The House of Representatives adhoc Committee investigating alleged loss of over $2.4 billion in revenue from illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil in 2015 has lamented that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami and the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed are not cooperating with the committee.
This is as the committee has again summoned Malami and Ahmed to appear before the committee with necessary documents and information that would help in its assignment.
Speaking at the resumed hearing on Wednesday, chairman of the committee, Mark Gbillah said the committee was not getting the needed cooperation from Malami and Ahmed despite series of correspondences sent to them.
Gbillah said the committee and the House of Representatives might be forced to invoke their legislative powers to compel the duo and other invited parties to make appearance should they fail to cooperate.
“We have not been getting any form of cooperation from the Ministry of Finance and Attorney General’s office regarding this investigation despite series of correspondents sent to them on this matters that we are investigating.
“We’ve seen documentations from the Accountant General’s office, where the Minister of Finance approved the payment of substantial significant amount of money to so-called whistle blowers where details of monies recovered were not provided.
“We’ve heard media reports by the federal government indicating that millions of dollars were recovered through whistle blower revelations on behalf of the country. But we as a parliament have not seen where those monies were routed through the constitutional appropriation process before they were expended.
“The constitution is very clear about the receipt and expenditure of Nigeria’s money. We’ve looked at the functions of the Attorney General’s office and we’ve not seen any statutory powers provided for the Attorney General by the constitution to determine how Nigeria’s money should be spent.
“There was an incident about a whistle blower who made a formal report to Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) about $200m paid into two companies account Biz Plus, and GSCL allegedly for consultancy services, which allegedly were approved by the Attorney General’s office on the approval of Mr President.
“We need the Honourable Minister of Finance, and the Attorney General of the Federation to appear before this House to provide clarity on the inflows that have come in from whistle blowers recoveries, and about these monies that were recovered, and the CBN is required to provide information that has been provided by these whistle blowers about substantial amounts of monies that were paid supposedly and allegedly for consultancy services when there’s no record of any agreement entered into by those companies regarding any services.
“These are very weigthy allegations and as a responsible House, we owe everybody fair hearing and a benefit of doubt, and this is what we’ve been seeking to accord those who have been mentioned in these allegations. But we find it uncautionable that the Honourable Minister of Finance and Attorney General of Federation have not bothered to respond to any of the correspondence from the committee and this in our opinion shows a lack of regard not only to the Institution of House, but that of the National Assembly as a whole.
“We will make this further appeal to the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Attorney General of the Federation and all others who have not responded or who have not honoured the Committee’s invitations to do so in the national interest, and in the event that they fail to do so, we will be constrained to invoke the instrument of summons and all other necessary powers the National Assembly can exercise in this regard.
“But we want to make this a formal and final notice to those concerned, the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Attorney General of the Federation to cause appearance before the committee to give evidence with regard to the allegations that have been laid with regard to the questions the committee has requested for them to answer and to respond to”, he said.
The spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council, Femi Fani-Kayode, has insisted that the presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi must disclose the details of his alleged detention by the British immigration officers at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom.
Fani-Kayode made this demand in a series of tweets via his Twitter handle on Wednesday.
Recall that Obi was detained by the British immigration officers at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom during the Easter period.
But, the former Minister of Aviation claimed that Obi cannot be trusted until he tells Nigerians publicly the reason for his detention.
He said Obi must clarify if he violated British laws, either knowingly or unknowingly, during his detention.
Fani Kayode stated, “Until Peter Obi tells us what happened to him at Heathrow Airport and why he was accosted and detained by British immigration officials over Easter, he cannot be trusted or taken seriously.
“Peter Obi’s claim that he never “knowingly” broke the law speaks volumes and suggests that he broke it “unknowingly”.
“Sadly for him not knowing that you broke the law when you actually broke it is no defence and in any case, there are some crimes that are known as “strict liability offences” which do not even need any premeditation.
