FEATURES

FEATURES

It is no longer news that the telecoms sector in Nigeria went through a crucial phase last year, with industry players calling for proactive steps to prevent further decline. Telecom operators repeatedly lamented the high cost of operations, excessive taxations and a decline in investments within the sector. Telcos were leaning towards load shedding to reduce operational costs, according to chairman of Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigerian (ALTON), Engr Gbenga Adebayo. Some of these problems and more may also shape events in the sector to this year.

Tariff Review or Low Quality Service

Telecom operators have demanded for urgent review of service tariffs to reflect the economic realities of delivering telecom services for industry sustainability.  Without this, they said, quality service and it’s availability could not be guaranteed this year, and that the economy would suffer for it.

The chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr Gbenga Adebayo who made the call on the behalf of the all operating companies said the sector is currently under and siege tariffs must be reviewed urgently to avoid collapse of sector. So, this year, they said, it is either tariff increase or low quality service.

“If nothing is done, the sector might begin see in the new year grim consequences unfolding, such as Service Shedding”, Adebayo said.

He argued that operators might not be able to provide services in some areas and at some times of the day leaving millions disconnected and there will be significant economic fallout.

He said, “Despite the dire warnings, we still believe that a better 2025 is possible—but only if we act now. Let this be the moment when we come together, acknowledge the urgency of the situation, and commit to saving this sector.”

Likely Legal Tussle Over Hike

But the operators may not have smoothly as the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has rejected the planned tariff hike of telecommunication services in Nigeria, and threatened to challenge it in court.

Though sources in the telecom industry said that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)  had given an approval to the Telecommunication Service Operators to hike their tariffs this January, and the approved increment would see the current tariffs rise by about 40%, the NCC has neither denied nor confirmed this supposed increment.

However, NATCOMS considered “the decision of the NCC as very insensitive and not in the interest of Telecoms Services Consumers”.  NATCOMS’ president, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo and the National Secretary, Barrister Bayo Omotubora said the new increment would be one additional burden too many for Nigerian telecom users, and it would be challenged in court.

Under the new tariffs regime, a voice call will rise from N11.00 to N15.40 per minute, short message services will jump from N4.00 to N5.60 and One GB data bundle will move from N1,000 to N1,400.

Low operating costs, high investment

The ICT and digital economy sector may witness low operating costs and high investment this year as fuel costs go down gradually. The low operating costs will give the operators more revenue to be able to invest more in their networks.

Telecom Infrastructure’s Vandalism May Rise Further

Just before 2024 wound down, telecommunication company, Airtel Nigeria, called for urgent actions to protect telecom infrastructure as vandalism continues to surge leading to a record of an average of 43 fibre cuts daily on the Airtel network alone!

The company’s Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, who made the call, said the telco had suffered a total of 7,742 fibre cuts in the last six months.

According to him, fibre cuts—primarily caused by construction activities, vandalism, and a lack of coordination between stakeholders—have become an epidemic in the Nigerian telecom industry.

But this may worsen this year the federal government and its agencies have not shown any noticable commitment towards yielding the operators’ call for protection of their infrastructure across the country.

Starlink’s Subscription Rates Will Go Up

A satellite internet service, Starlink, has said it will increase its monthly subscription rates for its services in Nigeria from January 27.

The company, in an email to users, said new subscribers will immediately pay the adjusted prices while existing customers will see the changes reflected in their upcoming bills.

“To continue enhancing the Starlink network and provide reliable, high-quality service across Nigeria, we are adjusting our monthly subscription prices,” Starlink said.

“These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the infrastructure needed to improve your experience with Starlink.”

Under the new pricing structure, the firm said the lowest subscription tier will increase significantly from N38,000 to N75,000 per month.

Starlink said the price of the mobile-regional roam unlimited is now N167,000 while the mobile-global roam service is N717,000.

MTN May Exit From More African countries

MTN Group Limited had sold its business in Guinea (known as “MTN Guinea-Conakry”) to the State of Guinea, effective December 30, 2024.

