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NYCSO Expresses Concern Over Yobe State’s Low IGR; Calls for Improved Fiscal Discipline
NYCSO Expresses Concern Over Yobe State’s Low IGR; Calls for Improved Fiscal Discipline
By: Our Reporter
The Network of Yobe Civil Society Organizations (NYCSO) is deeply concerned about the persistently low Internally Generated Reveoqnue (IGR) performance of the Government of Yobe State, despite commendable efforts by the administration of His Excellency Hon Mai Mala Buni to enact laws aimed at prudent resource management and fiscal stability, NYCSO recognizes the importance of transparency and accountability in the Public Finance Management (PFM) sector and applauds the government’s commitment to these principles.
However, the recent fiscal performance report, ranking Yobe State as the 32nd state in the country in 2023, raises significant alarms NYCSO attributes this ranking to the state’s low IGR, coupled with a skyrocketing domestic debt profile. Despite a slight increase in IGR compared to 2022, the non-operationalization of the Yobe State Internal Revenue Law, assented to by His Excellency since 2021, remains a critical setback to effective and efficient revenue generation. The lack of a substantive leadership for the Yobe State Internal Revenue Service coupled with the absence of an Executive Order for enforcement of the law by the IRS has contributed significantly to the current fiscal instability of the state. The capital budget performance of some key service delivery MDAs as at Q3 is equally abysmal and contradictory with His Excellency’s policy statements for the 2023 fiscal year budget proposals.
In light of these concerns, NYCSO urges the State Government to take immediate action on the following key issues:
- Grant the Yobe State Internal Revenue Service an Executive Order to implement the Revenue Law effectively, thereby enhancing the collection and remittance of all revenues in line with the provisions of the State Revenue Law 2021 (as amended).
- Direct all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to be intentional about improving revenue generation. Cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service is also essential for the successful discharge of its statutory mandate, as provided by the law.
- Appoint a substantive Chairman for the Yobe State Internal Revenue Service in accordance with the provisions of the Law to ensure stable leadership that will drive effective revenue generation initiatives.
- NYCSO calls on the state government to sincerely implement the recommendations of the State Fiscal Responsibility reports of the previous years.
- The state government should also judiciously address all recommendations raised in the State Auditor General’s Reports for the previous years.
As a Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), NYCSO pledges its commitment to supporting the government by actively engaging in sensitizing the general public to fulfill their tax obligations. The Network also recognizes the crucial role of citizens in contributing to the overall socio-economic development by cooperating with the policies and programs of the government.
Similarly, NYCSO calls on the State Government to consider the above recommendations as urgent and crucial for the socio-economic development of Yobe State. The Network remains hopeful that the government, as it has consistently demonstrated, will take prompt and decisive actions to address these concerns of her citizens,
The Network further appreciates the government’s understanding and anticipates positive actions that will contribute to the sustainable growth and development of our dear state.
NYCSO Expresses Concern Over Yobe State’s Low IGR; Calls for Improved Fiscal Discipline
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria is set to sharpen its policy direction in the global space ecosystem as Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited prepares to host the 2026 Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja.
The Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this in a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Corporate Communications, Stephen Kwande, noting that the event will convene top government officials, regulators, and international stakeholders to shape the future of satellite governance and digital infrastructure.
Egerton-Idehen said the forum is coming at a critical time when countries around the world are strengthening their space capabilities as part of broader national development strategies.
According to her, satellite technology is increasingly linked to economic growth, national security, and digital connectivity, making strategic investments in space infrastructure a priority for many nations.
She explained that the conference is expected to attract high-level participation, including cabinet members, defence authorities, development finance institutions, and technology innovators from across Africa.
The NIGCOMSAT boss also highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in global space policy, pointing to her emergence as Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association as a sign of the country’s expanding role in international satellite governance.
She further cited ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the Kenya Space Agency as part of broader efforts to strengthen partnerships within Africa’s evolving space ecosystem.
Egerton-Idehen described the upcoming satellite week as both a reflection of Nigeria’s 20-year journey in satellite development and a strategic platform to define the country’s next phase in an increasingly competitive global space economy.
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
Burundi Presses Nigeria to Resume Crude Oil Supply, Seeks Deeper Economic Partnership
By: Michael Mike
The Ambassador of Burundi to Nigeria, Edward Nduwimana, has urged Nigeria to urgently resume the supply of crude oil to his country, warning that the suspension of the long-standing energy arrangement has continued to impact Burundi’s ability to address its energy deficit.
Nduwimana made the appeal during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, where he also called for the immediate convening of the Permanent Mixed Commission for Cooperation between both countries to revive stalled agreements and unlock new economic partnerships.
Nigeria had supplied Burundi with about 45,000 barrels of crude oil per day under a bilateral arrangement that ran between 2008 and 2014 before the agreement was halted amid reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The envoy said the arrangement had played a crucial role in stabilising Burundi’s energy supply and supporting economic activities, stressing that its suspension created a significant gap in the country’s energy needs.
“Burundi wishes to express its gratitude to the Nigerian people, through their institutions, for the support provided since 2008 through the supply of crude oil,” he said.
“This support helped mitigate the effects of the energy deficit in my country. We understand that the suspension that occurred in 2014 took place in a particular context, driven by the government’s desire to restructure the sector.”
Despite the interruption, the ambassador expressed confidence that Nigeria would consider restoring the cooperation in the spirit of African solidarity and mutually beneficial partnership.
According to him, discussions are already underway to revive the arrangement as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Nduwimana stressed that reconvening the Permanent Mixed Commission for Cooperation in 2026 has become urgent, noting that the last session of the commission was held in Bujumbura in 2021.
He explained that the proposed meeting would provide a platform for both governments to review previous commitments, resolve outstanding issues and chart a new roadmap for cooperation.
“The second session will represent an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Burundi and Nigeria,” he said.
The envoy added that the meeting is expected to drive concrete progress in key sectors including trade, education, tourism, mining and agro-industry.
He said the discussions would also focus on strengthening legal frameworks and sector-specific agreements needed to accelerate joint projects and investment flows.
“Our ambition is to achieve concrete commitments that deliver tangible results for our two countries and their populations,” Nduwimana added.
Beyond diplomatic engagement, the ambassador extended an open invitation to Nigerian businesses and investors to explore opportunities in Burundi, which he described as an emerging investment destination in East Africa.
According to him, Burundi serves as a strategic gateway to the regional market of the East African Community and offers promising prospects in sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, infrastructure and tourism.
“Burundi is a stable country, open for business, and committed to improving its investment climate,” he said.
“We invite economic operators from the West African region in general, and Nigeria in particular, to explore these opportunities and establish lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships.”
The renewed push for cooperation signals Burundi’s determination to revive its energy partnership with Nigeria while expanding economic ties beyond oil into trade, investment and regional market access.
Burundi Presses Nigeria to Resume Crude Oil Supply, Seeks Deeper Economic Partnership
Former Kaduna governor El-Rufai loses mother
By: Zagazola Makama
The former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has lost his mother, Hajiya Umma, who passed away on Friday.
The announcement of her death was announced by the Elrufai Family on Friday.
Family sources said the deceased had been battling age-related health challenges, which worsened in recent times.
According to the sources, her condition reportedly deteriorated further after she learned of the detention of her son by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
They noted that El-Rufai had been closely managing his mother’s health prior to her demise.
The family prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.
Former Kaduna governor El-Rufai loses mother
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