National News
ActionAid Nigeria Demands Full Remittance of Fuel Subsidy Gains to Federation Account Amid Rising Poverty and Fiscal Crisis

ActionAid Nigeria Demands Full Remittance of Fuel Subsidy Gains to Federation Account Amid Rising Poverty and Fiscal Crisis
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has expressed deep concern over the delay and partial remittance of fuel subsidy removal gains by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
This followed revelations contained in the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update (NDU) titled “Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth, AAN lamented that: “Despite the full removal of petrol subsidies as of October 2024, NNPCL only began transferring revenues to the Federation Account in January 2025 and has, since then, remitted only 50% of the gains.”
AAN in a statement by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu decried that the withholding of critical national revenue amid worsening economic hardship is unacceptable, noting that the World Bank estimates that these gains should amount to roughly 2.6% of Nigeria’s GDP in 2024 – approximately ₦10 trillion.
AAN stated that withholding half of this revenue from the Federation Account directly undermines the constitutional revenue-sharing framework and denies both the federal and subnational governments vital resources needed to provide basic public services and reduce poverty.
Mamedu said: “At a time when inflation remains high, the cost-of-living crisis has intensified, and over 104 million Nigerians are already living in multidimensional poverty, it is unconscionable that the full benefits of subsidy reform have not been transparently and equitably applied for national development,” warning that unless this fiscal opacity is urgently addressed, the reforms intended to stabilise the economy will only deepen inequality and exclusion.
He said: “We note the World Bank’s commendation of Nigeria’s macroeconomic reforms – including exchange rate unification and tighter monetary policies – but assert that economic stability without inclusive governance and justice for the poor is unsustainable.”
Mamedu said: “Today, ActionAid Nigeria calls for the following urgent actions:
“The President, in his capacity as Minister of Petroleum Resources, must direct the NNPCL to immediately remit the full revenue gains from fuel subsidy removal into the Federation Account, in compliance with the 1999 Constitution and the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. Partial remittance is a violation of constitutional principles and endangers public finance transparency.
“The Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General must ensure full transparency in the management and distribution of subsidy savings.A publicly accessible breakdown of allocations and expenditure must be published quarterly to ensure accountability and prevent fiscal leakages.
“The National Assembly must exercise its oversight function by summoning NNPCL leadership for a public hearing and conducting a comprehensive review of arrears, subsidy payments, and remittances.This must be followed by legislative action to prevent recurrence.
“The government must prioritise channelling these revenues toward pro-poor investments – including expanding the national social protection register, improving access to affordable public transport, and supporting local food systems. Without deliberate intervention, the poorest Nigerians will continue to shoulder the cost of reforms they cannot afford.
“The forensic audit of NNPCL, as announced by the Minister of Finance, must be independent, time-bound, and made public upon completion. Nigerians have a right to know how public resources are being managed.
“The Fiscal Responsibility Commission must assert its role in monitoring and reporting breaches of fiscal transparency and revenue remittance. Fuel subsidy savings cannot become another opaque stream of public wealth lost to institutional inefficiency.
“State governments must demand their fair share of the subsidy savings and demonstrate corresponding increases in public investment in education, health, infrastructure, and social welfare. They must also be prepared to sue NNPCL, if full remittances are not made. Furthermore, states must uphold transparency and be accountable in the use of their allocations, ensuring that every naira is directed towards pro-poor programming that delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
“Citizens must actively monitor and track the use of these resources. We urge the public, civil society organisations, community leaders, and the media to hold both federal and state governments accountable. Collective vigilance and civic engagement are essential to prevent corruption and ensure that the gains from subsidy removal translate into improved living conditions for all Nigerians.”
Mamedu reminded all stakeholders that inclusive economic growth cannot be achieved through macroeconomic reforms alone. Nigeria’s aspiration for a $1 trillion economy by 2030 will remain out of reach if fiscal governance continues to neglect the poorest and most vulnerable, insisting that:
“The full and timely transfer of subsidy removal gains is not just a matter of economic reform – it is a test of political will, public trust, and national accountability.”
ActionAid Nigeria Demands Full Remittance of Fuel Subsidy Gains to Federation Account Amid Rising Poverty and Fiscal Crisis
National News
Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them

Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians in Diaspora of his administration’s determination to continue to provide the enabling environment and policies that will boost their active participation in the country’s governance.
Tinubu gave the assurance at the opening of the National Diaspora Day celebrations 2025 at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This year’s celebration is themed: “Optimizing formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and growth”.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said: “We will continue to provide an enabling platform for effective policies for the Diaspora with the view to galvanizing your support for this administration and concretizing our democracy, optimizing your potentials and setting a good example for other African countries to emulate.
“Let me also state that we will look into the Challenges NiDCOM has enumerated with a view to ameliorating same so that we can harvest maximally the benefits of migration through the engagements with our Diaspora for national development and growth.”
He added that: “It is a great delight to address our over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora on this auspicious occasion of the celebration of our National Diaspora Day 2025.”
“Only Nigerians both at home and abroad can develop Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.
The President highlighted the contributions of the diaspora, which include increasing remittances, pointing out that in 2024 alone, “Nigerians abroad sent home $20.9 billion through official channels—more than four times the value of the country’s foreign direct investment.
He said: “The Nigerians in the diaspora are also actively investing in our health care, agriculture, education, information, communication technology, housing and real estate, sports, transportation, oil and gas, and other sectors.
“This, I must say, is commendable and in our enlightened self-interest.”
The President stressed how highly the government rates the Nigerians in diaspora, saying “Our renewed hope for foreign policy recognises the diaspora as the fourth pillar for the agenda—namely democracy, demography, development, and diaspora.
In his goodwill message, the minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said:
“When you go to any part of the world, maybe in Asia, Africa, South America, you will see Nigerians excelling. Nigerians breaking barriers. Nigerians breaking ceilings. And Nigerians using ceilings as springboards to greatness.”
The Minister highlighted the economic potential of diaspora remittances—comparing Nigeria’s $21bn in 2024 remittances to $32.91bn in oil earnings and India’s $135.46bn diaspora inflows.
He said: “What does that tell you? It tells you that the power of economic emancipation, a lot of this resides within you, beyond your own imagination,” he said.
The minister also explained that the administration is laying the foundation for long-term national prosperity—even if short-term sacrifices are required.
“You cannot cure a tumor by virtue of a paracetamol. It is important that the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President came into being. And today, we can see the results. We can see the economic stability of this country,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo also spoke on the reforms in his ministry which include immigration and the protection of critical national infrastructure.
He therefore called on the diaspora community to trust in the country’s direction under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“Nigeria has never been ready for investment more than now. We are ready for investment.
“I assure you, under the leadership of this President, you will never regret your investment. Nigeria loves you. Nigeria cares about you. And this particular administration cares about you,” he said.
Earlier, in her remark, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said “The theme is apt to appreciate the efforts of both the government and the diaspora community in nation building and also to discuss how to make diaspora engagements better for national development.”
She emphasised the role of Nigerians in diaspora in the country’s development.
Dabiri-Erewa announced a proposed Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme. The initiative would allow professionals in the diaspora to take part in six-month sabbaticals in Nigeria, aimed at promoting knowledge transfer and innovation across sectors.
“It will strengthen their role in nation-building and serve as a knowledge-driven giveback to the fatherland,” she added.
Highlights of the event was the unveiling of a new Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing Platform, aimed at providing secure housing opportunities for diaspora Nigerians seeking to invest back home.
Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them
National News
Nasarawa: Security operatives arrest six over kidnapping, rape and robbery in Doma

Nasarawa: Security operatives arrest six over kidnapping, rape and robbery in Doma
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Nasarawa State have arrested six suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang responsible for a series of violent crimes in Yelwa Ediya village, Doma Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Darda’u Shehu, Yunusa Malami Hashimu, Musa Abubakar, Ibrahim Musa, Mohammed Musa, and Jibrin Lafia, were apprehended during a coordinated raid based on actionable intelligence from a concerned resident.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping of a local councillor, Hon. Ari Muhammad, on May 26, 2025. They further disclosed that one of their members, Darda’u Shehu, raped the councillor’s wife, Talatu Ari, during the abduction and stole two mobile phones an Infinix Note 30 valued at ₦250,000 and a Tecno phone valued at ₦20,000.
The gang also confessed to mounting a roadblock along the Doma–Yelwa Road on July 19, where they attacked one Ibrahim Haruna and snatched his Bajaj motorcycle worth ₦970,000.
Recovered from the suspects were ₦100,000 in cash and one Bajaj motorcycle believed to have been taken from one of their victims.
The suspects also named their gang leaders as Bammi Alhaji Amme (alias Zomo) and one Lawali (surname unknown), who are currently on the run.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang and bring them to justice.
End
National News
Police reunite two lost Beninese children with father in Lagos

Police reunite two lost Beninese children with father in Lagos
By: Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has reunited two young girls from the Republic of Benin with their father after they were found wandering around the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.
The children, identified as Mutiat Fatai, aged 10, and Mobubat Fatai, aged 5, were spotted by concerned traders roaming the BBA Market area of the complex on July 18. Both girls, described as black in complexion and Yoruba-speaking, could not provide any clear information about their whereabouts or destination.
Following a report, police operatives from the area promptly responded and took the children into protective custody at the station.
Four days later, on July 22, one Fatai Yayah, a resident of Isobe Lagbolugo, Ifonyin in the Republic of Benin, visited the station and positively identified the girls as his daughters. After proper verification, the children were reunited with him.
The Police said the swift action by the officers helped ensure the children’s safety, and they commended members of the public for their vigilance.
Police reunite two lost Beninese children with father in Lagos
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