This deal is consistent with MTN’s focus on portfolio optimisation and simplification as part of the Ambition 2025 plan, the telco said.

MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, announced the new development: “This milestone marks a new phase for MTN Guinea-Conakry under local ownership. We thank the staff, customers, regulators, and broader stakeholders in Guinea for their support during our time in the country.

“Concluding this transaction is in line with our strategy to simplify our portfolio and allocate capital to markets where we can make a meaningful impact, ensuring long-term growth and returns.”

The closing of the sale comes after Mupita informed shareholders and markets in April that the telco’s objective was to “streamline and restructure” its portfolio.

At the time, he said that the business had completed the sale of MTN Afghanistan, which marked the end of the group’s exit from its Middle East companies.

Mupita added: “We also accepted an unsolicited offer, subject to conditions precedent, including regulatory approvals for MTN’s equity interests in MTN Guinea-Bissau and MTN Guinea-Conakry.”

The development comes as Africa’s largest mobile provider is reportedly in talks to facilitate MTN’s seamless exit from three other African countries in its West and Central Africa portfolio.

According to the telco’s reports, MTN is facing a number of issues in West and Central Africa, and leaving some of the countries is becoming a viable option, according to some senior officials.

MTN is Africa’s largest mobile network operator with 288m customers in 18 markets across Africa.

Day in Court Over NIN Data Breach

The Paradigm Initiative (PIN) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC’s) legal tussle over alleged NIN data breach will begin this month. NIMC is joined in the suit with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS),  and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

Others joined in the suit, whose hearing has been fixed for January 22, 2025, at an Abuja High Court, are the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.

NIMC had denied any breach to its database, saying NIN data of Nigerians are intact and not compromised.

But PIN Executive Director, Gbenga Sesan, that though NIMC had been consistently denying that NIN data were hacked, millions of Nigerians have had their personal data which was stored in the commission’s data base hacked by hackers sometime in April this year.

Sesan said, conservatively,  data of 43million Nigerians might have been compromised by cyber criminals due to the negligence of NIMC.

Heavy Fines For Data Breaches in 2025 

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has announced plans to significantly ramp up enforcement and impose substantial fines on data controllers and processors that violate the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

This was disclosed by the National Commissioner/CEO of the Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, in a video outlining the Commission’s 2025 agenda, shared on its social media platforms at the weekend.

Olatunji stated, “For data controllers and processors, there is going to be massive enforcement. We have never really issued any fine, but going forward, you’ll hear us giving heavy penalties.”

[DailyTrust]

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has celebrated his son, Jordan, for earning a master of law (LLM) degree at Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (UK).

In a post shared on X, the FCT minister said he is proud of the progress that his son has made in his career pursuit.

 

“Happy to witness, alongside my wife, the graduation ceremony of our son, Jordan, who just earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree at Queen Mary University of London, UK. As a father, I am happy for the progress Jordan is making in the pursuit of his career,” Wike wrote.

 

The minister also shared some pictures taken during the graduation ceremony.

 

Eberechi, a judge of the court of appeal, who is the wife of Wike, also featured in the pictures.

In July 2022, Jordan earned a bachelor of law degree from the University of Exeter, UK.

 

Wike was the governor of Rivers state from 2015 to 2023.

 

After his tenure as governor, he was appointed as the FCT minister by President Bola Tinubu.

 

 

Northern groups, including the Coalition of Northern Groups and the Northern Elders Forum, have again insisted on the withdrawal of the tax reform bills as senators intensified lobbying for public acceptance of the proposed tax changes.

The groups demanded further consultations and extensive dialogue with stakeholders on the bills.

Speaking during a one-day town hall meeting at the Gombe State University on the theme, ‘Tax reform bill: A catalyst for economic growth or a burden on the people?,’ CNG Gombe Coordinator, Mustapha Deba, noted that the coalition had meticulously analysed the bills, noting that if allowed to scale through, they would have far-reaching adverse effects on the northern region.

Deba said, “The proposed reform’s emphasis on derivation appears to favour states with higher VAT-generating activities predominantly in the South, such as Lagos. This shift could significantly reduce the revenue shares allocated to Northern states, where economic activities are comparatively lower.