“Whichever way if Peter violated the law in any shape or form, knowingly or unknowingly, he is in trouble and he will have a case to answer.”
Peter Obi breaks silence
Recall that Obi had earlier broken silence over his controversial detention by the Immigration officials in the United Kingdom.
In a series of tweets posted on his official Twitter handle, Obi stated, “Sometimes as humans, we make mistakes but I will never knowingly break any law,”
The Labour Party presidential candidate said he will never “knowingly break the law” and that he is committed to challenging the 25 February election outcome.
Although Obi did not make reference to his arrest and subsequent detention by UK immigration officials at Heathrow Airport a fortnight ago, this is the first time he would speak out since the incident occurred.
Obi added that he is not “afraid of the lies and propaganda” against his person.
“They are part of the journey to a New Nigeria,” he said.
The reason for his arrest has remained unknown till date as the UK authorities declined comment on the matter.
But, Labour Party claimed it was for alleged impersonation.
A statement issued by the Head, Obi-Datti Media, Diran Onifade, on the matter said, “He was questioned for a long time and it was very strange for a man who lived for over a decade in that country.”
The statement did not, however, contain details of Obi’s arrest and his subsequent release before returning to the country.
The Kaduna State government has said 214 people were killed between January and March this year in attacks by bandits and terrorists, communal clashes, violent attacks, and reprisals.
It said the 214 victims comprised of 14 females, 196 males, and four minors across the three senatorial districts. It also said 746 others were kidnapped within the period.
This is contained in the Annual Security Report for 2023 presented by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, yesterday in Kaduna.
The report said 89 bandits were also killed during engagements with ground forces, military, and police across the state within the period.
It said five bandits also died due to fratricidal clashes within themselves, bringing the number of bandits’ deaths to 94 and scores killed in air strikes.
Kaduna Central Senatorial District recorded 115 deaths with 108 of them occurring in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun, and Kajuru LGAs. Giwa and Birnin Gwari LGAs each recorded 32 deaths, Chikun LGA 25, Igabi 13, and Kajuru six deaths within the first quarter.
Kaduna South Senatorial District recorded 61 deaths, but most were due to reprisal and communal clashes in Zangon Kataf with 19 deaths and 12 killed in Sanga LGA.
Kaduna North District recorded 38 deaths, with 22 occurring in Zaria LGA.
A total of 746 people were kidnapped in the first quarter with Kaduna Central Senatorial District accounting for 492 (about 66% of the total). All of these occurred in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun and Kajuru LGAs.
Also, 137 people were kidnapped from Birnin Gwari LGA, and 131 from Igabi LGA. Giwa LGA recorded 100 kidnapped persons, Chikun LGA 83, and Kajuru LGA 41.
Southern Kaduna Senatorial District recorded 221 kidnapped persons, with Kachia LGA reporting the highest number of 95. Sixty-three people were kidnapped in Kagarko LGA, and 46 from Kauru LGA.
The Northern Senatorial District recorded 33 kidnapped persons with 17 of these from Lere LGA.
In total, 254 women and 42 minors were kidnapped in the first quarter across the state
The report stated that in the 4th quarter of 2022, 246 victims were killed due to deaths linked to banditry and other crimes in the state.
According to the 2022 security report, 280 bandits were killed during engagements with security agencies in the state.
Aruwan explained that 746 people were kidnapped within the first quarter of 2023, with Kaduna Central zone accounting for 492 within Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Chikun, and Kajuru LGAs.
This is a reduction in the number of people kidnapped compared to the figure presented in the 4th quarter report of 2022 where 1,049 were kidnapped.
A total of 116 citizens (all adults, with only six women) were injured across the state due to banditry and terrorism, among others. In the 4th quarter of 2022, 140 were injured.
In the 2023 annual report, 3,247 animals were rustled within the period, with 2,353 stolen from Kaduna Central Senatorial District.
According to the report, 12 rape cases were reported within the period, with two females and 10 minors affected, with only five rape cases reported in the 4th quarter of 2022 security report.
