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Chidimma Uchegbu – Abuja
The Federal Government notes the recent remarks by His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, at a public event in Lagos.
We note the emir’s acknowledgment of the noble initiatives which, he said, he could explain away but for his decision “not to help the government”.
First, we acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express an opinion either in the form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being run.
However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice would publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.
It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.
This administration has implemented transformative reforms not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated.
The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are a “necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management” more than anything else.
These reforms are already delivering measurable progress. The unification of exchange rates has bolstered investor confidence, which has contributed to increased foreign reserves and strengthened Nigeria’s ability to shield itself from external economic shocks.
The removal of the fuel subsidy has freed up significant resources, allowing for greater investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Projections from respected institutions, including the World Bank, show an upward trajectory in Nigeria’s GDP, signaling that our economy is firmly on the path to recovery.
Additionally, by addressing inefficiencies, the country has reduced its debt service-to-revenue ratio, creating a more sustainable fiscal framework for future generations.
It is deeply disappointing that reforms widely recognized as essential by global experts—including by Emir Sanusi II himself—are now being subtly condemned by him because of a shift in loyalty. His Highness, given his background in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress because he feels estranged from his “friends” in government.
We urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritize the greater good of Nigerians.
Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetorics that undermine public trust. Instead, they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country, what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s mission is to lead Nigeria towards economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The challenges we face demand courage and collective effort, not divisive narratives. This administration is open to constructive dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders while remaining steadfast in putting the interests of Nigerians above all else.
Let history record this moment as a turning point—when leaders and citizens alike, choose to prioritize the nation’s destiny over personal gain. Together, we will deliver on the promise of renewed hope and a better Nigeria for all.
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis City Council on Monday approved an agreement with the federal government to overhaul the city’s police training and use-of-force policies in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.
The deal incorporates and builds on changes the Minneapolis Police Department has made since Floyd, a Black man, was killed by a white officer in 2020, prompting a national reckoning with police brutality and racism.
The 171-page agreement, filed in federal court shortly after the council voted 12-0 to approve it, says the department will require its officers to “promote the sanctity of human life as the highest priority in their activities.” It says officers must ”carry out their law enforcement duties with professionalism and respect for the dignity of every person.” And it says they must not allow race, gender or ethnicity “to influence any decision to use force, including the amount or type of force used.”
The agreement, known as a consent decree, will put the department under long-term court supervision. It had been under negotiation since the Department of Justice issued a scathing critique of the city’s police in June 2023.
Department officials alleged that police engaged in systematic racial discrimination, violated constitutional rights and disregarded the safety of people in custody for years before Floyd was killed. The report was the result of a sweeping two-year investigation that confirmed many citizen complaints about police conduct. It found that Minneapolis officers used excessive force, including “unjustified deadly force,” and violated the rights of people engaged in constitutionally protected speech.
“George Floyd’s death was not just a tragedy, it was a galvanizing force for the city and for the nation,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, said at a news conference. “All eyes remain on Minneapolis, and with this consent decree, we now have a roadmap for reform that will help this community heal while strengthening trust between law enforcement and the people they serve.”
An independent monitor will oversee the changes and a judge must approve them. A hearing has not yet been scheduled, but officials hope that approval comes quickly.
During his first administration, President-elect Donald Trump was critical of consent decrees as anti-police. Finalizing the Minneapolis agreement before he returns to office Jan. 20 would make it harder for him to undercut the deal, because changes would require court approval. Clarke declined to predict how vigorously the incoming administration will or won’t try to enforce the consent decree.
The council’s brief public vote followed an hourslong closed-door discussion.
“I’d like to thank our community for standing together, united in this, and for having patience with us as we have traveled a very, very long and challenging journey,” Council President Elliott Payne said after the vote. “We’re just beginning, and we know we have a long way to go. Our success will only be realized when we all work together on what is arguably one of the most important issues in the life of our city.”
Council member Robin Wonsley said in a statement before the vote that she has “no faith that the Trump administration will be a serious partner” in implementing the agreement.
“Having a federal consent decree signed and in place is valuable to police reform efforts, but we need to be sober about the fact that it will take local political will to hold the city and the (Mayor Jacob) Frey administration accountable to implementing and enforcing the terms of the consent decree,” she said.
