According to him, while there is a need for physical identity tokens, “the support infrastructure is fragile and very capital intensive.
Victor Boniface, Super Eagles striker, has taken to social media to share an inspirational anecdote about his journey from paying “N30” to watch UEFA Champions League (UCL) games in Akure to making his debut in the competition.
The 23-year-old striker, raised in Akure, Ondo, made his UCL debut on Thursday in Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-0 away victory over Feyenoord in the Netherlands.
He played 62 minutes in the encounter before he was substituted for Patrik Schick.
Boniface was pivotal in Leverkusen’s second goal with a crafty, disguised pass to Jeremie Fripong before the wingback laid a cross for Alejandro Grimaldo, who tapped in.
In a tweet on his X account after the game, the striker recounted his change of fortune from watching UCL matches at local viewing centres to basking in the competition’s electrifying atmosphere.
“From paying N30 to watch Champions League football for night back then for 323 army barrack Akure, to playing my first Champions League game. Proud of this moment,” Boniface wrote.
Boniface left Nigeria permanently in 2019. He joined Bodo/Glimt in Sweden from Real Sapphire Academy in Lagos.
Two Eliteserien league titles later, he left for Union Saint-Gilloise in the Belgian Super League, where he continued to improve. He was the joint top scorer in the 2022/23 Europa League with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford before leaving after one season to join Leverkusen.
Boniface was an integral member of the Leverkusen team that went unbeaten in domestic competitions last season.
He has notched up three goals and one assist in five appearances this season. He is currently on 24 goals and 11 assists in his 39-match Bayer Leverkusen career.
[TheCable]
Football fans often debate over who the greatest is—Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. But there’s a rare group of players who don’t have to choose. These stars have had the unique privilege of playing alongside both footballing legends, witnessing their greatness firsthand.
From brilliant Argentine attackers to stalwart defenders, these players bridge the gap between two eras of football royalty. Let’s dive into this exclusive list of 15 players who’ve shared a pitch with both Messi and Ronaldo.
1. Angel Di Maria
Ángel Di María has been a trusted lieutenant to both Messi and Ronaldo at different stages of his career. At Real Madrid, Di María was a key provider for Ronaldo, contributing to their La Liga and Champions League triumphs. Later, with Argentina, Di María formed a potent partnership with Messi, most notably scoring in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. After a brief stint at Juventus, Di María is back at Benfica.
2. Gabriel Heinze
Gabriel Heinze enjoyed a solid career as a defender, playing alongside both Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo during his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid. Heinze was a fierce competitor on the pitch and won the Premier League and La Liga during his career. After retiring, Heinze transitioned into management, including a stint with Atlanta United in MLS, though he is currently without a club.
3. Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala is one of the rare players who has expressed his difficulty in choosing between Messi and Ronaldo. Having played with Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo at Juventus, Dybala witnessed firsthand the brilliance of both players. Ronaldo’s remarkable 101 goals at Juventus were instrumental in Dybala’s admiration, though Messi’s leadership in leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 must have deepened his respect.
4. Deco
Deco had the privilege of playing with Ronaldo at the start of his career with Portugal and alongside Messi during his time at Barcelona. A midfield maestro, Deco witnessed Messi’s rise to greatness while being an established figure in a Barca team that won multiple La Liga titles. Playing with Ronaldo in the Portuguese national team, Deco saw glimpses of the superstar Ronaldo would become. Deco retired in 2013 and now works in football management.
5. Fernando Gago
A defensive midfielder who had the pleasure of playing with Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Fernando Gago was a steady presence in both teams. Gago’s time at Madrid was marked by Ronaldo’s early days at the club, while his international career saw him share many pivotal moments with Messi. After retiring, Gago ventured into management and is currently coaching in Mexico.
6. Ezequiel Garay
Garay had the distinction of playing alongside Messi at international level with Argentina and Ronaldo at Real Madrid. Known for his solid defending and composure on the ball, Garay was an essential part of the Argentine squad for several years. He spent time at Real Madrid when Ronaldo first joined the club in 2009. Garay retired in 2020 after a successful career in Spain.
7. Andre Gomes
André Gomes had the rare opportunity of playing with Ronaldo for Portugal and Messi during his stint at Barcelona. Despite facing criticism during his time at Barca, Gomes remained a solid midfielder who learned from both legends. His time with Portugal allowed him to see Ronaldo’s leadership in action, while at Barca, he witnessed Messi’s magic unfold. Gomes now plays for Lille in Ligue.
