The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to begin profiling taxi drivers in the nation’s capital, Abuja, starting January 2025. This initiative was disclosed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during the distribution of 80 vehicles to youths in the territory aimed at enhancing the city’s transportation system.

Key Points

• Youth Empowerment: Wike emphasized the need for inclusion of women and youth in governance, highlighting that past administrations had overlooked these vital segments of the population. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has established a Youth Secretariat and a Women Affairs Secretariat within the FCT Administration to empower these groups.
• Vehicle Distribution: The 80 vehicles distributed are brand new and provided free of charge to the beneficiaries. Wike stated, “They are not paying a kobo. This is government’s support for the youths to reduce the cost of transportation in the city.”
• Transportation System Overhaul: The minister mentioned that the introduction of these vehicles aims to transform Abuja’s transportation landscape, stating, “When fully operational, it will transform Abuja like other modern cities.” The initiative includes plans to phase out motorbikes and Keke NAPEP (tricycle taxis) in specific areas—Guzape, Maitama, and Asokoro.
• Taxi Driver Profiling: For security reasons, Wike indicated that all taxi drivers in Abuja will undergo profiling by security agencies. He stressed the importance of this measure in maintaining safety and order in the transportation system.
• Future Developments: Wike also announced the upcoming commissioning of new bus terminals in the FCT, expected to take place in January next year, where all vehicles will operate from. This is part of the broader initiative to modernize the city’s transport infrastructure.
• Phased Approach: The profiling of taxi drivers will be part of a comprehensive approach to enhance security and ensure that commercial drivers are vetted properly as the government works towards a more modern and efficient transportation system in Abuja.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving transportation services in the capital while addressing security concerns associated with commercial driving.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has officially declared the extensive flooding affecting approximately 34 states in Nigeria a national emergency and major disaster. This announcement was made by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, during a press briefing following the NEC meeting in Abuja.

• Impact of Flooding:
  • Affected Areas: About 34 states and 217 local governments are impacted.
  • Displacement: Approximately 1,374,557 individuals have been affected, with 740,743 people displaced.
  • Casualties: The flooding has resulted in 321 reported deaths and 2,854 injuries.
  • Property Damage: Around 281,000 houses have been affected, and 258,000 acres of cultivated farmland have been destroyed or impacted.

Action Steps

• Emergency Management: The NEC has directed State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) to enhance their efforts and work closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to address the crisis.
• Waterway Management:
  • The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is tasked with conducting an integrity review of all waterways and dams across the nation.
  • There is a strong emphasis on initiating a comprehensive dredging or desilting program for the waterways, with plans for annual maintenance to prevent future flooding.
• State Reports: The council has urged state governments that have yet to submit their flood reports to do so immediately to assess the situation and manage the disaster effectively.
• Funding for Resilience: The NEC noted the necessity for the Green Climate Fund to include an Infrastructure Resilience Fund as part of its components to support flood management and resilience initiatives.

The declaration of a national emergency underscores the severity of the flooding crisis in Nigeria and highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the humanitarian and infrastructural challenges it poses.

The Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of Julius Abure, has formally reported its former National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Oparah, to security agencies for alleged impersonation. The party accuses Oparah of fraudulently posing as the LP’s National Woman Leader to extort funds from party members.

Accusations and Background

In a statement issued by the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in Abuja, it was revealed that Oparah has been misrepresenting herself as the National Woman Leader, despite being suspended indefinitely from the party in November 2023 due to anti-party activities. Ifoh clarified that Oparah has never held or contested for the position of National Woman Leader, which is currently occupied by Mrs. Dudu Manuga, who is constitutionally mandated to oversee the party’s female members both nationally and internationally.

Impact on the Party

The misrepresentation by Oparah has reportedly caused significant embarrassment for the LP, prompting the leadership to issue a public disclaimer regarding her actions. According to Ifoh, Oparah has been attending various events claiming to represent the party in a bid to secure financial benefits fraudulently.

Caution to Organizations

In light of these allegations, the LP has warned organizations, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), The Kukah Foundation, various NGOs, political associations, the National Assembly, and security agencies, to be vigilant regarding Oparah’s activities. The party urged any group approached by her to report her actions to the police immediately, emphasizing the need for awareness and precaution against such fraudulent behavior.

At the inauguration of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the National Assembly’s summit on nutrition and food security in Abuja, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized that the escalating crisis of malnutrition and food insecurity poses serious threats to Nigeria’s economic stability, public health, and community resilience.

