FEATURES
A notorious fraudster, Bishir Abdullahi, has been arrested by the Katsina State Police Command after he was caught with 14 stolen Automated Teller Machine (ATM) debit cards and accused of defrauding his victims of over N2.7 million.
The arrest, made by an alert police officer at a Bank branch in Tudun Katsira area of Katsina, unveiled a sophisticated scheme of ATM card swapping and fraudulent withdrawals targeting unsuspecting bank customers across the State.
The spokesperson of the command, Sadiq Abubakar, paraded the suspect alongside others arrested for various crimes at the police headquarters on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
According to the PPRO, the 37-year-old suspect had used the stolen ATM cards to withdraw amounts ranging from N49,000 to N900,000 from victims’ bank accounts.
Preliminary investigations linked him to multiple incidents, with a total of N2.7 million stolen.
The Nollywood industry in 2024 had a high number of deaths as several prominent actors whose talents defined the movie industry succumbed to death.
These late Nollywood actors will forever remain in the hearts of their fans as they show unique talents, fun, and depth in their roles.
In this article, Niaja News highlights Nollywood actors who died in 2024.
1. Olofa Ina: Veteran Yoruba Nollywood actor, Deji Aderemi, better known as Olafa Ina, died on January 4, 2024, at age 73, after a long battle with cancer. His work continues to be celebrated for capturing the essence of Yoruba culture and tradition.
Olofa Ina
2. Ekpe Ethel: The Nigerian actress, passed on February 7, 2024, after a prolonged illness due to cancer.
Ekpe gained fame for her role in Basi and Company, a classic Nigerian sitcom where she showcased her comedic talent.
Ethel Ekpe
3. Jimi Solanke: The actor cum poet and playwright better known for his works on Tales by Moonlight, died on February 5, 2024, after a prolonged illness related to old age.
4. Sisi Quadri: Comic Yoruba actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, died on March 1, at the general hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness
Quadri’s death coincides with the release date of a Netflix movie, Anikulapo: Rise of the Specter, where he played one of the three ghosts in the mystic epic series directed by Kunle Afolayan.
5. Mr Ibu: John Okafor, an icon in comedy who delighted fans with his humorous portrayals of everyday life, died in a hospital in Lagos State on Saturday, March 2.
The late movie star suffered a cardiac arrest following a prolonged battle with diabetes, which led to severe complications.
6. Amaechi Muonagor: At the time, Nollywood was still mourning Mr Ibu and Sisi Quadri, the death of Muonagor hit the industry.
The actor had struggled with kidney disease and appealed to Nigerians for financial help to support his treatment before he died on March 24, 2024, at the age of 62.
7. Adejumoke Ademeron: Popularly known for her role as Esther in the hit TV series Jenifa’s Diary, Adejumoke passed away on April 6, 2024, at the age of 40 due to an undisclosed illness.
8. Junior Pope: The death of Pope Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, shocked fans and colleagues, emphasising the risks actors faced during movie production.
The late thespian passed away alongside three others after their boat capsized in the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from movie locations.
9. Zulu Adigwe: The veteran Nollywood star died on April 24, two weeks after Junior Pope and three other Nollywood actors died in a boat accident in Anam River.
10: Charles Olumo: Veteran Yoruba actor, Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as Agbako, passed away at 101 on October 31st, 2024.
Renowned as the oldest actor in Nigeria’s film industry, his life and career impacted the nation’s cultural heritage.
The House of Representatives member for Oredo Constituency of Edo State, Esosa Iyawe, has said his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was in line with his political interests.
Iyawe and three other House members of the LP defected to the ruling APC citing leadership crisis.
Esosa Iyawe pointed out that he was uncomfortable with the Labour Party’s leadership crisis and numerous court cases against its leadership.
In a statement on Thursday, the first-time lawmaker in the 10th House of Representatives since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, stated that his defection was after consulting with family and constituent members.
