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Tag: FG

  • Autonomy: Court adjourns ALGON’s suit against Federal, State Govts

    Autonomy: Court adjourns ALGON’s suit against Federal, State Govts

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit filed by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) against the Federal and State Governments until May 29.

    The fresh suit, which was scheduled for mention before Justice Inyang Ekwo, could not proceed because the court did not sit.

    The matter was, however, fixed for May 29 for mention.

    NAN reports that the plaintiff, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/353/2025, is the Registered Trustees of ALGON.

    The Supreme Court had, in a judgment on July 11, 2024, granted financial autonomy to local governments in the country.

    However, ALGON filed the suit following alleged failure by the state governments to comply with the decision of the apex court.

    The association sued the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice and the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) and 23 others.

    Others include the Minister of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), state’s Commissioners for Finance, Minister of Budget and National Planning, and the Accountant-General of the Federation.

    It also joined the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission; the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, various commercial banks, and one Bello Lawal as defendants in the suit.

    ALGON, in the case, demands that the 774 local councils be granted representation at Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings where allocations are discussed.

    The trustees, prayed the court to declare that “given the Supreme Court decision on July 11, 2024, the 1st to 8th defendants cannot disburse monies to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria, through the 9th to 23rd defendants without the plaintiff authorising, approving such.

    They also sought a declaration that  the 1st to 7th defendants cannot discuss, approve, disburse or in any other way whatsoever deal with the monies accruing to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria without the representation of the local government councils.

    The group contended that while the Supreme Court’s judgment intends to liberate the local government administration, the AGF, Ministry of Finance, state’s Commissioners of Finance and CBN had taken “precipitate action to frustrate the implementation of the decision.”

    ALGON, through its counsel, Okechukwu Uju-Azorji, alleged that the 9th to 23rd defendants, which are the commercial banks, are already taking steps “to be the conduit pipe or warehouse from which any money or allocation meant for the local government councils will be collected.”

    The CBN, in its preliminary objection filed by Sam Ologunorisa, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

    The apex bank contends that ALGON is not a legal entity recognised by the constitution or any statute, and was not a party or beneficiary in the Supreme Court case upon which it now relies.

    Similarly, counsel for FAAC, Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, argued that ALGON lacked the legal standing to bring the case, thereby robbing the court of jurisdiction.

    Also, the state Commissioners of Finance, through their lawyer, argued that members of FAAC, as stipulated by law, does not include representatives of the 774 LGAs, as being canvassed for.

    They cited Section 6(1) of the Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act, 1982, which outlines the FAAC’s statutory membership—excluding local government representation.

    In response, however, ALGON filed a counter-affidavit, asserting its legal status.

    It argued that it was incorporated as an association on May 10, 2002, with the principal objective of promoting and defending the autonomy and interests of local governments in Nigeria.

  • FG gazzettes ECOWAS tarriffs, advancing AfCFTA implementation

    FG gazzettes ECOWAS tarriffs, advancing AfCFTA implementation

    The Federal Government has officially gazetted and transmitted the ECOWAS schedule of tariff offers for Trade in Goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to it secretariat.

    This is contained in a statement by Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Oduwole said that the move was ahead of the 16th meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers (COM) responsible for trade, holding in Kinshasa, DRC, on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in regional trade integration.

    According to her, this agreement establishes zero duties on 90 per cent of tariff lines for trade in goods, enhancing Nigeria’s market competitiveness and expanding trade opportunities across Africa.

    “Nigerian goods are now competitively positioned in the African market, ensuring greater business access and profitability.

    “President Bola Tinubu signed the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariff Offers, which reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to regional trade expansion.

    “This step under the AfCFTA framework strengthens Nigeria’s role in shaping the future of intra-African trade and boosting export
    competitiveness.

    “Furthermore, it enables the seamless shipment of goods to and from Nigeria, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, manufacturers, and exporters.

    “Implications of Nigeria’s ECOWAS Tariff offer the gazetting of the schedule of tariff concessions is expected to yield significant benefits,”she said.

    The minister said that the benefits included boosting economic growth and job creation by reducing trade barriers, strengthening regional integration and trade relations through enhanced economic ties

    She added that it would also support Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by lowering costs and encouraging market expansion.

    “Furthermore, Nigeria’s commitment to AfCFTA implementation makes it an attractive destination for foreign and intra-African investment, reinforcing its role as a trade hub in West Africa.

