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FG, ActionAid, World Bank Push New Plan to End Poverty

Published

8 months ago

October 28, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

FG, ActionAid, World Bank Push New Plan to End Poverty

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government, ActionAid Nigeria, and development experts have reaffirmed their collective resolve to eliminate poverty through inclusive growth, fiscal accountability, and citizen empowerment by the year 2030.

Speaking at the High-Level Dialogue on Rethinking Poverty Reduction Strategies in Nigeria held in Abuja, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, said the government’s focus is on building an economy that rewards hard work, ensures fairness, and supports only those genuinely in need.

“The biggest form of social protection is ensuring that hardworking Nigerians receive fair rewards for their efforts, while social transfers go to those genuinely disadvantaged,” Bagudu stated.

He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to eliminating poverty by 2030 through the Renewed Hope Development Plan, which emphasizes productivity, innovation, and inclusion.

“We are determined, by God’s grace, to eliminate poverty by 2030,” the minister affirmed.

Bagudu expressed optimism that ongoing reforms are already yielding positive results, citing increased revenues, renewed investor confidence, and new economic initiatives as signs of early recovery.

“Our economy is showing early signs of recovery, revenues are improving, private investment is returning, and new initiatives are taking root,” he said.

Describing President Tinubu’s policy direction as “bold and forward-looking,” the minister urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, assuring that the long-term benefits of reforms will soon reflect in people’s lives.

In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s poverty reduction strategies to ensure that economic growth translates into real benefits for citizens.

He noted that despite Nigeria’s budget increasing from ₦300 billion in 1999 to ₦54.5 trillion in 2024, poverty levels have not declined proportionately.

“This tells us that we must do things differently. At ActionAid, we believe poverty can be eradicated, but only when government and citizens take shared responsibility and ensure accountability from the federal to the local level.” He said .

Mamedu, who recently visited Edo and Delta States, decried poor infrastructure despite increased financial allocations to subnational governments.

“The situation raises critical questions about how resources are being used at sub-national levels,”
“For us in ActionAid, the only party we recognize is the party of the people the fight against poverty.”he disclosed .

He urged government at all levels to emulate countries like China and India, which successfully lifted millions out of poverty through major investments in infrastructure, education, health, and social protection, ensuring that local contractors benefited from such projects.

“It is not enough to increase spending; we must ensure resources are used efficiently,” he said. “Reports show we lose about $18 billion annually to illicit financial flows. If we can stop such leakages, more funds will remain in our economy to drive development.”

While commending the Federal Government’s pledge to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years, Mamedu stressed that the goal can only be achieved through consistency, accountability, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

“We need to move about 10 million Nigerians out of poverty every year,”
“To achieve that, everyone government, civil society, and private sector must work together.” He said .

He also called for greater discipline and punctuality among citizens and officials, describing them as symbols of accountability and efficiency.

“Governance is not only about the President or ministers. It involves all of us. If we begin to do the small things right, like keeping to time, it will reflect in how we manage bigger responsibilities,” he added.

Mamedu reaffirmed ActionAid’s 10-year strategy to support and hold government accountable in lifting five million Nigerians out of poverty.

“We must ensure that the next poverty review shows progress, not decline,” “Together, we can build a Nigeria where prosperity is shared and poverty becomes history.”he said .

Both Bagudu and Mamedu agreed that sustainable poverty eradication will depend on shared responsibility, transparency, and a renewed focus on rewarding hard work across all sectors of the economy.

At the same dialogue, Dr. Chris Uwadoka, Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, emphasized that fiscal discipline and transparency are fundamental to reducing poverty.

“Fiscal responsibility is at the heart of poverty reduction, period. It is not merely a technical framework. It is a people-centred philosophy driven by transparency, accountability, and prudence,” he stated.

He acknowledged that while the government’s reforms have stabilized key indicators like revenue and debt, the real challenge lies in translating these macroeconomic gains into tangible human welfare.

“The challenge now… is how to translate these statistical macroeconomic results into tangible human welfare improvement. I believe that this question is at the heart of this multi-stakeholder dialogue today,” Uwadoka said.

He also urged state and local governments to take fiscal discipline seriously to prevent financial leakages and ensure that public resources directly benefit citizens.

“State and local governments need to hold themselves accountable to their people and to poverty alleviation… Without this commitment to good public financial management, the drivers of poverty will overwhelm our best intentions,” he cautioned.