A state court judge in 2023 approved a similar agreement between Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights after the state agency issued its own blistering report in 2022. The state investigation found that the city’s police had engaged in a pattern of race discrimination for at least a decade.
The Justice Department has opened 12 similar investigations of state and local law enforcement agencies since April 2021, many in response to high-profile deaths at the hands of police. Assuming court approval, Clarke said, the department will be enforcing 16 policing “pattern and practices” settlements across the country. She said 30 years of experience shows that they lead to “important and tangible progress toward better, safer, and lawful policing.”
The department has reached agreements with Seattle, New Orleans, Baltimore, Chicago and Ferguson, Missouri. A consent decree with Louisville, Kentucky, after an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor is waiting court approval. In Memphis, Tennessee, the mayor last month pushed back against pressure for a consent decree there, saying his city has made hundreds of positive changes since the beating death of Tyre Nichols.
Consent decrees require law enforcement to meet specific goals before federal oversight is removed, a process that often takes years and millions of dollars. A major reason Minneapolis hired Brian O’Hara as police chief in 2022 was his experience implementing a consent decree in Newark, New Jersey.
O’Hara noted that the city would be the first in the country to operate under both federal and state consent decrees. He said they showed in Newark that consent decrees can lead to meaningful change.
“We are not going to just comply with its terms, but we will exceed expectations and we will make change real for people on the street,” the chief said. “Together, we will make Minneapolis a place where everyone feels safer, and they know that Minneapolis cops will have their back.”
The mayor told reporters that officers will rise to the occasion.
“I trust the members of this department to show up every day, that you will be committed to being the change reflected in this agreement,” Frey said. “You have the ability, you have the obligation, and you have the responsibility to set the tone. Show the rest of the country, in fact, the rest of the world, what good constitutional policing looks like.”
The Anti-Corruption and Research-Based Data Initiative, on Monday, urged President Bola Tinubu to address longstanding imbalances in Nigeria’s federal policies, including the quota system, federal character principles, and derivation formulas.
The group called for a comprehensive review of these policies to ensure equity, fairness, and justice for all regions of the country.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ifeanyi Ozigbo, ARDI highlighted persistent inequalities in these policies, claiming they have hindered national progress and created an uneven playing field between the North and South.
“The Anti-Corruption and Research-Based Data Initiative is requesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review some of the existing inequitable policies, such as the quota system, federal character principles, and the non-derivation sharing formula currently practised in the federation, to ensure equity, fairness, and justice for all components of the country,” the statement read.
“These policies have created significant imbalances between the North and the South, favouring inefficiency, encouraging laziness among governors, and discouraging hard work.”
ARDI also urged the president to consider the concerns of the North regarding the proposed tax reform bills, advising extensive consultations to capture diverse perspectives.
The group expressed the North’s apprehension about potential revenue reductions from the Federation Account under the proposed VAT sharing formula, which it said appeared to favour metropolitan cities and resource-rich regions.
ARDI further acknowledged grievances in the South regarding policies like the quota system and federal character principles, which it argued often prioritise less qualified individuals from one region over more qualified individuals from another. Civil service promotions were cited as a key example of these inequalities.
On derivation, ARDI criticised the current formula, stating that oil-producing states bear disproportionate environmental burdens yet receive only 13 percent of derivation funds. The group proposed increasing the percentage to at least 60 percent, arguing that this would address environmental devastation while promoting fairness in revenue sharing.
The statement also stressed that every state possesses natural resources, and a fair derivation formula would encourage innovation and resource utilisation across the country.
“We believe this is an opportunity to correct these imbalances,” ARDI stated. “The fears of the North should be considered, as well as the concerns of the South, because what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.
“The tax reform bill may not be perfect, but it can promote healthy competition among the federating units if implemented equitably. Mr President should consult widely to address the fears of the North and also take steps to address the South’s concerns regarding the quota system, federal character, and derivation formulas. We need a federation that is fair to all regions,” the group concluded.
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Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, A Cheiftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has said various economic policies of President Bola Tinubu would yield positive results in 2025.
Oyintiloye, a member of defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, the state capital, said that the challenges the policies had cause would soon fizzle out.
He said those bold steps towards unavoidable reform in the economy had already started yielding positive results, predicting that Nigerians would feel the full impacts of it in 2025.
