News
ECONOMIC STABILITY IS OUR PRIORITY IN 2024 AGENDA – VP SHETTIMA
ECONOMIC STABILITY IS OUR PRIORITY IN 2024 AGENDA – VP SHETTIMA
…As NEC appeals to organized labour to shelve planned strike
By: Michael Mike
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has identified stability as one of the primes in the economic agenda of the Tinubu administration for the year 2024.
This is just as the National Economic Council (NEC) has appealed to the Organised Labour to shelve its planned strike, saying President Bola Tinubu remains committed to the welfare of Nigerian workers.
The Vice President stated that government at the federal, state and local government levels must remain committed to reevaluating their priorities, streamlining processes, and making bold decisions that would reflect key social issues, including social protection, social investment and nutrition.
Senator Shettima stated this on Thursday at the 136th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
NEC, a statutory body that has the mandate to advise the President on the nation’s economic affairs, is chaired by the Vice President, with the Governors of the 36 states of the federation, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Minister of Finance and other stakeholders as members.
In his opening address at the NEC meeting titled, ‘Planning for Stability: Our Agenda for Economic Growth in 2024’, Vice President Shetimma reminded the governors and other members of NEC that the weight of the tough decisions to rescue Nigeria’s economy depends on their cooperation and goodwill.
He noted that what has set President Bola Ahmed Tinubu apart as a Nigerian leader is the courage to embark on fixing the country’s economy through bold reforms.
Identifying stability as a major priority in next year’s economic agenda, the VP said, “It took courage to embark on fixing an economy hindered by decades of political lip service. But that’s what has set President Bola Ahmed Tinubu apart: his bold reforms to reposition the economy and save it from further erosion.
Other highlights of the meeting are as follows;
ACCOUNTS BALANCES:
Excess Crude Account: – $473,754.57
Stabilization Account – N34,936,868,803.58
Development of Natural Resources – N128,330,636,441.14
The Governor of Kogi State and chairman of the Committee on impact of Flood and Disaster Across the States in Nigeria, Yahaya Bello, categorized states based on degrees of damage.
He classified the states as:
Group A
States with over 15 points (most affected)
Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Rivers, Enugu, Kano, Oyo, Yobe, Zamfara
Group B
States with 10-15 points
Cross River, Delta, Jigawa, Kwara, Ondo
Group C
States with less than 10 points
Katsina, Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, FCT.
COUNCIL RESOLUTION:
NEC resolved to develop a roadmap for intervention and directed NEMA to provide immediate intervention on relief to affected states. Roadmap to be developed and articulated by NEC with the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum.
Presentation on the Joint Planning Board (JPB) And National Council on Development Planning (NCDP)
The presentation on the National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) and the Joint Planning Board (JPB) meetings serve as a platform for bringing together Senior Officials from Federal and State ministries, as well as other related Agencies responsible for Budget and Economic Planning, Representatives of the Organized Private Sector, the Academia, Development Partners and Civil Society Organizations to engage in in-depth discussions on economic policy issues, with a view to propose an optimal approach for enhancing economic management processes at both National and Sub-national levels.
B. Status Report on the Implementation of Key Resolutions of the 21st Edition of the JPB/NCDP Meetings
i. The FMBEP should collaborate with the States in the process of designing a template for harvesting the status of implementation of the JPB/NCDP resolutions, factoring the peculiarities of each State. i. The FMBEP should collaborate with the States in the process of designing a template for harvesting the status of implementation of the JPB/NCDP resolutions, factoring the peculiarities of each State.
C. Energy Sufficiency for Sustainable Economic Development: Options for Nigeria
i. Government at all levels should promote the migration of Heavy-Duty Industries/Transport systems from fossil fuel to Gas Infrastructure;
ii. Given the new Electricity Act that empowers States and individuals to participate in all components of the energy sector, State Governments should carry out energy audit to determine Energy needs and explore areas for collaboration with the private sector based on their comparative advantage; iii. States should develop small hydropower plants, on or off-grid, and solar, for communities and MSMEs; iv. The three tiers of Government should institute initiatives for the promotion of attitudinal change regarding energy use, wastage, and theft; and v. The government should promote Research and development, Local Content, New Energy (Hydrogen, Biofuels) Prototype Investments for energy sufficiency.
COUNCIL RESOLUTION:
Council noted that the meeting was successful and approved regular interaction and synergy among commissioners of Economic Planning across the federation.
PRESENTATION ON THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON FISCAL POLICY AND TAX REFORMS
The chairman of the Committee Mr. Taiwo Oyedele made presentation to the NEC on the fiscal policy and Tax Reforms, disclosing that the Committee was set up by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to review and redesign Nigeria fiscal system with respect to:
(1) Revenue mobilisation, both tax and non-tax
(2) Quality of government spending and
(3) Sustainable debt management in addition, the committee will identify relevant measures to make Nigeria an attractive destination for investment and facilitate inclusive Economic growth.
Deliverables and outcomes
The expected outcomes from the work of the committee will include, but not limited to the following:
- Repeal of existing taxes and levies especially those that are suboptimal, obsolete or unduly burdensome and enactment of new harmonised tax laws;
- Preparation of a harmonised list of taxes and levies, not exceeding a single digit in number and covering all levels of government;
- Review of the 2017 National Tax Policy to produce a new National Policy on Tax and Fiscal Policy for ratification by the federal and state governments;
- A national fiscal risk framework for efficient fiscal governance, fiscal consolidation and stability;
- Draft bills for constitutional amendments on fiscal matters to promote fiscal federalism;
- Enhancements to the revenue administration system to improve revenue mobilization and a robust framework for tax revenue accounting and reporting to improve taxpayer trust;
- Establishment of National Office of Tax Ombudsman, Fiscal Policy and Tax Simplification.
