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2024 BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION: WHERE IS THE EVIDENCE?

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2024 BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION: WHERE IS THE EVIDENCE?

By: Victor Emejuiwe

In a bid to assuage protesters during the course of the #EndBadGovernance protest, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while addressing Nigerians in a live broadcast recounted the actualization of half of its revenue generation target for 2024 as one of the major achievements of its administration.

According to the President, aggregate government revenues have more than doubled, hitting over 9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023, due to its efforts at blocking leakages, introducing automation and mobilizing funding creatively.

Recall, the 2024 budget which was tagged “the budget of renewed hope”, had an aggregate expenditure of 27.5 trillion naira, with a non-debt recurrent expenditure put at 9.92 trillion naira while debt service is projected to be 8.25 trillion naira and capital expenditure at 8.7 trillion naira. Out of the total sum of 27.5 trillion, the government was meant to realize 18.3 trillion naira from internal sources and to be left with a deficit of 9.18 trillion naira. Judging from past trend, this feat is a welcome development because the past government under former President Buhari, consistently failed to realize its revenue target, rather it incurred more deficit and results to funding the greater percentage of the budget on borrowings.


Despite this achievement by the Tinubu administration, it is ironical that Nigerians cannot point to any evidence of positive developmental transformation or changes in the livelihood of people as a result of the revenue generated in the first half of the year. Such quantum of money realized are expected to be deployed through budget releases to MDAs for the funding of critical infrastructural projects and programs under the renewed hope agenda.

Unfortunately, there are no evidences of projects embarked upon by most MDAs. Upon enquiries, most of the MDAs have complained of lack of budgetary releases to implement approved capital projects under their domain. Meanwhile, in the face of the current hunger plaguing families and homes in Nigeria due to the removal of fuel subsidy, the President had promised to utilize the budget to restore hope to Nigerians.


Amongst the promises of Mr. President, is to provide a massive social security programs for Nigerians, implement critical infrastructural projects, reduce poverty and hunger by boosting food production and providing security in the farming areas, invest in renewable energy etc.

Judging from these promises, little can be said to have been achieved because infrastructural projects across the country still remain at a very critical state. Notable routes like the east-west road and roads traversing between Lokoja in the North central and the South East to mention but a few, still remain un-motorable. On the social security programs such as the presidential conditional grant scheme, where promises were made to reach one million businesses in the 774 local government areas, and such other programs, there is lack of transparency and accountability on how the beneficiaries of these programs where selected.

Nigerians are very much aware that the current social register being utilized by the country to cater for the poorest of the poor cannot be trusted due to the corruption cases recorded and reported in the use of the register. There is no evidence of cleaning the register or producing a new one.


Also, Nigerians are fully aware that the president has presented up to three supplementary budgets since assuming office to the National Assembly, yet there are no visible projects to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on Nigerians. It was only recently, that the President launched the 33 powered CNG buses amongst high demand for CNG powered vehicles in Nigeria. It is the expectations of Nigerians that by this time, the Federal Government would have established partnerships with investors to establish numerous CNG assembling plants across the country and facilitate the importation of CNG powered vehicles to be distributed to Nigerians at subsidized rate. Nigerians also expected the Federal Government to have deployed funds to fix our moribund refineries and getting it to work at optimal capacity so that the country can stop the importation of refined petroleum products.


Most worrisome is the fact that the budget office of the federation has been failing on its duty to upload budget implementation reports on its website, the last report on the BOF website is that of third quarter of 2023. The failure of the budget office to account for a round of four quarters implementation report of the 2024 budget, makes it difficult for well-meaning Nigerians to assess Mr. President’s performance based on his statement on revenue realized.


In conclusion, as the nation forges ahead to attain its fiscal targets, the utilization of these resources should be apportioned transparently in such a manner that would be evidential in the social wellbeing and developmental outcomes of Nigerians.

Victor Emejuiwe

Monitoring Evaluation/Strategic Communication Manager
Writes from Centre for Social Justice, Abuja
08068262366
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VP Shettima Launches Innovation Drive For Indigenous Healthcare Solutions

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VP Shettima Launches Innovation Drive For Indigenous Healthcare Solutions

*** Says Grand Challenges Nigeria an avenue to promote groundbreaking research, local expertise

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched ‘Grand Challenges Nigeria’ (GCNg), a national innovation programme aimed at revolutionising Nigeria’s healthcare landscape through locally-developed solutions.

The initiative, which is part of the global Grand Challenges network, will focus on maternal and child health challenges in the first phase.

Speaking on Monday when he launched the GCNg at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Vice President Shettima told the audience that the initiative became necessary following an urgency occasioned by the rapid pace at which the world “is evolving in the realms of science and technology.”

