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Tinubu @2: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prioritization of Needs, Voices of Ordinary Citizens
Tinubu @2: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prioritization of Needs, Voices of Ordinary Citizens
By: Michael Mike
As President Bola Tinubu marks second year in office, ActionAid Nigeria calls for a renewed commitment to governance that prioritises the needs and voices of ordinary citizens.
The NGO in a statement on Wednesday signed by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu noted that while some economic reforms and policy efforts have been initiated at the national level, the true measure of progress lies in how these actions impact the daily lives of Nigerians beyond policy announcements, media headlines, or online narratives.
The statement read: “In the last two years, Nigeria has experienced both gains and challenges across different sectors of the economy .However, critical issues persist, including growing poverty, increasing inequality, underinvestment in education, persistent gender disparity in political representation, sexual and gender-based violence, and a shrinking civic space that stifles citizen engagement. The administration’s appointments also reflect this lack of inclusivity, only about 10% of ministers are women, far below the African Union’s 35% gender parity benchmark.
“Furthermore, regional imbalance in appointments has triggered discontent, deepening feelings of marginalisation among somegroups.”
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, noted that, “We believe the time has come to prioritise development over politics. President Tinubu’s administration must shift focus from headline economic figures to tangible improvements in people’s lives. While paying off parts of our national debt is commendable, it is difficult to reconcile with the government’s continued accumulation of multi-million-dollar loans. How is any of this easing the daily struggles of the market woman, the out-of-school child, or the unemployed youth in reality?”
He said: “Nigerians are calling for a clear and resolute stance from President Tinubu in the fight against corruption. High-profile cases like that of Betta Edu, accused of misappropriating social investment funds intended for vulnerable citizens, have sparked widespread outrage, yet no convictions or meaningful resolutions have emerged. Likewise, prolonged cases involving former EFCC chair Ibrahim Magu and ex-pension boss Abdulrasheed Maina remain unresolved, deepening public distrust in the fight against corruption, due to perceptions of selective enforcement and delays. Without a genuine, transparent, and sustained anti-corruption campaign led by the President, efforts to enhance governance and drive development will continue to fall short.’’
AAN also reiterated that Nigeria cannot afford to overlook the stark disparities within its borders. As banks declare trillions in profits, millions of Nigerians struggle to afford daily meals. This economic imbalance is not just unsustainable, it is unjust. The absence of robust social protection systems further deepens this vulnerability, leaving the poorest without safety nets in times of crisis. President Tinubu’s administration must act decisively to bridge inequality, ensure that growth is inclusive, and build a social protection framework that reaches those most in need.
Mamedu emphasised the importance of protecting civic space, noting that democracy thrives when citizens are free to express themselves, organise, and hold leaders accountable. The continued shrinking of civic space only serves to alienate the very people that governance is meant to serve.
He added that ‘‘While there have been some gains against Boko Haram in the Northeast, insurgent activity has resurged, as seen in recent communal attacks on communities in Benue, Enugu, Borno, and Yobe States, including the deadly assault on Gubio town in March 2025. In the Northwest and North-Central regions, banditry and kidnapping have become daily nightmares. In 2024 alone, over 3,000 Nigerians were reportedly kidnapped, including the mass abduction of more than 280 schoolchildren in Kuriga, Kaduna State in March, and repeated abductions along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway. These incidents have not only left families shattered but have also drained them financially through ransom payments, with many victims still unaccounted for. This escalating insecurity demands urgent, strategic intervention grounded in justice, community resilience, and protection for the most vulnerable.
Additionally, with Nigeria’s budget at a historic high, the increasing reliance on borrowing poses long-term risks. Instead of piling on debt, we urge the government to explore sustainable alternatives: curb budget padding, cut the cost of governance, and embrace transparency and accountability. These steps would not only improve fiscal stability but also restore public trust.’’