8. Henrik Larsson
Henrik Larsson was at the tail end of his career when he played alongside Messi at Barcelona and Ronaldo at Manchester United. Despite his brief stints at both clubs, Larsson’s quality was undeniable. He scored crucial goals for Barca and United, making a lasting impact on the dressing room with his professionalism and experience. Larsson is now coaching in Sweden, having transitioned smoothly from player to manager.
9. Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué spent the majority of his career at Barcelona, where he played with Messi for over a decade. However, earlier in his career, Piqué played with Ronaldo at Manchester United before moving to Barca. As one of the best center-backs of his generation, Piqué was a key figure in both Messi and Ronaldo’s success stories, having seen both thrive in their respective environments.
10. Nelson Semedo
Semedo played with Messi during his time at Barcelona and shares the pitch with Ronaldo for Portugal. His time at Barca saw him witness Messi’s brilliance up close, while his international career provides him with a front-row seat to Ronaldo’s legendary exploits with Portugal.
11. Carlos Tevez
Carlos Tevez played with Ronaldo at Manchester United, where they won multiple trophies, including the Champions League. Tevez also featured alongside Messi for Argentina, forming part of a talented attacking lineup. His work ethic and intensity on the pitch made him a perfect complement to both superstars.
12. Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is one of the rare players who has shared the field with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the club level. He spent over a decade with Ronaldo at Real Madrid, where the duo helped the club win multiple Champions League and La Liga titles. In 2021, Ramos joined PSG, where he linked up with Messi following the Argentine’s high-profile move to the French club.
13. Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martínez has the distinction of playing alongside Messi for the Argentine national team and Ronaldo at Manchester United. A versatile defender, Martínez has seen both legends up close—he was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup, with Messi leading the charge. Meanwhile, his first season at United saw him line up alongside Ronaldo during a challenging campaign for the Portuguese forward.
14. Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi played with Ronaldo during his early days at Real Madrid. After developing into one of the best full-backs in the world, Hakimi moved to PSG, where he now shares the pitch with Messi.
15. Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho is one of the newest players to play alongside both Messi and Ronaldo. The young winger, a rising star at Manchester United, made his breakthrough just as Ronaldo was entering his final season with the club. Garnacho has since had the opportunity to train and play with Messi for the Argentine national team, representing the future of Argentine football.
These players have witnessed greatness from two of football’s biggest legends up close. Whether sharing a locker room or lining up on opposite sides, their unique careers have been enriched by the privilege of playing with both Messi and Ronaldo.
For football fans and bettors, watching these stars on the pitch is always thrilling. Want to make your football experience even more exciting? Bet on your favorite players and teams at iLOTBET—where every match is an opportunity to win big!
[OpinionNigeria]
The Yobe State Police Command has arrested a 24-year- old man, Yunusa Isa who killed his business partner, Lawan Adamu to avoid paying back the N500,000 the deceased lent him.
LIB reported that 28-Year-Old Lawan was brutally murdered at the outskirts of Nayi Nawa bypass in Damaturu on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
The corpse was found with deep throat cuts and multiple stab wounds while a blood-stained knife was recovered at the scene.
The Spokesperson of the command, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, who confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, said the suspect initially denied involvement in the murder.
However, following intense interrogation by State CID Detectives, he confessed to the crime.
“Recall that, On September 16, 2024, the 'A' Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended Yunus Isa, 24, of Shago Tara, Nayi Nawa Ward, for allegedly killing Lawan Adamu,” the statement read.
Initially, the suspect denied involvement despite overwhelming circumstantial evidence. However, following intense interrogation by State CID detectives, Yunus Isa confessed to the crime.
"Investigation revealed that Lawan Adamu was his employer and business partner in the engine oil trade.
"He borrowed N500,000 from Adamu last year with a profit-sharing agreement.
"However, when he failed to meet the agreement terms, Adamu demanded repayment.
"Isa callously murdered Lawan Adamu to avoid repaying the debt, killing him in cold blood.
“The swift resolution of this case demonstrates our commitment to justice and public safety."
A young woman identified as Olivia was reportedly kidnapped and held captive at Top View Hotel in Wuse, Abuja, by a suspected internet fraudster, also known as a ‘Yahoo Boy,’ for money ritual purposes.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested the suspect and has taken him into custody, pending handover to the police for further investigation.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the incident and is awaiting the NSCDC’s handover to commence a thorough and discreet investigation.