Oyintiloye, who commended Nigerians for their patience amid the rise in the cost of living, said that 2025 would be a year of positive harvest of the Tinubu-led government economic policies.
He admitted that Nigeria was currently navigating significant economic changes prompted by series of bold reforms introduced by President Tinubu.
He also said in response to Nigeria’s escalating economic challenges, Tinubu approved a $2.25 billion injection into the economy.
“This funding, sourced from the World Bank, aims to enhance revenue and support economic reforms amid the severe cost-of-living crisis. As part of a rapid stabilization and development strategy, this urgent financial assistance is intended to revive the economy quickly.
“The funds are specifically targetted at reducing interest rates in key sectors and providing credit lines to support small, medium-sized, and large businesses.
“The reward of the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira, which caused temporary discomfort for Nigerians in the outgoing year, would put smiles on their faces in 2025”, Oyintiloye said.
He further explained that the recent reduction in the pump price of petrol was a positive signal that 2025 would have a positive economic outlook.
He added that given the positive indicators from other sectors of the economy, Nigerians will have reasons to celebrate in 2025.
The ex-lawmaker also said; “Presently, President Tinubu’s economic reforms have triggered a dramatic surge in revenue allocation from federation accounts to various states, which allows them to deliver bigger developmental stride to Nigerians.
“Nigerians should be rest assured that we will surely see even more of the positive outcomes of the President’s reforms, in infrastructure, agriculture, security, healthcare, education, creative and digital economy and many other areas”.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support, cooperate, and pray for the President for needed wisdom to achieve economic prosperity for the country.
He said Nigerians had sacrificed a lot in the outgoing year and should be ready to get the rewards in the coming year.
For a better society
Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has criticized the Tax Reform Bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu, describing them as anti-people.
Galadima acknowledged that while the bills may not be entirely flawed, their provisions, such as the increase in value-added tax (VAT), are likely to worsen the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
He stated that this is a key reason why the bills are facing strong opposition in the North.
In an interview with Vanguard published on Sunday, Galadima expressed frustration that some Nigerians who would be adversely affected by the reforms are still supporting the President’s decision. He described this as the most troubling aspect of the situation.
“It is not about the business community because they don’t lose anything. And, it’s not all the bills that are bad, but the major issues is that the bills are anti-people, because when you increase VAT by 1%, the cost of things will skyrocket and it’s the ordinary man who has no capacity to even feed himself that will suffer most. The business man, each time you add whatever, he will also add it to the cost of his goods. He doesn’t need to complain. What pains me is that some Nigerians, even though it hurts them, they will say “yes, we support the president because Mr A is the one that is opposing him”. We are a country, we should talk for the good of everybody and not because Mr A is opposed to something I have to like it or not. That’s not how to build a nation,” he submitted.
WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors sidestepped some Justice Department rules when they seized the phone records of reporters as part of media leak investigations during the Trump administration, according to a new watchdog report being released as the aggressive practice of hunting for journalists’ sources could again be resurrected.
The report Tuesday from the Justice Department inspector general’s office also found that some congressional staffers had their records obtained by prosecutors by sheer virtue of the fact that they had accessed classified information despite that being part of their job responsibilities. Among those whose records were obtained was President-elect Trump’s pick for FBI director, Kash Patel, who was then a staffer on the House Intelligence Committee. Patel said in a lawsuit against the department last year that he was notified by Google that the department had issued a subpoena for his records.
Though the report chronicles Justice Department actions from several years ago, the issue has new resonance as Patel has spoken of his desire to “come after” members of the media “who lied about American citizens” and his belief that the federal government should be rid of “conspirators” against Trump.
Those comments raise the possibility that the Justice Department under new leadership — Trump has picked former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to serve as his attorney general — could undo a three-year-old policy that, with limited exceptions prohibits, prosecutors from secretly seizing reporters’ phone records during investigations into leaks of sensitive information.
The action from Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2021 followed an uproar over revelations that the Justice Department during the Trump administration had obtained records belonging to journalists at The Washington Post, CNN and The New York Times as part of investigations into who had disclosed government secrets related to the investigation into Russian election interference and other national security matters.
The inspector general found that the Justice Department didn’t follow certain department rules that had been implemented years earlier when seeking reporters’ records in 2020, including having a News Media Review Committee review the request, according to the report. The committee is meant to ensure that officials other than prosecutors, including the head of the department’s office of public affairs, are able to weigh in on such efforts.
Then-Attorney General William Barr, who authorized obtaining the records from CNN, The New York Times and the Washington Post, did not expressly sign off on the use of non-disclosure agreements that were sought — as was required under department policy, according to the report.
The Justice Department also seized data from the accounts of Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and then-Rep. Adam Schiff over leaks related to the Russia investigation, and sought records through Apple from then-White House counsel Don McGahn.
The department went after records of two members of Congress and 43 congressional staffers, according to the report. The inspector general found no evidence of “retaliatory or political motivation by the career prosecutors” who initiated the requests. The staffers were considered suspects in most cases merely because of the close proximity between the time they accessed classified material as part of their job responsibilities and the publication of news articles containing secret information, according to the report.
Garland’s new policy laid out several scenarios under which the Justice Department still could obtain reporters’ records, including if the reporters are suspected of working for agents of a foreign power or terrorist organizations, if they are under investigation for unrelated activities or if they obtained their information through criminal methods like breaking and entering.
The Justice Department during both Democratic and Republican leadership has struggled with how to balance its determination to protect press freedom and its determination to safeguard national security secrets.
President Barack Obama’s first attorney general, Eric Holder, announced revised guidelines for leak investigations after an outcry over actions seen as aggressively intrusive into press freedom, including the secret seizure of phone records of Associated Press reporters and editors.
And Jeff Sessions, Trump’s first attorney general, announced in 2017 a leak crackdown following a series of disclosures during the investigation into Russian election interference.
Since Donald Trump has been elected for a second term, serving as president from 2025 to 2029, the crypto industry is eager to see how his presidency will impact regulations in digital finance.
Trump has made several campaign promises that are friendly toward cryptocurrencies. These promises may ease restrictions and create a more favorable environment for businesses in the digital finance sector, including exchanges and blockchain-related services. This could represent the most significant shift in U.S. cryptocurrency policy, with potential changes in taxation, regulation, and consumer protection.
The following article will explore key areas of interest and concern, specifically discussing how regulatory reforms, the tax system, and economic plans under Trump’s administration may affect the development of crypto gambling.
Pro-Crypto Stance and Regulatory Changes
Trump made very loud promises to create crypto-friendly regulations for those participating in the cryptocurrency space. This includes starting a national crypto advisory council to reduce restrictions and more effectively navigate governmental policies for crypto companies.
His administration may witness major changes in leadership within relevant institutions, potentially replacing the current SEC Chairman, Gary Gensler, with someone more favorable towards the crypto industry and also possessing better knowledge about the field.
Such changes could alleviate some regulatory hurdles, allowing more platforms to operate in the market, and thereby enhancing the overall experience for cryptocurrency gambling.
For instance, countries like Australia have much more accessible and favourable regulations regarding online casinos, facilitating no-deposit spins. These no-deposit spins in Australia are highly sought after and serve as a promotional tool offered by Australian crypto casinos, allowing users to play slot games without requiring an initial deposit. This often leads to increased interaction with the games and attracts new users, especially those interested in cryptocurrency.
If Trump’s administration were to introduce similar crypto-friendly policies, U.S.-based crypto casinos might implement comparable incentives. This would result in greater competitiveness and innovation within the industry and would bring the U.S. market closer to crypto-friendly nations like Australia, where no-deposit bonuses are commonly offered in the online gaming space.
Lower Capital Gains Tax and Potential Investment Incentives
Trump’s economic policies may lead to a decrease in capital gains taxes, potentially encouraging more investors to enter the cryptocurrency market. When capital gains taxes are lowered, the profits realized from cryptocurrency investments are taxed at a reduced rate, making these assets more attractive to both retail and institutional investors.
This move could significantly increase the influx of funds into the crypto market, particularly towards platforms that have integrated cryptocurrency, including crypto gambling sites.
A reduced tax burden on crypto assets would increase the frequency of trading and the period for which they are held, as investors would incur less penalty upon realization of their profit. Indirectly, this could benefit of crypto-gambling sector due to more adoption and liquidity in cryptocurrencies.
More users would be willing to hold and spend their digital assets, which would most likely increase transactions and interactions with gambling platforms accepting crypto payments.
The possible effect becomes clear from crypto gambling platforms in regions where tax policies are already friendly, such as Australia. Australia’s lenient attitude toward crypto taxes allowed those sites to attract significant attention; some players received no-deposit spins. If Trump implements a similar tax scheme in America, then crypto gambling platforms may implement similar incentives to increase their popularity.
Additionally, lower capital gains taxes could facilitate the wider adoption of new blockchain-based technologies and decentralized finance (DeFi) products, which align well with innovations in gambling. For example, smart contracts and decentralized pools of betting are increasingly popular for diversification of ways that users invest or bet on everything. With such a tax-friendly approach, it would be easier for crypto-gambling platforms to embed such features and thus offer users a more full-scale and smooth crypto-gambling experience.
Inflationary Risks Due to Trade Policies
While Trump is generally friendly towards crypto, there are downsides to his economic policies. His tariffs on imports would most likely drive up inflation and drive up interest rates to curb this rise. This could have the effect of taking a bite out of cryptocurrencies. Inflation, if higher, cuts consumer spending, but at the same time, investments in volatility-heavy assets such as crypto would be more expensive. This is yet another economic shift that may indirectly affect crypto gambling in the case of slower growth in cryptocurrency markets.
Final thoughts
Donald Trump’s second term could significantly impact the crypto-gambling industry through his pro-crypto stance and potential regulatory changes. His administration’s crypto-friendly policies, including the establishment of a national crypto advisory council and possible leadership changes in key regulatory bodies, could ease restrictions and foster innovation.
Lower capital gains taxes might attract more investors to the crypto market, indirectly benefiting crypto gambling platforms. However, potential inflationary risks from his trade policies could pose challenges. Overall, Trump’s presidency may create a more favorable environment for crypto gambling, aligning the U.S. market closer to crypto-friendly nations like Australia.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. The Crypto Times does not take any editorial responsibility for the accuracy, quality and fairness of the published content. We advise our readers to always do their own research before engaging with any products mentioned on our website.
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, FFDCN, has made a case for the inclusion of all major stakeholders in Nigeria whenever any consultations for economic policy by the IMF and the World Bank are made in the country.
This was contained in a 16-point communiqué issued by the forum at the end of its third national conference with the theme “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” which was held in Abuja, the country’s capital, at the beginning of the week.
According to the former deputy governors after the two-day programme, every effort should be made to ensure that funds from external borrowings by the Federal Government and sub-national governments should be judiciously applied to productive activities and public infrastructure development with an impact on citizens’ standard of living.
They called for the enactment of laws at Federal and state levels that will compel successive governments to complete existing projects as they embark on new ones.
Furthermore, they also called for the amendment of the Public Procurement Act to pave the way for stiffer punishment against contract defaulters.
While appraising the current challenges of the country, FFDGN commended the Federal Government on its efforts to combat the scourge of food insecurity, as well as for the ongoing efforts and achievements in the fight against insecurity.
They called on the Nigerian government to continue to provide all necessary support to the military and other security agencies to ensure adequate security for Nigerians, including strengthening the military’s initiative in complementing national food production.
In his closing remarks, the convener of the 3rd National Conference, Chris Akomas, lauded the participants as well as the resource persons for their presentations, which he acknowledged to be rich and innovative saying they have made very serious inputs, contributions, and key suggestions, which will be impactful as well as will change and turn things around.
Senator representing Edo South in the National Assembly, Neda Imasuen, has faulted the policies of the current administration.
He frowned at the Tinubu administration’s decisions to remove the petrol subsidy and unify forex windows.
Imasuen, of the Labour Party (LP), and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, was a guest on Sunday’s edition of Inside Sources on Channels Television.
According to him, it is Nigerians, especially the middle class, that are paying too much of a price for Tinubu’s so-called reforms.
According to the lawmaker, the legislature can only support the executive and hope that their plan takes us to the destination.
The lawmaker, however, believes the situation at hand is not one for trading blame, but rather a time when people should sit down and seek solutions to the suffering of the masses.
“The steps that are being taken, I’m afraid that the suffering that Nigerians are going through right now is too much of a price to pay for it,” he said.
