Parents of eight graduates of Akwa Ibom State tertiary institutions mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) yesterday staged a peaceful protest over the abduction of their children by suspected bandits in Zamfara State on their way to Sokoto State orientation camp.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the victims were ferried from Uyo, the state capital via the Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus to Abuja en route Sokoto, but were intercepted by hoodlums in Zamfara State, three days ago, forcing the distraught parents to protest to the State House of Assembly to draw government attention to the incident.
Speaker of the house Udeme Otong, who addressed the protesting parents, it was learnt, later calmed their frayed nerves in a closed door meeting in his office, while assuring them that “the matter would be handled at the administrative level.”
The state commissioner for information and strategy, Iniobong Ememobong, who blamed the incident on insecurity in the country, said the administration of Governor Umo Eno was negotiating with the Zamfara State government and security agencies to secure the safe release of the kidnapped victims.
He said, “The incident is borne out of the general situation of insecurity in the country. Government is aware of the incident, and is in touch with both the government of the state where the incident happened, and the security apparatus in the state.
“But being a security operation, the government cannot say so until the people who are being held hostage have been released. So, we understand the parents are feeling so extremely bad, but unfortunately because of its security nature, we can’t even share more information.
“What I can tell for now is that the government is aware, and is in – charge, and on top of the situation. We are appealing to the parents to exercise a little bit of patience, and continue to support the government with prayers; that is the only option available for them now.”
A lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje has slammed a N100 million suit on the inspector-general of police (IGP), Kwara State and seven others before the Federal High Court in Lagos over their alleged violation of the fundamental rights of traditional worshippers in the state.
Ogungbeje, in the fundamental rights enforcement suit, is asking the for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from arresting, detaining, harassing and further violating the rights to freedom of religion, thoughts and conscience of traditional religion adherents and faithful as it relates to the planned Isese Cultural Festival or any other cultural festival to be celebrated in any part or state in Nigeria
He listed as second to nine respondents in the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/1674/2023: the Kwara State Police Commissioner; the State Government; Registered Trustees of Council Of Ulama (Islamic Clerics).
Others are Justice Salihu Mohammed, Executive Secretary of Council of Ulama; Sheikh (Dr) Mohammed Bashir Saliu, Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman of Council of Ulama; Alfa Abdulsalam Baba Tonile Okuta-Agidu; Kwara State Magistrates Court, Ilorin, and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Ilorin, Kwara State.
Ogungbeje claimed that he filed the suit against the respondents in the public interest on behalf of traditional religious adherents and worshipers in Nigeria.
The lawyer contended that the suit is also filed in pursuant to the freedom of religion, thoughts, belief and conscience, under sections 36, 38, 42, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, Order Ii Rules 1 And 2 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009; Order Xi of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction as imbued by Section 6(6)(b) of the Constitution.
He urged the court for the determination of the following questions: “Whether he can approach the court in public interest for the enforcement of any of the Fundamental Rights expressly enshrined under Chapter IV of the Constitution by the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 seeking redress for violation or breach of any of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) and whether the reliefs sought are personal to the Applicant or not.
“A determination of the question whether the fundamental rights to freedom of religion guaranteed under Section 38 of the Constitution extend to traditional religion adherents who are Citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and can enjoy the right to freedom of religion and practice their religion and celebrate cultural festivals without any let or hindrance by the Respondents in any part or State in Nigeria…”
Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki, has settled the benefits and gratuity of the former governor of the state, the late Professor Ambrose Alli. This is coming 34 years after the demise of Alli.
Alli was Second Republic governor of the former Bendel State (Now Edo and Delta states) between 1979 and 1983 under the then Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Born September 22, 1929, the renowned medical professor died on September 22, 1989.
Obaseki made this disclosure yesterday in Benin City on the occasion of the celebration of the award of the ‘Most Pension Friendly Governor in Nigeria,’ bestowed on him by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
Speaking on his commitment to the wellbeing of pensioners in the state by ensuring that their benefits are paid regularly, including outstanding pensions and gratuity, dating over 40 years, he revealed how the unpaid benefits of the former governor were settled last week by the state government.
Obaseki said, “Last Saturday (August 19, 2023), the widow of former governor of Bendel (Edo) State, the late Prof. Ambrose Ali, turned 80 years old in Birmingham, United Kingdom. He has made a lot of sacrifices for us as a state.