“I am writing to formally tender my resignation as a member of Labour Party (LP), effective immediately. This decision was reached after careful consideration of my personal convictions and the alignment of my values with the political landscape today.
“My decision to resign from LP is as a result of the party’s inability to declare who should emerge as the legitimate Caretaker Committee from the National to State levels. More so, due the incessant tussle rocking the leadership of the party and the numerous perpetual Court cases against the Leadership of the party; myself and my supporters are in a state of confusion as to the Party’s stability in leadership.
“With regards to my right to freedom of association as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended); I hereby wish to notify you of my defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) whose ideas align with my political aspirations and ideology. This is after due consultations with my family and supporters,” Iyawe said.
He, however, thanked LP for giving him the platform. He commended the party’s contribution to the nation’s democracy.
“I hereby re-emphasize my resolve to continue my service and representation to my people as this decision will certainly improve my past performance at all levels.
“I thank the leadership and fellow members of Labour Party (LP) for the support, collaboration, and opportunities provided to me during my membership. I leave with gratitude and respect for the party’s efforts and contributions to our democracy,” Iyawe added.
Probes collapse of national grid, DisCos
THE Senate has begun a probe into the activities of Generation Companies, GenCos, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, and Distribution Companies, DisCos, for failing to deliver reliable electricity, describing the power sector as a total failure.
It also strongly criticised the power sector operators, saying they have added no significant value to the sector, and threatened to come up with legislative measures, including new laws and total repeal of the policy.
It equally noted that the privatization introduced in 2013 has plunged Nigeria deeper into darkness, leaving citizens without solutions.
The Upper directed the Senate Committee on Power, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, APGA, Abia South, to conduct a holistic investigation into the challenges of the sector and come up with recommendations that should cover possible reversal of the privatisation and declaration of an emergency in the power sector and report at plenary in six weeks.
The condemnation of the power sector yesterday was sequel to the presentation of a report by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, that investigated frequent national grid collapses and related issues.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said in annoyance: “They have added no value at all.’’
Akpabio and other senators lampooned the power sector, especially the DisCos as they expressed anger, saying the operators had forced Nigeria more into darkness since 2013 when the policy took off, leaving the citizenry “helpless.”
Akpabio said: “Why do state governors and communities buy transformers, hand them over DisCos and still pay for installation?
“The people who took over (power sector) are just making money from those transformers and they are not adding value at all.
“Why do we hand over GenCos and the TCN can’t move what they generate? Why are DisCos not investing in transformers, or we have to pay the DisCos for transformers bought by Nigerians?
“We can make the laws, we can reverse the laws and ask the Federal Government to take back those things from them.”
Presenting the report, Senator Abaribe, who attributed the persistent grid failures to factors such as aging infrastructure, abandoned projects worth trillions of naira, regulatory inefficiencies, security lapses, lack of modern monitoring systems, such as SCADA, and inadequate financial oversight, said despite substantial investments in electricity infrastructure, the grid had suffered 105 collapses over the past decade.
He revealed the significant costs incurred during grid failures, particularly in restarting power plants.
The committee reported that each time the grid collapsed, it would cost the nation around $25million or N42billion to restart its three generating plants.
The committee recommended decisive actions by government, including making saboteurs both within and outside the system pay heavily for their culpability.
According to the report, restarting a plant after a grid collapse (known as a “black start”) is considerably more expensive than normal operations.
‘’For instance, while running costs for a plant like Azura, Delta, or Shiroro are approximately $105,000, restarting costs can reach $7 million per incident. Collectively, grid collapses cost Nigeria an estimated ¦ 42.5 billion for these three plants alone, with broader implications for the entire power sector,’’ the report said.
The report emphasised that the national grid, over 50 years old, was outdated and in urgent need of modernization to meet current operational standards.
Abaribe also noted other pressing issues, including operational inefficiencies, abandoned projects, regulatory gaps, security challenges, and the absence of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, SCADA, systems essential for real-time monitoring and management.