He stressed the importance of contextualizing solutions to national challenges, citing this as “a cardinal message” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, just as he said the initiative will promote groundbreaking research and build local expertise, among others.

“This initiative is more than a response to problems; it is an avenue to promote groundbreaking research, build local expertise, form strategic partnerships, and engage communities in co-creating culturally relevant solutions,” VP Shettima said.

He explained that the programme will integrate with existing government healthcare initiatives, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Nutrition 774 programme.

“What Grand Challenges Nigeria promises is transformative: a Nigeria where every child has access to proper nutrition, where every family can rely on the quality of our healthcare system, and where our public health metrics continue to improve year after year,” the VP noted.

The Vice President also announced an immediate call for proposals on “Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, while explaining that the initiative will address various challenges, from infectious diseases to food security and climate resilience.

“Our gateway to innovation is rooted in recognising our place within the global community,” he stated, adding that “we must believe that our progress is intertwined with the progress of the rest of the world.”

VP Shettima emphasised that the Tinubu administration is “steadfast in its resolve to provide the support needed to turn our aspirations into lifelines for our people.”

The Vice President expressed anticipation for witnessing the ingenuity of Nigeria’s best minds, “whose innovations will receive the funding and support they deserve through this initiative.”

In his keynote remarks, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, said the Grand Challenges Nigeria is aimed at developing local solutions to critical issues confronting Nigerians.

The Minister noted that the model aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda using innovation to drive prosperity and growth, and in the process, empowering researchers and innovators.

Chief Nnaji said the ministry remains committed to fostering growth, using innovation, even as he assured that the Grand Challenges Nigeria will prioritise key goals investment in education and environmentally sustainable projects, among others.

On his part, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor, commended the commitment of the Vice President and the dedication of the Federal Government to the launch of the initiative, noting that the programme would go a long way in complementing existing efforts in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria.

He pledged the support of the House of Representatives for the Grand Challenges Nigeria framework, especially as it impacts food security and nutrition across the country, noting that he was looking forward to a rewarding collaboration with stakeholders to deliver on its vision.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, said the responsibility of addressing the issues of malnutrition and food insecurity requires focused efforts and collective actions, which, according to him, the Grand Challenges Nigeria initiative is designed to contain.

He expressed hope that by adopting the framework of the Grand Challenges Nigeria, Nigerians would be at the forefront of finding solutions to problems in the country, thanking the Federal Government for believing in the efficacy of the initiative.

The chairman commended the leadership of the Vice President as chairman of the Nutrition Council of Nigeria and a key promoter of advancing nutrition and related agenda across the country.

In the same vein, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Salisu Abubakar, commended the leadership demonstrated by the Vice President in the launch of the initiative, noting that it would help address health challenges by leveraging locally resourced and researched solutions/approaches.

He pledged the support of the society in ensuring that solutions adopted through the programme are inclusive and adaptable to Nigerians, especially in improving their health and wellbeing.

On her part, the Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Uju Rochas-Anwulah, said the launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to reforming the economy and ensuring food security by leveraging solutions that are homegrown and rooted in the values of communities across the country.

She noted that resources and the framework for solving local problems would be harnessed from the grassroots, adopting an inclusive approach where the expertise and experience of stakeholders at all levels would be taken into cognizance.

VP Shettima Launches Innovation Drive For Indigenous Healthcare Solutions

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Daurama Foundation Premieres ‘Voices Within”

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Daurama Foundation Premieres ‘Voices Within”

By: Michael Mike

Daurama Foundation has announced the premiere of Voices Within, a powerful short film that sheds light on domestic and gender-based violence.

Produced by Take 7 Media and directed by Bem Pever, with screenplay by Mahdi Eldaw and Emil Garuba, this evocative film forms a key part of Daurama Foundation’s initiatives for the annual 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign to end violence against women and girls. The premiere will take place at Silverbird Cinema, Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja, on November 30, 2024, at 4:00 pm.

Voices Within tells the story of a young girl who witnesses a tragic cycle of abuse at home and turns to writing as an escape. Through her storytelling, she finds the strength to express her pain and resilience while dreaming of a safer world. Her story also unveils her mother’s plight—a survivor of abuse who, due to a childhood disability, is unable to defend herself physically. This moving narrative amplifies the voices of those often unheard, encouraging audiences to stand in solidarity against violence.

The cast features a talented ensemble of Nigerian actors, with standout performances by Grace Daudu, Mbasity Jesse, Tolu Asanu, Franca Igwe, Lanzy Janpak, Hoomsuk Alex Jibrin, Austin Mangs, and Senenge Abela. Dr. Samira Buhari, Executive Producer and Chair of Daurama Foundation, shares that Voices Within embodies the Foundation’s commitment to empowering women and fostering communities that advocate against violence.