“We decided to celebrate with her and I asked one of the children what he thinks is an appropriate present for her mother. He said, ‘just do her the honour of paying my father’s benefits while in office.’ Then I said, ‘you mean Prof. Ali benefits are not paid. He said yes.’ We went into the records, prepared the cheque and took it to her in England. This is to tell you where we are coming from. I’m glad we remembered him,” he said.
The governor was represented by his wife, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, at the 80th birthday celebration of the late governor’s widow, Chief Mrs. Rosemary Alli-Walker.
The Edo State first lady recognised the enduring impact of Alli’s tenure as governor, noting that the policies and programmes implemented during his leadership, notably in education, urban and rural development and healthcare have continued to shape Edo State’s progress.
She said the former governor and his wife occupy a special place in the hearts of Edo people, which resonated with the attendees, who had gathered to honour Chief Mrs. Alli-Walker.
Mrs Obaseki also lauded her enduring commitment to values such as hard work, diligence, and forthrightness, adding that these values, which she upheld during her tenure as first lady, continue to inspire the state’s ongoing reforms across various sectors of the economy.
In her response to the felicitation, the celebrant expressed her gratitude to the first lady for travelling all the way from Nigeria to join in her celebration.
This is as she pledged to support free surgeries for children with cleft lips, an initiative named ‘Operation Smile’.
Obaseki had in 2018, sought and obtained a posthumous presidential pardon for the late Governor Ambrose Alli, a request that was ratified by the Council of State in 2020.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has assigned portfolios to the 25 new commissioners and members of the State Executive Council sworn in on Tuesday.
According to a statement by Abubakar Bawa the Press Secretary to Sokoto State governor, the governor wished the commissioners success in their service to the government and people of the state.
The full list of the commissioners and their respective ministries are as follows, Nasiru Binji, Commissioner of Justice and state Attorney General; Ibrahim Adire, Ministry of Local Government; Idris Gobir, Ministry of Works, and Deputy Governor, Muhammadu Shagari, Ministry of Finance, and Sharifu Kamarawa, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Others are Alhaji Tukur Alkali, Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education; Dr Jabir Mai Hula, Ministry of Religious Affairs; Nasiru Tsoho, Ministry of Lands & Housing; Aminu Iya, Ministry of Higher Education; Hadiza Shagari, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; Sambo Danchadi, Ministry of Information; Alhaji Bello Wamakko, Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Animal Health and Fisheries Development, Aliyu Tureta, and Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Jamilu Gosta.
Also in the list were Bala Kokani, Ministry of Science & Technology; Yusuf Maccido, Ministry of Water; Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, Ministry of Health; Nura Tangaza, Ministry of Environment; Shehu Chacho, Ministry for Special Duties; Ministry of Social and Humanitarian Affairs, Ya’u Danda; Culture and Tourism, Aminu Bodai; Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industries, Haruna Bashar; Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, Bashar Kwabo; Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Resources, Sanusi Umar, and Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Alhaji Isah Tambagarka.
Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency, RSSAA, sealed the premises of a new generation church at Rumuosi Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state over the electrocution of five youths on Monday.
It was gathered that the church owned the metal structure that caused electrocution of the five youths.
It was also gathered that operatives of the state police command had arrested the assistant pastor of the church following the incident.
Five persons were Monday electrocuted while erecting a metal structure that would be used for placing the church’s signages, whereas four others who were part of the team of nine youths are still hospitalized.
The billboard metal frame had touched the live high-tension wire while the nine youths were making efforts to mount it.
It was gathered that following the incident, yesterday, officials from RSSAA sealed off the premises of the church that owns the billboard, pending outcome of ongoing investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that police had picked the assistant pastor of the church.
Iringe-Koko said investigation into the incident was still going on, adding that the arrested person would assist the police in the process.
The Managing Director, RSSAA, Tony Okeha, said the church and the nine people, who attempted to mount the Billboard did not seek government approval before the act.
Okeha said: “They do not have any approval from the agency. We have spent time warning people against illegal activities such as this. We regret what has happened but this will serve as a deterrent that people should learn how to do things the proper way.
“The agency regulates what billboard structures should be erected where and whether it will cause visual blind or accident and all such consequences. We go out every day to remove illegal structures because of where they are erected and because of the low standard.”