“Now, this is a country that we don’t produce; we import, and we are devaluing our naira. I don’t see how that is going to help us. Everything is tied to the dollar, and the dollar keeps going up.
“Let’s develop our industries. These SMEs work a lot if we can strengthen small and medium enterprises and give the middle class breathing space to do what they have to do.
“On this question of subsidy, there is no country that does not subsidise, especially in the area of agriculture.
“Today, many cannot buy a bag of rice; it’s about N100,000.”
Following the recent tanker explosion in Jigawa state that claimed the lives of over 100 persons, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has urged the government to prioritise policies that guarantee road safety.
This is just as the coalition extended its condolences to the government and the entire people of Jigawa State particularly Taura LGA over the devastating tanker explosion.
In a statement, the National Coordinator of CNG, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, described the incident as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the significant challenges facing the nation.
Charanchi said: “In this time of immense grief, our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and we ask Almighty Allah to grant them strength and comfort during these trying times.
“We also pray for the quick and complete healing of those who are injured, asking Allah (SWT) to grant them swift recovery and relieve their suffering.
“The CNG stands in solidarity with the people of Jigawa State and urges the federal and state governments, as well as relevant authorities, to take immediate steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“We call for urgent action to address the root causes of such accidents, particularly the poor state of infrastructure, and the enforcement of strict safety regulations in the transportation of hazardous materials such as petroleum products.”
“We also appeal to the government to prioritize policies that alleviate the suffering of the people, focusing on improved road safety, healthcare systems, and rapid response capabilities during emergencies.
“It is imperative that every Nigerian, regardless of their location, feels secure and assured that their lives are valued and protected by the state.
“As a nation, we must come together to ensure that tragedies like this become a thing of the past. We continue to pray to Almighty Allah to shield our communities from future disasters.
“The CNG reminds governments at all levels particularly the Federal Government to review their policies that are making life extremely difficult for the people so that tragedies such as this could not continue to occur as many victims reportedly saw the spilling fuel as a means of getting respite to their difficult situation.”
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Last week, both the country’s aviation sector and the public space were enmeshed in an unpalatable news contained in a viral video where a woman purported to be a passenger was seen accusing some staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) of extortion before she can be allowed to clear her Luggage.
In the video, the woman who claimed to be a passenger and queried why she was asked to pay N5,000 to clear her bags in the process created scene as she went ahead to assault the officials.
Throughout the period the drama lasted, though the airport officials kept their cool, not quite long, the viral video elicited reactions on the social media with majority of commenters making negative remarks against the airport workers in support of the woman without confirming the authenticity of the allegation.
A reaction from FAAN, whose officials were at the centre of the drama has however changed the narrative of what actually transpired between the woman and the airport officials.
According to a statement issued by the airport authority in reaction to the video, FAAN through its director of public affairs and consumer protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, declared that contrary to the earlier claim by the woman in the video that she was a passenger, she was actually a cargo agent transacting illegal operations at the airport on the said day.
Orah in the statement said: “The individual involved was not a passenger but a cargo agent conducting illegal operations at the airport. She refused to pay the stipulated charges for the cargo and behaved in an unacceptable manner, damaging equipment and straining our resources. We would also like to clarify that there was no form of molestation by FAAN staff, neither was there any request for a bribe from our staff during the incident. This was simply an act of blackmail. Our staff was simply ensuring that the correct levy was paid.”
FAAN however, urged all cargo agents and members of the public to note that cargo operations should be restricted to designated cargo areas, “utilising proper vehicles, personnel and pay the levies. Our cargo policies are designed to ensure adherence to international best practices, prevent damage to airport facilities, and prioritising customer service and safety”.
To further put the record straight, the airport authority confirmed that it statutorily imposes a fine of N5,000 on non- compliant cargoes for various reasons ranging from failure to utilise designated cargo terminals, damage to carousels resulting from improper cargo. Handling.
FAAN equally admonished the public to adhere to the rules guiding airport operations to avoid similar incidents in the future.
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The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has recommended far reaching policy actions to the Federal Government that can turn around the economy if well implemented.
This was disclosed by Tayo Aduloju, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NESG to journalists on Wednesday, on behalf of the chairman of the planning committee, after the closing ceremony of the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja.