According to FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, “The FCT Police Command is aware of the video footage circulating about a lady who was criminally confined in Top View Hotel, Wuse, Abuja on 17th September 2024, by an alleged internet fraudster for money ritual purposes.
“Findings revealed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken the suspect into custody and has yet to hand him over to the police for a diligent investigation.
“The FCT Police Command is prepared to commence a thorough and discreet investigation once the NSCDC hands over all parties involved.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course.”
Adeh assured the public of a comprehensive investigation amid growing calls for swift action against the alleged perpetrator of such crime.
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has reaffirmed his assertion that Saturday’s governorship election is a “do or die affair,” despite facing backlash from opposition members and critics.
In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Obaseki clarified his controversial statement, arguing that the stakes are high for the people of Edo State if the All Progressives Congress (APC) were to regain control.
“It’s a do or die affair because if they do, we die,” he emphasized. “The level of impunity, the level of recklessness we see in the opposition party—if they take over Edo State, that is the end.”
The governor alleged that the APC had devised plans to rig the upcoming election but expressed confidence that the people of Edo would resist such efforts.
He underscored the importance of protecting the electoral process, warning of dire consequences should the opposition prevail.
Obaseki also voiced concerns regarding the impartiality of the police in the lead-up to the election, accusing law enforcement of bias.
“If you see the evidence of what they have done, the blatant way they have gone about it, it is like they forget that the police are being funded by taxpayers’ money. They should be more professional and unbiased,” he stated.
Additionally, Governor Obaseki echoed concerns over the opposition’s tactics, stating that the APC is resorting to intimidation tactics out of fear of an impending defeat.
Livestock committee submits report, proposes open grazing, ranching to end farmers-herders crisis
AFOLABI
The presidential committee on livestock reforms has submitted its report to President Bola Tinubu, recommending “integrated solutions” to the country’s pastoral issues.
In September 2023, Tinubu set up the livestock reform committee to proffer solutions to the recurring clashes between farmers and herders.
Tinubu inaugurated the committee after receiving a report from the national conference on livestock reforms and mitigation of associated conflicts in Nigeria.
The conference gave the president 21 recommendations, including creating a ministry of livestock resources.
In the past years, the clashes between herders and farmers have led to the death of many people, destruction of properties, and displacement of many people.
President Tinubu is the chairman of the committee, while Attahiru Jega, a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), serves as the co-chairman.
INTEGRATING OPEN GRAZING AND RANCHING
Speaking with the State House correspondents in Abuja on Thursday after submitting the report, Jega said the committee proposed “integrated solutions” to the pastoral issues in the country.
The former INEC chairman said Nigeria must combine open grazing and ranching to solve the challenge of farmers and herders’ crises in the country.
Jega said policy frameworks should accommodate both ranching and open grazing for a period of time, while increasing awareness against the extensive nature of pastoralism should be encouraged.
“You cannot wake up tomorrow, and all you have is ranching because you have already had quite a large chunk of the population in traditional pastoral activities,” Jega said.
“What do you do with them? Any solution that has to be developed now has to be a combination of both.
“Why we are promoting a long-term objective is that we now have livestock production. You have to develop policies and frameworks that can accommodate both for a period of time.
“The objective is to have intensive livestock production and not to have extensive in the nature of pastoralism that we have now.”
The former INEC chairman said the committee made recommendations on the creation of the federal ministry of livestock development.
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello reportedly evaded arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, with the assistance of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.
The EFCC had laid siege to the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja in an attempt to apprehend Bello, who is wanted over an alleged N80.2bn fraud case.
Despite the operation, Ododo allegedly helped Bello avoid arrest, leveraging the immunity he enjoys as a sitting governor.
The incident follows a similar attempt in April, where Ododo reportedly facilitated Bello’s escape from EFCC operatives during another raid in Abuja.
On Wednesday, after a visit by Bello and Ododo to the EFCC headquarters, the commission denied having Bello in custody.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated that Bello was not detained, despite claims by Bello’s media team that he had visited the agency.
EFCC officials indicated that Ododo’s actions prevented them from arresting Bello, stating that his governorship immunity hindered the operatives from taking further action.
Speaking on what transpired on Wednesday, EFCC officials said Ododo helped Bello to escape again just like in April.