Meanwhile, a World Bank presentation delivered by Mr. Imole Ibukun from the National Economic Council Secretariat highlighted a disturbing rise in poverty levels despite ongoing reforms.

According to the report, about 139 million Nigerians (61% of the population) now live in poverty up from 81 million (40%) in 2019. It also projects that poverty could rise by another 3.6 percentage points by 2027, making Nigeria one of the few resource-rich countries likely to see worsening poverty due to structural weaknesses.

The World Bank identified key drivers of poverty, including high food inflation, stagnant wages, oil dependence, poor infrastructure, low agricultural productivity, insecurity, and weak governance.

The report warns that without urgent corrective action, rising poverty could reverse development gains and threaten social stability. It recommends expanding social safety nets, investing in rural infrastructure and agriculture, improving food security, and strengthening governance to ensure economic growth benefits citizens.

FG, ActionAid, World Bank Push New Plan to End Povertyp

News

AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership

Published

1 hour ago

June 16, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership

By Comrade Philip Ikodor

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation today joined the global community to commemorate the International Day of the African Child, reaffirming its commitment to the safety, education, and empowerment of children across the continent.

In a statement issued to the media, the Founder and Lead, Princess Ashlee Omonegbo Momoh, said the Foundation stands firmly behind efforts to help every African child reach their full potential.

“While we celebrate the vibrancy, brilliance, and resilience of African children, we must also confront the systemic barriers that still limit their growth,” Princess Momoh stated.

Key Challenges Facing the African Child Today:

Education Gaps: Millions lack access to quality education, digital literacy, and inclusive learning environments.
Socio-Economic Barriers: Pervasive poverty drives child labor and denies many children basic healthcare, nutrition, and stable housing.
Security and Instability: Armed conflict and community violence continue to threaten the safety, mental health, and future of children in vulnerable and military-affected communities.

AMF’s Call to Action:
To truly empower the African child, stakeholders must shift from short-term relief to sustainable, localized investment. The Foundation calls on governments, civil society, and private sector partners to collaborate in:

Building safer, child-friendly communities
Subsidizing healthcare and expanding access to quality education, including digital skills
Creating inclusive learning spaces that protect children from conflict and displacement

“Every child deserves a secure foundation to dream, learn, and lead. At the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, we remain committed to building that foundation — together,” Princess Momoh added.

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation is a Nigeria-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing child welfare, education, and empowerment across Africa through sustainable programs, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership

News

A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start

Published

8 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start

By: Lateef O. AREMU

Just few days into his tenure, Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, Engineer Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has already begun to illuminate the path towards a more stable and efficient electricity supply for the nation. Sworn into office on June 9, 2026, Minister Tegbe’s initial pronouncements and decisive actions reflect a profound understanding of the sector’s complexities, a testament to his distinguished professional background, intellectual brilliance and clear demonstration of the understanding of the task ahead. The minister unlike many before him did not over simplify the task at hand. He acknowledged the challenges and meticulous outlined the approaches towards finding solutions to the problem. He is not promising immediate miracle, but steady growth and measurable efforts towards achieving the set goals.

Minister Tegbe arrives at the helm of the Power Ministry with an impressive pedigree. A former Senior Partner and Head of Technology Advisory Services and Markets at KPMG Professional Services in Nigeria and across Africa, he has a proven track record of leading major reform initiatives, developing robust governance structures, and navigating intricate regulatory frameworks. His extensive experience in advisory services, coupled with his qualifications as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT), positions him uniquely to tackle the multifaceted challenges plaguing Nigeria’s power sector.

In his inaugural engagements, Minister Tegbe wasted no time in outlining a clear vision. He pledged to strengthen collaboration, improve governance, and enhance accountabilityacross the entire electricity value chain. This emphasis on systemic improvements, rather than solely technical fixes, directly mirrors his background in advisory and governance. His insight that
many of the sector’s challenges are rooted in governance and coordination rather than purely technical issues is a direct reflection of his strategic thinking honed at KPMG, where he led advisory services focused on governance and regulatory frameworks.

One of his immediate and commendable actions was to rally Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Agencies and Parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Power. During this crucial meeting, Minister Tegbe underscored the necessity of a unified and coordinated approach among all stakeholders to achieve the administration’s goals for the Power Sector. This call for synergy, urging stakeholders to operate as “one team with one mandate” is a pragmatic approach to a sector historically plagued by siloed operations and a lack of cohesive strategy. His ability to quickly identify and address this fundamental organizational challenge speaks volumes about his leadership and analytical prowess.

