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ActionAid Nigeria Calls on FG to Put Further Measures in Place to Reduce Course of Governance

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ActionAid Nigeria Calls on FG to Put Further Measures in Place to Reduce Course of Governance
… Applauds Tinubu’s Fiscal Responsibility Measures

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has asked the Federal Government to mandate all tiers of government, including the National Assembly and Ministries, to promote the use of virtual meetings and technology solutions for official engagements in other to reduce the cost of governance.

The non-governmental organisation (NGO) in a speech by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu on Thursday while commending President Bola Tinubu for recent reduction of traveling allowance to top government officials, said the President should go further to reduce cost of governance in the country.

He said: ‘‘President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of significant cost-cutting measures, particularly the reduction of official entourage on local and international travels is a commendable commitment to fiscal responsibility and aligns with the need for prudent management of public resources. Merely reducing expenses on travel is insufficient to bring about the meaningful changes that Nigerians aspire for.’’

He noted that: “There are additional measures that can enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the management of public funds, with the most crucial being the adoption of digital technology. The Federal Government is encouraged to mandate all tiers of government, including the National Assembly and Ministries, to promote the use of virtual meetings and technology solutions for official engagements, reducing the necessity for physical travel.

“In the spirit of cutting costs, President Tinubu should consider implementing an independent audit of government spending to identify areas of potential waste and inefficiency, ensuring a thorough and transparent review.”

The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria also advised ministries, departments, and agencies to explore partnerships with reputable organisations for knowledge sharing and capacity development on effective cost-cutting strategies and to foster public participation in decision-making processes related to government spending, ensuring that citizens have a say in resource allocation.

He said: “ActionAid Nigeria joins her voice with Nigerians to stress that it is imperative to have a well-rounded approach in cutting cost of governance. While reductions in official entourage and travel expenses are a step in the right direction, it is paramount to tackle other egregious areas of government expenditure.

“We demand an unambiguous stance on issues such as exorbitant senators’ salaries, the extravagant frequency of changing cars and houses, and excessive sitting allowances amongst others. We reiterate that this paradigm shift should not be confined to the federal level alone; the President must diligently ensure that it extends to both the Legislative and Judicial arms of the Government ensuring that they meticulously review their expenditures so that the cost cutting measures permeate every echelon of leadership. A forceful and transparent cost-cutting strategy across all facets of governance is the resolute expectation of the Nigerian populace, reflecting a true commitment to fiscal responsibility.”

ActionAid Nigeria Calls on FG to Put Further Measures in Place to Reduce Course of Governance

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.

In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.

He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”

The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.

He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.

Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.

“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.

He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.

“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”

No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.

Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.

He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.

According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.

The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.

He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.

He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.

The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.

Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.

Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.

The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.

According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.

They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.

The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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