Aruwan also explained that within the period under review in 2023, gun runners were intercepted and arrested with quantities of arms and ammunition.
El-Rufai asks FG to increase security operations in N/West
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has appealed to the federal government to intensify security operations across the North West.
The governor noted that the military initiated offensive security operations against bandits in the last half of 2022, which helped to improve the security situation in many communities
He emphasised that the operations must be widened and sustained as the most effective way to protect the people and uphold law and order.
The governor appealed for an escalation of security operations beyond May 29 so that the change of baton at the federal level would not create a vacuum that criminals could exploit.
He called for simultaneous ground and air kinetic actions across the seven frontline states of the North West region and Niger, which have continuous and contiguous forest ranges and are most heavily impacted by the security challenge.
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has said there was a deliberate attempt by “powers that be” to deny Ndigbo the opportunity of superintending over the affairs of Nigeria.
“There was a deliberate attempt by powers that be to deny Ndigbo the opportunity to superintend over the affairs of the country”, Ikpeazu said.
The Governor who made the remark when he hosted the leadership of Nzuko Umunna, a pan-Igbo political organization, in his Umuobiakwa palatial country home, charged Ndigbo to be united as a people and collectively advance the cause of the people.
Gov. Ikpeazu said that time had come for Ndigbo to become intentional about their strategic disposition in Nigeria.
Ikpeazu recalled that Ndigbo had made immense contributions to national development as they are found in every part of Nigeria but regretted that the conspiracy around the Igbos was very grave.
He made a case for Ndigbo “to leverage on their unity, compromise and understanding to craft and construct a pathway towards their political liberation”.
According to a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onyebuchi Ememanka, the time has come for Ndigbo to be united against their common enemy instead of being divided against themselves.
“Ndigbo should not spend time-fighting themselves but rather forge a common front for their future in Nigeria”, Ikpeazu said.
The Governor further said there was a need for Ndigbo to reflect on their relationship with other ethnic groups in the country.
He advised Ndigbo to expand conversations around their political survival with a view to strengthening their relationship with other ethnic groups across the country.
Ikpeazu who failed his bid to go to the Senate after losing to the incumbent Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe pledged his unflinching support for Nzuko Umunna.
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the delegation, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu said their visit to the Governor was to further discuss with him on the way forward for Ndigbo.
He said it was time for Ndigbo to come together and speak as one people.
The former National Vice Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, South East, explained that “Nzuko Umunna is a political but not partisan organisation”.
He lauded Ikpeazu for his courage to congratulate the Abia Governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti, on his victory as well as for urging other candidates not to distract him with court litigations.
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih, was also on the delegation.
The President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the police to investigate the controversies that trailed the Adamawa State supplementary governorship election, which saw the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmadu Fintiri returned as the winner.
Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State also urged aggrieved candidates who lost out in the election to adopt legitimate means of addressing their grievances.
In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Tinubu congratulated winners of the elections and asked them to work with him to deliver good governance to the people.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State had announced candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aisha Binani winner of the governorship poll mid-way into the collation of results but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voided the declaration and declared Fintiri as the winner at the end of the exercise.
Tinubu said, “The supplementary polls have now brought the 2023 elections to a final, fitting conclusion. I observed, with satisfaction, the largely peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the election on Saturday. It was further testimony that our citizens have accepted democratic norms and have unalloyed faith in the electoral process.
“However, I note the matter of the Adamawa supplementary governorship election and I urge police authorities to fully investigate all that transpired in the election given the attendant controversy.
“In every democratic contest, there has to be one winner. I call on those aggrieved to pursue legitimate means of addressing their grievances.
“With the conclusion of the 2023 elections, I now welcome all of us who have been elected to brace up to serve our people with diligence and dedication and to join hands with me as your president-elect in the pursuit of our agenda to renew the hopes of our people in a better, stronger, more secure, economically vibrant and prosperous Nigeria.”