Moving forward, ActionAid Nigeria called on the Tinubu administration to marry policy with empathy, numbers with narratives, and growth with justice. Let this new year in office mark a turning point, a time when governance truly reflects the voice and needs of the Nigerian people.
Tinubu @2: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prioritization of Needs, Voices of Ordinary Citizens
Nigeria, Benin Share Common Destiny, Deepen Strategic Partnership – Shettima
By: Zagazola Makama
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Republic of Benin, describing both countries as partners bound by a “common destiny” rooted in history, trade and regional security.
Shettima stated this on Sunday in Cotonou during the inauguration of Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Vice-President said the Tinubu administration views the Nigeria–Benin relationship as strategic to regional integration and democratic stability in West Africa.
“Our presence here in Cotonou underlines President Tinubu’s unwavering, deep-seated commitment to strengthening ties with our neighbours,” he said.
Shettima noted that both countries share deep cultural, historical and economic ties that predate modern political boundaries, stressing that communities on both sides of the border remain closely connected.
“Our border with the Benin Republic stretches across nearly 600 kilometres, spanning six Nigerian states… We are essentially one people tied to a common destiny,” he added.
He said Nigeria and Benin must continue to work together to promote democratic governance, peace and economic prosperity within the ECOWAS sub-region.
“Because of this, we must show solidarity, empathy and active support toward strengthening democracy in West Africa,” he said.
The Vice-President disclosed that bilateral trade between both countries stands at about $2 billion annually, while an estimated five million Nigerians reside in Benin Republic.
He said both countries had strengthened cooperation in border security, trade facilitation, grassroots governance and ae development under regional integration frameworks.
Shettima recalled that Nigeria and Benin formalised a Memorandum of Understanding in August last year to enhance collaboration among border communities, local governments and traditional institutions in tackling cross-border crimes and boosting socio-economic development.
He said the arrangement had improved security coordination and commercial activities in border towns such as Seme, Igbokofi and Ilara, while enhancing opportunities for residents engaged in cross-border trade.
The Vice-President also referenced ongoing regional economic frameworks under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the Common External Tariff system, aimed at improving the business environment across member states.
He added that both countries continue to implement the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons, which allows citizens to stay within member states for up to 90 days without visa requirements.
According to him, these initiatives remain critical to strengthening regional integration and sustaining peace and prosperity in West Africa.
Nigeria, Benin Share Common Destiny, Deepen Strategic Partnership – Shettima
News
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have rescued an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and arrested three suspects following a reported kidnapping and disruption of election-related activities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on May 22 when two groups of suspected kidnappers stormed the venue of ADC primary elections at Wummy Hotel, Ekori community.
According to the sources, one of the groups abducted the INEC returning officer, forced him into a vehicle, and compelled him to transfer ₦70,000 before fleeing the scene.
The second group, operating on a motorcycle, reportedly carted away ballot boxes from the venue.
Following intelligence on the incident, troops in Yakurr Local Government Area laid an ambush on the fleeing suspects, successfully intercepting the vehicle and rescuing the kidnapped INEC official.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation, while one armed suspect reportedly escaped into nearby bush with a pistol, a mobile phone, ATM card, travelling bag and other election materials.
The rescued official, arrested suspects and recovered vehicle are currently in military custody for further investigation and action.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen electoral materials.
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 103 Battalion, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have raided a suspected cultists’ hideout in Achi town, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, arresting three suspects and recovering items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 4:30 a.m. on May 23 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists and other criminal elements operating in the area.
According to the sources, the troops stormed a residential building suspected to be used as a hideout by the criminal group.
During the raid, three suspects were apprehended, while items recovered include eight motorcycles and two buckets of locally made gunpowder.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary action.
Security authorities have continued to intensify joint operations in Enugu State and surrounding areas to curb cult-related activities and other forms of violent crime.
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
Nigeria, Benin Share Common Destiny, Deepen Strategic Partnership – Shettima
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
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