Aduloju, while giving an overview of the summit’s outcomes said they NESG called on the Federal Government to tailor the monetary policy towards the growth of the entire economy, and not merely targeting inflation but by calibrating fiscal policies for growth.
He pointed out that sectors that have stagnated, were recommended for economic stimulus plan, stressing that the summit discussed the recalibration of the industrial policy sector under seven items for industrialisation compact.
He disclosed that although the full details of the recommendations would be made public in due course, the summit also deliberated and recommend steps to be taken to ensure not just food security, but must tackle hunger by taking a focused approach to building infrastructure value chain.
The NESG also put forward steps to review government’s assets, restrategise and prepare them for investment.
The Group also agreed on the need for policy consistency and sequencing that favours growth, and most importantly, the need to stay the course.
It called on the citizens to hold the government accountable for growth, and the need for collaboration by both the fiscal and monetary aspects to not only rein in inflation but grow the economy.
Aduloju announced that the draft Creative economy policy is ready and with the government, and will be published soon.
He explained that Nigeria runs a federal democracy and the NESG will continue to talk with all stakeholders until the goals are achieved, adding that the Sub-national investment summit will be held October 2025.
According to him, a summit of Francophone Africa will be held, and separate action framework report for accountability will be done this year, noting that the will conversation.
Aduloju said, “It was important that the summit was a deep reflection, not just of Nigeria, but of the state of Africa. Those that joined us for the Francophone African session on day zero can notice that we pulled our our brothers and sisters in the business community from across the Francophone Africa. And the message was clear, if Nigeria leads, we will follow. There was a strong goal for Nigerian leadership, Nigerian innovation and Nigerian cooperation.
“Sometimes we think this language is really a barrier. I think the lesson from Sunday was, in fact, the Francophone brothers and sisters basically said, why did it take us so long to start to talk? They say they want to be part of the summit on an ongoing basis. In fact, I said bring the summit of Francophone Africa. Let’s talk because we need Nigerian leadership, not just at home. We need it in the region. That’s first outcome is very likely.
“We will be inviting the press, especially those of you that speaks a bit of French to come along, and those of you that cover Francophone to come along on this journey of building a bigger collaboration for African Growth and African pride and African emergence. I think that was a big conversation.
“The summary of that session was that, if Nigeria rises, Africa will rise. This is collaboration for action. The key action point was that we agreed we will do a couple of francophone African economic roundtables and events that build on that collaboration, and you will likely see a stronger Francophone audience at future Nigerian economic summits, to strengthen the partnership, also to strengthen investment flows into Nigeria from Francophone Africa and from French speaking countries.”
The Chairman of Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, said the Summit was effort by the NESG and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which also reflected in the theme of the summit, collaborative action for growth, competitiveness and stability.
Mr. Yusuf said, “Three key messages struck with me over the last few days. First is that we need to stay the course and nurture the seeds so that we don’t eat the seeds. Let’s nurture the seeds. Let’s plant, let’s water, let’s put fertilize, and that way we can have a bountiful harvest in a few years time.
“The second message is that there is huge private capital that’s available on the continent, and we had that at our first session on Sunday with business leaders from the Francophone countries.
“We will continue to work with the government and public sector in the region and also Nigeria, to ensure that we’re able to tap into those capital and make them available to support investments and to help realize the SD goals.
“I think the tough thing, and my last reflection is that the opportunity is beyond Nigeria. So Nigeria has signed on into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). So instead of a market of about 220 million people, you now have a market of 1.4 billion. And so as a reference to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, also to the African Economic Summit Group. And I think for us, and for me personally, that’s just a wake up call that the opportunity is more than Nigeria, it is more than 220 million folks, is more than 400 billion economy, but the opportunity is the African continent, and it is Africans, whether you are on the continent or you are in the diaspora, and I think that really is a challenge before us.
“As we reflect on the 30 years of the summit, and we think about the next steps for the summit, I think these three things will guide some of the actions as a person. And I think the board will reflect on and will see how much of that we can put into action, and then begin to track the result so that it’s not the summit of our view. That’s just my personal reflection and welcome.”
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As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2024 International Youth Day (IYD), the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has hailed Nigerian youth and their contributions to the economy, assuring of enactment of legislations and policies that would enhance digital transformation and bridge digital divide.