He warned people erecting billboards without the agency’s authorisation to stop forthwith, adding that anyone arrested would be punished.
Seeks synergy among South East governors
Widow of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Ambassador Bianca, has intensified call for the release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, haven been declared free by a competent Nigerian court.
Delivering a keynote address at the Annual National Conference and Convention of the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) in Dallas, Texas in USA, the former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, sh called for greater synergy among governors of the South East, and urged them to continue to intensify efforts towards the release of Kanu.
AVID is a congregation of American citizens, both men and women of Igbo extraction, who are serving military officers and veterans who have served honourably in various branches of the United States military at different times, different conflicts and different theatres of war.
Ojukwu, who was special guest, noted that the initial nonchalant attitude of Igbo leaders towards Kanu’s illegal rendition and continued unlawful incarceration contributed greatly towards inflaming the tensions within the South East region today.
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total sum of N966.110bn July 2023 Federation Account Revenue to the Federal Government, States and Local Government Councils.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the FAAC meeting for the month of August.
The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
The N966.110bn total distributable revenue comprised statutory revenue of N397.419bn, Value Added Tax revenue of N271.947bn, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N12.840bn and Exchange Difference revenue of N283.904bn.
In July 2023, the total deductions for cost of collection was N62.419nn while total deductions for savings, transfers, refunds and tax credit cancellation was put at N717.962bn.
The communique put the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) at $473,754.57
From the total revenue of N966.11bn; the Federal Government received N374.485bn, the State Governments received N310.670bn and the Local Government Councils received N229.409bn.
A total sum of N51.545bn was shared to the relevant States as 13 per cent derivation revenue.
Gross statutory revenue of N1.15trn was received for the month of July 2023. This was lower than the sum of N1.152trn received in the month of June 2023 by N2.497bn.
According to the communiqué, in the month of July 2023, Import and Excise Duties and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) increased considerably while Value Added Tax (VAT) increased marginally. Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT) and Oil and Gas Royalties recorded significant decreases.
…says Tinubu caring, listening President
Leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, on Tuesday, commended President Bola Tinubu for reinstating the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, describing it as a good step in the right direction.
According to him, among all attempts to address the agitation of the Niger Delta, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is the direct attempt, and therefore plays a vital role in coordinating and implementing programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, peace, and stability in the oil-rich region.
The MNDA was not among the ministries allocated to the newly appointed ministers and raised concerns among leaders, the intelligentsia, and stakeholders of the oil-rich Niger Delta, fuelling speculations that it may have been scrapped by the President.
But President Tinubu redeployed Abubakar Momoh from the Ministry of Youth and reassigned him to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs
Dokubo-Asari in a commendation statement in Abuja requested that President Tinubu should consider returning the Niger Delta Development Commission back to the nomenclature of the Oil Mineral Areas Development Commission.
He said, “Mr. President, I am grateful and wish to commend your decision to reinstate the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. This decision shows your determination, reflects your deep understanding of the challenges and unique needs of the Niger Delta region, and demonstrates your commitment to addressing them.
“Despite all attempts to address the agitation of the Niger Delta, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is the direct attempt and therefore plays a vital role in coordinating and implementing programs and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, peace, and stability in the oil-rich region. With its reinstatement, there is renewed hope for the people of the Niger Delta that their concerns will be effectively addressed and their voices heard in your administration.
“Several attempts have been made to ameliorate and address the agitation of the Niger Delta people including the setting up of the Niger Delta Area Development Authority, and the establishment of OMPADEC in 1992.
“In 2000, OMPADEC was changed to the NDDC. Mr. President, I know you are aware that OMPADEC was established to rehabilitate and develop the oil mineral-producing areas of Nigeria which had been subjected to the devastating effects of ecological destruction and environmental pollution. This means that oil-producing areas that are not geographically in the Niger Delta, are captured in the OMPADEC programmes.
“The change of nomenclature from OMPADEC to the NDDC suggested that the commission was established to address the agitation of only oil-producing areas in the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers State.
“Mr. President, I beg you to consider returning NDDC to OMPADEC nomenclature, with its core mandate of addressing issues of rehabilitating and developing the Oil Producing Areas of Nigeria, including Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, Kogi, Rivers and any other area blessed with oil mineral.”
The activist said the history, struggle, and agitation of the Niger Delta have been rough and tough, from colonial times to independent and post-independent era.