“Whenever a plant is shut down, they restart the plant and to restart it which they call a black start, it cost far more that running the plant.
“While it cost $105,000 to run the plant, to restart it will cost $7m. So for anytime we have a shut down occasioned by grid collapse, three plants in Nigeria, three plants in Nigeria that supply most of our electricity, Azura, Delta and Shiroro, to restart the plant cost Nigeria $25m or ¦ 42.5bn and if we expand it yo the rest of the operating plants in Nigeria, it is actually not quantifiable.
“Aging infrastructure has been identified as a critical factor contributing to frequent grid failures. Many components of the grid are outdated and have not undergone necessary maintenance or upgrades, leading to increased vulnerability to failures,’’ Abaribe said.
In his contribution, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, APC, Edo North, who criticised the privatisation policy as flawed and exploitative, said it imposed undue financial burdens on Nigerians
He said: “The DisCos are out for profit, while they make our people suffer. I never imagined that a private person will collect money for services he did not render and Nigerians are helpless.”
He recounted a personal experience of having to purchase a transformer and pay for its installation, only for it to become the property of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC.
Oshiomhole called for a comprehensive review of the privatisation policy, in line with the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“After the procurement, it becomes the property of AEDC (Abuja Electricity Distribution Company).
I even had to pay money from my pocket to connect the transformer to the grid.
“We have to revisit this ill-advised privatisation and we are going to advise Mr President, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, to review the power sector privatisation.”
On his part, Senator Abdul Ningi, PDP, Bauchi Central, who noted that the ongoing failures in the power sector persisted due to a lack of accountability, however, argued that without sanctions for lapses, the sector’s inefficiencies would remain unaddressed.
Ningi said: “Over the years, nobody has been punished for the lapses in the power sector. Reports alone without sanctions will not allow Nigeria make any headway. The implication is that the problems will continue.”
Following series of debates, the Senate stood down the consideration of the report and gave Abaribe’s committee additional six weeks to do a holistic investigation into the issues in the power sector and report back in six weeks for further legislative actions.
The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has lamented the carting away of an unspecified quantity of rice by some yet-to-be-identified criminals after invading the state Government’s farm in the Jangwa community of Awe Local Government Area of the state.
Sule disclosed this when he received a delegation of sons and daughters of Azara community led by His Royal Highness, Sarkin Azara, Dr. Kabiru Musa Ibrahim at the Government House, Lafia on Thursday.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, quoted the governor as saying, “Whereas the state government is pleased with the yield recorded, it is however saddened by the level of theft recorded during the harvest.”
Sule, therefore, decried the activities of the unscrupulous elements who were stealing harvested rice from the government-owned farm in Jangwa, Awe LGA.
He described the situation as very unfortunate, noting that such magnitude of theft was happening at a time when the state was doing everything possible to bring relief to the people and boost food security in the state and beyond.
Sule used the opportunity to warn all those involved in the unwholesome practice to desist henceforth as the state government would not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone caught.
He, however, assured the state that, “We will not be deterred. We are determined that Nasarawa State, being an agricultural state, that the government must be at the forefront in agricultural activities.”
The governor further thanked the traditional rulers and people of the area for their cooperation towards the successes recorded on the farm since the government’s agricultural programme began in the area.
Senators from the South-South geopolitical zone have endorsed the contentious Tax Reform Bills pending before the National Assembly.
In a statement signed on behalf of the group by Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), the lawmakers have highlighted the importance of the bills in enhancing national revenue.
The statement said, “Recognising the importance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and fostering economic stability, we resolved to support the Tax Reforms Bills.
“This support will be anchored on a comprehensive study and thorough evaluation of the content of the Bills to ensure they align with the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.