IYD is observed on August 12 every year, to mark the contributions of the youth in the development of society alongside understanding the challenges faced by them. This year’s IYD has the theme: ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’.
The Deputy Speaker, in a statement on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, acknowledged the important roles Nigerian youth play in achieving rapid economic growth and development.
He noted that the youth form the largest demography of users and developers shaping digital trends globally, hence remain an essential demographic group in leveraging the transformative power of technologies to address global challenges.
He said that this year’s theme is in line with the agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, to use legislative instruments to ensure that the youth in the country become a force in the digital market.
According to him, given the vast pool of young and talented people in the country, the 10th House understands that strengthening innovation and technology is pivotal for enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness, hence will among other initiatives, introduce a national innovation strategy to prioritise achievements in digital transformation and legislate to promote digital skills development programmes.
The Deputy Speaker further said that the parliament was aware of the state of the nation, recalling how the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas recently led the House to engage with leaders and representatives of various youth organisations at the National Assembly, aimed at listening to their complaints and demands, with a view to finding lasting solutions.
Kalu appealed to the youth to champion national unity and collective prosperity through utilisation of various youth initiatives, programmes and policies put together by the government, adding that President Bola Tinubu-led adminstration was working hard to address their plight.
A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has condemned the Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed for attributing the hardship in the country to the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu.
Dogara described the governor as “a crass opportunist who knows only how to extort and exploit people and situations.”
The ex-Speaker who was responding to the governor’s recent outburst against President Tinubu, said a leader was supposed to nurture and inspire the people he leads into positive action rather than “indulging in wanton self-adulation and praise.”
Dogara explained that the job of leaders, irrespective of the political affiliation they belong was to bring the national protest to a responsible end, by appealing to governments to meet some of the legitimate demands of the protesters, most especially, hunger and pervasive insecurity.
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“But Gov Bala Mohammed does not only do so, he thrives in it. Not long ago, I said of him, “any time the Governor speaks either by himself or through his aides, it is always an outburst of profanity which debases and demeans all of us,” Dogara observed.
Dogara, in a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Bauchi at the weekend, alleged that, “When Gov Bala was in court after rigging himself into office and desperately needed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to save him, he was busy singing his praises to the highest heavens, not even minding the fact that he is the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum.
“Just months after President Tinubu saved him, he has turned around to describe the President as, “now inept, incompetent and incapable of running Nigeria. I will even invite him to chair our 2027 presidential campaigns if he continues this way”, Dogara further recalled Gov Bala utterances.
He added, “This level of unbridled disrespect is unparalleled. In months, Gov Bala Mohammed has transmuted from being a ‘Hallelujah boy’ to the undisputed cheer-leader of a pack of wolves who are trying so hard to soil the president beyond redemption.
“It is certainly not a time to engage in blowing all the dog whistles at once in the irresponsible manner Gov Bala Mohammed did. For me it didn’t come as a surprise because I had long ago, both in writing and on live TV, denounced him as a thug who speaks in the manner of thugs and understands only the language of thuggery”.
He explained that Bala Mohammed run Bauchi state for a little over six years now with no functional social amenities, saying Bauchi is one of the states with highest number of out of school children in Nigeria, yet he has built no functional school.
“Just one example: My Alma Mater, the famous Bauchi Teachers College located right under his nose, now lies in ruins. Let him tell the world which of the hospitals in the state is fully functional and how many doctors he has employed. The list is endless”.
“It is good that the world gets to know what we are up against in Bauchi State and the price we are paying for foisting a tasteless joke on the state and elevating a cavorting charlatan to the position of a Governor. Dignity still matters in public office and it’s unlikely that Gov Bala Mohammed will ever have it”.
“Yet, his graver vice is cowardice, reflected in a willingness to lie to the public to please and appease, heedless of the inevitability of its contradiction an hour later and the consequences thereof. Right now, he has turned Bauchi state into a prison of mirrors where his revealed lies are answered with new lies”.
Dogara concluded, “Those who think he misspoke are dead wrong because that is who he has always been and as Maya Angelou said, “When someone tells you who they are, believe them.
“As it is, we wait to see whether the Kaura 2027 his cult followers printed on their gowns will be a political slogan or an expiry date”.
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