    “However, stronger engagement is required from African Trade Minsters to address other types of barriers, including non-tariff barriers that could hinder market access.

    “Additionally, improving productive capacity and ensuring compliance with international standards remain imperative to maximise the benefits of the AfCFTA.

    “Nigeria is open for business.

    “The gazetting and transmission of the ECOWAS schedule of tariffs to the AfCFTA Secretariat signals Nigeria’s readiness for trade under the agreement.

    Oduwole said that the milestone would enable Nigerian exporters to leverage preferential tariff access across African markets, positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional and global trade.

    She added that the development would as well underscores Nigeria’s dedication to leveraging Africa’s single market for economic transformation.

    “After initiating its first shipment under AfCFTA in July 2024, Nigeria has solidified its leadership in regional trade and integration with the formal gazetting of the schedule of tariffs for trade in goods.

    ”This is to ensure that Nigerian goods can access other markets competitively and profitably.”

    “This reciprocal trade arrangement aligns with the directive of the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in February 2022.

    ”As a result, other AfCFTA State Parties can now accept consignments from Nigeria under the Agreement.

    ”Under its preferred classification, Nigeria’s tariff reductions for trade in goods follow a phased approach over 10 years beginning in 2021.

    “By 2025, the fifth year of AfCFTA implementation, a 50 per cent tariff reduction on NGN, implemented at a rate of 10 per cent per year, should immediately affect goods in trade with least developed countries in Africa.

    ”For trade with developing countries on the continent, Nigeria retains the flexibility of
    complete tariff elimination (0 per cent) effectively immediately under AfCFTA, applying a 20 per cent
    reduction annually.

    ”The gazetting announcement follows the AfCFTA digital trade mandate announced in February in Addis Ababa.

    “The President, however, received a commendation for his work on digital trade, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional and continental trade integration.

    ”As a digital trade co-champion, Nigeria is advancing seamless trade facilitation and cross-border commerce, ensuring businesses
    especially SMEs can fully benefit from AfCFTA’s framework,” she said.

  • Alleged se3ual harassment: FG ‘suspends’ FUOYE VC

    Alleged se3ual harassment: FG ‘suspends’ FUOYE VC

    Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti State, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, has been suspended for allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by a senior female university official, Engr. Folasade Adebayo.

    The suspension, which takes effect immediately, followed the intervention of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction with the initial recommendation of the university’s Governing Council Committee exonerating Prof. Fasina.

    Sources disclosed that the committee had advised that Engr. Adebayo should apologise to the Vice-Chancellor, allegedly ignoring her claims of sexual misconduct.

    “The minister was very angry with the decision of the council,” a source familiar with the matter said.

    “He was unhappy that the council tried to sweep the sexual harassment complaint under the carpet and rather told the complainant to apologise.

    He called the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), to register his displeasure.”

    Prompted by the minister’s concern, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba convened an emergency virtual meeting of the university’s Governing Council at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 14.

    During the meeting, the Council resolved to remove Prof. Fasina from office, albeit under the guise of accumulated leave rather than outright suspension.

    According to sources, Prof. Fasina pleaded with the Council to allow him to proceed on his accrued annual and research leave instead of facing direct suspension.

    “You know, as a Vice-Chancellor, if you wish to end your tenure early, especially within six months to the end of your term, you are permitted to proceed on your accumulated leave,” the source explained.

    “Although Fasina’s tenure is due to end in August, the Council has now asked him to proceed on that leave effective immediately.”

    Confirming the development, the university’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mufutau A. Ibrahim, issued a press statement on Monday stating, “The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) at its 7th Emergency Meeting held online on Monday, 14th April, 2025, considered the request of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, to proceed on his accumulated Annual and Research Leave and approved six (6) months, being 126 working days out of his total entitlements of 228 days with effect from today, Monday, 14th April, 2025.”

    In the interim, the Council has appointed Professor Samuel Olubunmi Shittu, a Professor of Soil Science and the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university for the next six months.

    “In addition, the Governing Council appointed Prof. Olubunmi S. Shittu, the incumbent Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, who is also the most senior of the three (3) Deputy Vice-Chancellors, as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University for a period of six (6) months with effect from today, Monday, 14th April, 2025,” the statement read.

  • FG declares national emergency on food security

    FG declares national emergency on food security

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday declared a national emergency on food security, urging expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management nationwide.

