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ActionAid Blames Government for Economic Woes

ActionAid Blames Government for Economic Woes
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has commended the government for exempting small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers from withholding tax, a move that acknowledges the critical role of local industries and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth and development.
The ActionAid in a statement on Wednesday while acknowledging the beauty of government’s move, sound a clarion call on the looming hunger crisis and pervasive insecurity in Nigeria and said the government should be held accountable for its inaction.
The statement read: “The continuous interest rate hike by the Central Bank of Nigeria, aimed at curbing inflation, has unfortunately not yielded the desired results. While the hikes were intended to reduce inflation, prices continue to soar, leaving many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
“Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of the Dangote Group, has warned that the interest rate hike will have devastating consequences for businesses, making it nearly impossible for them to survive. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has echoed Dangote’s concerns, calling for policies that support local industries. This highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the tax regime to ensure it is fair, equitable, and supportive of local industries.
“ActionAid Nigeria believes that the focus on interest rates alone is misplaced and that the root cause of inflation lies in the production sector. To truly tackle inflation, ActionAid Nigeria urges the government to prioritize production and address the obstacles facing small business owners and farmers, including insecurity and lack of access to credit.
“ActionAid Nigeria also calls for grants and low-interest loans for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to be able to expand and thrive in this economy, as it is the biggest way to tackle poverty. They are the backbone of our economy and supporting them is crucial to addressing the hunger crisis and promoting economic growth. ActionAid Nigeria demands that the government take immediate action to address the pervasive insecurity, including investing in community-led peacebuilding initiatives and providing support to victims of violence. Moreover, small business owners and farmers need access to credit to expand their operations and increase production. We urge the government to implement policies that provide affordable credit to SMEs and support sustainable agriculture practices.”
ActionAid Nigeria demanded that the government expand the tax brackets for multinationals and big companies, as well as reduce tax holidays for them, insisting that: “The government needs to revisit the tax policies that have allowed multinationals to exploit our resources while paying minimal taxes. This is unacceptable and perpetuates inequality. The nation needs a fair and progressive tax system that ensures everyone contributes their fair share.
“In addition, ActionAid Nigeria is deeply concerned about the impact of insecurity on smallholder women farmers, who are critical to Nigeria’s food security. A recent survey conducted by ActionAid Nigeria across the country revealed that 73% of smallholder women farmers affirmed that insecurity has affected their food production, with many reporting loss of crops, livestock, and farming equipment due to violent attacks.
“This is unacceptable and demands immediate attention from the government.
Furthermore, tackling food insecurity is crucial to addressing the hunger crisis, and ActionAid Nigeria calls on the government to invest in agriculture and support small-scale farmers to increase food production and availability. Moreover, addressing poverty and inequality is critical, and ActionAid Nigeria demands investments in social protection programs and progressive taxation to ensure all Nigerians have access to the resources they need to thrive.
In conclusion, while ActionAid Nigeria commends the government for the withholding tax exemptions, it urges the government to take bold and immediate action to address the looming hunger crisis, pervasive insecurity, and obstacles to production.”
The statement added that: “ActionAid Nigeria will continue to push for policies and actions that prioritize the needs of the people, not just the interests of the few. The future of our country and its people is at stake, and we must act now.”
ActionAid Blames Government for Economic Woes
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Gumi warns against provoking terrorists amid peace talks

Gumi warns against provoking terrorists amid peace talks
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has cautioned against provoking armed groups in Katsina State after a peace deal was struck between terrorists and residents of Faskari Local Government Area.
The comments come amid recent peace meeting held on Sunday in Faskari between residents, local traditional leaders, and a wanted bandit kingpin, Ado Alero, alongside dozens of armed herders.
Recall that a notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, earlier declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, had reportedly accepted a peace deal in Katsina State.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, in a post on his X handle on Sunday disclosed that Garwa turned up in Hayin Gada community, Faskari Local Government Area, presenting himself as an advocate of dialogue.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Gumi warned that any attempt to attack the armed groups could reignite violence in the state.
“Some people who don’t want peace, will provoke them again by attacking them. It’s very important to educate them that they are used by capitalising on their ignorance and zeal to vengeance,” Gumi wrote.
Gumi warns against provoking terrorists amid peace talks
News
Police launch manhunt for man who stabbed woman to death in Yobe

Police launch manhunt for man who stabbed woman to death in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Yobe has launched a manhunt for one Bello Manu of Chirawa village in Bade Local Government Area, who allegedly stabbed a woman to death on suspicion of witchcraft.
Sources said that on Sept. 13 at about 1520hrs, the police received a report from one resident of Chirawa village that Manu accused one Aisha Umaru, aged 40, of bewitching his son.
“Based on the suspicion, the suspect used a knife to stab the woman on the chest, inflicting severe injuries.
“The victim was rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Gashua, where a medical doctor confirmed her dead. After an autopsy, the corpse was released to her parents for burial,”said the sources.
The sources further disclosed that the suspect fled immediately after committing the crime, adding that police operatives had intensified efforts to track him down and ensure he faced justice.
The security sources urged members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands, and to promptly report suspicions or grievances to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation.
Police launch manhunt for man who stabbed woman to death in Yobe
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Bandits ambush NSCDC personnel in katsina, kill one

Bandits ambush NSCDC personnel in katsina, kill one
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed bandits ambushed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) along Yantumaki–Danmusa road on Friday.
The incident occurred at Dafa village at about 5 p.m., leaving one officer, CCA Adamu Abdullah, 37, dead.
Four other NSCDC personnel sustained injuries in the attack. They include DSC Abdullah Usman, 40, ASC Dikko Sabiu, 42, ASC Haruna Bello, 35, and CCA Kabir Dalhatu, 29.
Sources said the victims were attached to Operation Sharan Daji and were on transit when the bandits struck.
On receiving the report, security personnel from Danmusa mobilised patrol teams to the scene. The injured officers were evacuated to General Hospital, Dutsinma, for treatment, while their Hilux vehicle was recovered.
Bandits ambush NSCDC personnel in katsina, kill one
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