One of the officials said, “Yahaya Bello has not been arrested. The Kogi State governor prevented operatives from doing their work yesterday just like he did the other time. He took him away and our men could not do anything because of the immunity he (Ododo) is enjoying.”
Efforts to get the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as calls and message to him on the matter were not answered.
Also, the Director of Bello’s media team, Ohaire Michael’s number, was switched off and he had yet to respond to the message sent to him on the matter as of press time.
Less than 24 hours before the conduct of the governorship election in Edo state, residents have expressed fears and hopes ahead of the poll.
Data released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shows that 2,249,780 registered voters have collected their permanent voter cards (PVC) and are expected to attend the poll on Saturday to elect a new governor for Edo state.
Despite assurances by INEC of a fair and credible poll, Hope, a trader in Benin, the state capital, said she would not go out to the poll because she does not believe that her vote will count.
“I don’t want to vote, and I will not vote because no matter what, it will not count. They will still make whoever they want governor,” she said.
“I voted in the time of Oshiomhole because he did the right thing and really tried for us. But now I’m not going to.
“The suffering is too much, and I don’t know any of the candidates who can do the right thing. So, this time I won’t vote.”
On the other hand, James Ogunshola, an entrepreneur, expressed optimism that the election process would be free and fair.
“I hope and expect that this election will be free and fair. I really want to believe that Edo people are not violent. So, the election will be peaceful,” Ogunshola said.
“I pray INEC will conduct the election fairly so that the right person will come into power. I have my voter’s card, and I will vote for the right person, not a party.”
Also, John, one of the many youths who gathered to watch the distribution of election materials at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the capital city, encouraged residents to come out and vote.
John expressed optimism that the conduct of the election would be peaceful.
“I believe, by the grace of God, PDP will win. The hardship in this country is too much, and we cannot see the suffering and go and vote for the same people,” he said.
“I believe Asue Ighodalo Will continue from where Obaseki stopped since they are the same party. If another person gets into power, he will not continue from where Obaseki stopped, and we don’t want that.
“We are here watching the distribution of election materials, and everything is currently peaceful. I’m sure it will be that way on election day. So everyone needs to come out and vote.”
On Wednesday, Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), said operatives of the local security networks and vigilantes should steer clear of election duties during the Edo governorship poll.
The CDS also warned that anyone who disrupts the poll would bear the consequences, adding that the military has the presidential mandate to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Edo.
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has expressed confidence that his political fallout with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike will not hinder the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming governorship election on Saturday.
Wike, a key figure in Obaseki’s previous campaign against All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the 2020 election, has since distanced himself from Obaseki and announced that he will not support the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in this election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Obaseki addressed concerns about Wike’s position, asserting that the people of Edo are wise enough to make their own electoral decisions.
Obaseki stated, “He (Wike) came to get Edo people to vote for me, right? Wow! Edo people are not that dumb; they know who to vote for.
“They don’t require the services of an outsider to make their decisions. Edo people will make their decisions this time because they know what they want.”
The governor also reflected on his political journey, emphasizing that he does not regret falling out with political associates, including Oshiomhole and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.
He suggested that some politicians may be dissatisfied with his governance approach, which prioritizes using state resources to address the needs of the people.
As the election approaches, Obaseki remains resolute in his belief that the PDP will secure victory, bolstered by the support of Edo residents who, he asserts, understand the issues at stake.
The Edo government has declared September 20 as a work-free day to enable workers and residents to travel to their voting areas ahead of the state’s governorship election.
The election is scheduled for September 21 across 18 LGAs in the state.
In a statement on Thursday, Joseph Eboigbe, secretary to the state government (SSG), assured that adequate security arrangements are in place for the conduct of the election.
“This is to enable workers and other electorates to travel to their voting areas ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state,” the statement reads.
“The government wishes everyone journey mercies and reassures that security measures have been provided to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.”
More...
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the results of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) internal exams.
Candidates can now access their results online, as confirmed by Naija News.
NECO announced the results of the June/July 2024 SSCE, revealing that 60.55% of candidates earned five credits or more in English Language and Mathematics.
This announcement was made by NECO Registrar, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, during a press briefing at NECO headquarters in Minna, Niger State.
According to a message on the NECO website, a token is required to check the results, which can be used up to five times.
The message states, “This is to inform the general public that henceforth our result checker token will be used to check a candidate’s result once (up to five times); i.e., you cannot use another token to check the same result again. Any further checks (of the same result) would require the use of the NECO E-Verify result verification portal to verify/confirm such results.”