    Tinubu made the declaration while opening the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja.

    He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.

    He urged African nations to adopt innovative strategies in addressing the continent’s irrigation and water management challenges.

    He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, as a clarion call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

    “Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.

    “This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward”.

    Tinubu stated that the country had more than 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land located around key river basins such as the Niger and Benue.

    In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the government had completed several landmark initiatives under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

    He announced that its successor, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, would address outstanding gaps while optimising the economic value of water resources to support food security.

    “With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin implementation of the SPIN project in partnership with the World Bank.

    “This initiative will consolidate on the successes of TRIMING and expand our irrigation potential,” Utsev said.

    According to the minister, the TRIMING project, which spanned more than seven years, delivered notable achievements, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and 90 per cent completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.

    It also supported ongoing interventions in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States.

    He also noted that the project established Water Users Associations (WUAs), farmer management centres, and supported market linkages for key value chains such as rice and tomato.

    The minister further revealed that River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) had developed more than 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were being partially commercialised to attract private sector investment.

    He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, aimed at minimising flood-related impacts on agriculture.

    “This conference is a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective commitment to resolving Africa’s pressing irrigation and water management issues,” he added.

    The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, called for renewed commitment across all tiers of government to ensure national food security.

    Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Godknows Igali, underscored the urgency of strategic planning, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s growing population.

    He stressed the importance of professional staffing and proper management of river basins, adding that sub-national governments must play an active role in water governance and food systems.

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, raised concerns over the shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, warning that unpredictable rainfall patterns were creating uncertainty among farmers.

    “Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury.

    “Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few, we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Zulum said

    He appealed to development partners to show greater responsiveness to the challenges of water access and rural farming in Africa.

    President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as both timely and essential.

    “This could be a turning point. We’ve celebrated big ideas and set tangible goals to confront the pressing challenges.

    “We remain committed to supporting Africa as it faces population growth and climate stress,” Arcieri stated.

    Mr Ibrahim Musa, who leads the African Regional Working Group, expressed optimism that the conference would lead to innovative approaches and actionable outcomes in addressing Africa’s unique irrigation development needs.

    The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, with technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.

  • Autononomy: LGs drag FG, states to court, Tuesday

    Autononomy: LGs drag FG, states to court, Tuesday

    The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja will on Tuesday hear a suit filed by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria against the Central Bank of Nigeria and others over the implementation of local government autonomy.

    The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/353/2025, was instituted by the Registered Trustees of ALGON against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, state Commissioners for Finance, and 21 others.

    Other defendants include the Minister of Budget and National Planning; Accountant-General of the Federation; the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission; the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, various commercial banks, and one Bello Lawal.

    Following the Supreme Court judgment of July 11, 2024, which granted financial autonomy to LGs, ALGON filed a suit seeking an order restraining the disbursement of funds to local governments without its approval.

    Additionally, ALGON demands that the 774 local councils be granted representation at Federation Account Allocation Committee meetings where allocations are discussed.

    ALGON Secretary-General, Mohammed Abubakar, confirmed the suit hearing date to The PUNCH on Sunday.

    In its originating summons, ALGON trustees’ prayers include: “A declaration that, given the Supreme Court decision on 11th July 2024, in Suit No: SC/CV/343/2024, between Attorney-General of Federation vs Attorney-General, Abia State and 35 Ors, Constitution of ALGON, 1999, the 1st to 8th defendants cannot disburse monies to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria, through the 9th to 23rd defendants or any other person whatsoever, without the plaintiff authorising, approving said 9th to 23rd defendants or any other person whatsoever after conducting due diligence on them to avert any diversion of the funds of the local government councils.

    “A declaration that, given the Supreme Court decision on July 11, 2024, the 1st to 7th defendants or any other person whatsoever cannot discuss, approve, disburse or in any other way whatsoever deal with the monies accruing to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria without the representation of the local government councils at such deliberations, discussions, committees, howsoever called, including at the Federation Account Allocation Committee chaired by the 2nd defendant.”

    Furthermore, ALGON contends that, while the Supreme Court judgment intends to liberate the local government administration, the AGF, Ministry of Finance, state Commissioners of Finance and CBN have taken “precipitate action to frustrate the implementation of the decision.”

    ALGON, through its counsel, Okechukwu Uju-Azorji, further claimed that the 9th to 23rd defendants, which are the commercial banks, are already taking steps “to be the conduit pipe or warehouse from which any money or allocation meant for the local government councils will be collected.”