He said, “The colonial governments ignored the agitation of the Niger Delta people. They cruelly suppressed it by the treatment meted out to King Jaja of Opobo, King Ibani Chuka of Okrika, Chief Ukwujiagu of Okujiagu-Ama of Okrika, King KokoBoy Ockiya of Nembe, Chief Anya’a Amatoru Goodhead, the paramount head of the Goodhead Tariah Group of Houses of Kalabari, Nana of Itsekiri, and several Kings of Bonny, among others.
“The agitation necessitated the setting up of the Willink’s Commission in 1957 to look into the fears and agitations of the minorities of colonial Nigeria. After a thorough investigation, a White Paper declared the Ijaw areas of the Eastern and Western regions and the Ogoni territories in the Eastern region, as special and endangered territories and people.”
Dokubo-Asari argued that the NDDC was not exclusively established to mitigate only the interest of oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta, as many erroneously think.
“From the foregoing, it is clear that the NDDC has no relation with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. Oil-producing areas should be treated on their merit, while the Niger Delta areas of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states should be treated solely as Niger Delta from a geographic and scientific point of view.
“Your restoration of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has shown that you are a listening and caring leader and President. The Niger Delta will not forget this singular action, and we will pay back in multiple folds,” he said.
The Special Military Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, maintaining peace in Plateau State and its environs, says it has arrested a total of 39 suspected criminals, including bandits, in the state.
It was learnt that the suspects were arrested at different locations within the joint operation area of Operation Safe Haven, Operation Hakorin Damisa IV, and the 3 Division, Nigerian Army in the past week.
Its spokesperson, Captain Oya James, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday.
He further disclosed that two of the suspects had been on the wanted list for involvement in several armed robbery and kidnapping activities in the state.
The statement read in part, “Troops of Operation Safe Haven and Operations Hakorin Damisa IV from August 14 to 21, 2023, have arrested 39 criminal suspects in connection with banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery, as well as recovered arms, ammunition, and hard drugs.
“The suspects were arrested at different locations within the Joint Operation Area of Operation Safe Haven and the 3 Division Nigerian Army Area of Responsibility.
“Two of the suspects have been on the wanted list for involvement in several armed robberies and kidnapping activities.
“Troops recovered 1 AK 47 rifle, 1 pump-action magnum gun, 1 AK-47 magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special, and an Itel mobile phone from the suspects. A suspected kidnapper and arms dealer was also captured at Kuba village in the Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.
“Similarly, troops arrested two militia gang members identified as being among those who attacked the Heipang general area recently and recovered 2 x AK 47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, and 4 pump action cartridges during the operations. A drug syndicate operating in Bassa LGA was also nabbed during sting operations, and seven drug peddlers were arrested with a large cache of drugs.
“Additionally, troops arrested a total of 307 cows for grazing on farmlands belonging to locals at Kubat Community and Mabel village of Mangu and Bokkos LGAs, respectively. Furthermore, a total of 37 distress calls were prompted and responded to by OPSH within the period leading to the rescue of 17 kidnapped victims, foiling of cattle rustling, and repelling of attacks on vulnerable communities, especially in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs.”
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the February 25 presidential election, Peter Obi, has said that his party would win the November 11 governorship election in Imo State.
Speaking in Owerri, the state capital, on Tuesday at the flag-off of the campaigns for the party in the state, Obi said that LP is known for performance and excellence.
Using Abia State, which his party controls, as an example of good governance, Obi said that the people of Abia State now have hope and are witnessing good governance because a “first-class brain” who knows what he is doing is now the governor of the state.
Obi said, “Abure is the national chairman of our party. We don’t have another chairman. LP will win Imo State. Athan Achonu is the only candidate of the party, and he is the best in Imo State. I am happy nobody has changed the process. I believe in the process.
“We want Nigeria to have leaders who will do what they preach. We know what it takes to change Nigeria. That is why we are here. We know what it takes to change Imo State. In Abia today, there is hope; that is what is called governance. This is because a first-class brain who knows what he is doing is the governor there.
“I believe in the process. Achonu emerged through the right process. Vote for LP, and things will start happening.”
The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, said that he was the chairman of the panel that conducted the primary election that produced Achonu as the governorship candidate of the LP in the state.