Urgency for Legislative Action

Represented by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Abbas pointed out that Nigeria has one of the highest malnutrition rates in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting citizens across all age groups. He highlighted the detrimental effects of malnutrition, particularly among children, which hinder physical and cognitive development, ultimately impairing long-term educational and economic potential. This situation contributes to broader societal challenges.

Abbas expressed the House’s commitment to supporting the committee’s initiatives, urging collaboration with State Houses of Assembly to establish a unified strategy for addressing food insecurity. “The need for this National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security has never been more urgent,” he stated. He stressed the importance of fostering collaboration across various ministries and engaging both public and private sectors to tackle the root causes of food security challenges.

Humanitarian Crisis in Northern Nigeria

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Chike Okafor, also addressed the assembly, highlighting the alarming rates of malnutrition, particularly in northern Nigeria, where severe malnutrition among children has increased by 51%. He described this as a humanitarian crisis worsened by recent floods in Adamawa, Maiduguri, and Jigawa, which disrupted food supplies nationwide.

Okafor underscored the significance of the summit in developing policies to combat food insecurity and emphasized the LOC’s crucial role in organizing the summit to engage stakeholders in the nutrition and food security sectors.

The President of the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade (Dr.) Kehinde Prince Taiga, has raised concerns over the widespread allocation of police escorts to individuals with dubious backgrounds. He called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to introduce profiling measures for private citizens requesting police escorts to ensure only deserving individuals benefit from such security resources.

In a statement from Warri, Taiga highlighted that “Yahoo Boys,” money launderers, and land grabbers often use their wealth to secure police escorts, which they then use to oppress others and evade accountability. He emphasized that this situation diverts crucial security resources away from the general population, exacerbating Nigeria’s security manpower deficit.

Appeal for Judicial and Police Reforms

Taiga also criticized the police and judiciary for allegedly prioritizing wealthy individuals over the public good, accusing them of favoring the rich in both criminal and civil cases. He urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to initiate reforms to restore fairness in the justice system and end preferential treatment based on wealth.

Ember Months and Police Misconduct

With the festive season approaching, Taiga advised IGP Egbetokun to address potential misconduct by police officers, who may seek to exploit citizens out of financial desperation. He noted that professionalism from the police is crucial, especially given the current economic challenges facing the Nigerian people, to maintain public trust and prevent further hardship.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved significant progress in the fight against corruption, recovering over N248 billion and securing 3,455 convictions over the past year. This milestone was shared by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede during a news briefing on Thursday in Abuja to mark his one-year tenure. Represented by Director of Public Affairs Wilson Uwujaren, Olukoyede also revealed the EFCC’s success in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases involving former governors and recovering assets for international victims of Nigerian fraud.

Key Recoveries

From October 18, 2023, to October 18, 2024, the EFCC recovered assets including:

• N248,750,049,365.52 in Nigerian currency,
• $105,423,190.39 in U.S. dollars,
• £53,133.64 in British pounds, and
• €172,547.10 in euros, among others.

In addition, the EFCC returned $180,300 and 53 vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), benefiting two Canadian victims: Elena Bogomas ($164,000) and Sandra Butler ($16,300).

High-Profile Corruption Cases

The EFCC filed cases against four former Nigerian governors accused of corruption:

• Yahaya Bello (Kogi State): Charged on a 19-count charge of money laundering (N80.2 billion) and a 16-count charge for criminal breach of trust (N110.4 billion).
• Darius Ishaku (Taraba State): Facing a 15-count charge over alleged fraud involving N27 billion.
• Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara State): Alongside former Finance Commissioner Ademola Banu, charged with money laundering and mismanagement of public funds totaling N10 billion.
• Willie Obiano (Anambra State): Also charged on corruption-related counts.

Continued Efforts Against Corruption

The EFCC remains committed to upholding justice, preventing corruption, and recovering public assets. Olukoyede highlighted that the EFCC’s efforts align with Nigeria’s goal of creating a transparent financial environment.

The Nigerian House of Representatives has resolved to prohibit the sale of alcohol and psychoactive drugs in and around motor parks across the country. This decision was reached on Thursday, following a motion presented by Mr. Abbas Adigun, the representative for Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, Oyo State, during a session in Abuja.