“The Caucus calls for restraint on the part of those bent on introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic or tribal to a national dialogue and looks forward to robust interactions and consultations as already commenced by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with our colleagues across the Senate and all stakeholders in fostering a legislative agenda that guarantees the peace, prosperity, and progress of our beloved nation.”
According to them, their support for the bills stems from a shared commitment to boosting national revenue and driving economic growth.
The senators, who cut across party lines, also expressed their unflinching support and confidence in the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
“After a meeting held on the 4th of December, 2024, we, the senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the South-South geopolitical zone, met on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, to deliberate on key national issues and the role of the Senate in advancing the collective interest of the country. After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were made:
“The South-South senators unanimously agreed and passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to standing by him and supporting his leadership in steering the Senate toward its constitutional mandate of making laws that serve the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
“We pledge our full support to the Senate President and the leadership of the National Assembly in their efforts to ensure the effective and timely passage of legislation aimed at promoting good governance, national unity, and economic development.
The communiqué was signed by Senator Seriake Dickson (Chairman), Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Secretary), Senator Barinada Mpigi, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Neda Imasuen, Senator Munir Ned Nwoko, Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Senator Allwell Onyeso.
Others include Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Senator Benson Agadaga, Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Senator Ekong Sampson, and Senator Ede Dafinone.
Dele Farotimi’s book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,’ has become a bestseller on Amazon Books as the human rights advocate faces legal action over the publication.
The book is ranked 555 out of all books on the e-commerce website and is number one in elections.
The book also topped Amazon’s charts in general elections, political process, and political commentary and opinion.
Customer reviews rated the book 4.9 out of five stars.
Published on July 2, Farotimi examined how affluent Nigerians allegedly manipulated the country’s judicial system for their interests.
However, his description of the country’s legal landscape has become a subject matter in a law court.
On Wednesday, Farotimi was arraigned in a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti state, for allegedly “criminally defaming” Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), named in the book.
The activist pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Samson Osun, the police prosecutor, asked the court to remand Farotimi pending further investigation.
Dayo Akeredolu, counsel to Farotimi, opposed the remand request and prayed the court to admit the activist on bail under liberal terms and self-recognition.
Akeredolu’s bail application was rejected.
Abayomi Adeosun, the magistrate, ruled that Farotimi be remanded in prison custody till December 10.
Hours after the legal proceedings, Roving Heights, a bookstore, announced that its website crashed.
The bookstore said the technical glitch was caused by “unusual traffic and a spike in demand for some titles”.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has stressed the need for the people to end corruption in Nigeria before the practice does more harm to the country.
The anti-graft agency asserted that corruption has severely undermined Nigeria’s economic and social fabric, urging citizens to demonstrate the bravery necessary to expose corrupt practices.
Naija News reports that Ekere Usiere, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for the Commission, emphasized this during an event in Yenagoa commemorating Anti-Corruption Day.
The Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board organized the event.
In her presentation titled From Fear To Courage: Overcoming Barriers To Whistleblowing In Nigeria, Usiere warned that without the courage to confront corruption, Nigeria faces the peril of being overwhelmed by it in the foreseeable future.
She stressed that to combat corruption effectively, the nation must adopt a mindset of courage and reject fear.
She said, “There is no gainsaying that the scourge of corruption has brought Nigeria to its knees, from economic underdevelopment to socio-political decadence. If we don’t kill corruption, corruption will definitely kill Nigeria. That is why we need an effective whistleblower mechanism as a critical tool to fight against corruption.
“To effectively blow the whistle against corruption, we, the citizens, need courage. The absence of fear is simply the definition of courage. Citizens need to overcome cultural, psychological and systemic challenges to blow the whistle against corruption and other ills bedevilling our country, Nigeria.
“This programme is therefore a timely and welcome development. The aim of this paper is to charge participants to obliterate fear from their mindset and embrace courage in order to blow the whistle against corruption. If we must fight corruption in Nigeria and reduce it to the barest minimum, then we must put on the armour of courage to surmount the fear of whistleblowing.
“If you see something, you must say something! If you hear something, you must say something.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, commended the Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit for the excellent job done in putting the event together while reiterating his resolve to staff to protect the institution from all forms of corrupt tendencies through preventive strategies.
His words: “Today, we are marking and celebrating the International Anti-Corruption Day, with a focus on raising the consciousness of our youths to the ills of corruption and how it turns the socio-economic development of any nation.
“This is to send a strong message for extra-vigilance by all of us in combating the menace. In NCDMB, we have taken deliberate steps to curb corruption. We have provided adequate support to our ACTU members by providing a functional office and giving them a free hand to discharge their functions.
“In the area of capacity building and awareness, we have deepened our participation in the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria through capacity building training for staff, including training in corruption prevention techniques, strategies for effective workplace anti-corruption campaign, bribery and corruption risk assessment, etc.; all these underline the board stance against corruption.
“In the area of system check, we have instituted corrupt risk assessment probing major functions of the board including human resources, procurement, monitory, evaluation, planning, research and statistics, all in a bid to mitigate vulnerability to corruption across the board.”
‘You’ll Weep, You Don’t Have A Future’ – Lawmaker Tells Colleagues Who Dumped Labour Party For APC
AFOLABI
The Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, George Ibezimako Ozodinobi (LP, Anambra), has condemned the decision of some Labour Party (LP) lawmakers to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ozodinobi, who spoke shortly after the Speaker announced the defection of his colleagues during plenary on Thursday, said the defectors would weep.
He added that they don’t have a future in the new party they crossed to.
Recalls four Labour Party (LP) House of Representative members defected to the APC as announced during plenary on Thursday by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.
The lawmakers who defected to APC are Esosa Iyawe (Edo), Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Matthew (Kaduna), and Bassey Akiba (Cross River).
Also, a lawmaker, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu (Delta), dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
The now-former Labour Party lawmakers cited division within their party as the main reason for their defection.
Reacting to the development, Ozodinobi raised a point of order on the floor of the House and, in his comment, expressed disappointment with his colleagues who had just left the LP.
“I will quote the Bible. When Jesus was carrying the cross to the Calvary, the woman, Veronica, was weeping. And he looked back and said, women of Israel, don’t weep for me, weep for yourself.
“I am telling those who have defected that they will continue weeping for themselves because where you have crossed over to, you don’t have a future,” he said.
About 215 students of Obafemi Awolowo University out of 7,368 will graduate with first-class honours during the 48th convocation ceremonies of the Ivory Tower.
Speaking at the pre-convocation press conference held at the university campus yesterday, the vice chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, disclosed that the events would take place from December 5th to Saturday, 14th December, adding that students from the 13 faculties of the institution will graduate with varying degrees.
The vice chancellor gave the breakdown of the graduating students as follows: Second Class Upper Division: 2,198, Second Class Lower Division: 2,691, Third Class: 755, Upper Credit: 61, Lower Credit:
33, Pass 62, making 6,015 for classified degrees.
According to him, the unclassified degrees are as follows: Distinction: 13, Pass with Distinction: 59, Pass with Credit: 154, Pass: 169, totalling 395. Postgraduate Degrees are as follows: Postgraduate Diplomas: 74, Master’s Degrees: 708, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): 186, totalling 958.
Bamire also disclosed that the university would confer honorary doctorates on five exceptional individuals for their significant contributions to humanity, uplifting the less privileged and advancing societal progress through their talents, financial resources, and material support.
According to Bamire, these individuals include Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Group Chairman of Mutual Benefit PIc; and Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, a distinguished entrepreneur, academic, and engineer.
Others include Prince Karl Olutokun Toriola, a seasoned business leader and telecommunications expert, and Daere Afonya-Akobo, a prominent figure in the oil and gas sector.
[Leadership]
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State govts borrowed N533bn, generated N1.92tn IGR, serviced debt with N658bn
A total of 29 state governors spent N1.994tn on recurrent expenditures, including refreshments, sitting allowances, travelling, and utilities in the first nine months of 2024, findings by The PUNCH have shown.
It was also gathered that the states obtained a N533.29bn loan, while it spent N658.93bn to service its debts owed to local, foreign, and multilateral creditors.
However, these states fell short in their revenue-generating targets, collecting a total sum of N1.92tn as internally generated revenue but fell short of the revenue target of N2.868tn, recording a deficit of N948.28bn.
The recurrent data utilised in this report did not include personnel costs.
An analysis of the fiscal performance of each state, utilizing data from the Q1 to Q3 budget performance reports obtained from each state’s website, revealed a pressing need for stringent measures to prioritise fiscal discipline, especially amidst growing calls to reduce the costs of governance.
This comes despite a 40 per cent increase in the state’s statutory allocations from the Federation Account.
For the first three quarters of the year, our correspondent examined budget implementation data from twenty-nine states; data for six states was not available.
Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Sokoto, and Ogun states were the ones without the latest data from January to September 2024.
Since the commencement of the current administration, state governments have enjoyed improved monthly allocation mainly due to the elimination of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative recently noted that the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee disbursed N3.473tn to the three tiers of government in the second quarter of 2024.
This reflects an increase of N46.77bn (1.42 per cent) compared to the first quarter of 2024.
The Federal Government received N1.102tn, representing 33.35 per cent of the total allocation, while 36 states received N1.337tn (40.47 per cent), and the 774 local government councils shared N864.98bn (26.18 per cent).
A comparison with the previous quarter shows that the Federal Government’s allocation decreased by N41.44bn (3.76 per cent), while state governments saw an increase of N58.13bn (4.29 per cent), and local government councils experienced a rise of N30.82bn (3.57 per cent).
But this improved funding hasn’t translated to an improved standard of living for its citizens.
A breakdown showed that the 29-state government spent N1.994tn on its recurrent expenditure, which included refreshments for guests, sitting allowances to government officials, local and foreign travel expenses, and utility bills.
The general utilities include electricity, internet, telephone charges, water rates, and sewerage charges, among others.
Lagos, Plateau, and Delta States spent the highest on their operating expenses, incurring a cost of N375.19bn, N144.87bn, and N121.54bn, respectively. This was followed by Ondo and Bauchi spending N107.34bn and N99.31bn.
Niger State, under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, was the highest borrower within the review period, obtaining loans worth N79.09bn. Katsina followed with a loan of N72.89bn. Oyo State also got a loan of N62.48bn.
In terms of revenue, Lagos State collected the highest of N912.17bn, followed by Rivers State with a collection of N269.18bn. Third on the list was Delta (N97.02bn).
A state-by-state analysis revealed that Abia State, led by Governor Alex Otti, spent N17.91bn on operating expenses and generated N22.15bn in revenue, falling short of the N32.14bn revenue target. Additionally, the state borrowed N3.901bn and allocated N10.91bn for debt servicing.
Adamawa State spent N41.45bn on recurrent expenditure, while it earned N9.16bn income out of its revenue of N22.24bn. This state borrowed N10bn and paid N22.68bn to service its debts.
Akwa-Ibom State recurrent spending reached N85.45bn in nine months, N43.98bn more than its generated revenue of N41.47bn in nine months. The state paid N34.47bn as debt service but didn’t borrow.
Anambra State generated more revenue (N28.296bn) than its recurrent spending of N12.70bn. It spent N4.56bn on debt service and didn’t record any borrowing.
The Bauchi government spent N99.31bn on its operating expenses. This state only got N15.92bn out of its budgeted target of N37.03bn but borrowed N33.64bn and paid N27.54bn as debt service.