“Distinguished Senator Athan Achonu is the only governorship candidate of the party. I was the chairman of the panel that conducted the primary election, which produced him as the winner of the election. I am here to bear testimony that he is our candidate for the November 11 governorship election in Imo State.’’
“We have not even started in Abia, but the noise is everywhere. We are less than 100 days in office in Abia. The Labour Party is known for its governance. Vote for the Labour Party,” Otti said.
The national chairman of the party, Abure, said that he was confident that the LP would form the next government in the state.
Abure said that the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress had failed Nigerians and the people of the state in particular.
Speaking after the party’s flag was handed over to him, Achonu said that on his assumption of office as the next governor of the state, he would conduct a local government area election, fix the roads and the electricity, end insecurity, and ensure that civil servants and pensioners are promptly paid.
He said that he would make history by becoming the first physically challenged person to emerge as governor.
Achonu added that “The Labour Party will rescue Nigeria. We will win Imo, Enugu, Kogi, and Bayelsa states.”
The high point of the event was the handover of the flag of the party to the governorship candidate of the party and the flagging off of the campaigns in the state by the national chairman of the party.
More...
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has called on the Federal Government to provide equitable palliative for its members to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
In a statement signed issued and signed by Head of Media, MWUN, Com. John Kennedy Ikemefuna, on behalf of President General of the Union, Comrade Prince Adewale Adeyanju, the union said “The leadership of (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, requests in the face of the recent economic reforms where the Federal Government had chosen a part of subsidy removal – a decision that has rippled the nation’s economic landscape, affecting every citizen, the industry and most especially the workforce that keeps maritime running.
According to the statement, the Maritime Workers Union in the light of the aforesaid wish to demand with humility that MWUN be considered for payment of palliative incentives to its members to cushion the excruciating effects over the subsidy removal.
The statement reads that there’s no gainsaying that the maritime industry is the fulcrum around, which the nation’s economy revolves.
“This is knowing too well that products which fill our markets, the energy that propel our factories and resources that sustain our people flow through the maritime veins; yet, amidst this turbulent times, the maritime workforce has been left grappling with uncertainties battling dual challenges of the economic restructuring and the relentlessness at sea. This is a situation that demands not just our empathy but with utmost encouragement.
“In view of the foregoing, MWUN humbly requests that palliative incentives be given our members. Hence, we as a Union suggests that a meeting of management/union be convened to discuss the modalities and when to commence payment,” the statement reads in part.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has said the state will increase the number of households targeted for palliatives from 300,000 to 400,000 households.
The governor on Tuesday in Maiduguri said this is a result of the N5bn presidential initiative received by the state from the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to alleviate the hardship and sufferings among the people in the state.
It was reported that each household will be made up of six family members to be multiplied by 400,000, which, by implication, moves Zulum’s new target to 2.4 million individuals.
Governor Zulum had, on August 1, 2023, while launching a new phase of palliatives’ distribution, announced a target of 300,000 households each with six persons, which will multiply to 1.8 million individuals.
“Today we are here to distribute palliatives to 100,000 vulnerable households under the Presidential Initiative; this is in addition to the 300,000 households the Borno State Government had rolled out early this month,” Zulum told newsmen at the former Bakasi IDPs camp, the venue of the distribution exercise, on Tuesday.
He added, “You may recall that the Federal Government has announced N5bn to all states, and with that amount, we intend to reach an additional 100,000 vulnerable families.”
The governor further explained that the Presidential Initiative is a collaboration of the federal, state, and local governments.
The FG, he noted, is granting 52 per cent of the total amount, while the state and local governments will refund 48 per cent of the amount.
Since July, Zulum has accelerated palliatives to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on the lives of citizens.
The palliatives have so far been distributed in Gwoza, Kukawa, Jere, and Maiduguri Metropolitan local government areas to thousands of benefitting families.
The state’s deputy governor, Umar Kadafur, flagged off a similar distribution in Biu town on Monday.
Following the decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, and the unification of the foreign exchange market by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria, has urged the Federal Government for inclusion in the palliative measures being distributed across the country.
The President of the female farmers, Mary Afan, lamented that it was no longer news that the prices of transportation, food prices, goods and services had increased.
Afan, at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, cried out that smallholder farmers had been forced to reduce the size of their farmlands due to the high cost of input and transportation.
The farmers’ association requested that the Federal Government should provide immediate palliative measures, improved seeds and farm input for dry season farming; targeted transportation subsidies to smallholders; support for climate-smart agriculture; market access enhancement; and improved agricultural funding amongst other things.
She said, “While we acknowledge the move of the federal and state governments to provide palliatives for citizens as succour for these very challenging times, we are deeply concerned that there is no strategy or framework in place to capture farmers, especially women farmers in the distribution of palliatives. Most worrisome is that there seem to be no palliative measures such as inputs, improved seedlings and seeds to encourage farmers to increase production.
“Sadly, the removal of fuel subsidy and other government policies have brought forth significant challenges for our nation’s agriculture and drive for food security. The ensuing rise in the cost of farm inputs and transportation has had profound implications, particularly on smallholder women farmers who are the backbone of our agricultural industry.”
Afan further noted that the removal of fuel subsidy which has led to an undeniable increase in transportation costs, is unduly affecting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who rely on affordable means of transportation to move their produce from the farms to the market.
The SWOFON president added, “In the wake of the impact of this policy direction of the government, farmers, in general, have been unable to access farm inputs such as fertilizers, seedlings, and agrochemicals which are usually sold in urban and semi-urban areas. The movement to markets has been difficult. Processing of farm produce especially those that require petrol-powered engines has also been paralyzed by this policy direction.
“Similarly, this new reality is further compounding the woes of smallholder women farmers in Nigeria who are still grappling with the high cost of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs whose prices has since become exorbitant following the Russia and Ukraine war. Consequently, the new policy move of the federal government has also severely affected the prices of farm inputs, causing them to become even furthermore exorbitant.
“Since the announcement by Mr. President, the average cost of farm inputs has risen by 71%. Farm labor cost has also risen by 149% not forgetting transportation cost that has risen by over 130%.”
Similarly, the Vice President of the association, Grace Disa said farmers were witnessing a challenge that requires the prompt attention of the federal and state governments.
Disa noted that if the issues were left unaddressed, the increased burden on us the farmers could lead to food insecurity, severe nutritional deficiencies, high poverty levels, and a further decline in farmers’ already challenging economic situation.
She stated, “For example, before the kick-off of the new policy regime, farmers pay between N800 to N1200 from their farms to the market. Now we pay N2000 to N2500. The cost of fertilizer (Urea and NPK)at the market now sells for 28,000 and 35,000 respectively which was sold for 17,000 and 30,000 before the policy of the government set in.
“As an umbrella body for smallholder women farmers in Nigeria, we have received and keep receiving reports of the challenges smallholder women farmers are facing in their various states. While many small-scale agricultural ventures have closed up, many more smallholder farmers are on the verge of losing their livelihood.
“Aside from the impact of the petrol subsidy removal, the effect of climate change has posed an imminent threat to food production and consumption in Nigeria.
“Smallholder women farmers are unduly affected by the adverse impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall, extreme temperatures, and flooding. This further compound the difficulties women farmers face due to the subsidy removal, making it imperative for the government to adopt resilient and climate-smart agricultural practices and roll-out of interventions.”
“For Nigeria to be food secure, we must work in synergy and support the frontline officers (women farmers) who are working tirelessly to ensure that there is food on our table. We must consider the farmers in the planning and design of program and deliberately target them during interventions. Our slogan says it all – No farmer, No food on the table, no nation. “
THE Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, Monday, asserted that the current palliative measures rolled out by President Bola Tinubu will not solve problem of food insecurity, and other challenges.
Zulum made the assertion in a remark during the assumption of office by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Senator Aliyu Abdullahi respectively.
He said: “It is clear that palliatives will never solve our problems because these are shorter terms solutions, we must look for medium and longer-term solutions that would address insecurity, food insecurity in Nigeria.
“Therefore, the only alternative we have is to invest in commercial agriculture, modern agriculture, irrigated agriculture, green technology, emerging technology, harvesting rain water, and among others.
“That is the only solution. Our population is growing in quick geometric direction while our food supply is dwindling, and unless something is quickly done we will never get rid of these problems.
“Therefore, it is my sincere hope that the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and indeed the technocrats that are here to put heads together with a view of repositioning the nation’s industry.”
He also added that with the vast arable land Nigeria has with enough water bodies therefore he wish to see the Ministry takes the challenge to ensure food security including availability of food in terms of quantity and quality.