News
ActionAid Nigeria: Nigeria’s Grim Period, Not Over Yet, Poverty Will Soar
ActionAid Nigeria: Nigeria’s Grim Period, Not Over Yet, Poverty Will Soar
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has warned that the grim period is not yet over in the country, stating that poverty levels are projected to soar.
A statement signed by the Chair, Board of Directors, ActionAid Nigeria, Jummai Umar Ajijola at the weekend after a Review of the State of the Nation, said: “ActionAid Nigeria’s Board of Directors conducted a comprehensive review of the state of the nation during its 52nd meeting and highlighted critical issues affecting the Nation.
“The Board of Directors recognises that Nigeria is grappling with one of its most challenging periods in recent history. The period between December 2023 and March 2024 has been characterised by soaring inflation rates, fluctuating foreign exchange regime, escalating security challenges, electricity shutdown and power failures, and pervasive corruption in all tiers of government, culminating in a dire state of the economy and cost-of-living crisis. Nigeria’s current situation is seemingly grim and poverty levels are projected to soar.
It however recommended that: “The federal government must now take bold and decisive measures to combat the rampant inflation, particularly the soaring food prices, by swiftly implementing robust monetary and fiscal policies. It must also reevaluate subsidy policies on essential commodities like gasoline and electricity to mitigate the adverse impact on the cost of living and ensure equitable distribution of resources. Now is the time for a thorough review of budget allocations to ensure sufficient funding of critical sectors such as health, agriculture, security, and education, while minimising expenditures on debt servicing and expanding and strengthening social welfare programmes.
“Given the increase in the interest rate to 24.75% by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), we urge the Federal Government and CBN to take immediate action to mitigate the adverse effects of the increased interest rates on small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), particularly by providing alternative funding sources or financial support schemes for SMEs to access affordable loans.
“In the light of the alarming trend of mass kidnappings, particularly targeting students, internally displaced persons (IDPs), as well as ordinary citizens and health workers, with ransom demands reaching into the millions of naira, we demand that the federal and state governments allocate substantial resources and manpower to bolster security forces and intelligence capabilities. We urge security agencies to mobilise all available resources, enhance coordination between different levels of law enforcement, conduct thorough investigations to apprehend all individuals involved in kidnapping operations, and prioritise the safety and security of communities, schools, roads and IDP camps through increased surveillance and patrols.
“The Board of Directors strongly condemns the alarming allegations of budget padding and the mismanagement of public funds as reported within the Senate. The allegations of corrupt practices within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, involving the two immediate former Ministers, are also appalling. We enjoin all CSOs and Nigerians to join us in reminding and calling out lawmakers and public officers that the welfare and interest of the Nigerian populace supersede their personal agendas. Any endeavors aimed at circumventing this principle or diverting public funds for personal gains warrant prompt and resolute intervention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“While we applaud the recent anti-corruption efforts of the EFCC, we find the reported actions of some lawmakers and government appointees deeply concerning. Therefore, we ask that the EFCC and ICPC expedite their inquiries into these matters, ensuring that all individuals found culpable are held fully accountable under the law. The judiciary must also expedite legal proceedings and administer fair and impartial judgments in corruption cases and abuse of office without delay to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated in our society.”
The ActionAid Nigeria’s Board applauded the deliberate steps being taken by government to guarantee the independence of the judiciary with the appointment, confirmation and swearing in of 11 new justices of the Supreme Court, while praising the recent new salary structure put in place for judicial officers, with the hope that it would enhance the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
It also applauded the Federal Government for the recent appreciation of the Naira, noting that the significant appreciation of the Nigerian Naira against the US dollar reflects the success of collaborative efforts and strategic interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilize and strengthen our national currency, calling for the continued support and adherence to sound monetary policies, transparency, and accountability in the financial sector to sustain this progress.
It stated that the recurrent breakdowns of the national power grid, coupled with the recent approval by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to increase electricity tariffs for customers are unacceptable, noting that the elimination of electricity subsidies will significantly compound the hardships endured by ordinary Nigerians, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and investors, it demands that the Federal Government conduct comprehensive reforms within the energy sector to address the persistent challenges faced by Nigerians, thereby enhancing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution capacities to mitigate power shortages.
It said: “We are also demanding a thorough review of energy subsidy policies to ensure efficiency and equitable distribution of resources, taking into account the impact on low-income households and the broader economy.”
It however commended the readiness to implement the Orosanye report and white paper; but insisted that President Tinubu’s administration ensures it follows through with the implementation of the recommendations in the report and the white paper, stressing that: “This is particularly critical given the President’s overload with 47 Ministers and hundreds of aides, all benefiting from the nation’s resources. The Federal Government must demonstrate commitment to cutting down on executive profligacy and the people must be more proactive in holding their representatives in the National Assembly accountable for their financial recklessness.”
The Board of Directors condemned in strong terms the ambush and killing of 17 military personnel in Okouma, Delta state and ,demands swift and thorough action to bring the perpetrators of the ambush and murder to justice. It called on the Nigerian security forces to intensify their efforts in apprehending those responsible and ensure that they face the full weight of the law, but however stated that in doing this “we enjoin the military to operate within the ambits of the law and respect the rights of the people. Community leaders and residents are implored to assist in these efforts by providing any relevant information they may have and promote peace and dialogue within their communities.”
It urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to amplify their voices and advocate more for accountability, transparency, and social justice in response to the pressing issues in the nation.