[DailyTrust]
Adamu Garba, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a stern warning to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), suggesting that the presidency will remain a dream for Obi due to alleged insults against the North.
This warning came after Obi’s promise to alleviate poverty, starting from the North. In a tweet, Obi declared his commitment to transforming Nigeria, saying,
“Beyond regaining our mandate, I am committed to lifting people out of poverty and I remain committed to transforming Nigeria starting from the North to every part of the nation.”
In response, Garba took to Twitter, emphasizing that Obi would never come close to becoming president again.
He stated, “We know you are insulting us, we the Northerners, Mr. @PeterObi and we are assuring you that as far as the Presidency of Nigeria is concerned, it shall remain in your illusionary dream forever.
You’ll never come close to it. You bigoted, religious, ethnocentric merchant. You can go to Finland to contend with your new Biafra government in exile.”
[Tribune]
A senior Nigerian minister urged the country’s president to end a long-running dispute with Eni SpA and Shell Plc to allow the companies to finally develop a prized deepwater oil license.
Investigations and lawsuits relating to the energy giants’ acquisition of the permit 12 years ago should be halted so Africa’s largest crude producer can “take advantage of the fast-disappearing opportunities in the global oil exploration industry,” Attorney General Abubakar Malami wrote in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari dated Feb. 6, 2023, and seen by Bloomberg.
Delays to the development of the block have had “negative economic consequences” for Nigeria, he said.
While Buhari’s administration has alleged that much of the $1.1 billion paid by Eni and Shell to the Nigerian government for the rights to Oil Prospecting License 245 was subsequently diverted to bribes and kickbacks, it has suffered high-profile defeats in courts in Italy and the UK.
Eni initiated arbitration proceedings against Nigeria in 2020, accusing the government of breaching its obligations by refusing to convert the permit into one that allows the production of hydrocarbons.
[Bloomberg]
Mr Daniel Ogoshi, a driver attached to the office of the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, has been kidnapped by gunmen.
City & Crime learnt that the incident happened at Ombi 2, College of Agriculture along Kwandere road, Lafia East Development Area of the state.
An investigation by our correspondent, however, further indicated that the victim was abducted from the residence of one of his friends at about 9:30pm on Tuesday , leaving his phone and car behind.
A family friend, who didn’t want his name to be mentioned in print, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, noting that he received a call around 10pm that his brother had been abducted by gunmen.
According to the family friend, upon receiving the information, he immediately alerted the police, and then rushed to the scene, unfortunately, the kidnappers had already fled with the victim.
When contacted on phone, the media officer to the deputy governor, Mr. Christopher Ehima, confirmed the incident, adding that he was informed about the situation by some people, but the person that was kidnapped by gunmen was one of the drivers attached to the deputy governor’s office and not the direct driver to the deputy governor.
“I am shocked over the incident, but I can assure you that the state government will do everything possible to secure the release of the kidnapped driver unharmed,” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nasarawa State Command, DSP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the incident to our correspondent but said the victim was not the driver of the deputy governor.
He said the police were on top of the matter to ensure that the victim was released unhurt.
Our correspondent reports that recently, gunmen abducted a former deputy governor of the state, Professor Onje-Gye Wado, who regained his freedom after paying a N4 million ransom.
The Federal Government has asked the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Isah Jere, to proceed on retirement.
In a letter from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, dated 17th of April, 2023, and addressed to the NIS boss, to Federal Government directed him to hand over to the most senior officer in the Service.
This directive is coming following the allegation that the outgoing NIS boss was making efforts to get another extension to his stay in the Service.
Jere has had his retirement extended for a year, from last year April to April 24, 2023.
Some officers of the Service had threatened to embark on a protest should the Federal Government extend his tenure again.
However, in the letter signed by Obasi Edozie Edmund, the acting secretary of the Board, the federal government directed him to “hand over to the most senior Officer Deputy Comptroller General on or before Monday 24th April 2023, pending Mr. President’s appointment of a substantive Comptroller General of the Service.”
Operatives of the Ogun State Security Network, Amotekun Corps, have arrested a 45-year-old man, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, for allegedly chaining and locking his two children, which led to their deaths.
The suspect, a father of three, was arrested in Ibiade, Waterside Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commander of Amotekun, David Akinremi, confirmed the arrest of the suspect in a statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta on Wednesday.
According to him, the suspect who accused his children of stealing, was chained and locked them in solitary confinement without food and water for over three months which led to their death.
He said the suspect had been maltreating the children, whose ages range from 16, 17 and 18 since he took custody of them following his crashed marriage with their mother, Busola Otusegun.
The Amotekun commandant said the suspect was arrested following a complaint by his ex-wife.
He said, “One of the three children came across his aunty in Ibiade where he currently lives with his father (suspect) and narrated their experience with their father which led to the deaths of his two elder siblings – Yusuf Ogunfadeke (18) and Dasola Ogunfadeke (17), between April and June, 2022 in Ijebu-Ode, where they were all living with the suspect until he relocated to Ibiade.
“According to him (the child), their father chained and locked them in solitary confinement, without food and water for over three months which led to the deaths of the two siblings, but he miraculously survived the ordeal.”
He disclosed that the suspect when interrogated, admitted the alleged confinement of the children for months, but denied not feeding them and being responsible for their deaths.
According to the suspect, his action was based on the children’s involvement in stealing, hence the need to ensure they were prevented from such criminal acts.
He added that the suspect claimed that the two deceased children were taken to hospital for treatment at different times when they fell ill, but unfortunately died in the process.
“What is however curious about his defence is that the hospital where he claimed the two children died in Ijebu Ode could neither be located nor the place where he allegedly buried them behind a rented apartment he lived in Ijebu-Ode before relocating to his present abode in Ibiade with the third child for possible exhumation be traced.
“The fact that he refused to make the incidents known to any member of the family also gives cause for concern, especially as the suspect is a herbalist, thus further fueling the suspicion of having killed the deceased for possible rituals.
“Consequently, the case is being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation with a view to establishing further facts that will facilitate his prosecution.”
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The Federal Government has declared Friday 21st and Monday 24th April, 2023, as Public Holiday to mark this year’s EIdil-Fitr Celebration.
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement in statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore.
He congratulated all Muslims for the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
Aregbesola also called on all Muslims to imbibe and practice the virtues of kindness, love, tolerance, peace, self-denial, sacrifice and good neighbourliness, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).
“The self-restrain, self-denial, sacrifice and deep spiritual consciousness that accompanied the fasting period should not end but be maintained and improved upon, in order to be a better person and true worshipper”, the minister advises all Muslims.
Aregbesola assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari is fully committed to peaceful transition of government following successful elections.
He expressed the government’s commitment to the provision of security for the life and property of every citizen and foreigners in the country.
The Minister commended all security agencies for the successes recorded in the fight against criminals across the country.
He urges Nigerians to be part of the nation’s security architecture by being vigilant and report suspicious individuals and activities to law enforcement agencies nearest to them, noting that security is everybody’s responsibility. He admonishes Nigerians also to report suspicious activities and persons to the N-Alert application.
“Aregbesola wishes all Muslims a happy Eidil-Fitr celebration and prays that the peace, blessings and favour of Allah be with you all,” the statement said.
Two construction workers reportedly lost their lives while four others escaped with injuries on Wednesday, when a perimetre fence felled on them, at a building construction site in Wuse II, Abuja.
Confirming the incident, Director General, FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Dr Idriss Abbass revealed that the victims were removed from the rumbles of the collapsed wall.
He disclosed that FEMA received a distress call between 10 to 11 am, that there was a building collapse beside UBA, and drafted its rescue team to the site, on getting there, it was discovered it was a wall that felled those artisans working around the area.
