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Former Head of state and elder statesman, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has given insight into why he championed the creation of states in Nigeria, among others, while he was in the office as head of state, even as he urged Northern elites to build a consensus around issues that would better serve the greater interest of Nigeria as a whole.
He spoke when a delegation of the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats, LND, visited him yesterday at the Yakubu Gowon Centre, in Abuja.
Gowon who governed between 1966 and 1975, told his visitors that it was aimed at dousing tension and removing the fear of northern domination by other component parts of the federation.
According to him, “May I thank you sincerely, as a former governor and now the chairman-am I correct?-of the League of Northern Democrats. I hope you’re not suggesting that Baba Tafawa Balewa was not both a northern and a national democrat.
“I firmly believe, as I have always said, that the responsibility of maintaining Nigeria’s true democracy rests on the north, and Baba Tafawa Balewa embodied this ideal.
“Let me also say that I hope your visit is not just about returning to the old thinking where the north prioritises the north, the west prioritises the west, and the east prioritises the east-until, of course, the Mid-West emerged to think for itself.
“My position has always been that whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria.
“From your speech, I understand that this is your intention-to ensure the north, in its current state, focuses on national unity.
“It was for this reason that I supported the creation of multiple states, to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful and threatening the country’s unity.
“This perspective was born out of extensive discussions with political leaders, chiefs, and various groups.
“The north had to make sacrifices to address fears of domination by one region, especially given the size and population of the north.
” At that time, there was considerable anxiety from the south about the north’s dominance, which nearly led to calls for secession from all regions-the west, the east, and even the north.
“This deeply worried me. I was born in Nigeria, raised in Nigeria, and served a profession that represented the country’s collective interest.
“My decision to advocate for states creation stemmed from a desire to prevent the fragmentation of our nation.
“Even now, I recall that at one point, people believed the north wanted to secede, just as similar claims were made about the east and the west. This fear of disintegration weighed heavily on me. If we had allowed it, what would we call ourselves today? We might have ended up with separate nations-whether Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or otherwise. I hesitate to say more, as I might risk offending someone here.”
Why I opted out of partisan politics
“You know I’m not affiliated with any political party. My only allegiance is to Nigeria. My profession shaped my belief in serving the country above all else, and I’ve avoided partisan politics.
“I encourage others to think beyond regional interests and focus on Nigeria as a whole. Differences in opinion are natural, but they should never prevent us from working together to resolve issues for the good of the country.
“Nigeria’s population and diversity are strengths. If we can unite despite our differences, we can build the Nigeria we all envision. You have shared your paper with me, and I’ll review it carefully. As you mentioned, you can return at any time for further discussions or my thoughts on your proposals.
“I joked earlier that your League of Northern Democrats isn’t yet a party. It appears to be a northern group, but it’s made up of individuals from all parts of the country.
“The north is incredibly diverse, encompassing various tribes, such as the Igbo-speaking communities in Benue and the Yoruba presence there as well. These differences enrich our region and should encourage unity rather than division.
“The northern identity, however, is often associated with the Hausa-Fulani. Even within that label, there is significant diversity. For instance, among the Angas people, we have distinct names like “Ngas,” and they call us “Ngali.” The cultural nuances are fascinating and a testament to our rich heritage.”
On current security challenges
“Unfortunately, I feel saddened by the challenges currently facing the north, such as the emergence of groups like the Lukurawa from Mali. Their activities have only created more problems for us.
“Nonetheless, I’m honoured and delighted by your visit. Your introductions touched me deeply. Many of you are descendants of respected leaders such as Tafawa Balewa and Shagari. I see this gathering as a continuation of their legacy.
“I must commend your group’s efforts to bring over 700 members together. It’s a remarkable achievement. However, I urge you to remember that the north’s division into states was meant to preserve national unity.
“Whatever you do, always prioritise the nation’s interest. While cooperation among states is vital, it should never compromise Nigeria’s collective good.