COUNCIL RESOLUTION
Council noted the presentation
UPDATES ON PALLIATIVE DISTRIBUTION ACROSS THE STATES
The Governor of Kwara State, Abdulraman Abdulrazaq gave an update on the distribution of palliatives across the States. He told Council that members are making progress and urged them to re-double efforts as states looked forward for more interventions.
ECONOMIC STABILITY IS OUR PRIORITY IN 2024 AGENDA – VP SHETTIMA
News
Nigerien student killed fighting in Ukraine; concerns rise over African recruitment into Russia’s war
Nigerien student killed fighting in Ukraine; concerns rise over African recruitment into Russia’s war
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerien student has reportedly died on the frontlines of the Russia–Ukraine war amid allegations that African nationals are being recruited into the Russian military, raising fresh concerns about the exploitation of foreign fighters in the conflict.
The student traveled to Russia to study but was recruited into the army to fight Ukraine.
Zagazola report that the death draw attention to a growing pattern of recruitment that has drawn young Africans into forceful military services in Russia, often under unclear circumstances.
A report published on Feb. 11 by All Eyes on Wagner/INPACT estimated that nearly 1,500 Africans from 35 countries were recruited into Russian forces between 2023 and 2025.
Experts familiar with the recruitment networks said many of those recruited were individuals who had travelled to Russia to study, work or regularise their immigration status before being drawn into military service.
According to the report, promises of employment, opaque contracts and, in some cases, outright deception were used to attract recruits before they were deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine.
The Niger student, whose identity has been withheld pending family notification, was killed while serving with Russian forces, sources said. His death has drawn attention to the wider issue of foreign nationals fighting and dying in a conflict far from their home countries.
Analysts said the phenomenon reveals a strategy in which foreign fighters, including Africans, are used to supplement Russia’s war effort, particularly as the conflict enters its fourth year.
Observers described the recruitment mechanism as exploitative, arguing that it appears to treat recruits as “replaceable” and “disposable” in a high-casualty environment.
Officials and civil society groups in several African countries have previously raised concerns about the recruitment of their citizens into foreign conflicts, urging greater protections and oversight.
The death has reignited calls for governments to investigate the circumstances under which African nationals are recruited into foreign armed forces and to provide support to affected families.
The Nigerien government is yet to issue an official statement on the matter, while efforts to verify the details of the student’s death and his connection to recruitment networks continue.
Nigerien student killed fighting in Ukraine; concerns rise over African recruitment into Russia’s war
ISWAP admits losing 23 fighters in clash with troops in Sambisa Forest
By: Zagazola Makama
An intercepted communication involving members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly confirmed the loss of 23 of their fighters during a recent encounter with Nigerian Special Forces troops in the Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
According to intelligence sources, the ISWAP associate informed an unidentified contact that Nigerian forces had conducted sustained operations in Sambisa Forest for a week, during which they burned down the village of Allafawa and destroyed properties belonging to the insurgents.
Some ISWAP members, the source added, were still present in the forest, while the troops in the theatre of operations have continued aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven assaults to exploit the gains, targeting fleeing elements and dismantling remaining strongholds within the forest.
Security officials emphasised that maintaining the operational tempo is critical to further weaken the terrorist and prevent them from regrouping.
ISWAP admits losing 23 fighters in clash with troops in Sambisa Forest
Maiduguri residents urged to remain calm as fake terror threats circulate during Ramadan
By: Zagazola Makama
Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, have been urged to remain calm and vigilant following the circulation of false audio messages and online posts claiming imminent attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP during the last ten days of Ramadan.
According to checks, including field verification by community journalists, the purported threats alleging infiltration of suicide bombers into the city and attempts to plant explosives at worship centres.
The most recent threat was publicized Yesterday at Massalacin Mallam Bako in Layin Hadiza, are entirely fabricated.
Security sources explained that such rumours often emerge during the fasting period to instil fear, disrupt prayers, and create panic among worshippers. “These are deliberate attempts by mischief-makers to exploit the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan,” said a senior security official who requested anonymity.
Community leaders and vigilante groups, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have intensified patrols across Maiduguri to ensure the safety of residents and worshippers. Residents are being encouraged to continue attending prayers and to report any suspicious activity to security agencies promptly.
Local journalists conducting verification in affected areas confirmed that no explosives or suspicious individuals were found, dismissing claims circulating on social media and messaging platforms as false.
The government are therefore called to take stronger action against those spreading fake news, warning that misinformation can destabilise the fragile peace in the city. “In times of heightened religious activity, misinformation is as dangerous as a physical attack. It is important to clamp down on these instigators,” said one analyst.
As the final ten days of Ramadan approach, authorities have assured residents that security remains tight and that all necessary measures are in place to safeguard lives and properties while encouraging calm and rational public conduct.
Maiduguri residents urged to remain calm as fake terror threats circulate during Ramadan
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
Nigerien student killed fighting in Ukraine; concerns rise over African recruitment into Russia’s war
ISWAP admits losing 23 fighters in clash with troops in Sambisa Forest
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE 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