 

“The resultant financial shortfall would impede our region’s development initiatives and exacerbate existing disparities. By altering the VAT sharing formula without adequate safeguards, the reform risks widening the economic gap between the North and South.

 “Such an outcome could foster social unrest, trigger migration to economically stronger states, and precipitate other socio-economic challenges. We must avoid any policy that could deepen regional inequalities.”

A major point of contention, he said, is the absence of comprehensive data and analysis to support the proposed changes.

“As we reflect on the implications of the tax reform bills, it is imperative that we advocate for a tax system that fosters national unity and economic prosperity. We cannot afford to endorse reforms that deepen existing divides or marginalize any segment of our society.”

In his presentation, Prof Sadiq Abubakar observed that the tax reform bills had ignited considerable debate, often revealing the polarising sentiments experienced by various stakeholders across the nation, especially regarding their implications for Northern Nigeria.

He stated, “The proposed reforms are expected to streamline tax administration processes and frameworks, increase overall government revenue, and stimulate sustainable economic growth, to mention a few.  Nevertheless, these reforms would come with socio-economic repercussions, particularly for Northern Nigeria, which struggles with distinctive challenges ranging from insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity.

 “Proposed changes to Value Added Tax rates, distribution of VAT revenues, development levies, and taxation on various sectors including agriculture and religious organisations, could exacerbate existing economic hardships and cultural tensions.

“Some sections of the bills clash with religious values, risking the marginalisation of some faithful. To avoid exacerbating socio-economic disparities and to establish a fair and more inclusive taxation framework, policymakers must consider the unique cultural and economic landscapes of all regions, especially Northern Nigeria.

“Engaging in comprehensive dialogue with varied stakeholders will foster legislative outcomes that respect the rights and welfare of all citizens, ensuring a balanced approach to taxation that promotes national unity and economic stability.”

On his part, the chairman on the occasion, Umar Gurama, urged the participants to collaborate with lawmakers in sensitising communities and gathering their inputs before such reforms become law.

Weighing in again on the controversy, the NEF criticised the Federal Government’s alleged failure to engage with critical stakeholders and experts before drafting the bills.

The forum made known its position in a statement signed by its Chairman, Management Board, Al-Amin Daggash.

Daggash said, “Once again, it is necessary to reiterate, that indeed, Nigerians in general and Northerners in particular, are not really against the introduction of any form of good and meaningful reforms by those in positions of authority, at the federal, state or local government levels.

 “Even though we shall remain very implacable in reaffirming that our practical experiences teach us that going by global best practices, successful reforms are known to be underpinned by strict adherence to certain common cardinal characteristics of the public policy-making process.

 “For the convenience of exposition, these similarities include, but not limited to the under-listed essentials: Extensive pre-reforms early engagements with experts and critical stakeholders, in order to secure their buy-in; establishing a very well-defined media/communication strategy that clearly articulates the full import of the reforms and disseminates public awareness and mass enlightenment on a nationwide scale; designing a robust, transparent and inclusive implementation mechanism.

“The Northern Elders’ Forum makes bold to say that the recently proposed Tax Reform Bills by the Federal Government were clearly in breach, with regards to adhering to the above-listed common characteristics of reforms and public policy-making process, all over the world and in conformity with the global best practices.”

In a move to woo their northern counterparts, the Senator representing Delta North senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko, says the Southern lawmakers are currently engaging their Northern colleagues.

“We are engaging them. The tax bills are generally a welcome development because they seek to support low-income earners and small businesses across the nation.

“They are equally pro-consumers across the board. We need more awareness amongst the populace. This is the first time that tax administration is being consolidated for easier administration with a special ombudsman to effectively determine disputed assessments.”

 

However, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State again reiterated his opposition to the tax bills, stating that the Presidency did not obtain the buy-in of stakeholders before sending them to the National Assembly.

Restating the Bauchi governor’s stance, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, underscored the danger of forcing the tax reform bills on Nigerians.

He said, “The (Bala’s) advice aims to foster dialogue and advocate for policies that protect the interests of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those in economically disadvantaged states.

“When Governor Bala Mohammed asserted that the Presidency’s attempt to shove the discredited tax reforms down the throat of Nigerians was a recipe for anarchy, he spoke from the position of someone who is closer to the populace and who carries the mandate of not only the over seven million people of Bauchi State but who also possesses an intimate knowledge of a very significant sub-regional group in the country.

“It is not by accident that his genuine reservation against the tax reforms coincides with those of some APC governors who have consistently warned against implementing the proposed reform in its present form.”

He added, “If the Presidency had genuinely desired an all-inclusive tax reform that would command the buy-in of various stakeholder and sub-national groups in the country, it could have subjected a draft to discussion before railroading it to the National Assembly.

“It did not. Even when it was given a soft landing by the National Economic Council, NEC, a body headed by the Vice President of the country and which, by that token, was expected to command the respect of the President, its advice that the reform be taken back was blatantly disregarded.”

Meanwhile, in a separate interview with The PUNCH, a North-East lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorised to speak on the matter, urged the President to withdraw the bills.

He said, “The President should heed the wise counsel of good Nigerians and withdraw the bills for wider stakeholder consultation. Failure to heed the calls would only prolong the stalemate on the bills. When listing the bills for debate at the parliament becomes a challenge, passing them will remain a dream.”

Taking a different position on the issue, the member representing Lavum/Mokwa/Edati Federal Constituency, Niger State, Joshua Gana, called for support for the bills, adding that the areas of controversy would be addressed at a public hearing.

 “As a National Assembly, we will debate all issues raised at public hearings, and answers will be proffered and considered. The finalised document for Fiscal and tax reform will be harmonised and passed,” he stated.

A Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker, Aliyu Mustapha, urged the President to educate the public to energise support for the bills.

 

Mustapha, who represents Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, said, “Consultations and more engagement with the stakeholders are very important. I believe in the power of lobby and sensitisation.

“Critical stakeholders should be lobbied for a win-win deal, and the general populace should be sensitised. There is really an urgent need to reform our tax system to bring about the desired development we all yearn for.”

Also, the Senator representing Edo South in the Red Chamber, Neda Imasuen, pointed out that the current VAT sharing was inequitable and in favour of the North.

Imasuen wondered why Kano and Jigawa would benefit from VAT generated from the consumption of alcohol in the south.

 “As a member of the Appropriation Committee of the Senate, I have colleagues from the northern region around me. Some of my colleagues believe that the reform is necessary, the reason being that they want to change the status quo from governors coming to Abuja for handouts and that the tax reform will make the governors think out of the box. They will also be able to raise funds in new ways in their respective states.

“Most of them believe that this reform is not favourable to the North and I ask them, ‘in what way?’ They said that it is not equitable. And I try to engage them to know their views about the inequitable nature of the reform. Right now, VAT is shared based on 20 per cent consumption, 20 per cent for the place where the revenue is generated and 60 per cent based on population.

“I always tell my Northern colleagues that this is where the inequity lies. Tax is collected in a state that consumes a particular product, let’s say alcoholic beverages for example, and that state has only three million population. It only gets a fraction of the VAT, but a state like Kano gets a chunk of the tax because it has a large population. That is the inequity we are trying to point out to them.”

Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state called on Nigerians not to subject the tax reform bills to politics and blackmail.

Speaking at the Government House in Owerri, Imo State, Uzodimma stated, “Many of us who are criticising the bills have not taken time to study the bills to understand the merits or otherwise of the bills that have been presented.

“I’m of the view that people should not subject the bills to politics or blackmail. They should just look at the bills, go through them, and then see how far they can criticise or support the bills.

“I think it’s a document that has been crafted in a well-articulated manner and deserves to be given proper attention, particularly given that this is an executive bill from the president and shouldn’t be trivialised.”

[Punch]

In some areas, 2024 brought a glimmer of hope to Nigeria’s health sector. But overall, it was a year of ups and downs. Some areas saw progress, while others still faced obstacles.