“I’m impressed by your initiative and wish you success. Perhaps your movement will evolve into a national party that unites all Nigerians. While various groups work on a new constitution, I encourage you to engage with them to ensure their proposals serve the country’s best interests.
“I’ve always believed in taking the best from all ideologies-be it socialism, capitalism, or others-and applying them for the greater good.
“During my time in government, we valued diverse perspectives, but decisions were always made in the interest of the people and the nation.
“You’ve started something significant, and I hope you’re prepared to collaborate with others for the future of Nigeria. Your dedication gives me hope for the nation’s future.
Earlier, the Chairman of the LND, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, described Gowon as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity, strength and resilience.
While congratulating the retired general on his 90th birthday, he prayed for his continued health and strength to contribute to national development.
Explaining the desire behind the formation of the LND, Shekarau said, “Your Excellency, the League of Northern Democrats was born out of a shared sense of urgency and responsibility among Northern elites to address the critical challenges facing our region.
“Together, we seek to reposition the North as a bastion of political, economic and cultural influence – a North that reclaims its historical role as a beacon of leadership in Nigeria!
[Vanguard]
Shell is starting arbitration hearings over the supply of liquefied natural gas from Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass facility, Shell CEO Wael Sawan has said, according to a Reuters report.
Shell and other companies including BP, Galp and Repsol have also launched contract arbitration cases in the United States over inability to obtain contract cargoes for more than two years.
“Frustratingly, we have got no volumes against our term agreement which underpinned the financing for the project. We’re going through arbitration hearings this quarter,” Sawan said on a call with Reuters analysts.
Shell and others say they have lost billions of dollars in profit from gas promised under long-term contracts but it was not delivered. Venture Global LNG contends it has not fully commissioned the Louisiana plant.
Previously, Venture Global LNG had criticised Shell for its poor performance record at its own LNG facilities.
Industry observers see this accusation by Venture Global as reminiscent of the legal issues faced by NLNG, a Shell subsidiary, where it was found that the company had breached a contract by failing to deliver at least 19 cargoes of LNG under a contract signed in January 2020.
This led to a London arbitration panel and an England and Wales High Court of Justice ruling against NLNG in July 2024.
The arbitration panel included John Beechey CBE, J. William Rowley KC, and Nevil Phillips.
Shell accuses Venture Global LNG of wrongfully earning $3.5 billion, according to an earlier report by the Financial Times.
[TheCable]
The presidency has shared details of what President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, would be doing on a three-day official visit to Paris, France.
Naija News reports Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day State Visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.
Following the arrival, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Wednesday, narrated that during the visit, the Nigerian leader will attend a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée.
Also, President Tinubu, during the visit, will address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills, engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions, while both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.
The presidential aide also highlighted that the French First Lady, and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations.
Before departure, President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner put together by their hosts.
The full statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day State Visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.
“Touching down at Orly Airport around 5:10 p.m., President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard, marking a ceremonial start to his visit.
“The official engagements will begin on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will warmly receive President Tinubu. The visit will continue with a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader.
“The visit aims to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. It promises substantial benefits for Nigeria.
“In collaboration with President Macron, President Tinubu will address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
“The visit includes strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.
“Additionally, both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.
“Brigitte Macron and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria’s First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
“President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner hosted by the French President before their departure.”
[NaijaNews]
The federal government has spent about N8.8 billion to repair and put power transmission towers vandalised across the country into functional use.
The disclosure was made by the managing director and chief executive officer of the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN), Suleiman Ahmed Abdulaziz, at the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting in Abuja.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, also disclosed that the federal government was working in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to make electricity available to 50 million Nigerians by the year 2030.
Abdulaziz, who was represented by the executive director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP) of TCN, Olugbenga Emmanuel Ajiboye, said that between January 13, 2024 and now, 128 transmission towers were destroyed either by vandals or bandits, across the country.
He lamented that when the vandals were apprehended and handed over to police for prosecution, they were bailed out of detention and they would return and continue with the vandalism.
