National News
ActionAid Nigeria Says Relentless Fuel Price Hikes Have become A Ticking Time Bomb for Poor and Vulnerable Nigerians
ActionAid Nigeria Says Relentless Fuel Price Hikes Have become A Ticking Time Bomb for Poor and Vulnerable Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has cried that the persistent increases in fuel prices have brought Nigerians to their knees, and worsening the already dire situations of poverty and hunger in the country, raising the alarm that as Nigerians continue to eke a living with the present situation of things in the country there may be increase in kidnapping, armed robberies, and other violent crimes,
Speaking in Abuja, ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu lamented that the latest series of increases has made life unbearable for struggling families, small business owners, and vulnerable communities who are barely managing to make a living.
He said: “We foresee that this economic hardship and hopelessness may likely create a fertile ground for crimes to thrive, with kidnapping, armed robberies, and other violent crimes, especially during the festive season. Transportation costs have also more than doubled, and food has become a luxury that many cannot afford. As it stands, Nigeria’s healthcare system is also affected, with recent reports indicating that at least 50% of private hospitals have been forced to shut down, while those that remain are barely surviving due to high operating costs. This has devastating consequences for Nigerians, leaving many without access to proper healthcare services. The government’s inadequacies in providing pro-poor policies have created an economic and social crisis that threatens all spheres of our society.’’
Mamedu also lamented that despite a recent drop in global crude oil prices, fuel prices in Nigeria continue to soar due to the naira’s persistent decline against the US dollar.
He also reiterated that within less than a year, the price of crude oil has reduced from $80.36 in August 2024 for a barrel to $74.05 in October 2024. However, Nigerian consumers are not benefiting from this decline due to the country’s volatile currency exchange rates
ActionAid Nigeria questions the Federal Government’s decision to refrain from purchasing petrol from Dangote Refinery, noting that: “In a free-market economy, consumers naturally gravitate toward the most affordable option. So, is Dangote Refinery’s fuel truly not cheaper? If so, why? Or are there underlying policies or regulatory factors in Nigeria that inflate the cost of this petrol, making imports more favourable?”
Mamedu further decried that Nigeria’s ranking in the 2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance has dropped to 33rd out of 54 African countries, highlighting the corrosive impact of corruption and poor governance on the country’s development, “with alarming scores in inclusion (47%), equality (43%), and infrastructure (41%), the report underscores the urgent need for institutional reforms. The entrenched corruption and weak institutions perpetuate poverty, affecting 62.8% of Nigerians, while hindering economic growth and undermining national progress.”
He noted that: “To break this cycle, Nigeria must prioritise transparency, invest in critical infrastructure, and implement social protection policies to address disparities in healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, ultimately unlocking its potential for inclusive growth and development.”
The Country Director said: “The nation is witnessing unprecedented levels of poverty, inequality, and hardship. The slow and inadequate response of the Nigerian Labour Union and civil society is also concerning. The situation in Nigeria right now is multidimensional, and to address the worsening economic situation, ActionAid Nigeria demands that the federal government makes fuel prices affordable for Nigerians, improves transparency and accountability in the oil sector, and better manages the exchange rate to stabilize fuel costs. We cannot afford to continually endure the Federal Government’s lack of pro-poor actions. The government must take concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and ensure that the country’s resources benefit its citizens.”
ActionAid Nigeria is a national non-governmental, non-partisan, non-religious, civil society organisation, and an affiliate member of the ActionAid International Federation with presence in 45 countries. It works in solidarity with people living in poverty and exclusion to achieve social justice, gender equality and poverty eradication towards achieving a just, equitable and sustainable world in which every person enjoys the right to a life of dignity, freedom from poverty and all forms of oppression.
ActionAid Nigeria Says Relentless Fuel Price Hikes Have become A Ticking Time Bomb for Poor and Vulnerable Nigerians
National News
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
By: Michael Mike
The House of Representative committee on Public Petitions has commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi for numerous achievements made by the NSCDC in ensuring a crime-free mining environment.
The lawmakers expressed their delight in the operational plan of the NSCDC Mining Marshals and the relentless onslaught against economic saboteurs within the mining sector.
“We are impressed with the Mining Marshals’effort to salvage the nation from the hands of thieves and infiltrators”.
While charging the Corps to keep up the good work, the House Committee further requested the Marshals to provide the activity schedule of operations within four weeks.
Representing the NSCDC Commandant General; the Mining Marshals Commander; ACC John Onoja Attah made the presentation and assured the committee of a thorough judicial process and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the every case is prosecuted diligently and justly at the closure of a thorough investigation.
ACC Attah hinted that the Corps under the Audi led administration had reinvigorated and repositioned the NSCDC to prosecute it’s statutory mandates with due diligence and loyalty.
He said there are no daunting challenges that could outweigh the deliberate commitment made by the Corps to ensure sanctity within the Mining industry.
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
NIMC: Modify Your Data on Our Portal or Risk Identity Theft
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned against modification of data on the National Identification Number (NIN) from source other than the official NIMC self-service portal, stating that doing this make someone open to identity threat.
A statement on Monday by the Commission’s Head, Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke read:
“The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) wishes to state that in order to ensure the security and integrity of your National Identification Number (NIN) data, modifications can only be done on the official NIMC self-service portal:
Selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng
“Do not attempt to modify your NIN data on any unauthorized websites,as this may compromise your personal information and put you at risk of identity theft.
“By using the official NIMC self-service portal, you can be rest assured that your data is secure and protected. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of updating your information from anywhere, at any time.
So,remember:for all your NIN modification needs,click on
Selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng.
For further information and inquiries, kindly visit the NIMC website at www.nimc.gov.ng
or send a mail to nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng or call the customer care line on 070022556462
“Your security and peace of mind are worth it!
NIMC: Modify Your Data on Our Portal or Risk Identity Theft
IWD: ‘India has highest number of female pilots worldwide. Says Envoy
By: Michael Mike
The Acting India High Commissioner, Ms Vartika Rawat has said that India’s support for women’s empowerment in Nigeria has opened opportunities for women in the country, saying India now has the highest number of female pilots in the world.
She disclosed this while delivering her welcome speech at an event to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) which took place at the Indian High Commission in Abuja on Saturday.
She said: “India has the largest number of female pilots in the world. Of the total 11,775 pilots, 1,767 are female, accounting for approximately 15% of the workforce in this rigorous industry. This share exceeds the international average of 5 to 6 per cent”, the envoy said.
She also said women constitute around 36 per cent of India’s IT workforce.
Recalling the efforts made by women to defeat COVID-19 in 2020, Rawat said: “More than 6 million female frontline workers led the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in India.
“Indian women scientists have shown their strength and determination in developing a COVID vaccine within the shortest possible time. Indian women scientists, again, have been instrumental for the success of India’s mission to the Mars and the moon.
“There are over 1.45 million or 46 per cent women elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions against mandatory representation of 33 per cent.”
She said Indian push for women empowerment focuses on enhancing women’s social, economic and political status, to ensure equality and dignity in society, adding that the government’s efforts included promoting education, healthcare and economic independence, alongside laws addressing gender-based Violence, workplace discrimination and inequality.
IWD: ‘India has highest number of female pilots worldwide. Says Envoy
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LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
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