenditures. Travelling abroad six times a year should be stopped.”
The Secretary-General of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Mohammed Abubakar, urged the president to ensure the commencement of local government autonomy in 2025.
“We continue to thank Mr President for approving financial autonomy for local government. The implementation has to commence as soon as possible so that people at the grassroots will continue to feel the impact of the government. When there is money at the grassroots level, the hardship that people are talking about will reduce,” he said.
Also, the National President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Akeem Ambali, said the only way Nigeria can experience true development is when Tinubu’s administration begins the implementation of local government autonomy in 2025.
“The long-awaited local government autonomy should be actualised in 2025, and crediting local government accounts should be implemented without further delay,” he stated.
On his part, security consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Consulting, Dr Kabir Adamu, called on the President to ensure the security of lives and property of Nigerians, as stated in Section 14, Subsection 2 of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s economy in 2024, describing it as a difficult year for Nigerians who had made many sacrifices.
“2024 was a tough year for Nigerians. Nigerians made a lot of sacrifices. It can be said to be a very bad year in terms of the economy,” he stated.
Oyakemeagbegha called on President Tinubu to address the high cost of fuel, urging a reduction in the pump price of petrol to “N416 per litre.”
“We have the crude and the raw materials here; we don’t see any reason for petrol to be this costly. We heard that the people doing bunkering get the crude and sell it at low rates,” he said.
Oyakemeagbegha also addressed the ongoing challenges with the naira’s exchange rate, stressing the need for the currency to be strengthened to compete favourably with the dollar.
He noted that a more stable power supply would benefit small businesses, enabling them to thrive without constant disruptions.
“The international oil companies should move their headquarters to the locations where they are getting their raw materials,” he added.
The Federal Government has spent about N1.4bn for the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists and the establishment of centres for terrorism trials in the last one year and six months, PUNCH reports.
The Federal Government established the National Counter-Terrorism Centre following former President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill on May 12, 2022.
In December 2022, the government announced its decision to establish two disarmament, deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration centres for repentant members of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the country.
The Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Rear Admiral Yem Musa (retd.), disclosed to the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence that the government would spend N2.4bn on the centres as part of the NCTC’s N3.8bn capital projects for 2023.
However, checks by one of our correspondents using GovSpend, a civic tech platform that tracks and analyses the Federal Government’s spending, revealed that between December 2022 and May 2024, the Ministry of Justice spent a total of N1.4bn on constructing rehabilitation centres for repentant terrorists and renovating an abandoned building for terrorism case trials.
On March 27, 2023, the Federal Ministry of Justice disbursed N612m to three firms for the renovation and furnishing of abandoned structures for terrorism case trials and the construction of dormitories for the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists under Operation Safe Corridor.
The first payment of N286.7m was transferred to a firm, El-haby Concept Limited, for the renovation and furnishing of abandoned building for terrorism case trials at Giwa Barracks, as approved by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on March 21, 2023.
The second payment of N21.5m was made to Interprise Limited as consultancy fees for designing and supervising the building of facilities for repentant terrorists at the OSC. The remaining N303.7m was released to Fosab Global Energy Service Limited as an additional 40% payment for constructing the rehabilitation centre.
In 2024, the ministry paid three firms a total of N179m for similar projects. The first payment of N11.5m was wired to Jayjaysen Integrated Links Ltd on March 22, 2024, for the supply of desktop computers and LaserJet printers/toners to facilitate terrorism case prosecutions, as approved by the SGF on December 1, 2023.
Another N16.4m was transferred to Estergel Ltd on April 8, 2024, for procuring computers and accessories for the same purpose, as approved by the SGF on December 18, 2023. Finally, N151.8m was paid to Fosab Global Energy Service Ltd on May 3, 2024, as part of payment for constructing the rehabilitation centre.
Secret trials of terrorists
Meanwhile, on December 15, the NCTC disclosed in a statement that it had secured the conviction of no fewer than 325 terrorists in its Phase 5 and Phase 6 trials at the Kainji Detention Facility.
The centre noted that the terrorists received various sentences ranging from the death penalty to life imprisonment and terms of 20 to 70 years, depending on the severity of the crimes committed by the suspects.
In the Phase 5 trial, conducted in July 2024, about 143 cases were heard, leading to 125 convictions. In Phase 6, 237 cases were heard, with 200 convictions secured at the same venue. However, the government has since remained silent on when the Phase 7 trials will commence.
When Sunday PUNCH reached out to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to ascertain why the trials were conducted secretly, our correspondent received no response.
Some security experts and civil society organisations expressed divergent opinions on the secretive nature of the terrorism trials.
A security expert, Lekan Jackson-Ojo, said secret trials lacked authenticity.
“When politicians, armed robbers, or the so-called Yahoo boys commit offences, the press is allowed to report on it, and the entire world knows about it. But why are we trying these enemies of humanity, enemies of God—the Satanists—in secrecy?
“For over 20 years, members of the Boko Haram terrorist group have been in Nigeria, killing thousands of people and rendering millions homeless. How many of these people have been sentenced to life imprisonment?” he queried.
Chidi Omeje, another security expert, also condemned the secret trials, saying, “Why would they conduct secret trials? Does it mean the military, for example, is trying to protect these terrorists who are also killing their personnel?”
“The terrorists have killed a lot of military officers. So, why would the military participate in any action to shield their prosecution? I think it has to do with procedural issues because they are dealing with so many arrested terrorists,” he added.
However, another security expert, Kabir Adamu, argued that the government’s decision to conduct secret trials was justified for security reasons.