On the bright side, there was a new focus on basic healthcare, possible budget increases, better facilities, and more doctors and nurses being hired and trained in the local areas.

 
 

Efforts to fight diseases showed some success. Better monitoring, vaccine drives, and community participation helped cut down on outbreaks of illnesses like Lassa fever, malaria, and polio. The country made big strides towards making its own vaccines and treatments for common diseases, reducing its reliance on imports.

Some states saw mothers and children getting better care. This came from easier access to check-ups during pregnancy, skilled help during birth, and care after delivery. Programmes to tackle poor nutrition and child health played a key part in these good results.

The national and state governments, along with private companies, put more money into health research. This led to better outcomes for often-overlooked tropical diseases and long-term health conditions.

The Federal Government set aside N2.5 trillion for the country’s health sector from December 2023 to November 2024. This huge sum went to key areas like hiring doctors and nurses, buying ambulances, and building facilities.

Is spending on health working?

But did this spending lead to better care and experiences for patients? A point to ponder.

Work continues, to beef up the overall health system. Efforts to gather and study data, manage supplies better, and create rules for smoother teamwork in healthcare are showing results. The aim is to help more people get basic healthcare, yet the big problems persisted, like shortage of funding and financing, poor infrastructure, and shortage of healthcare workers, particularly doctors and nurses.

Halfway through the year, President Bola Tinubu took a big step. He signed an order to make healthcare cheaper and easier to get in Nigeria. This move showed that the Federal government indeed wants to fix healthcare and build a stronger, fairer system for everyone in the country. But intentions are one thing. Actions are another.

The policy, in line with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), seeks to unleash the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry’s potential, boost its role in economic growth, and establish Nigeria as a global centre for health products and technology production.

Despite these steps forward, the past year brought major hurdles for Nigeria’s health sector. Key issues persisted, including lack of funds, poor infrastructure, and insufficient healthcare workers.

Japa hits health hard

The Japa syndrome, or exodus of healthcare experts, shows no sign of slowing down. Many skilled doctors, nurses, and other medical staff continue to leave for better opportunities abroad. This has led to more staff shortages in rural areas, which hurts the quality and availability of healthcare services.

Lack of funds for healthcare remained a big problem limiting the government’s ability to equip health facilities, buy essential medicines and supplies, and run effective public health programmes.

At the start of 2024, hopes rose when there was a push to increase the Federal Government’s budget for health and social sectors in the 2024 spending plan.

While the 2024 percentage allocation to the health sector was higher than in 2023, the total sum was actually less than the sum allocated for the previous year. The allocation of N1.23 trillion to health in 2024, which was less than 5 percent of the total proposed expenditure of N27.5 trillion compared to N1.3 trillion or 4.6 percent of the 2023 fiscal year budget was a downgrade.

But then, it was really not a surprising development as the health sector in Nigeria has consistently been underfunded even though investing in health has always been promoted as a strategic and vital investment in the country’s human resource and economic prosperity.

Poor power supply, lack of water degrade health system

In addition, poor infrastructure such as a lack of reliable electricity supply, crumbling medical facilities, and limited access to clean water and sanitation further restricted healthcare services. Infectious diseases, including new variations of COVID-19 and other emerging pathogens, presented major challenges to the Nigerian health system. The threat of antimicrobial resistance was amplified by the lack of quality antibiotics and inadequate infection control measures.

The extent of disparities in access to quality healthcare varied across the states and socio-economic levels, with the most significant obstacles being found among groups at the lower rung of development. Going forward, the healthcare system still faces challenges in delivering services due to accountability issues. While the idea of providing improved quality health services to all Nigerians without compromising their financial security is admirable and achievable, it is certainly not a picnic. No one knows this better than the government at the top.

2025: Better outcomes if…

Whereas

President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda emphasises the significance of health for Nigerians and their overall welfare, the aim to prioritise preventive healthcare and improve the quality of hospital services, is another thing. This will remain the primary focus in 2025.

During the signing of the Sector-Wide Compact in Abuja, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the necessity of ensuring that all Nigerians have access to affordable and high-quality health services to enhance population health outcomes.

To establish an efficient, equitable, and high-quality health system, the Federal Government has adopted a strategic framework aimed at saving lives and alleviating the long-standing physical and financial burdens associated with healthcare access. This initiative is fundamentally linked to the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.

The launch of the Health Sector Renewal agenda represents a significant step towards reforming and implementing the National Health System as outlined in the National Health Act. Hence the Sector-Wide Compact reflects a collective understanding that health is essential for the accumulation of human capital.

Nigerians continue to aspire to a healthy and economically productive population that grows sustainably, supported by a health system that addresses the needs of all citizens in the context of the nation’s socioeconomic development. The signing of the Sector-Wide Compact signifies a commitment to align with the priorities outlined in the Renewed Hope Health Sector Blueprint, which aims to enhance governance, ensure accountability, and tackle the high rates of maternal, newborn, and child morbidity and mortality.

In the new year, there is hope that this initiative will unlock the healthcare value chain through state-led medical industrialisation in collaboration with the private sector, thereby strengthening the nation’s resilience and health security.

From hindsight, the foundational basis of the Sector-Wide Compact approach was to redesign the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) comprising at least 1 percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund provided by the National Health Act (2014). It is hoped that the primary purpose of this agenda is attained.

It will ensure more equitable allocation of resources to the poor and disadvantaged populations in the country while ensuring mobilisation of additional development partner financial resources to a common pool or aligned in parallel with the sector-wide approach.

With $2.5 billion to $3.0 billion in pooled and non-pooled financing expected to be mobilised between 2024-2026 to be channeled to improve the primary health system, the hope for continuity and accountability in this perspective is highly anticipated in the new year.

There is a laudable plan to redesign the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and double the number of fully functional Primary Healthcare Centers receiving decentralised facility financing for infrastructure upgrades, and operational costs to ensure delivery of high quality essential Primary Health Care packages.

If there are no compromises, the ambitious plan to gradually increase the number of fully functional Primary Healthcare Centers from 8,809 to 17,618 by 2027 in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is achievable. It is a task that must be done. Already, an allocation of N260 billion has been earmarked for this purpose, largely perceived to be a major step towards enhancing the country’s healthcare infrastructure. This too would be a major point of interest in 2025 and beyond.

All the signals of commitment apparent in 2024 must be properly followed up and the deliverables to bring improvements in the funding mechanisms for primary health care are entrenched with an integrated monitoring and accountability framework. The sector-wide approach to improve the coordination and drive for better alignment between the government and development partners will remain in focus.

In prioritising best-buy investments in community health models as a critical entry point to public health services, the retraining of up to 120,000 front-line health workers that kicked off in 2024 would continue to be in focus.

As a collaborative effort across the Federal and State Governments, as well as key development partners, it is hoped that there would be realistic monitoring and evaluation process, follow-ups, and/or feedback on the impact of this initiative toward the much-expected enhancement of the health workforce through the appropriate deployment of beneficiaries of the training exercise.

[Vanguard]

 

 

‘Everybody Loves Jenifa‘, a film produced by Funke Akindele, has become the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time.

 

FilmOne Studios, the entertainment company, announced the remarkable feat in a post via its Instagram page on Tuesday.

The post revealed that the movie, released across cinemas on December 11, has grossed over N1.466 billion in less than a month.

“Everybody Loves Jenifa has officially hit a historic N1.466 billion and counting at the box office, making it the highest-grossing film of all time!” it reads.

 

“A massive thank you to our incredible audiences in Nigeria and Ghana for making this dream a reality! Your support is everything.

“On to even greater heights! Still showing in cinemas near you—experience the magic on the big screen.”

The United States’ parliament  has passed a bill that will allow federal authorities to detain illegal immigrants charged with minor crimes.

With the bill, such illegal immigrants risk deportation.

The Laken Riley Act was christened after a 22-year-old nursing student, killed last year in Georgia by Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan migrant, who crossed into the US illegally.

Ibarra had previously been arrested and charged with shoplifting, but was not detained.