    Also speaking on behalf of the state Commissioners for Finance, Fapohunda argued that ALGON is not a member of FAAC and lacks any constitutional or statutory entitlement to participate in its processes.

    In an affidavit, Jeff Otache, the administrative manager at the offices of the Incorporated Trustees of State Finance Commissioners, described ALGON’s suit as “vague, imprecise, evasive, and an abuse of court process.”

    The commissioners held, “The suit of the plaintiff is conjectural, vague, imprecise, evasive and hollow. That hearing the suit is a sheer waste of judicial time and it is in the interest of justice to dismiss or strike out the suit for want of jurisdiction.

    “I know as a fact that the plaintiff is not a member of any of the defendants and as such cannot force itself on them. I also know for a fact that the plaintiff organisation that has no nexus with the defendants’ statutory duties. That the plaintiff/respondent is not entitled to any of the reliefs sought,” he stated.

    In response, however, ALGON filed a counter-affidavit, asserting its legal status.

    It claims to have been incorporated as an association on May 10, 2002, with the principal objective of promoting and defending the autonomy and interests of local governments in Nigeria.

    ALGON further accused the 24th defendant of falsely parading himself as its President without valid authority, in violation of the group’s constitution.

    The group submitted its constitution and Corporate Affairs Commission registration documents as evidence of its legal status and right to sue.

  • Uromi killings: FG, Edo Govt. set up fact-finding committee

    Uromi killings: FG, Edo Govt. set up fact-finding committee

    Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Thursday disclosed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the state government, has established a fact-finding committee to investigate the recent killing of hunters in Uromi, Edo.

    Okpebholo made the announcement while receiving a high-powered delegation from Kano State, led by Deputy Gov. Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo in Benin.

    He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was deeply displeased with the tragic incident and was committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

    “This incident has opened our eyes. We are now ready to address national issues and improve life for everyone,” Okpebholo said.

    “The President is determined to get to the root of this. We want a lasting solution and justice for all those affected.

    “I also wish to inform you that the President and the Edo Government have jointly set up a committee to uncover the underlying causes of the incident.

    “The report you’ve submitted will guide us going forward and ensure we don’t need to trouble you further.

    “The public will be kept informed of the committee’s activities.”

    According to Okpebholo, Edo is home to peace-loving people.

    “”We welcome everyone who lives with us. Kano and Edo have enjoyed a strong history of commercial and industrial collaboration,” he added.

    In his remarks, Gwarzo, expressed gratitude to Okpebholo for his earlier visit to Kano State and his efforts during the crisis.

    “Our visit is to formally thank you for your peaceful intervention during the Uromi crisis and your solidarity with the people of Kano,” Gwarzo stated.

    “Kano State set up a committee to verify the names, numbers, next of kin, and survivors. We are here to formally submit the final report.

    “You assured us that justice will be served, and we believe you, Mr. Governor. We seek a transparent process to ensure fairness and accountability.

    “Sixteen lives were lost—victims from five local government areas in Kano. Their families are looking to you for justice and closure.”

    Okpebholo and the Kano delegation later visited Uromi, where they met with members of the Hausa community affected by the incident.

  • Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s N50bn suit against FG

    Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s N50bn suit against FG

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, struck out a N50 billion suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling, struck out the suit for lack of diligent prosecution.

    When the matter was called on Thursday, neither Kanu nor the Federal Government was represented by any lawyer.

    Justice Ekwo observed that in the last adjourned day, while no lawyer was in court for the IPOB leader, the Federal Government was represented in court by a counsel.

    The judge, who said that the case had taken three adjournments due to no representation, consequently struck out the case.

    Kanu had sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022.

    Kanu, who sued the defendants over allegations bordering on violation of his rights, alleged that he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria to stand trial.

    He wants the court to determine “whether the way and manner in which the plaintiff was abducted in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria is consistent with extant laws.”

    Specifically, he cited “the provisions of Article 12 (4) of the African Charter on human and peoples rights (ratification and enforcement) Act Cap A9 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Article/Part 5 (a) of the African Charter’s principles and guidelines on human and peoples’ rights while countering terrorism in Africa.”

    Kanu also wants the court to determine “whether by the operation of Section 15 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the plaintiff can be competently/legally tried for offences stated in counts 1 to 14 of the 15-count amended charge.