This new system provides a convenient online method for checking NECO results, including SSCE, BECE, and NCEE results.
Tokens can be shared with candidates, parents, schools, and organizations interested in viewing the results.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check your 2024 NECO SSCE results:
Before You Begin:
Ensure you have the following:
– Your NECO Examination Number
– The Examination Year (e.g., 2024)
– A valid email address
– A NECO Result Checking Token (details on how to purchase this are provided below)
Step 1: Purchase Your NECO Result Checking Token
Before accessing your results, you must purchase a NECO Result Checking Token. This replaces the old scratch card system.
To buy the token:
1. Visit the NECO Results website: [https://result.neco.gov.ng]
2. Click on ‘Purchase Token’.
3. If you already have an account, log in with your email and password. If not, create an account by clicking on ‘Register’ and entering your details.
4. Once logged in, click on ‘Purchase Token’ again and follow the instructions to make your payment.
5. Payment can be made using a debit card. After successful payment, the token will appear in your account under ‘My Tokens’.
Step 2: Access the NECO Result Checking Portal
Once you have your token, proceed to check your results:
1. Visit the NECO Result Checking Portal at [https://result.neco.gov.ng]
2. You will see a form on the homepage that needs to be filled out with your exam details.
Step 3: Enter Your Exam Details
Carefully fill in the form with the following details:
– Exam Year: Select 2024 (or the relevant year).
– Exam Type: Choose the correct exam type, e.g., SSCE Internal (JUN/JUL) or SSCE External (NOV/DEC).
– Token Number: Enter the token number you purchased in Step 1.
– Examination/Registration Number: Input your NECO examination number.
Finally, click on the “Check My Result” button to view your results.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to check your 2024 NECO results easily. Remember, tokens can only be used up to five times for the same result, and further verification will require the NECO E-Verify portal.
Super Eagles of Nigeria have failed to move in the latest FIFA global ranking released by the world football body earlier today, September 19, 2024.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria who recorded one win and one draw during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers earlier this month, maintained their 39th position on the ranking.
Recall that the Super Eagles secured a 3-0 victory at home against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic and played to a 0-0 draw away against the Amavubi of Rwanda in the said AFCON qualifiers.
Despite their recent performances, the three-time African champions are currently ranked sixth in Africa. The top five teams on the continent based on the latest ranking are Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, and Tunisia.
Reigning FIFA World Cup champions, Argentina remain the best rated national team in the world according to the football body. Other countries in the top five globally are France, Spain, England, and Brazil.
Below are the top 40 ranked teams in the September 2024 FIFA ranking
1. Argentina
2. France
3. Spain
4. England
5. Brazil
6. Belgium
7. Netherlands
8. Portugal
9. Colombia
10. Italy
11. Uruguay
12. Croatia
13. Germany
14. Morocco
15. Switzerland
16. Japan
17. Mexico
18. USA
19. Iran
20. Denmark
21. Senegal
22. Austria
23. Korea Republic
24. Ukraine
25. Australia
26. Türkiye
27. Ecuador
28. Sweden
29. Wales
30. Poland
31. Egypt
32. Hungary
33. Côte d’Ivoire
34. Russia
35. Serbia
36. Tunisia
37. Panama
38. Canada
39. Nigeria
40. Venezuela
The Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of UrbanID Global, a digital identity and technology solutions company, Mr. Olatunji Durodola, has said Nigeria may find it difficult to issue physical ID to its citizens because the country currently lacks adequate infrastructure to support it.
Durodola stated this in an interview with Nairametrics, adding that issuing physical cards is a capital-intensive project.
Recall that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) recently announced that Nigerians who have registered for the National Identification Number (NIN) would soon be able to request an e-ID card with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services.
Durodola, whose company designed the NIMC Mobile ID app noted that e-ID Cards and Payment Cards popularly known as ATM Cards may look alike, but their implementation, issuance, and lifecycle are very different.
Challenges of card issuance
The UrbanID CEO noted that in November 2013, the government had issued one of the most sophisticated e-ID Cards in the world but the lack of infrastructure led to its failure as NIMC was unable to maintain the issuance bureau or purchase much-needed high-performance card printing machines.
“The issuance of cards for free was also a challenge for companies who had installed capacity to personalize those cards. The sticky point was how they would be paid. So it eventually died.