Citing a Federal Road Safety Commission report, Adigun highlighted that alcohol and drug consumption are responsible for 90 percent of road accidents, impairing drivers’ judgment, coordination, and vision, which puts lives and property at risk. “The consumption of psychoactive drugs and alcohol increases the risk of motor accidents,” he noted, stressing the need for immediate action.

Adigun argued that in other parts of the world, alcohol and other potentially harmful substances are limited to pubs and are not available in public transport areas like motor parks. He expressed concern over the free availability of alcohol and illicit drugs at motor parks, where drivers consume these substances before journeys, endangering passengers and pedestrians.

Following the motion’s adoption, the House called on federal, state, and local governments to implement an immediate ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages and drug-related substances in and around motor parks.

A coalition of civil society organizations, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), has criticized the Osun State Government for delaying the implementation of the new national minimum wage, which they say is harming civil servants’ morale. Speaking at the October “State-of-the-State” address in Osogbo, TOM’s Executive Director, Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, expressed disappointment with Governor Ademola Adeleke for failing to implement the new minimum wage by October.

Professor Oyedokun-Alli argued that the administration, which identifies itself as pro-masses, should have acted promptly on the wage increase. He pointed out that the current economic situation necessitates an urgent response, stating, “Even paying tomorrow is already late. We will welcome it if they pay more than N70,000, because the economy is biting hard.”

Additionally, Oyedokun-Alli criticized the governor’s expenses, highlighting a large convoy of vehicles funded by taxpayers and an excessive number of special advisers, some of whom lack office spaces. He urged the state government to act swiftly to fulfill its commitment to the workforce.

In response, the Osun State Government confirmed that a minimum wage negotiation committee, led by Chief of Staff Kazeem Akinleye, is still addressing issues related to consequential adjustments in the new wage structure.

The Federal Government has called on the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to end their strike, now in its fifth day. This plea was made by Dr. Yusuf Sununu, outgoing Minister of State for Education, who led a government delegation in discussions with union leaders on Thursday.

Representing new Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alaussa, Dr. Sununu reaffirmed that efforts are ongoing to address the grievances that led to the strike, which has resulted in the closure of public universities across Nigeria since Monday. The unions are protesting the government’s failure to release four months of withheld salaries from 2022.

In the meeting, Dr. Sununu assured union leaders of the government’s dedication to resolving the matter, stating that talks had reached an advanced stage and appealing for cooperation from union members to help stabilize the academic environment.

Comrade Hassan Makolo, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU, expressed optimism about the meeting’s progress. He assured that the unions would suspend the strike once members receive payment alerts for the withheld salaries, saying, “By the time our members receive payment alerts, the strike will be over.” Makolo also noted that these commitments are expected to prevent similar disputes in the future.

On Thursday, newly appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, held a high-level security meeting with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Gwabin Musa and National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. This meeting followed President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointment of Oluyede as Acting COAS while Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the substantive COAS, is abroad for medical treatment.

Held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, the discussions highlighted the administration’s commitment to security continuity and cooperation. However, specific details from the meeting remain undisclosed.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced a new policy allowing Nigerians holding dollars outside the banking system to bring those funds into formal financial channels. Under this policy, individuals have a nine-month grace period—beginning October 31—during which they can deposit these funds without legal or financial penalties.

Edun shared this directive after the National Economic Council meeting, chaired by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He clarified that individuals bringing dollars into the system would be exempt from taxes, penalties, and inquiries, provided the funds meet standard banking Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements and are not linked to criminal or illicit activity.

Additionally, Edun reported on the nation’s financial reserves: the Excess Crude Account stands at $473,754.57, the Natural Resources Fund at ₦26.1 billion, and the Stabilization Account at ₦36.3 billion. He also highlighted government relief measures, stating that 25 million Nigerians have benefited from federal social protection programs, which support sectors like power, agriculture, manufacturing, health, and compressed natural gas (CNG).

This initiative aims to secure dollar holdings and support economic growth, with detailed guidelines to be released by the Central Bank in coordination with the Ministry of Finance.

Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, has emphasized that Nigeria’s economic policies must align with global best practices and sustainable business approaches to ensure economic growth and resilience. Speaking at the inaugural International Management, Business, and Job Fair Conference at the University of Abuja Business School, Okonkwo highlighted the necessity of integrating sustainable practices into Nigeria’s economic framework to foster a future of balanced economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Represented by the airline’s Director of Administration, Mr. Linus Awute, Okonkwo advocated for government-led initiatives such as effective regulations, tax incentives for green businesses, subsidies for renewable energy projects, and green procurement policies to support sustainable investment in Nigeria. He argued that these policies could attract more investment and align the nation’s economic strategies with global sustainability trends.

According to Okonkwo, businesses across both public and private sectors should incorporate sustainability into their operations by adopting eco-friendly production processes, responsible supply chain practices, and social responsibility initiatives that enhance environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

He also stressed the need for collaborative platforms involving governments, businesses, and NGOs to raise public awareness of sustainable practices, aiming to shift mindsets and increase demand for sustainable products and services. Prof. Okonkwo expressed optimism that embracing sustainability can propel Nigeria’s economic growth and strengthen both the private and public sectors.

Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, has expressed confidence in the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) capacity to resolve issues related to Shell’s proposed sale of its onshore assets to the Renaissance consortium. She noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to expediting the transition of international oil companies (IOCs) from onshore activities to deep offshore and gas sector operations.

During NUPRC’s third-anniversary event for the ‘1mmbopd’ project, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission Chief Executive, shared that the government has recently approved four divestment deals, including ExxonMobil’s sale of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energy.

In a recent virtual interview hosted by the African Association of Energy Journalists and Publishers (AJERAP), Verheijen highlighted the progress in divestment deal approvals, noting the improvement in the speed and volume of these transactions.

Verheijen stated, “There is one outstanding issue, and we remain confident in NUPRC’s regulatory process. Our objective is to facilitate exits for IOCs aiming to pivot to the deep offshore and gas sectors.” She underscored the significant capital and technical expertise of IOCs, which can unlock value in Nigeria’s deep offshore and gas sectors. Additionally, she stressed the need for onshore operators to align with the government’s goal of increasing production.

Verheijen acknowledged that under President Tinubu’s leadership, substantial efforts have been made to attract and retain energy sector investors through sound policies and competitive incentives. Reflecting on challenges, she noted that previous declines in investment were partly due to security concerns and fiscal conditions, emphasizing that these factors are being reassessed to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has clarified that it has not received any payments from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for the purchase of refined petroleum products.

In a recent statement, IPMAN claimed that its members were unable to load petrol from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, despite having paid ₦40 billion to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Reacting to this, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Refinery, labeled the claim as misleading, stating that IPMAN members were not facing issues loading refined products from the facility.

Chiejina explained: “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery wishes to clarify that it has not received any payments from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to purchase refined petroleum products. While discussions are ongoing, it is misleading to suggest that IPMAN members are experiencing loading difficulties, as we currently have no direct business dealings with them. We cannot be held responsible for payments made to other entities.”

He further clarified that the referenced payment was made to NNPCL, not to Dangote Refinery, and that NNPCL has neither approved nor authorized the release of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to IPMAN.

Emphasizing the refinery’s capacity, Chiejina stated, “We can meet the nation’s demand for all petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. We have the capacity to load 2,900 trucks per day and continue evacuating products by sea. We advise IPMAN to register with us and make direct payments, as we have ample supply to satisfy their needs.”

In conclusion, he urged all stakeholders to avoid making unsubstantiated statements in the media, as these could potentially undermine the economic efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He warned that conducting business through speculation is counterproductive and unpatriotic.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the decision of the management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, to impose a compulsory accommodation fee of N100,000 on students seeking official housing on campus.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the National President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, the association described the policy as unacceptable and appalling.

“NANS is appalled by the compulsory 100,000 Naira accommodation fee recently imposed on students by the management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare,” the statement read.

The association pointed out that traditionally, only Medical and BDS students were required to pay for compulsory accommodation due to the nature of their courses. They criticized the imposition of such a significant fee on all students as insensitive and a negation of the current economic realities faced by students and their families.

“NANS believes that education should be accessible and affordable for all, and such exorbitant fees only serve to further burden students who are already grappling with rising costs of living and educational expenses,” the statement continued.

NANS called on the university’s management to immediately reverse its decision and make accommodation optional for students who wish to reside on campus at a more affordable price. They emphasized the importance of recognizing the diverse financial situations of students and implementing policies that support their academic pursuits rather than hinder them.

Furthermore, the association reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights of students and warned that it would not hesitate to mobilize for action if necessary regarding this issue.

“In conclusion, it is important to emphasize the significance of creating a conducive learning environment that does not impose undue financial strain on students,” the statement concluded.