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
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
By: Michael Mike
In a decisive step to reverse land degradation, 39 land restoration projects led by grassroots organisations have been awarded USD 395,000 through the inaugural Small Grants Programme of the G20 Global Land Initiative (GLI), a flagship initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Drawn from 22 countries, the winning projects were selected for their innovation, impact and sustainability. Over 650 organisations from more than 100 countries applied for the award. The winners were selected following three rounds of review by separate UNCCD staff teams, with varied expertise in land management and restoration.
Awardees will receive between US$5,000 and US$15,000 to fund grassroots efforts that boost local economies, improve food and water security and strengthen ecosystem resilience.
The announcement was livestreamed at an event showcasing the grant winners.
The Small Grants Programme is an important tool for achieving the G20 GLI’s mission of reducing degraded land by 50 percent by 2040.
Speaking during the award ceremony, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative,Dr. Muralee Thummarukudy, said: “We are aware that these big numbers, cannot be achieved by small initiatives alone. Yet, we feel, it is important that tens of thousands of small actors, engaged in land restoration around the world, be supported, promoted and recognized,”
Special priority was given to organisations accredited to UNCCD and to projects empowering Indigenous Peoples, youth, women and the elderly.
The programme was set up in 2024 to support community-level non-profit organisations worldwide. According to a statement, by directly supporting civil society and grassroot actors, these grants will generate measurable progress across global aided restoration priorities, such as soil fertility enhancement, forest regeneration, sustainable agriculture, agroecology and ecosystem-based adaptation.
The statement added that beyond reclaiming land, the projects are enhancing livelihoods, strengthening community climate resilience, and fostering social enterprise and eco-preneurship.
“When we do these small grants program, it is not just about the grant. It’s about the network which we create and the visibility it provides — both for those within it and those outside who can benefit from their knowledge and experience,” Thummarukudy added.
Three of the highest-scoring projects were showcased at the UNCCD Conference of the Parties held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024, to highlight their potential for scaling and replication across regions.
The statement also revealed that winners will also be showcased at select high-level events in the future, stating that the G20 GLI is committed to inclusive and continuous engagement, and is exploring future
collaboration opportunities for the applicants not selected in this round.
Stressing that “this is just the beginning, this will be an annual process, the next cohort is about to start,” Dr Thummarukudy invited community organisations doing land restoration to apply to join the network because both “big and small” [efforts] are important.
He noted that the second call for applications will open in 2025 with increased funding and expanded
support for grassroots restoration efforts worldwide.
Innovative community-led restoration initiatives are essential for creating green jobs, especially for youth and women..The awards provide support that can transform restoration into a catalyst for economic opportunity and sustainable environmental management.
Examples of selected 2024 grantees include: Legacy of War Foundation (Rwanda), which will restore six hectares of degraded soil while empowering 90 women as landowners of fully organic cooperative farms. By integrating climate-smart and artisanal farming methods, the project aims to improve soil fertility and agricultural resilience in post-conflict rural communities.
Up2Green Foundation (India) is restoring mangroves and riverbanks in Tamil Nadu, India. The project is reforesting 60 hectares and planting 15,000 fruit trees, enhancing biodiversity, strengthening coastal resilience for flood prevention, and training local communities in sustainable agroforestry practices.
Sustainability and Environmental Studies Endeavor (Nepal) is working to restore
ecological balance along the mythological Nagaraj Trail. By revitalizing degraded farms, wetlands and forests using nature-based solutions, the project promotes nature-inclusive agriculture and convivial conservation approaches.
The G20 Global Land Initiative was launched in 2020 under the Saudi G20 Presidency. Hosted by the UNCCD, its ambition is to reduce degraded land by 50 percent by 2040. By showcasing
land restoration, empowering civil society, engaging the private sector and building capacity, G20 GLI is driving restoration to scale and energizing a restoration economy. The Small Grants Programme is a key component of this vision, empowering civil society to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable land management at scale.
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
National News
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
By: Michael Mike
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep grief over the passing of prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, saying the nation has lost an irreplaceable institution.
The late Dantata, an uncle of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, passed away at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Saturday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, his Personal Private Secretary (PPS), who confirmed the death.
In a condolence message, Vice President Shettima praised the late businessman for his lifetime of service, describing him as “a living bridge that connected us to our past.
“We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an irreplaceable institution,” Senator Shettima said, describing Dantata as “one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s philosophical history” whose departure marks the end of a vital chapter in the country’s economic and democratic evolution.
“In African tradition, when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. He was indeed among the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to our past,” VP Shettima added.
The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, expressing hopes that they would “find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” even as he prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.
Born into the legendary Dantata family of Kano, Alhaji Aminu built on his father’s commercial legacy to become one of Nigeria’s most influential business figures. His empire spans construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and the oil and gas sectors.
Beyond business, Dantata was renowned for his extensive philanthropic work, funding schools, mosques, health centres, and supporting widows and the underprivileged across Nigeria.
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
National News
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
By: Michael Mike
The Senior Officials Meeting between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.
A statement on Saturday by the Press Officer, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Modestus Chukwulaka, read: “The Delegation of European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS wishes to inform that the Senior Officials Meeting between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja.
“The agenda of the very important meeting is to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.”
According to the statement, the Senior Officials Meeting will be co-chaired by the Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director, and the Deputy Managing Director for Africa Department, European External Action Service, European Union, Mr Mathieu Briens.
The statement revealed that the agenda of the meeting is expected to entail wide-ranging discussions that would focus on various aspects of the Nigeria – EU partnership, such as: Cooperation on multilateral and regional issues; Peace, Security and Governance; Humanitarian situation; Trade and Investment; Human Development: Health, Education, Social Protection; Science, technology, innovation and digital transition; Migration; Energy, climate change and green economy transition among others.
Nigeria and the European Union share a deep, long-standing partnership inspired by mutual values and interests as well as support for multilateralism and rule-based international order, the statement said.
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
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