National News
Corruption: ActionAid Says Transparency International Ranking Shows Nigeria’s Deplorable Anti-Corruption War

Corruption: ActionAid Says Transparency International Ranking Shows Nigeria’s Deplorable Anti-Corruption War
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the pervasive corruption in the country, insisting that Nigeria’s current ranking on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) underscores a deplorable performance by the Nigerian government in its anti-corruption endeavours.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday in the wake of the damning revelations from the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International on the Thursday, ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said the report has exposed the harsh reality of the anti-corruption war in Nigeria.
He said: “The Transparency International report is an unequivocal indictment on the Nigerian Government and the collective conscience of Nigerians, especially public office holders. The persistent corruption scores, fluctuating between 25 and 28 out of 100 from 2012 to 2016, and continuing a downward spiral through 2022, underscore a deplorable performance by the Nigerian government in its anti-corruption endeavours.
“The report further highlights what Civil Society Organisations and fellow Nigerians have long been decrying – the anti-corruption endeavours of the Nigerian Government, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are nothing short of a grotesque mockery of the citizens’ intelligence. In stark contrast, Denmark, with its consistent top ranking as one of the least corrupt nations, serves as a stark reminder of the stark disparity in the global fight against corruption.’’
He added that: “The report which shows a stark revelation of the interconnection between corruption, conflict, and the deterioration of global peace over the past 15 years, is a damning testament. ActionAid Nigeria, therefore, calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all state Governors, being the state executives, to prioritise simultaneous anti-corruption measures and peacebuilding initiatives. They must work with the judiciary to exhibit unyielding determination by expediting legal proceedings, ensuring the swift and impartial adjudication of corruption cases, and adopting a zero-tolerance stance against corruption within its ranks.”
Mamedu said: “President Tinubu must put in place immediately, stringent judicial reforms to eliminate systemic delays, address pervasive bottlenecks, and fortify the justice system’s overall efficacy. Judges and legal professionals must be held to the utmost standards of integrity, and any hint of compromise in the pursuit of justice must be met with severe consequences,” insisting that: “The judiciary’s unequivocal commitment to eradicating corruption is non-negotiable, and resolute actions are indispensable to restore public trust and convey an unwavering message that corruption will face the full and unrelenting force of the law. “
Mamedu further stated that: “The federal and state governments must be reminded that corruption in Nigeria poses detrimental effects on various fronts. Foreign investors, crucial for economic growth, may be deterred from investing in the country due to the perceived risks associated with corrupt practices. This hindrance will impede economic development, ease of doing business and job creation, thereby exacerbating the country’s socio-economic challenges. Additionally, corruption contributes to inflation and insecurity by diverting funds meant for public welfare into private pockets, further burdening citizens – as already demonstrated in our reality. It is quite appalling that it is because of these same corrupt practices by selfish interests that the social investment programmes have been suspended.”
He said: “ActionAid Nigeria is watching and waiting for the Federal Government to mete out commensurate legal force on the corrupt, self-seeking elements in other ministries like the Ministry of Finance, Health, and other MDAs in order to restore public trust and, ultimately, the nation’s economic image.”
He noted that: “The battle against corruption demands unequivocal leadership from the Presidency and the State Governors, and Nigerians are vigilantly observing to ascertain whether they will undertake the necessary and resolute actions imperative for the nation during these challenging times.
“ActionAid Nigeria stands in solidarity with Transparency International’s efforts to combat corruption and looks forward to collaborative initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of poverty and promoting a culture of integrity.”
Corruption: ActionAid Says Transparency International Ranking Shows Nigeria’s Deplorable Anti-Corruption War
National News
Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery

Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery
By: Michael Mike
In a significant move to bolster public service efficiency, Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has formalized performance contracts with heads of agencies under the Ministry of Interior. This initiative aims to strengthen institutional legacy and ensure measurable improvements in service delivery.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday at the conclusion of the 2025 retreat of the Ministry of Interior, the minister highlighted the event, which also featured the signing of performance contracts by all board members.
He said: “This initiative is about the effect on Nigerians and on Nigeria as a whole.”
Tunji-Ojo during the signing ceremony, said: “Our Ministry signed a performance contract with Mr. President last year, and after executing that for a year, it is time to extend this level of accountability to each agency.”
The performance contracts, which include measurable timelines for delivery, are designed to improve services to Nigerians and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he noted.
The Minister also emphasized that this exercise is not merely symbolic but is intended to have a meaningful impact on Nigeria’s security landscape.
Challenging common stereotypes, Tunji-Ojo commended the ministry’s staff for their commitment and hard work. He said: “Some people often say civil servants are ‘evil servants.’ Personally, I do not share that view. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best people God has created here in the Ministry of Interior.”
The Minister paid tribute to M.T. Umar, who retired after 35 years of service, describing him as central to Nigeria’s passport reforms. “The story of our passport revolution cannot be told without his name,”
He further stated that retirement does not depriving your nation of your knowledge, your character, or your service.
He urged staff to emulate Umar’s loyalty and integrity, stressing that “talent and brilliance are important, but it is loyalty and integrity that sustain a career.”
Addressing the agencies under the ministry the Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, NCoS, FFS, and NIMC the minister commended their achievements but called for greater efforts in immigration reforms, protection of critical assets, correctional transformation, emergency response, and data security.
He said: “Our task is to ensure Nigerians feel our impact in their daily lives through safer communities, efficient services, and systems that inspire trust,” while further reminding the agencies that their collective output contributes directly to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Meanwhile, heads of key agencies pledged to scale up performance following the retreat.
Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, said the exercise offered a chance to review past achievements and correct lapses. “From the contracts we signed last year, we have fared very well. But of course, there are areas for correction, and that is the essence of this retreat,” he said.
Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, described the retreat as timely. “Sometimes when you are busy trying to improve performance, you need to take time to measure yourself. By the first part of next year, we should be able to appraise our progress,” he said.
For his part, Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode, said the exercise was an “eye-opener” for his agency. “By the next retreat, there will be positive impact, and Nigerians will know there is a new fire service in place,” he assured.
Olumode stressed that the performance contracts were a pledge of accountability. “It’s all about signing a bond to let the Nigerian public know it’s not business as usual. We must strengthen mechanisms that make us perform and give real value to our jobs.”
Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery
National News
Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects

Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested two suspects in connection with the crime in Kachia Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the incident followed a report by one Williams Ayuba of Azara village, who disclosed that his wife, Theresa Williams, was abducted while working on their farm at Bishini village on Aug. 27.
Zagazola learnt that the operatives from Katari Division, in collaboration with sister security agencies, launched a search operation in the surrounding forests.
Sources added that on Aug. 29, acting on credible information, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Jere mobilised a rescue team which successfully rescued the victim unhurt.
The sources saod two suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi, of Nasarawa Toto, and Kabiru Abdullahi, of Mallam Tanko village, were arrested.
“The suspects have confessed to the crime and provided useful information to the police. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang,” it added.
The victim, the sources said, was taken to Abaku Hospital for medical attention and has since been reunited with her family.
Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects
National News
Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau

Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Four Nigerian soldiers have sustained injuries in a vehicle accident on the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State.
The accident occurred on Thursday while the troops were moving across the mountainous terrain of the area, Zagazola reports.
The Emir of Mambilla, Dr. Shehu Audu Baju, was said to have personally joined in the rescue operation to ensure that the soldiers received prompt assistance.

Following the rescue, the injured personnel were evacuated to the 20 Battalion Barracks in Serti for urgent medical care.
Community members and traditional leaders in the area have expressed sympathy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the soldiers, while also calling for the safety of other security operatives on duty.
Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau
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