“As I talk to you today, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. Till date, we have spent about N8.8 billion, by our estimation, to put them back to full and functional use. It is so sad that each time the vandals were caught and taken to police for prosecution, police would arrest them for theft, instead of vandalism and they would be bailed. If they are charged for vandalism, they cannot be bailed, but this is where we are. So many of them have been arrested, but each time they will be bailed because police often incident their cases as that of theft.
“When the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna towers were destroyed, we had to get the full military escorts for our contractors to get the transmission lines and towers restored and in some cases, they would tell us that we could only work for two hours on some days. In some instances, they would even tell us that it was not safe to move there. How do we get out of this? How can we deliver electricity to Nigerians under these terrible circumstances? These are part of the challenges we are facing in the power sector,” Abdulaziz said.
For his part, the Power minister, who was represented by his chief technical adviser, Adedayo Olowoniyi, said the Nigerian government was working with the Word Bank and the AfDB to get 50 million Nigerians to have access to electricity by the year 2030.
Hello said the Power Ministry was collaborating with its Finance counterpart to get the process achieved.
“The mission 300 has been driven by the World Bank and the African Development Bank and it is a project that will provide electricity to 300 million Africans and Nigeria will benefit 50 millions from this. Nigeria has a large population that is without electricity and this is a great opportunity for us to be part of this process. The Compact document will be signed by our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Tanzania in January, 2025. We worked extensively with the World Bank, the AfDB and the Ministry of Finance to develop the document with all the countries that will be participating in it.
“The most important thing is that we have to drive the process by ourselves through the private and public sector participation. We will do it through the solar form system, mini and micro grid, grid extension and connection,” the minister said.
He continued: “The reality is that it is not actually feasible, based on the resources we have, to extend the grid to all Nigerians, one, from the funding point of view and secondly, it may not be commercially viable to begin to talk of grid extension to those parts that are not viable, but that does not mean that we should not deliver electricity to them, which is their right and as part of the dividends of democracy. But we will start with the home solar system in those areas where the grid may not work.”
[Leadership]
A former Head of States, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.) has explained why he has so far refused to align with any of the nation’s political parties or joined partisan politics in the country.
The 90-year-old elder statesman gave the explanation on Wednesday in Abuja when he received the League of Northern Democrats (LND) led by a former Kano State governor and Sardaunan Kano, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau.
Daily Trust reports that Gen. Gowon who ruled Nigeria as a military leader for nine years, before being ousted by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida military led junta.
He has since refused to be associated with the nation’s multi-party democracy, unlike some of the nation’s military leaders, who were active in politics.
“I am not affiliated with any political party. My only allegiance is to Nigeria. My profession (military) shaped my belief in serving the country above all else, and I’ve avoided partisan politics.
“I encourage others to think beyond regional interests and focus on Nigeria as a whole. Differences in opinion are natural, but they should never prevent us from working together to resolve issues for the good of the country.
“I’ve always believed in taking the best from all ideologies, be it socialism, capitalism, or others, and applying them for the greater good. During my time in government, we valued diverse perspectives, but decisions were always made in the interest of the people and the nation,” Gowon said.
He expressed hope that the guests’ mission was not just about returning to the old thinking where every region prioritised theirs.
“My position has always been that whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria. From your speech, I understand that this is your intention—to ensure the north, in its current state, focuses on national unity.
“It was for this reason that I supported the creation of multiple states, to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful and threatening the country’s unity,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of League of Northern Democrats (LND), Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, spoke on the 90th birthday of Gen Gowon.
He said, “First, let us congratulate you on your 90th birthday, a milestone that reflects a life of unparalleled service and dedication to our great nation. As Dr. Akinwumi Adesina so eloquently articulated in his paper as Guest Speaker during the celebration, your vision and legacy remain cornerstones of Nigeria’s progress.
“Indeed, as former President Olusegun Obasanjo also aptly observed then, you are one of the few leaders whose exemplary deeds are celebrated during their lifetime.
Sir, we proudly stand with all well-meaning Nigerians to uphold and champion the legacy of unity and integrity that you so manifestly embody.”
Shekarau said that the LND was born out of a shared sense of urgency and responsibility among northern elites to address the critical challenges facing the region.
“Together, we seek to reposition the North as a bastion of political, economic and cultural influence – a North that reclaims its historical role as a beacon of leadership in Nigeria.
“There is very little we can tell you that you may not have averted your mind on. But the challenges we face today, disunity, poverty, illiteracy, insecurity, drug addiction and the erosion of societal values, demand urgent and deliberate action.
“As you have often reminded us, if people do not rise to address their own issues, no one else will. This ethos of self-reliance and collective responsibility inspired the formation of the LND as a platform for proactive and collaborative solutions to our problems,” Shekarau said.
He also said that the organisation is planning a Northern Nigerian Political Summit in Kaduna to bring together stakeholders and leaders of thought to deliberate on their shared challenges and chart a new course for progress.
[Dailytrust]
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Nanfwang Gunat, has sounded a note of caution to legislators across the country against passing a vote of confidence on the embattled National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Gunat said he was cautioning both former and serving, whether in the state houses of assembly, house of representatives or senate.
Gunat who was a member of Support Groups Coordination (North Central) for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), stressed that such endorsement would amount to betraying the North Central region which has been pushing to reclaim the chairmanship seat after the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu, who is from the North Central.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Jos the Plateau State Capital, the Chieftain revealed that rumours making the rounds are that Ganduje is planning to organise both former and serving legislators across the country to get their support for the chairmanship seat to remain in the North-West where he is from, and that they should also endorse him for the position.
According to him, “that position has been constitutionally agreed by the party to be for the North Central which has contributed greatly towards the progress of APC, but Ganduje is trying everything possible to twist that fact.
“But the North Central region, wouldn’t concede that position to another region within the party structure”, he maintained.
The party chieftain disputed the credit given to Ganduje on the victory of the APC in the Edo and Ondo governorship election, saying that the people voted for the party because of their belief and trust in the party and not because of Ganduje who could not deliver his home state of Kano to the APC.
“I wish to call on President Bola Tinubu and leaders of our party to immediately convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to address this issue of the Chairmanship position accordingly so that it doesn’t tear the party apart”, he admonished.
Gunat pointed out that convening the meeting to address that vital issue is key to the party’s unity and success towards the 2027 election because the North Central region is already feeling marginalized and relegated to the background.
[DailyPost]
Actress and filmmaker, Mary Njoku, has raised concerns about the increasing trend of young women opting for Botox injections.
On her Instagram page, Njoku questioned why 21-year-olds are undergoing a cosmetic procedure typically used by women in their 40s and 50s to reduce wrinkles.
She wondered about wrinkles women in their early 20s could possibly need to hide.
The actress urged young women to embrace their youth and natural beauty, reminding them that many people would give anything to relive their 20s and cherish the youthful glow that comes with it.
Njoku also addressed parents, encouraging them to instill in their daughters a love for their natural selves.
She stressed the importance of building self-esteem and promoting positive body image from a young age.
She wrote: “Botox at 21? Really, why?
“Is having a lifeless face now the new trend?
Older people, those in their 40s and 50s use it to reduce wrinkles.
“But at 20s, what wrinkles could you possibly be trying to hide? Embrace your youth while you still can.
“If only they understood how much people would give to be in their 20s again. They’d cherish their youthful beauty even more. Let’s teach our daughters to embrace and celebrate their natural selves. Self-esteem is everything.”
[TheNation]
‘Our country cannot sustain the numbers,’ UK Party leader Kemi Badenoch vows to limit immigration
Admin
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has pledged stricter immigration policies, warning the UK can no longer sustain current levels.
Badenoch admitted past Tory governments failed to curb migration effectively but vowed to address the issue “without fear.”
Proposing a hard annual cap on legal immigration without specifying a figure, Badenoch also insisted the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) would not hinder necessary actions.
“Immigration is at a pace too fast to maintain public services,” she said. “For decades, the political class has presided over mass migration… The system that replaced free movement is not working.”
Badenoch stressed the importance of integration, saying migrants must adopt British values.
“Without a shared national identity, our country will suffer,” she warned, criticising the strain on housing, healthcare, and wages caused by mass migration.
She pledged to review policies, treaties, and laws, emphasizing transparency and stricter visa limits.
New migration figures tomorrow are expected to show a decline, but Badenoch cautioned against complacency.
“We can no longer be naïve,” she said, hinting at reforms to prevent legal loopholes and misuse of the system.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.
Abiola is one of the children of the winner of the 1993 presidential election annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida, the late Chief Moshood Abiola.
He was formerly appointed the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice-President.
In a statement on Wednesday by
Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, Abiola’s appointment was effective from November 14, 2024.
Imohiosen said his appointment was in line with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended.
He said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the appointment of Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.
“The appointment takes effect from 14th November, 2024. This is in line with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended.
“Until his appointment, Jami’u served as the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice President.
“President Tinubu tasks the appointee to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new assignment.”
[Punch]
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is planning to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
She stated this at the 13th memorial anniversary of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in Owerri on Tuesday.
Ambassador Ojukwu emphasized that President Tinubu recognized the significance of Kanu’s release, which would help unveil criminal elements exploiting IPOB to instigate chaos in the Southeast.
“President Tinubu understands the importance of Kanu’s release. It will expose the masqueraders behind the violence and help restore order. I will do whatever it takes to ensure His Excellency grants this request.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is essential to distinguishing genuine freedom fighters from criminals causing mayhem in the Southeast,” Ojukwu stated.
She pointed out that the Igbo people were not known for harming their own and urged for collective efforts to reclaim the region from criminality and insecurity.
The ambassador also condemned the violent “sit-at-home” orders imposed in the Southeast, noting that they contradict the principles of self-determination and have hindered economic activities in the area.
“Ndigbo are enterprising and their brother’s keepers. We must reclaim our land and continue to promote the ideals for which Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu stood,” she said.
Recall that Nnamdi Kanu has been in custody since 2021 after he was repatriated from Kenya.
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he Chairman of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, Kano State Council, Yahya Ibrahim has revealed the consequences of fuel subsidy removal.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ibrahim said the removal of subsidy on fuel impacted negatively on the association’s members.
During a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Rano Local Government Area, Ibrahim highlighted the severe poverty being faced by mechanics as a result of the policy.
In a press statement, the Zonal Information officer, Rabiu Kura, said Ibrahim revealed, “40 per cent of mechanics in Kano are out of business due to the fuel subsidy removal, a situation that rapidly led to the decline of patronage of motorists.”
He explained that low patronage from motorists, who are struggling with the ongoing economic challenges, has led to a significant decline in business.
He called on the Kano State Government to intervene and provide support to help mechanics stay afloat.
The visit coincides with preparations for the NATA’s upcoming local government council election.
Earlier, the association’s Secretary, Sani Umar, praised Governor Abba Yusuf for his commitment to establishing a mechanical village in Kano.
In his remarks, the council Chairman, Muhammad Yau, thanked them for the visit and prayed for a successful election.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted 21 vehicles worth several billions of naira stolen from Canada.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, November 26.
The Customs boss also displayed arms and ammunition intercepted inside a commercial bus coming from Aba in Abia State to Lagos.
Among the vehicles stolen were three 2021 Toyota Highlanders; one Mercedes-Benz G550; Range Rover Sport; one Mercedes-AMG GT with Lamborghini Huracan; one Rolls Royce; Lamborghini 2019 Model; two Range Rovers (2023 & 2018 Models); 3 Toyota Highlander 2021 Models, among others.
Addressing journalists during the handing over of the seized vehicles, the Customs CG who revealed that West Africa has emerged as a notable destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network, revealed that the vehicles were Intercepted in Lekki, Tin-Can Island in Lagos and Onne Port, Rivers State.
According to him, the network extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia.
“Over the past several months, we have intensified our operations against vehicle trafficking syndicates operating within our borders. According to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a notable destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network, which extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia.
This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria – National Bureau of Statistics data showed that between 2013-2015, only 54% of stolen vehicles were recovered, highlighting the scale and sophistication of this criminal enterprise.
The growing incidence of stolen vehicles finding their way into our region has become a matter of serious concern, as it not only undermines our legitimate automotive market but also strains our security infrastructure,” he stated.
Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullah, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, has said that if the Federal Government fails to meet the demands of the union, all polytechnics across the country will be closed by December 2.
He explained that the union leadership issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on October 6, 2024, outlining pressing demands aimed at resolving the systemic challenges that hinder the progress of polytechnics. However, he said the government failed to address the issues.
Speaking at a news briefing on Tuesday, Nov. 26, in Kaduna, the chairman listed some of the demands, including swift release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention fund, immediate implementation of the approved 25/35% salary review across all public polytechnics, and the payment of accrued arrears.
Other demands are the release and final resolution of the decades-long arrears of CONTISS-15 migration for lower cadres, the release of outstanding promotion arrears, addressing inadequate funding, and resolving the issue of unpaid allowances.
“Regrettably, as we passed the deadline of this ultimatum, we are yet to see the necessary actions from the Federal Government to address these pressing demands. The silence and inaction have left us with no option but to consider the possibility of a total shutdown of our institutions, scheduled for December 2nd, 2024, should our concerns remain unaddressed,” he said.
Comrade Abdullahi said the survival and quality of the educational system hinged upon the government’s responsiveness.
He stated that the union believe that a strong education sector is vital for the future of the nation and cannot afford to compromise on these issues any longer.
He urged the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the union and take decisive steps towards resolving these challenges.
Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) says the proposed tax reform bills will increase the number of eligible taxpayers — not create new taxes.
Adedeji spoke on Tuesday during the second edition of the annual national dialogue organised by Nigeria Politics Online (NPO).
Adedeji, represented by Umar Idris, director of intergovernmental relations at the FIRS, said the proposed tax laws already at the national assembly are in the spirit of reforming the tax system so that the country can generate more without necessarily burdening the citizens.
“We don’t need new taxes; what we need is new taxpayers,“ he said.
“We want to simplify tax payments with the hope of maximising revenue.
“We are committed to fair tax administration, responsive and accessible service to optimise revenue for national development.”
Adedeji disclosed that all the revenue-collecting agencies have posted good results so far this year, exceeding their targets from January to October.
According to the taxman, the signs are good that the agencies will exceed their targets for the year.
The FIRS boss said taxation cannot happen without cooperation between the tax agency and the taxpayers.
“So we are moving from voluntary compliance to cooperative compliance,” he said.
“Let’s sit and have a discussion on how best we can improve our revenue through taxation.”
On how revenue can be generated by the government, Adedeji said collaboration with private sector investors can address funding constraints.
He said the partnership would provide innovative solutions to public service delivery and infrastructural development.
“In this regard, encouraging private sector investment can foster a business-friendly environment, offer incentives, and promote public-private partnerships,” the FIRS chairman said.
Adedeji also highlighted asset optimisation, digitalisation, value-added tax (VAT), privatisation, encouraging private-sector investment and implementing cost-cutting measures as revenue options for the government.
He said it is also important to make tax payments convenient and accessible, adding that his administration is working hard to ensure people can pay taxes easily.
‘GOVERNMENT RAISING FUNDS FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE ECONOMICALLY DRAINED’
In his welcome address, Semiu Okanlaawon, publisher of NPO Reports, said the topic of the lecture was inspired by the dilemma Nigeria is currently facing: trying to raise revenue from people who are economically drained and can barely feed.
Speaking during the panel session, Mojid Jamiu, executive editor of Upshot Media, said there should be a correlation between the increase in Nigeria’s revenue, external reserves, and the livelihood or purchasing power of an average Nigerian.
“The government should improve on providing a conducive environment that can assist people to improve the value chain and increase local productivity,” he said.
He also said the government should look into subsidising basic amenities for Nigerians to mitigate the impact of ongoing reforms.