 

He was later sentenced in November last year to life in prison without parole for Riley’s murder.

“Every part of our system failed Laken that day,” Mike Collins, a Republican representative who sponsored the Act, said.

The bill passed on Tuesday, just days into the new session of congress, set the tone for President-elect Donald Trump’s ambitious policy agenda targeting reduced immigration.

 

Trump has repeatedly vowed to undertake a mass deportation soon after he takes office on January 20.

The Laken Riley Act drew the support of 48 Democrats as well as all Republicans.

The bill cleared the house on a 252-157 vote.

An expanded list of crimes which the bill penalises includes burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting.

 

Democrat critics argued that the new category is too broad, and could result in innocent people being thrown into detention.

[TheCable]

The Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has been awarded the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa for 2024 by the INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate based in Singapore.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this while listing out the Nigerian police achievements in the year 2024.

 

He revealed that ₦8,821,001,881.80, 115,237.91 USDT, and $84,000, which are all crime proceeds were recovered and restituted to the victims of cybercrime.

 

Speaking further, Adejobi stated that the NPF arrested and prosecuted over 751 individuals involved in cyber crime.

He noted that the force seized phones, laptops, plots of lands, vehicles, houses, all proceeds of nefarious activities.

The statement reads, “In the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to tackle every form of crime in all spheres, the Force has recorded an outstanding achievement for the year 2024 in retrospect, particularly in the area of combatting cybercrime.

“In the year 2024, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) successfully recovered a staggering N8,821,001,881.80 (Eight Billion, Eight Hundred and Twenty-One Million, One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-One Naira, Eighty Kobo), 115,237.91 USDT, and $84,000 (Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars). These significant amounts have been restituted to the victims of cybercrime, reaffirming the commitment of the Force to protecting citizens and ensuring justice for those affected by fraudulent activities.

“Similarly, in the past year, the Cybercrime Unit has actively engaged in strategic operations, resulting in the arrests and prosecutions of over 751 individuals involved in cybercrime. The unit has successfully recovered a total of 685 devices that were used in these nefarious activities, which include 467 mobile phones, 137 laptops and computers, 46 routers, 4 servers, 1 drone, and 4 Starlink devices. Additionally, the operations led to the confiscation of 16 houses, 39 plots of land, 14 land documents, and 26 vehicles, further dismantling the infrastructure supporting cybercriminal activities.

“In recognition of its outstanding performance and dedication, the NPF-NCCC has been awarded the title of the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa for 2024 by the INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate based in Singapore, securing the top position among 54 participating African countries. These achievements reflects the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to fighting cybercrime and enhancing the safety of citizens in the digital space.

 

“In furtherance to efforts towrads keeping the cyberspace safe, operatives of the NPF-NCCC have apprehended 4 suspects identified as Douglass Victor ‘m’, Egbo Efe Martins ‘m’, Lucky Adesunloye ‘m’, and Ndifreke Joseph Moody ‘m’, for various cyber-related offences.

“The Nigeria Police remains committed towards combating cyber threats, staying steps ahead of cybercriminals, thereby enhancing the nation’s overall cybersecurity framework and protecting the welfare of its citizens in the digital era. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution when sharing sensitive data or interacting with unfamiliar online entities, cultivating a culture of cyber awareness and promoting responsible online behavior are essential components in fortifying the defenses against cyber threats.”

 

The Aare onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has urged Southwest governors to urgently address the growing security threats of bandits infiltrating their states.

Gani made the plea after the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during the 2025 annual interfaith service in Ibadan on Monday, raised the alarm over bandits operations in the state.

In a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi and released in Osogbo on Tuesday, Gani Adams said he had raised similar concerns last year, but nothing was done.

 

Adams, the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress, warned that ignoring Makinde’s revelation could have dire consequences for the region.

He described Oyo State as the political nerve centre of the South-West, warning that any security breakdown could have ripple effects across the entire region.

Adams also offered to collaborate with state governments to strengthen the security architecture, adding that governors should act promptly.