Furthermore, Minister Tegbe has already demonstrated a commitment to tangible results. He commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for its prompt response to a recent feeder outage, which was resolved within the timeframe he directed. This swift restoration of supply, which he noted was reported directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlights his dedication to urgency and service delivery, a quality that will undoubtedly instill confidence in both the public and sector operators.

Looking ahead, the Minister disclosed plans to introduce a performance-based incentive framework across the power sector to reward productivity, innovation, and excellence. This initiative is a clear demonstration of his understanding of motivational strategies and his commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency. This is the kind of principles often championed in top-tier consulting firms like KPMG. Such a framework is designed to drive continuous improvement and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with the overarching objective of enhancing electricity supply.

In just a few short days, Engineer Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe has not only articulated a clear vision for Nigeria’s power sector but has also initiated concrete steps towards its realization. His blend of deep technical understanding, strategic leadership, and a commitment to good governance, all honed through years of high-level advisory work, positions him as a transformative figure.

As Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe assumes the role of Nigeria’s minister of power, Nigerians can look forward to a future where the brilliance of their Minister of Power translates into a consistently brighter and more reliable electricity supply.
With Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe at the helms of affairs in the power sector in Nigeria, Nigeria can rest asuured that “there is light at the end of the tunnel”

Lateef O. AREMU (Akano Gudugba)
S3 /706D
Odo-Ada Compound,
Oke-Eleta, Ibadan
08162994660
akanoola@gmail.com

A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start

News

NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks

Published

8 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a major financial blow to drug trafficking syndicates, raising over N6.1 billion from the auction of properties confiscated from convicted drug kingpins across the country.

The assets, which include a six-storey luxury hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, and three other high-value properties, were forfeited to the federal government following court orders obtained under Nigeria’s asset recovery laws.

The Victoria Island hotel accounted for the bulk of the proceeds, attracting a winning bid of N5.9 billion during a public auction conducted in Abuja on Monday. Altogether, four properties were successfully sold, while bids submitted for four others fell below the approved reserve prices and were consequently rejected.

The exercise marked one of the most significant asset recovery auctions conducted by the anti-narcotics agency in recent years and underscores a growing determination by authorities to target not only drug traffickers but also the wealth accumulated from illicit activities.

Announcing the results, the Head of Asset Recovery and Management Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Tamarantare Francis Ali-Bozi, disclosed that Tope Ojo and Tunde Olonishakin Estate Firm emerged the successful bidder for the Victoria Island hotel.

Other successful bidders included FSS Limited, which secured a property in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, with an offer of N219.5 million; A-BNB Global Innovations Limited, which won a block of flats in Ejigbo, Lagos, for N104 million; and Fazeen Global Link Limited, which acquired a property in Akure, Ondo State, for N29.36 million.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), declared that the auction represented more than a revenue-generating exercise, describing it as a strategic weapon in the fight against organised crime.

Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa said the disposal of recovered assets sends a strong signal that individuals involved in the illicit drug trade would not be allowed to retain or benefit from the proceeds of their crimes.

He noted that public auctions of forfeited assets help reinforce public trust in the justice system by demonstrating transparency and accountability in the management of recovered properties.

According to him, the agency remains committed to tracking, recovering and disposing of criminal assets in a manner that serves the public interest while strengthening Nigeria’s asset recovery framework.

“We shall continue to pursue drug traffickers, dismantle criminal networks, recover the proceeds of crime and uphold the rule of law without fear or favour,” he stated.

Marwa also stressed that extensive safeguards were put in place to guarantee the integrity of the process. He said all assets were professionally valued by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, while auctioneers engaged for the exercise were screened and pre-qualified through procedures approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The NDLEA boss added that representatives of anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, the media and members of the public were invited to witness the bid-opening exercise in order to ensure transparency and public confidence.

He maintained that the auction was conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and other relevant regulations.

Analysts say the successful sale of the forfeited properties highlights a growing shift in Nigeria’s anti-drug strategy from merely arresting traffickers to systematically dismantling the financial foundations of criminal enterprises.

For law enforcement authorities, the message is unmistakable: drug trafficking may generate vast fortunes, but those fortunes can ultimately be traced, seized and converted into public assets.

NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks