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Tag: Nigerians

  • Christmas: Akpabio urges Nigerians to show love, unity

    Christmas: Akpabio urges Nigerians to show love, unity

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON has admonished Nigerians to use the occasion of Christmas as an avenue to exude peace, love and unity.

    Akpabio in a Christmas message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, said the festive period calls for celebration and reflection.

    He said “In the spirit of the season, I encourage you all to spread love, kindness, and generosity. Let us remember those in need and offer a helping hand as much as possible.

    “As we gather with family and friends, let us also remember the true essence of Christmas: peace, love, and unity. May these values guide us as we strive to build a better Nigeria for all”, he advised.

    The Senate President noted that Jesus Christ was given to peace and love and therefore, very generous adding that his birthday should be an occasion of joy and merriment.

    “This special time of the year is a moment for reflection, gratitude, and celebration”, he said.

    On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and indeed the National Assembly, I extend my warmest wishes to all Nigerians and their loved ones.

    I wish you all a joyous and merry Christmas and God’s abundant blessings.

  • BEWARE! Nationwide 3-day dust haze begins today-NIMET cautions Nigerians

    BEWARE! Nationwide 3-day dust haze begins today-NIMET cautions Nigerians

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has announced a forecast of dust haze across the country from Friday to Sunday.

    In a weather outlook released on Thursday in Abuja, NiMet indicated that moderate dust haze is expected in the northern regions on Friday, with visibility levels between 2km and 5km. There are also predictions of localized visibility dropping below 1,000 meters during this time.

    The North-central states are likely to see slight dust haze, whereas the southern regions will experience moderate dust haze with similar visibility conditions of 2km to 5km throughout the forecast period.

    On Saturday, NiMet anticipates thicker dust haze in the north, with visibility remaining in the range of 2km to 5km and localized visibility falling below 1,000 meters. Meanwhile, the southern region will continue to experience slight dust haze.

  • Despite hunger, Nigerians exhausted N2.2trn as payment for ransom in one year -NBS

    Despite hunger, Nigerians exhausted N2.2trn as payment for ransom in one year -NBS

    Despite massive hunger in Nigeria, N2.2trillion was spent for the payment of ransom in one year.

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the payments were made between May 2023 and April 2024.

    According to the NBS’s latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey report published on Tuesday, 65 per cent of households affected by kidnapping paid ransoms for the release of their loved ones from the abductors’ den.

    “The average amount paid as ransom was ₦2,670,693, with an estimated total ransom of ₦2,231,772,563,507 paid within the reference period,” the NBS report read.

    It said kidnapping incidence was estimated at 2,235,954 nationally with results showing that rural areas (1,668,104) recorded more kidnappings than urban areas (567,850).

    Further analysis by zones revealed that North-West had the highest cases (1,420,307), followed by North-Central (317,837), while the least was recorded in South-East (110,432),” it said.

    Of the households that experienced kidnapping, the survey indicated that 80.5 reported it to the police.

    “The South-South zone had the highest reporting rate at 100 percent, followed by North-Central at 89.6 percent, while North-West was least reported at 73.9 percent,” the report noted. “Disaggregated by place of residence, urban areas recorded 87.1 percent compared to 77.3 percent in rural areas.”

    A further analysis of the report showed that some of the abducted persons were killed, while others were released.

    It showed that of the reported cases of kidnapping, 82.1 percent were released,
    12.8 percent were killed and 3.3 percent were still in captivity.

    The study indicated that “About 91 percent of kidnapping incidents were done for ransom in the form of money, goods, or other benefits.

    “Also, 2.4 percent of cases were attributed to political, criminal, or terrorist objectives, while 2.1 percent were linked to personal or family disputes. Custody disputes accounted for 0.5 percent of cases”.

    On the overall crime rate in Nigeria, the NBS survey suggested that North-West region had the highest incidence of crime. There were 14.4 million reported cases in the region. This was followed by the North-Central region with 8.8 million.