Daurama Foundation is a Nigerian non-governmental organisation focused on improving health outcomes and advocating for the rights of women and girls through education, outreach, and community engagement. Their work addresses critical issues affecting women’s and girls’ well-being, developing programs and resources that combat domestic violence and provide a pathway forward for survivors.

“The release of Voices Within marks an important milestone in our mission to not only raise awareness but also inspire action. We invite the public, stakeholders, and community members to attend this premiere, be moved by the story, and join us in saying ‘no more’ to gender-based violence,” said Dr. Samira Buhari. For those committed to creating a safer and more inclusive world, Voices Within is a call to action. These premiere promises to be a transformative event that unites communities in the fight against domestic violence and gender-based violence.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Daurama Foundation Premieres ‘Voices Within”

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EndBadGovernance: NHRC Condemns Arraignment of Minors for Treason by Police

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EndBadGovernance: NHRC Condemns Arraignment of Minors for Treason by Police

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned in its entirety the arraignment for treason of children and minors who allegedly participated in the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

The Commission in a statement at the weekend said it wishes to state that the arrest, detention and arraignment of these minors by the Nigerian Police on charges of treason and attempting to overthrow a legitimate government among other charges clearly contravenes a plethora of national, regional and international laws.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, who stated this in Abuja over the weekend noted that the action of the Nigeria Police has raised significant concerns among senior lawyers and legal experts, the human rights community, development partners, sister national human rights institutions and well meaning Nigerians as it is widely considered as an excessive and inappropriate use of State Institutions against Citizens and it is even worse when the victims are children and minors whose best interest were not considered at all in line with the law.

Ojukwu stressed the importance of ensuring that legal proceedings align with children’s rights as protected under the Nigeria’s Child’s Rights Act 2003, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA), and some regional and international legal frameworks, including the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

He noted that these frameworks emphasize that children should be treated differently and separated from adults within the justice system, focusing on their best interest, protection and rehabilitation rather than harsh punitive measures.

He added that unfortunately, the trial court that should know better than the police unleashed a draconian bail condition which almost all the children cannot meet, and adjourned the matter to Jan 2025, knowing fully well that these are children who have been detained since August 2024. Infact, the judge witnessed some of the children looking malnourished and unwell which calls to question the mental state of the judge when imposing such bail conditions on the children and minors for participating in a protest now turned treason.

Ojukwu explained that The NHRC’s criticism mainly centers on insensitivity of the prosecution and the court for the lack of humanity, accountability and impunity in the application of the law to the children , the severe nature of the charges, the draconian bail conditions and the potential for the psychological harm such impunity in actions might cause minors, bearing in mind that there are procedures for the treatment of the underaged, even when they come in conflict with the law. When treated in the way the prosecution and the court have done, our children could grow up with deep grudge against society, and unleash huge contempt on society in future.

He said: “We are therefore calling for immediate corrective action to ensure that children are not unfairly subjected to extreme inhumanity and slammed with charges like treason, which carry heavy penalties generally reserved for adult offenders accused of severe crimes against the state.”

According to his statement, the incident also points to broader systemic issues within Nigeria’s criminal and juvenile justice system and the need for reforms and enlightenment of police and the judiciary of the need to protect child rights in compliance with both national and international human rights standards.

Ojukwu commended the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi for intervening by instructing the police to forward the case files of these minors to his office for a review by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF).

He noted that this action by the Attorney General of the Federation is seen as a positive step towards ensuring a fair and careful evaluation of the charges levelled against the minors, providing an opportunity to reassess the appropriateness of the charges, the combination of adults and children in the same charges, the venue of trial of adults and children, the length of adjournment, the venue of the incarceration of the children, the onerous bail conditions, the health and nutrition of the children and a host of other considerations enumerated in the law concerning the treatment of Children when in conflict with the law. These considerations have been disregarded with impunity so far by both the police and the trial Judge therefore casting doubts as to whether the children can get fairness and justice from the current handlers within the police and court under the circumstances.

He added that the intervention of the AGF further underscores the importance of prosecutorial and judicial oversight, particularly in cases involving children for serious allegations like treason.

He noted that: “By involving the DPPF, the Attorney General’s office has demonstrated a commitment to upholding due process and the rights of children, who should be afforded protections and rehabilitation within the justice system.”

Ojukwu said the NHRC’s position is to use this opportunity to re-emphasize the right to peaceful protest during the End Bad Governance Protests and the need for a balanced approach to justice, ensuring that the legal rights of minors are protected and that any legal proceedings reflect the principles of fairness and child protection as outlined in Nigeria’s legal frameworks.

EndBadGovernance: NHRC Condemns Arraignment of Minors for Treason by Police

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