ActionAid Nigeria: Nigeria’s Grim Period, Not Over Yet, Poverty Will Soar
News
KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe
KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has commended Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, for what it described as visionary leadership that has significantly improved job creation, food security, and overall wellbeing of citizens in the state.
In a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Mohammed Bello, the association said the desire of any society is to have a leader who prioritizes the welfare, security, and long-term prosperity of the people, noting that Governor Buni embodies such qualities.
KACRAN praised the governor’s humility and accessibility, describing him as a leader who maintains close contact with citizens to better understand their needs and challenges. According to the association, this people-oriented approach has contributed to sustained peace and unity in Yobe State.

Highlighting key achievements, the group noted that Buni’s administration has consistently invested heavily in agriculture by procuring and distributing farm inputs to farmers at subsidized rates. This, it said, has boosted food production and strengthened food security not only in Yobe but across neighboring states.
The association also lauded the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock, which it said has reinforced Yobe’s position as a leading livestock hub in Nigeria. It added that the construction of modern markets across major towns has further enhanced commercial activities within the state.
On human capital development, KACRAN pointed to the award of scholarships to thousands of students for studies within and outside Nigeria, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas.
The group further commended the governor for creating employment opportunities through recruitment into the civil service and various empowerment programmes targeting youths and women.
KACRAN also acknowledged the efforts of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), led by Mohammed Goje, in providing relief materials to internally displaced persons and vulnerable populations affected by insurgency, floods, and other disasters.
It noted that during the ongoing Ramadan, the state government has intensified food distribution initiatives, ensuring that thousands of households receive daily support as part of broader measures to cushion economic hardship.
While stressing the importance of proactive governance, KACRAN urged other state governments and the Federal Capital Territory to emulate Yobe’s approach to investing in agriculture, human development, and security in order to avert potential food crises and improve living standards nationwide.
The association concluded that sustained commitment to these priorities would promote peace, unity, and long-term stability across the country.
KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe
News
CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within
CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has raised fresh concerns over internal complicity in the protracted insurgency in the North-East, urging residents of Borno and Yobe to take ownership of the fight against terrorism.
Oluyede’s position, articulated after a high-level security meeting in Maiduguri, signals a strategic shift in emphasis from purely kinetic military operations to community-driven counterinsurgency, as Nigeria battles the enduring threat posed by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
The meeting, which lasted about four hours, brought together top military commanders, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and other top military officials.
At the heart of the CDS’s message is a troubling reality: the insurgency is being sustained, in part, by individuals that sometimes embedded within affected communities.
According to Oluyede, intelligence reports indicate that many of those responsible for attacks over the past 15 years originate from the same communities bearing the brunt of the violence.
This assertion reinforces long-standing concerns within security circles that local knowledge terrain familiarity, social networks, and community cover has continued to provide operational advantages to insurgents.
He cited a recent example in Kukawa, where troops discovered wounded terrorists hiding within the community during post-attack clearance operations, pointing to the challenge of distinguishing between civilians and collaborators.
The dynamics complicate military efforts, as insurgents exploit familial and social ties to evade detection, making intelligence gathering more difficult despite sustained offensives.
The CDS’s call for residents to “take ownership” reflects a recognition that military القوة alone cannot decisively end the insurgency without active civilian cooperation.
Oluyede’s remarks suggest a push to recalibrate this dynamic by encouraging residents to see the fight as a collective responsibility rather than solely a government burden.
The CDS also acknowledged the evolving tactics of insurgents, particularly the increasing use of drones and other technological in attacks.
Oluyede disclosed that the Nigerian military is adapting, including the deployment of advanced drone systems to enhance surveillance, targeting, and battlefield coordination.
CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within
News
FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership
FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s correctional system into a hub of rehabilitation, skills development, and national productivity through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
The pledge was highlighted at a stakeholders’ engagement on optimizing correctional farm centres, industries, and PPP opportunities, organized by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with civil society and development partners.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani stated that modern correctional facilities must focus not only on confinement but also on equipping inmates with practical skills for reintegration into society. “Correctional centres must evolve into institutions of transformation—where inmates are prepared to become productive members of society upon release,” she said.

Ajani emphasized the importance of PPPs in achieving this vision, describing them as critical tools for combining government oversight with private sector expertise, innovation, and investment. She added that correctional farm centres and industries could become centres of excellence in agriculture, agro-processing, and value-chain development, contributing to both inmate rehabilitation and national food security.
The Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, disclosed that the Service currently operates 18 farm centres and 10 cottage industries nationwide, spanning crop production, livestock, fisheries, and poultry.
He noted that collaboration with the private sector would boost productivity, introduce modern techniques, and create sustainable value chains.
Stakeholders, including representatives from government, civil society, development organisations, and the private sector, agreed on the need for actionable and scalable models to drive tangible impact.
On his part, the Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions Hon. Chinedu Ogah, called for greater accountability, innovation, and commitment in optimizing correctional farms, noting that agriculture remains a critical driver of economic growth and national security.
The engagement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s broader reform agenda, which prioritizes institutional strengthening, economic productivity, and sustainable development. Participants were urged to leverage partnerships that transform correctional facilities into engines of productivity, reduce recidivism, and enhance community safety.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that the success of correctional reform depends on collective action, sustained investment, and a shared commitment to building a humane and development-oriented correctional system.
FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