“Between 2020 and 2024, Nigeria led Africa with the issuance of MobileIDs, taking advantage of the very enviable spread of Smartphones in the Country, and creating an enabling environment for their use. Alas, public awareness was lacking.
“That 23m MobileIDs were even issued is a testament to the power of word of mouth.
“All these developments were by 100% local talent – and it worked! Accolades around the world again. Yet, it would seem the trend is now to go back to physical cards,” he explained.
- Durodola added that the World Bank had also advised against the issuance of physical cards, which were to a large extent, also very reliant on foreign expertise.
- According to him, Nigeria does not produce components nor the operating systems they rely on.
“Those foreign vendors with specialist skills will provide invoices to the Government in their native currency (USD or Euro). They want our money, but not our currency,” he added.
Preventing data breach
Speaking on the recent alleged breach of the NIN database, Durodola emphasized the importance of maintaining strict identity verification protocols to prevent unauthorized access and misuse of personal data.
- He noted that while businesses are set up to make a profit, loosening restrictions to achieve this can be disastrous.
- According to him, every verification and transaction involving a person’s identity should be closely monitored, and the ID holder should be aware of how their identity is being used.
- He criticized the practice of “store and forward” data handling, where companies keep unauthorized copies of identity information, making it vulnerable to breaches.
- When asked about the broader implications of data breaches on a nation’s security and global standing in data privacy, Durodola pointed out that many systems still grant access rights to personal information without the ID holder’s consent.
- He urged the implementation of stringent data privacy measures to ensure that each instance of personal data access requires explicit consent from the ID holder.
- Durodola noted that UrbanID Global is focused on helping Nigeria become a benchmark for data privacy in developing economies.
What you should know
Earlier in April this year, NIMC announced that it was launching a National ID card with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services.
- The ID card, which is billed to be launched in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), is to be powered by NIBSS’ AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.
- According to a statement signed by NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, the National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enroll and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.
- However, the date of launch and availability of the card still remains unclear almost five months after the announcement.
[Nairametrics]
The Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Haitham Al Ghais, has said that oil producers are not responsible for the hike in fuel prices in Nigeria.
Naija News reports that Nigeria’s fuel price hike has sparked widespread concerns, with many pointing fingers at oil producers, particularly local operators like Dangote Refinery.
However, Ghais, explained that the real reasons behind high fuel prices lie elsewhere, such as in taxes imposed by governments, including those of major oil-consuming nations.
In an article published on Tuesday, the Secretary-General explained that crude oil and its derivatives form the backbone of global industries, powering everything from transportation to pharmaceuticals.
While many assume that rising oil prices directly benefit oil producers at the expense of consumers, the OPEC chief debunked this myth, noting that oil-producing nations are not the primary beneficiaries of retail fuel sales.
“Revenues are often generated, but they are predominantly earned by major oil-consuming countries through taxation,” Al Ghais highlighted.
The Secretary General emphasized that countries within the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) earn substantially more from the retail sale of petroleum products than OPEC member countries make from the sale of crude oil itself.
Between 2019 and 2023, OECD nations earned approximately $1.915 trillion more annually than OPEC nations from petroleum products. In 2023 alone, taxes accounted for around 44% of the final retail price of petroleum products in OECD countries, and in certain European countries, this figure exceeded 50%.
For Nigerian consumers, this highlights that the high cost of fuel at the pump is not merely a reflection of crude oil prices or refinery margins. Instead, a significant portion of what consumers pay is directed towards government taxes.
“It is important to recognize that the price paid by consumers at the pump is determined by multiple factors, including crude oil prices, refining, transportation, and, notably, taxes,” Al Ghais pointed out.
In the UK, for instance, fuel duties are expected to generate £24.7 billion in revenue for the government in 2023-24, amounting to 2.2% of all receipts. Such figures indicate the global trend of governments, both in producing and consuming nations, leveraging petroleum products for revenue generation.
Al Ghais also underscored that while oil-producing nations do earn revenue from oil sales, a significant portion is reinvested into exploration, production, and infrastructure projects to ensure the continuous flow of supply to consumers worldwide. This reinvestment is critical for maintaining future oil supplies and stabilizing global energy markets.
In conclusion, while taxes play a crucial role in supporting government services and infrastructure, they also represent a considerable portion of the price consumers pay at the pump.
The OPEC Secretary General called for a shift away from the narrative that pits consumers against producers, emphasizing that both groups are stakeholders in the energy ecosystem.
[NaijaNews]