    However, the South-East region recorded the lowest number of reported crimes. It had 6.18 million incidents in the period under review.

    Stories about abductions are rife in some parts of Nigeria. From mass abductions in schools to the killing of abductees, the crime seems to have become a business venture for gangs.

    Despite government reassurance and that of security agencies, the situation, experts believe, has not been minimally reduced.

  • 3MTT is justifiably launching 3m Nigerians into global hub-Engr Yabo(Photos)

    3MTT is justifiably launching 3m Nigerians into global hub-Engr Yabo(Photos)

    The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr Faruk Yusuf Yabo has said the 3MTT is justifiably launching three million Nigerians into the global hub.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports he disclosed this while speaking at the ongoing 12th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NCCDE holding from 2nd To 6th December in Makurdi, Benue State.

    Yabo said: “Looking at this eminent gathering today, I am proud to inform you that the Ministry has a dedicated National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), set up as a digital innovation and research facility focused on AI, Robotics and Drones, Internet of Things (IOT), and other emerging technologies, aimed at transforming the Nigerian digital economy, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030.

    “​Also, the ongoing nationwide talent development 3MTT, aimed to train three million digital talents, is justifiably positioning Nigeria as a global hub for the application of AI.

    ” Also, the recent effort of the Ministry to drive home-grown research through the provision of research grants to forty-five Artificial Intelligence starts-ups and researchers through the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) in critical sectors of the country is evident of emerging Nigeria’s talent and entrepreneurial ecosystem.​

    ” Additionally, the boundaries of Nigeria’s AI efforts extend beyond domestic lines. In 2023, Nigeria signed the Bletch-ley Declaration on AI, along with 28 other nations, including the UK and France, committing to AI development that mitigates risk.

    ” Similarly, Nigeria joined 18 different countries that adopted the United State-led coalition to ensure AI is secured by design.

    “The acceleration and enhancement of AI in Nigeria, the Ministry has ensured the provision of adequate infrastructure through the Right-of-Way (RoW) Policy where telecommunication operators pay to state governments to lay fiber optic cables that carry internet traffic on state roads.

    “In 2013 the National Economic Council (NEC) agreed on a maximum RoW charge of N145 per linear meter, a policy meant to streamline the costs for telecommunication charges.

    ” January 2020 was a step in the right direction when the Nigerian Governors Forum accordingly resolved that telecommunication operators were to pay N145 in line with NEC’s approval.

    “More than 10 states have either crashed RoW Charges to N145 per linear meter of fiber optic or completely eliminated the charges to zero. This year 2024, the Executive Vice-Chairman NCC stated that discussion with other state governments were ongoing to secure additional waivers on RoW Charges.

    “Also there have been calls from well-meaning Nigerians on states to implement the harmonized RoW Charges for obvious benefits for the sector.

    “​The National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) will always begin with you as the technical session of experts and industry stakeholders.

    “At this session, you are expected to review the implementation of resolutions reached at the 11th Council meeting and how they have contributed to the development of the Nigeria Digital Economy sector within the period.

    ” You will also be involved in the consideration of memoranda submitted for the 12th NCCIDE meeting given them the desired content that would meet the standard for council approval for the development of the Digital Economy sector.

    “I wish on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, management and staff of the ministry thank our Chief Host, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormen Alia, His Excellency the Deputy Governor and members of the State Executive Council for accepting to host the 12th Council meeting and providing the necessary support for the success of this event even when the economy is affecting governments at all levels.

    “The reception we have received since our arrival in this beautiful ancient city has been heartwarming.

    “A dedicated National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), set up as a digital innovation and research facility focused on AI, Robotics and Drones, Internet of Things (IOT), and other emerging technologies, aimed at transforming the Nigerian digital economy, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030.

    “The session has been sub-divided into 5 syndicate groups to handle memos that fall under each specific category of ;
    a. Knowledge;
    b. policy;
    c. Infrastructure;
    d. Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Capital and
    e. Trade

    “Distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen, this crucial interaction represents our collective efforts towards re-positioning our country in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “It’s therefore calls for the dedication of everybody engaged in this assignment to chat a path towards the formulation of policies and new strategies for the realization of a new Nigeria.

    “I wish to encourage our distinguished participants to take advantage of the many sessions at this meeting to come up to speed on the sub-themes in line with the present-day realities and also, take advantage of the networking opportunities available during the Council meeting to forge strategic partnerships that will further enhance developments in the digital technology sector.

    “​Once again, on behalf of the Hon. Minister, I most sincerely welcome you all to the 12th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and implore you to maximize your participation by contributing fully to all the discussions with a view to moving the digital economy sector and the country’s economy to the next level.

  • Road taxes hit 63% as Nigerians pay N40bn to state governments -NBS

    Road taxes hit 63% as Nigerians pay N40bn to state governments -NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that Nigerians paid about 63 per cent more as road taxes to state governments in 2023, highlighting the growing importance of road taxes in state-level finances.

    The report, however, showed that the Federal Capital Territory did not collect any road tax revenue in 2023.

    According to the recently published Internally Generated Revenue report by the NBS, road taxes paid by Nigerians rose to N40.14bn in 2023.

    Several other states showed significant increases, with Rivers State recording a 270.66 per cent rise, collecting N830.01m up from N223.93m in 2022.

    Sokoto State’s collections grew by 41.22 per cent to N194.66m, while Yobe State saw a 30.4 per cent increase to N81.88m.

    However, some states experienced sharp decreases. Enugu State reported a 95.12 per cent drop, from N1.1bn to N53.47m, while Katsina State saw a steep decline of 79.34 per cent to N29.3m from N141.81m.

    Niger State, however, experienced a significant reduction, with revenue falling 53.41 per cent to N190.49m from N408.83m, and Cross River recorded a 62.54 per cent fall from N3.26bn to N1.22bn.

  • Despite massive hunger ravaging Nigerians, FG proposes 12.5% Telecom tax

    Despite massive hunger ravaging Nigerians, FG proposes 12.5% Telecom tax

    Despite the massive hunger ravaging Nigerians, the federal wants to reintroduce excise duty on telecommunication services will see consumers paying more for calls.

    The government is increasing the consumption tax on telecom services to 12.5 percent from the current 7.5 percent value-added tax. This move is part of a broader tax reform initiative detailed in a bill entitled, ‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks relating to Taxation and Enact the Nigeria Tax Act to Provide for Taxation of Income, Transactions, and Instruments, and Related Matters.’

    The proposed bill seeks to unify fiscal legislation governing taxation in the country. It seeks to introduce excise duties on telecoms, gaming, gambling, lotteries, and betting services.

    “Services, including telecommunications, gaming, gambling, betting, and lotteries however described, provided in Nigeria shall be charged with duties of excise at the rates specified under the Tenth Schedule to this Act in a manner as may be prescribed by the Service,” the bill read.

    The bill explained that the “amount of an excisable transaction is the amount chargeable for the service by the service provider, both in money or money’s worth.

    This tax is going to hurt the telecom industry and subscribers alike,” said Adeolu Ogunbanjo, president of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers. “They are essentially trying to kill the industry by imposing more burdens on it.”

    The reintroduction of the excise duty comes despite a 2023 executive order suspending the implementation of a five percent excise duty on telecom services. This tax has been contentious since it was first proposed in 2022, with telecom operators indicating they would pass the cost on to consumers.

  • “Your monetary policies are not benefitting Nigerians”-Bauchi gov tells Tinubu

    “Your monetary policies are not benefitting Nigerians”-Bauchi gov tells Tinubu

    The governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed, has said the monetary policies introduced by the Tinubu-led administration are not working as people are hungry and suffering.

    Governor Bala said this while addressing participants at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update in Abuja on Thursday, October 17.

    He stated that the economic livelihood of Nigerians have been badly affected by the various economic policies which has now created a volatile situation that may see people of his class being lynched by frustrated Nigerians.

    “When the reforms started, the sub-nationals supported the President. But now, the macroeconomic policies causing inflation need to be reconsidered. There is hunger, people are suffering, and Nigerians are not benefitting from these reforms.”

    The governor in his speech stated that the purchasing power of Nigerians has been drastically reduced.

    “What are you doing to reduce hunger? We must help the people cope. The purchasing power of the people has drastically diminished. My brother Cardoso, these policies are not working. They need to be reviewed. Let’s not resort to blackmail.”

    Addressing the issue of electricity, the governor remarked

    “What about power? The tariffs are so high that people cannot afford to pay. We are on the brink of being lynched. These policies are not working. We must review them.”

  • Remain steadfast in prayers – Tinubu tells Nigerians

    Remain steadfast in prayers – Tinubu tells Nigerians

    President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians and the Methodist Church in Nigeria to remain steadfast in prayers for their communities, the nation, and her leaders.

    The president said this during the 40th anniversary celebration church service of the Abuja archdiocese of the Methodist church held at the Methodist Cathedral of Unity Wuse Zone 5, on Sunday.

    Represented by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, the President said: “I urge you, to remain steadfast in your commitment to prayer—not just for your communities but for our beloved Nigeria and its leaders. Your prayers are a source of strength and guidance as we navigate the complexities of governance”.

    The president also called on the church to continue its work of service, outreach, and mission of compassion and to work hand in hand with the government, following the tenets of the Renewed Hope Agenda, to help create a Nigeria that will meet the collective aspirations of the citizenry.

    According to President Tinubu, the challenges confronting Nigeria today require a united front saying: “Today, I call upon you to continue your service, outreach, and compassion mission. The challenges we face as a nation require a united front. Your church can be a platform for social transformation, where individuals come together to enact change, promote peace, and uplift the people.

    “By working hand in hand with the government and embracing the tenets of the Renewed Hope Agenda, we can create a Nigeria that reflects our collective aspirations.”

    Speaking on the church’s activities in its one hundred and eighty-two years of existence in Nigeria, President Tinubu said the church has been instrumental in promoting peace and unity in Nigeria through its messages promoting love, reconciliation, and understanding.

    According to a statement issued by the Director Press, Office of the FCT Minister, Anothony Ogunleye, President Tinubu: “The Church has been instrumental in promoting peace and unity in our nation, and your messages promoting love, reconciliation, and understanding through the years have fostered dialogue among diverse communities, encouraging us to embrace our differences and work towards a common good”.

    He also commended the Methodist church for its contribution to nation-building over the years through social, justice, education, and humanitarian outreach.

    While congratulating the Abuja Archdiocese on reaching the 40th-anniversary milestone, the President urged congregants to reflect on the Methodist church’s impact on society and recommit themselves to the values of love and service that the church embodies.

    Also speaking in a similar vein were former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Senate President David Mark and Minister of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

    In his message, the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Ali Aba, called for support for the government, saying that the challenges currently being experienced will soon be a thing of the past.

  • Ndume begs Tinubu to reduce fuel price, says Nigerians are suffering

    Ndume begs Tinubu to reduce fuel price, says Nigerians are suffering

    Senator representing a Borno south, Ali Ndume, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reduce the price of petrol, saying Nigerians are suffering.

    Briefing journalists in Abuja, Ndume lamented that the astronomical increase in the prices of fuel, food, essential goods and services is becoming unaffordable to average Nigerians and the poor that form the majority

    He said the bad elements are trying hard to pitch the people against the administration of President Bola Tinubu by pushing for harsh reforms and bad policies instead of controlling inflation and exchange rate that are making life unbearable for Nigerians.

    The ranking senator said those who are bent on making the President look bad will stop at nothing in inflicting pains on Nigerians through the “so-called reforms until things get out of hand and the blame will be on President Tinubu.”

    “I’m appealing to him to resist these bad people who want to pitch the people against his administration. The hardship these people are inflicting on Nigerians is becoming unbearable. I’m currently in Borno, and I know what I’m talking about. People are really suffering, hungry, frustrated and angry,” he said.

    “I believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria and Nigerians. I know this because I know what he stands for. But some of his advisers who don’t mean well for the people of this country give him the wrong advice.

    “In Borno State here, many families can’t even feed anymore. The untold hardship of these frequent increases in prices is unimaginable. Farmers cannot even move their farm products anymore because of the high cost of transportation.

    “Those who can still do this add the cost of transportation to the prices of food items they sell, and that’s why many people can’t feed again. People can’t travel anymore. To travel by road from Abuja to Maiduguri, for instance, is a fortune. How many of our people can afford that?

    “I know that President Tinubu means well for Nigerians, and therefore he should not stay back and allow a few bad advisers to destroy this country. That’s why I’m begging him to do something before it is too late. It is not good to test the patience of Nigerians, and that’s exactly what these bad advisers are doing.

    “As soon as the President returns to Nigeria, I urge him to look into these issues and address them urgently. The purchasing power of Nigerians is too poor, and they can’t afford the things that are being pushed on them every day by enemies of the state.”

     

    (more…)

  • I’m angry with Nigerians for not protesting against hardship — Amaechi

    I’m angry with Nigerians for not protesting against hardship — Amaechi

    Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed frustration with Nigerians for their passive response to the worsening economic situation in the country.

    During a recent interview with ABN TV, Amaechi criticised the rising cost of living, as well as the hikes in fuel prices and food, which have significantly diminished the purchasing power of millions of Nigerians.

    He stated that if someone like him is struggling to afford diesel, only God knows how the average Nigerian is coping during this period.

    “I’m angry with the citizens. I have said it several times. You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you, you cannot buy fuel and anything.

    “The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that there won’t be an election in our state.

    “That is what people should be saying. Because with the rate of hunger now, If people like us can’t afford diesel, you can imagine what is happening to my mother. Okay don’t put my mother. I will defend my mother. Those who don’t have children like us.

    “Somebody said what this government has achieved is that it has made Nigerians to be strong in the sense that Nigerians now trek.”

    Amaechi, who was a former governor of Rivers State, served as Minister of Transportation under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed frustration with Nigerians for their passive response to the worsening economic situation in the country.

    During a recent interview with ABN TV, Amaechi criticised the rising cost of living, as well as the hikes in fuel prices and food, which have significantly diminished the purchasing power of millions of Nigerians.

    He stated that if someone like him is struggling to afford diesel, only God knows how the average Nigerian is coping during this period.

    “I’m angry with the citizens. I have said it several times. You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you, you cannot buy fuel and anything.

    “The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that there won’t be an election in our state.

    “That is what people should be saying. Because with the rate of hunger now, If people like us can’t afford diesel, you can imagine what is happening to my mother. Okay don’t put my mother. I will defend my mother. Those who don’t have children like us.

    “Somebody said what this government has achieved is that it has made Nigerians to be strong in the sense that Nigerians now trek.”

    Amaechi, who was a former governor of Rivers State, served as Minister of Transportation under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    I’m angry with Nigerians for not protesting against hardship — Amaechi

    Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed frustration with Nigerians for their passive response to the worsening economic situation in the country.

    During a recent interview with ABN TV, Amaechi criticised the rising cost of living, as well as the hikes in fuel prices and food, which have significantly diminished the purchasing power of millions of Nigerians.

    He stated that if someone like him is struggling to afford diesel, only God knows how the average Nigerian is coping during this period.

    “I’m angry with the citizens. I have said it several times. You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you, you cannot buy fuel and anything.

    “The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that there won’t be an election in our state.

    “That is what people should be saying. Because with the rate of hunger now, If people like us can’t afford diesel, you can imagine what is happening to my mother. Okay don’t put my mother. I will defend my mother. Those who don’t have children like us.

    “Somebody said what this government has achieved is that it has made Nigerians to be strong in the sense that Nigerians now trek.”

    .