He, however, added that the probable cause of the incident was that the workers had excavated or encroached deep into another building because it is not what they were building that fell.
“So far six people were removed from the rumbles, two were fatally injured while the remaining four are in the hospital receiving medical care.
“It is not the building under construction that collapsed, because it is still at the foundation level, it is the wall (perimeter fence) that felled on them,” the FEMA boss stressed.
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total sum of N714.629 billion March 2023 Federation Account Revenue to the Federal, States and Local Governments.
This is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of April 2023 FAAC’s meeting.
Bawa S. Mokwa, Director (Press and Public Relations) Office of the Accountant General of the Federation said in a statement issued on Wednesday that “the N714.629 billion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N497.448 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N202.693 billion and Electronic Money Transfer Levy(EMTL) of N14.488 billion”.
According to him, in March 2023, the total deductions for cost of collection was N31.355 billion and total deductions for transfers, refunds and consultancy fees was N126.567 billion.
He said the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was $473,754.57.
The communiqué stated that from the total distributable revenue of N714.629 billion, the Federal Government received N276.141 billion, the State Governments got N232.129 billion and the Local Government Councils went home with N171.257 billion, while a total sum of N35.102 billion was shared to the relevant States as 13 percent derivation revenue.
Gross statutory revenue of N638.673 billion was received for the month of March 2023; and this is higher than the sum of N487.106 billion received in the previous month by N151.567 billion.
From the N497.448 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government got N243.564 billion, the State Governments received N123.539 billion and the Local Government Councils received N95.243 billion.
“The sum of N35.102 billion was shared to the relevant States as 13% derivation revenue”, Mr. Mokwa further stated.
For the month of March 2023,, the gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) was N218.786 billion This is lower than the N240.799 billion available in the month of February 2023 by N22.013 billion.
The Federal Government received N30.404 billion, the State Governments got N101.347 billion and the Local Government Councils received N70.943 billion from the N202.693 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue.
The N14.488 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was shared as follows: the Federal Government received N2.173 billion, the State Governments pocketed N7.244 billion and the Local Government Councils got N5.071 billion.
According to the communiqué, in the month of March 2023, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Oil and Gas Royalties, Import and Excise Duties, Electronic Money Transfer Levy(EMTL) increased remarkably while Value Added Tax (VAT) decreased considerably.
Data released by the United Nations shows that India is expected to become the most populous country in the world by the middle of this year.
According to the report, India’s population is expected to reach 1.4286 billion, 2.9 million more than China on 1.4257 billion.
The Asian nations have accounted for more than a third of the global population for over 70 years.
A survey commissioned by the UNFPA had a majority of Indians saying their population was too large and fertility rates too high. Almost two in three respondents identified economic issues as top concerns when thinking about population growth.
Demographers, however, say India’s population overtaking China’s shouldn’t be seen as a matter of concern and caution against giving into anxieties over the rising numbers.
“Instead, they should be seen as a symbol of progress, development, and aspirations if individual rights and choices are being upheld,” the UN report says.
India’s population forecast provided in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) State of World Population report is an estimate since there has been no census in the country since 2011.
Also, the UN says their estimate does not include the population of China’s two Special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau or the island of Taiwan, which Beijing sees as a breakaway province to be unified with the mainland one day. Taiwan sees itself as distinct from the Chinese mainland, with its own constitution and democratically-elected leaders.
In November, the global population crossed 8 billion. But experts say growth is not as rapid as it used to be and is now at its slowest rate since 1950.
Both India and China have seen declines in their fertility rates. This means in China, the population will start declining next year, despite the country abandoning its one-child policy in 2016 and introducing incentives for couples to have two or more children.
Soaring living costs and the growing number of women joining the workforce are among other factors being blamed for the slowdown in China.
In India, too, fertility rates have fallen substantially in recent decades from 5.7 births per woman in 1950 to 2.2 births per woman today.