He said, “It is very commendable that this administration has prioritised the trial of suspects, especially those facing terrorism-related charges and who have been in detention for a very long time, some for more than a decade. However, these trials must be conducted according to standard procedures to ensure transparency and compliance with the rule of law.”
Naomi Silekunola, the estranged queen of the Ooni of Ife, who is currently held at Agodi prison following the stampede that resulted in the deaths of 35 children in Ibadan, Oyo State, has reportedly gone on a hunger strike, according to her mother, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunseyi.
Mrs Ogunseyi, who disclosed this in an interview with PUNCH, noted that when she visited her daughter on Thursday at the custodial centre, she wasn’t feeling fine.
"She wasn’t happy about the whole incident. She loves children. The queen loves and helps children, single mothers, old women, and widows. She is still in pain that those children lost their lives because her intention was pure."
The queen's mother explained that organising such kind of event to help people was what Naomi had been doing for years.
"She used to buy clothes for children at Christmas. She has emaciated in the custodial facility. She has refused to eat.
"When I was there yesterday (Thursday), I persuaded her. She still did not eat. The place was not comfortable for her. She was sad about the children losing their lives."
Mrs Ogunseyi appealed to Nigerians for intervention, noting that the incident was not intentional and was no way meant to kill anybody.
"We are just begging everybody. We’re begging Nigerians to help us. The people should help us beg Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the matter. That’s all I need. We are also appealing to all Nigerians to help us beg the parents who lost their children at the event. We’re sorry. It was not intentional. We did not mean to kill anybody."
Regretting the whole incident, the Queen's mother said that she was ready to visit families of those people who lost their children and talk to them and sympathise with them.
"I am a mother, and I know what it means (to lose a child). I know how it feels," she said begging for clemency on her daughter.
Given some details of the matter, she said: "The queen is the brain behind the programme aimed at helping Nigerians. She has a foundation. With her foundation, she has helped women not only in need of material things or foodstuff but also those who needed guidance and support. Basically, my daughter runs a non-governmental organisation.
"She has been using this NGO to help the less privileged. She has organised this kind of funfair in different cities in the country, and she has been going from one town or city to another to celebrate the end of the year with children. She has done this in Akure, Ondo town, Ile Oluji, and many other places. So, this year, she decided to bring it down to Ibadan."
She added, "In all the events she had organised in the past, she always spoke to people on the ground in the town. These were the people who would tell her the necessary things to do. She could not do it alone and would approach people in the city or town to help in the organisation of the funfair. The same thing was applicable in the Ibadan funfair.
"As of the time she was planning for Ibadan funfair, some of her team members told her about Agidigbo FM. The queen was told about Mr Hamzat Oriyomi who would help to publicise the event. The reason was that she had not organised such an event in Ibadan before. They had never met before.
"We had earlier gotten a place in Moniya for the event, but Mr Oriyomi advised that the place was too small. That was how we got the venue we used at the Islamic High School, Basorun. It was a help that he rendered because he even paid for the place by himself.
"From our observation, the place was spacious enough to accommodate what we envisaged. We had held programmes in schools before; so, we agreed to use the venue Mr Oriyomi suggested. As I stated earlier, in all the events we had organised, including a teens’ crusade we had some years back, there was no casualty."
She further stated that on the eve of the event, when the queen came to Ibadan, she met with Mr Oriyomi for the first time. "She appreciated him for his effort in securing the venue of the event as well as the publicity. Unfortunately, on the day of the event, my phone was ringing with calls to make enquiries.
"They put my number on the flier of the event. People started calling me at around 4.30am. I was wondering why people called me at that time. They were asking if the event had been cancelled. I told them that the event would still be held.
"By 6.30am, I began to hear the news that the place was overcrowded. I was told that the premises had been filled up with the crowd. Some people were throwing their children over the fence. All of these led to the stampede which occurred.
"When we heard about this news, my daughter went to a police station to report the matter. We called the police, we called the army, and we called other security agents to inform them about the incident.
"Meanwhile, on the eve of the event, four security men came with us from Akure. We even asked the two of them to go to the field and sleep over there, because of the people who were decorating the venue. We also had two bouncers. It was at the station that my daughter was interrogated.
"We were thinking she would go back home but unfortunately, she was detained. Then, she was taken to the court. However, we were not informed the previous day that she would be taken to court the next day. Our lawyer wasn’t aware.
"So, that morning, we were told that they wanted to arraign her. She was taken to the magistrate’s court. At the magistrate’s court, the magistrate could not grant her bail because only the High Court would be able to grant her bail. The magistrate asked that the three of them: the queen, Mr Oriyomi, and the principal of the school be taken to the custodial facility."
The Nigeria Police Force, Plateau State Command has denied investigating the alleged stolen fund belonging to a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) owned by Martins Otse, the famous Nigerian social critic, who is popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM.
Recall that the social media critic had, in a video on Friday, claimed that about N180 million was stolen from the NGO’s account.
VDM, who claimed that a suspect was arrested in Jos Plateau State in connection to the alleged missing fund, said “somebody hacked into the NGO website” and went away with the money.
The video, which went viral on Friday, has continued to attract criticism from different quarters
When contacted by DAILY POST on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Command, Alfred Alabo said, “We don’t know anything about that. We are not investigating it. Kindly contact FCT Command to know if the matter was reported to them.”
The spokesperson of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command also said they are “not aware of the matter”.
The spokesperson of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command also said they are “not aware of the matter”.