The statement read, “The alarm raised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is a wake-up call for all the governors in the South-West. I raised similar concerns last year, but nothing was done. Sadly, insecurity has continued to escalate.

“The South-West Security Stakeholders Group, including the OPC, Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Professional Hunters, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, and others under my leadership, have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the region.

“However, now that Governor Makinde has sounded the alarm, it is imperative for a more urgent and coordinated approach to tackle the issue before it spirals out of control.

“Oyo State is the political capital of the South-West, and whatever happens there will undoubtedly affect the entire region.

“I urge all South-West governors to remain vigilant and address the security challenges in their respective states promptly.”

The Nigerian military has dropped three places in the latest global military ranking.

The ranking, published by Global Firepower, placed the Armed Forces of Nigeria at 39th out of a total of 145 countries reviewed for 2024.

This marks a decline from its 36th position in the 2023 ranking and 35th position in 2022.

This two-year consecutive drop comes despite the acquisition of fighter jets and other combat enablers, as well as the military’s claimed successes against terrorists in Nigeria over the same period.

 

Nigeria also dropped from third to fourth position among African countries.

For the 18th consecutive year, the United States retained its position as the top-ranked military globally.

According to GFP, the United States showcases “commanding values in many major material, financial, and resource categories.”

The USA is followed by Russia, China, and India, ranked second, third, and fourth, respectively.

South Korea is ranked fifth, followed by the United Kingdom (6th), Japan (7th), Turkey (8th), Pakistan (9th), and Italy (10th). The top 15 is completed by France (11th), Brazil (12th), Indonesia (13th), Iran (14th), and Egypt (15th).

Australia, Israel, Ukraine, Germany, and Spain hold the 16th to 20th positions, respectively.

In Africa, Egypt is ranked first, followed by Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia, and Sudan, in that order.

According to the report, over 60 factors were considered in determining the scores given to countries.

“The finalised Global Firepower ranking below utilises over 60 individual factors to determine a given nation’s PowerIndex (‘PwrIndx’) score, with categories ranging from the quantity of military units and financial standing to logistical capabilities and geography,” the GFP report stated.

“Our unique, in-house formula allows smaller, more technologically advanced nations to compete with larger, less-developed powers. Special modifiers, in the form of bonuses and penalties, are applied to further refine the list, which is compiled annually.

 

“For 2024, Nigeria is ranked 39th out of the 145 countries considered for the annual GFP review. The nation holds a PwrIndx* score of 0.5619 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’). This entry was last reviewed on 01/09/2024.”

“PwrIndx: Each nation is assessed on individual and collective values processed through an in-house formula to generate its ‘PwrIndx’ (Power Index) score. Some values are estimated when official numbers are unavailable,” it added.

When contacted, the Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur, Gusau said, “I am not aware of the ranking and I can’t comment on it.”

esidents of a town in Nottinghamshire, England in the United Kingdom are puzzled by the mysterious appearance of plates filled with peeled bananas left by the side of a road every month for over a year.

The phenomenon occurs on the second day of each month in 2024, when a plate of bananas is found on a street corner in Beeston, across from a local church.

The mystery began more than a year ago at the intersection of Abbey Road and Wensor Avenue, and the purpose behind it remains unclear.

A local resident, Clare Short, discovered the pattern and noticed the bananas were consistently placed on the second day of each month.

In response, she put up a sign at the location that reads, “Please, respectfully, no more bananas! The uncollected plates and rotting bananas leave such a mess. Wishing a happy new year to you all.”

Despite the sign, Short revealed that a plate of bananas was left on January 2nd.

“I’ve asked around in the local community but no one really knows and no one can tell me anything,” Short shared with the BBC.

Residents have speculated that the bananas may be intended as a gift for local wildlife, while others think they could be some sort of religious offering, given the proximity to the church.

Short, who has come to accept the monthly occurrence, remarked, “I’ve come to take the signs down because I don’t really want to make it like a feud, I don’t want it to become a big thing. I think it’s a special thing for [someone] and I wish them well. But if they could come back and clean up the mess a few days later that would be lovely.”