    He said the counts “are not the offences for which he was surrendered or extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria.”

    In the originating summons, the IPOB leader is seeking 11 reliefs, including an order for his release from Department of State Services (DSS)’ custody.

    He is also seeking an order restraining the defendants from taking any further step to prosecute him over criminal charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, currently pending before a sister court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako.

    Kanu also asked the court to award the sum of N100 million to him “as the cost of this action.”

    But in a notice of preliminary objection dated June 6, 2022, but filed June 27, 2022, the Federal Government and AGF prayed the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as “an abuse of court process.”

    Giving one ground of argument, the defendants argued that Kanu had filed an earlier suit with similar facts before a Federal High Court, Umuahia Division in suit number: FHC/UM/CS/30/2022.

    They further argued that the two defendants were parties in the suit.

    According to the defendants, this renders this suit as an abuse of court process that deprived the court of the jurisdiction to entertain the instant suit.

    Earlier, Aloy Ejimakor had, in one of the proceedings, told Justice Ekwo that he had filed a notice for a change of counsel.

    Ejimakor told the court that he would be taking over the case from Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who filed the suit on April 7, 2022.

  • FG orders tertiary institutions to advertise job vacancies

    FG orders tertiary institutions to advertise job vacancies

    The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has directed all federal tertiary institutions that have been granted waivers to recruit staff to publicly advertise the available vacancies.

    This was contained in a statement released to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Press in the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo.

    Alausa urged the institutions to advertise in at least one national daily newspaper, on their respective websites, and in other relevant academic and professional journals.

    According to him, this directive aims to ensure a transparent, open, and competitive recruitment process that offers equal opportunity to all eligible Nigerians.

    “This follows the waivers granted to federal tertiary institutions based on submissions made by these institutions concerning their manpower requirements.

    “It is in line with the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of our higher education institutions,” he said.

    He reminded all federal tertiary institutions to submit their recruitment needs to the ministry for review by the Committee on Waiver and Recruitment.

    “The ministry has put in place adequate mechanisms to ensure compliance and will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any institution that fails to adhere to this directive.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education remains firmly dedicated to promoting integrity and fairness in all matters related to the Nigerian higher education system,” he said.

  • No going back: FG insists on Naira-for-crude policy to boost economic independence

    No going back: FG insists on Naira-for-crude policy to boost economic independence

    The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the implementation of the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative, describing it as a strategic, long-term policy aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s energy independence and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

    The assurance was given on Wednesday during a high-level meeting of the Technical Sub-Committee in charge of the policy’s rollout. The session brought together top government and industry players to review progress and address challenges since the policy’s launch.

    Among those in attendance were Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun—who chairs the main Implementation Committee—Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, who also heads the Technical Sub-Committee; CFO of NNPC Limited, Dapo Segun; representatives from NNPC Trading, Dangote Refinery, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Afreximbank, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and petroleum regulatory bodies (NUPRC and NMDPRA), alongside Committee Secretary Hauwa Ibrahim.

    Stakeholders at the meeting unanimously reaffirmed that the policy, already approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), is not a temporary measure but a permanent part of Nigeria’s broader economic transformation agenda.

    “This is not a pilot project or short-term fix,” said Edun. “It’s a critical national policy designed to strengthen our economy, deepen Naira usage in strategic sectors, and advance our energy self-sufficiency goals.”

    While acknowledging that the rollout has encountered operational challenges, the Committee assured that these are being addressed through coordinated efforts across all relevant agencies and private sector partners.

    “The policy is solidly on course,” Adedeji stated. “Thanks to our collaborative framework, we’re able to tackle any issues strategically and efficiently.”

    By denominating crude oil and refined petroleum transactions in Naira, the government aims to reduce demand for foreign currency, support the Naira, and enhance the resilience of the domestic energy market.

    Officials emphasized that the policy will remain in place for the long haul—as long as it continues to serve Nigeria’s economic interests and drive progress toward a more self-reliant energy sector.

  • FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

    FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

    The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

    The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

    Alake said that all mining activities were still on hold until the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that would guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

    He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

    “The outbreak is an evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

    “Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

    “Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

    “However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

    According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

    The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area, and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

    “We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

    According to him,  the ministry will soon release comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

    The procedures, he explained, would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance to community development agreements.

    He added that other issues the SOP would address include the beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector in the state.

    Alake noted  that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will put an end to illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

    NAN recalls that in 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state