Bayelsa state got N57.85bn IGR more than its revenue target of N23.87bn. It spent N75.23bn on its operating costs and spent N30.54bn on its debt service.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state approved the spending of N29.45bn for operating expenses while it collected N8.71bn as revenue out of an N23.91bn target. This state didn’t borrow but spent N5.48bn to service previous loans collected.
Similarly, Cross Rivers spent N55.73bn on recurring expenses, collected N32.42bn IGR, borrowed N20.67bn from its creditors and spent N19.99bn on debt service.
Delta state recurrent expenditure reached N121.54bn in nine months while it earned N97.02bn as revenue out of the N110.3bn target. The oil-rich state serviced its debt with N55.9bn and didn’t obtain any loan.
Also, Ebonyi State spent N37.73bn on its recurrent expenses but earned N15.67bn as revenue. The state borrowed N15.65bn and spent N8.46bn on debt service.
Edo State spent N75.78bn on recurrent expenditure but generated N52.68bn revenue. The state borrowed N12.84bn and spent N27.5bn on its debt service commitments.
Similarly, Ekiti State recurrent spending was N74.73bn, generated N23.16bn revenue, borrowed N11.75bn and spent N12.93bn to service its debts.
Enugu State spent N10.88bn on its operating expenses but got N39.98bn in revenue. This state borrowed N1.39bn and spent N6.93bn on its debt service.
Imo State under Governor Hope Uzodinma, spent N42.75bn on its operating expenses but got N15.24bn as revenue. This state spent N15.94bn to service its debts but didn’t obtain any loan.
While Jigawa incurred N35.69bn as operating expenses, it collected N18.41bn as revenue out of its target of N50.65bn borrowed N744.75m, and N2.17bn on debt service.
Further analysis showed that Katsina State spent N40.73bn on its recurrent expenditure while it generated revenue of N29.95bn. This state increased its loan by N72.89bn and paid N12.78bn as debt service.
Kebbi state recurrent spending was N22.42bn while it generated N7.86bn revenue. It also obtained an N24.59bn loan and paid debt service of N3.42bn.
Kogi State spent N84.48bn on its operating expenses but earned N19.86bn in revenue. The confluence state also obtained N51.68bn as loans and repaid N18.12bn debt.
Lagos state spending on recurrent expenses was N375.19bn, while it earned N912.15bn revenue. The state paid N84.53bn as debt service but didn’t obtain any loan.
Within the same period, Nasarawa spent N42.63bn on its operating expenses but got N22.78bn as revenue, Niger state recurrent expenses reached N41.28bn while it earned N29.22bn.
Ondo State spent N107.34bn on recurring expenses but only earned N24.43bn, Osun State spent N48.87bn but earned N28.86bn as revenue while Oyo State spent N51.24 on its recurrent expenditure, N45.79bn was collected as revenue.
Plateau spent N144.86bn on its recurring expenses but only earned N18.03bn; Rivers State’s spending on its operating costs was N72.69bn, but it earned N269.17bn.
Taraba state spending on recurrent expenditure reached N58.39bn, surpassing its revenue generation of N7.84bn, resulting in a deficit of N50.55bn. This state borrowed N52.63bn and paid N21.19bn.
Yobe State spent N51.29bn on its recurrent costs but earned N8.14bn as revenue. Also, Zamfara spent N36.34bn on its recurrent expenditure but earned N18.46bn.
Commenting in an interview, A professor of Economics at Babcock University, Segun Ajibola, stated that the enduring problem of high governance expenses had persisted at the state level, with inadequate oversight and accountability resulting in minimal economic benefits for grassroots citizens.
Ajibola, a former president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, lamented that state assemblies had also abandoned their oversight duties, leaving the state governors to operate with no iota of transparency and accountability.
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission last week expressed concerns over Nigeria’s current fiscal federalism structure, cautioning that the system may be unsustainable in its present form.
[Punch]
Nigeria has procured 12 pre-owned alpha jets from the French Air Force.
Olusegun Dada, special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on social media, said the jets were acquired through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company.
“All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping,” Dada posted on X on Thursday.
“As of 2023, the Nigerian Air Force has 11 Alpha Jets in service.”
Developed through a collaboration between France and Germany, the alpha jet is a versatile military aircraft designed primarily as a light attack jet and advanced trainer.
The aircraft is capable of carrying a variety of weapons, including bombs, rockets, and missiles. It is also equipped with a gun pod that can be used for close air support missions.
Dada added that the Nigerian Air Force is also expecting the arrival of 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft ordered by the past administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The president’s media aide said the aircraft will arrive early next year.
Hasan Abubakar, the chief of air staff (COAS), said NAF has witnessed a remarkable turnaround, evident in the renewal of its aircraft fleet and enhanced operational readiness with Tinubu’s support.
The announcement of the French aircraft purchases comes days after Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France from November 27 to November 30. The president departed on December 1.
The visit was at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
Meanwhile, in October, Abubakar said Nigeria expected 24 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft from Italy, with six units already in production.
The air chief said the initial batch of three aircraft is expected to be handed over in early 2025, with total delivery scheduled for 2026.
Abubakar emphasised the necessity of establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria to ensure long-term support for the aircraft.
Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to support the armed forces in their fight against insecurity.
[TheCable]
The Academic Union of Universities (ASUU) has condemned the student loan programme of the federal government disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
The President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, said the government should increase budgetary provision to the education sector or run a grant for the children of the poor.
Professor Osodeke stated this on Thursday while speaking on Channels TV.
He stressed that higher institutions have resorted to increasing school fees because of student loan.
“Our issue with NELFUND is that in a country like Nigeria, it should be grants; and not a loan.
“All the universities are increasing their fees now; jerking up their fees so that the students will borrow more loans from this NELFUND, encumbering the children of the poor.
“In my university, in my department, I now have less than 10 students in the department, many have dropped out. Apart from some of these big courses like Medicine, Law and what have you, students are dropping out. The children of the poor are dropping out,” he said.
Osodeke explained that the student loan scheme had failed on two occasions because students were not able to pay back upon graduation.
He explained many graduates may not get work because of the economic situation of the country. He emphasized that the students may be morally demoralized upon graduation.
“We are the academia, we do our research, we have searched all over the world, we have not seen. In most countries where you are having student loans when they graduate, they become problems in society. Some of them are demoralized.
“Imagine a student graduating from the university with a loan of five million naira. Even me as a professor, I can not pay back such a loan in 20 years’ time. Then student who graduates you have a loan of 5 million and you are getting a job in next 20 years.
“And we are saying if you loot at what happened in the 60s and 70s you can go to that level. The children of the poor assist them, increase budgetary allocation to education and this issue of loan will not come out.
“This is the third time they are introducing it, the last two times it collapsed, nobody benefitted. Those that benefitted didn’t pay back because it collapsed. So how are we sure this one will survive?” Osodeke stated.
[NaijaNews]
Max Air, bound for Abuja made an emergency landing back at Muhammadu Buhari International Airport Maiduguri, on Wednesday after its engine damaged following a suspected bird strike, officials reported.
Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, was among the over 100 passengers that escaped death, and successfully landed in the airport.
The Interesting Things About Pha Din Pass, Dien Bien That Just A Few People Know
Daily Trust gathered that the incident occured 10 minutes after the plane took off from the airport.
The airline official, who is not in position to speak, said another plane was deployed from Lagos that conveyed the passengers to Abuja.
“About 10 minutes after the take off, the Aircraft hit a bird in the sky, which led to one of the engines to be severely damaged. Engineers were deployed from Kano, now working on the aircraft,” he said.
When contacted, the Manager of Max Air in Maiduguri, Mr Musa Bawuro, said he was aware of the incident, but could not comment until he got details of what actually transpired.
“Please give me time to find out from the captain,” he said.
[DailyTrust]