The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • FG probes electronic money transfer collections from 2019–2022

    FG probes electronic money transfer collections from 2019–2022

    The federal government has commenced an investigation into the collection of the Electronic Money Transfer (EMT) levy between 2019 and 2022.

    The inquiry is being coordinated by the Inland Revenue Monitoring Committee (IRMC) of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

    According to a statement issued on Thursday by Maryam Umar Yusuf, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit of RMAFC, the investigation is being led by the Commissioner representing Oyo State, Dr. Kolade Daniel Abimbola.

    As part of the ongoing exercise, Abimbola paid a working visit to the headquarters of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

    During the visit, Abimbola, who serves as IRMC Chairman, explained the Commission’s statutory authority to demand and obtain financial information from relevant public and private institutions. He said the mandate allows the Commission “to demand and obtain from any government agency, company, or individual, information, data, documents or returns relating to the remittance of accruals or disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account, and monitor any receipt however described, arising from the operation of any law.”

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    He noted that the visit to NDIC was an important part of the review of EMT levy collections.

    “The visit is guided by the Commission’s mandate to ensure transparency, accountability, and optimum revenue mobilization, particularly in the aspect of Electronic Money Transfer levy for the period 2019–2022, and enhancing the Commission’s capacity to monitor its collections effectively,” Abimbola stated.

    He added that NDIC plays a critical role in the country’s financial system. “We also recognise the vital role of the NDIC in Nigeria’s financial system, and we believe there is significant value in exploring areas of collaboration that will support both institutions in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities,” he said.

    He urged the management of NDIC to support the monitoring exercise through relevant technical assistance and information sharing.

    Responding, the Managing Director of NDIC, Mr. Thompson Oluwadare Sunday, assured the RMAFC delegation of the Corporation’s readiness to assist.

    He said NDIC was fully committed to offering the required technical and professional support, adding that the Corporation “would do everything within its power to support the Commission’s mandate.”

    Sunday further noted that NDIC recognises the national importance of the EMT levy and is prepared to contribute to strengthening the monitoring and compliance framework across all deposit-taking institutions.

    Also speaking, the Director of the Inland Revenue Department at RMAFC, Dr. Udodirim Okongwu, thanked the NDIC leadership for pledging support. She said effective monitoring of EMT remittances would significantly improve revenue inflows for the three tiers of government and contribute to national development.

    The Executive Director of Corporate Services at NDIC, Mrs. Emily Osuji, aligned with the assurances given by the Managing Director. She said the Corporation was open to data sharing and technical cooperation with RMAFC to aid the investigation and improve oversight of EMT collections.

  • Tinubu urges world leaders to fulfil $100bn climate finance pledge at COP30

    Tinubu urges world leaders to fulfil $100bn climate finance pledge at COP30

    President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has urged global leaders to honour the $100 billion annual climate finance commitment made to support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, especially for vulnerable developing nations.

    Tinubu made the call at the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30) in Belém, Brazil, where he highlighted Nigeria’s progress toward building a resilient, low-carbon future.

    In a statement signed by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with bilateral, multilateral, and private partners to mobilise resources, share knowledge, and accelerate innovative solutions for a just and sustainable transition.

    Representing the President, Lawal said, “Addressing climate change is a shared responsibility, and COP30 offers another opportunity for governments and organisations to strengthen global solidarity, scale up ambition, and translate commitments into concrete action to safeguard the planet.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    “Nigeria is among the countries most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. The effects are visible across all regions. We are implementing coordinated measures to mitigate these impacts domestically and across Africa.

    “We recognise the critical importance of structured climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building in achieving sustainable development. These are essential pillars for climate resilience, inclusive growth, and a just transition to a low-carbon future.”

    He noted that Nigeria has taken bold steps to move from pledges to implementation, becoming the first West African country to submit a comprehensive and enhanced Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).

    The updated NDC aligns with national development priorities by enhancing resilience, expanding energy access, strengthening adaptation efforts, and reducing emissions across key sectors.

    Tinubu also highlighted the National Flood Management and Resilience Programme (NFM-RP), through which Nigeria is investing in hydraulic infrastructure, river training, shore protection, and desilting projects to safeguard vulnerable communities and restore degraded catchments.

  • Reps push Senate to fast-track bill establishing police pensions board

    Reps push Senate to fast-track bill establishing police pensions board

    The House of Representatives leadership is set to engage its Senate counterparts to fast-track legislative action on a bill seeking to establish the Police Pensions Board and exempt the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

    The resolution followed a motion by Jessy Okey Onuakalusi (LP, Lagos), who drew attention to the plight of police pensioners protesting at the National Assembly gate for several weeks. The retired officers are demanding exemption from the CPS, similar to their counterparts in the military and intelligence agencies.

    The House had already passed the bill for third reading in October and transmitted it to the Senate for concurrence ahead of its onward transmission to the President for assent.

    Addressing journalists on the matter, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Abubakar Makki Yelleman, along with the Chairman of the Pensions Committee, Hussein Jallo, confirmed that the bill was forwarded to the Senate on October 28.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    Yalleman said, “The protest you see daily at the gate is not against the House because we. Have done all that we need to do and have passed the bill. It is not before the Senate. We have asked the Leadership to lease with the Senate so they can pass the bill for third reading.

    “Immediately that is done, it will be sent to the President for his assent, and I can assure you that we are all working in collaboration with the Inspector General of Police and the DG PENCOM in this regard.

    “The House is interested in the welfare of police officers, especially the retired officers. That is why we did all that was needed of us.”

    On his part, the chairman of the Committee on Pension said a meeting has been scheduled between the IGP, DG, PENCOM, the House Committee on Police Affairs and Pension, as well as their counterparts in the Senate, on the issue.

    He assured that the bill addressing the concern of the police pensioners will be signed into law before the end of the year. 

  • APC youth wing calls for deployment of forest guards, others over banditry

    APC youth wing calls for deployment of forest guards, others over banditry

    To address the security challenges in the country, the National Youth Wing of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the immediate deployment of at least 100,000 newly recruited, specially trained Forest Guards and Rural Security Personnel across the North-West and North-Central zones within the next six months, equipped with modern communication gadgets and rapid-response vehicles.

    The recommendation was contained in a statement by the National Youth Leader, Dr Dayo Isreal on Wednesday in which the group said it was deeply saddened and outraged by the recent wave of attacks and banditry across Niger, Kwara, Borno and more recently Kebbi.

    While commending the initial steps so far taken by President Bola Tinubu, the Army and other security agencies operating in the axis, the Youth wing said the stark reality is that these efforts are not yet enough.

    Other recommendations by the youth wing include: Establishment of permanent Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in every identified bandit/terrorist enclave, including Kamuku-Kuyambana, Dansadau, Falgore, and Sububu forests, with 24/7 drone surveillance and air support on standby.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    * Full activation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan with the creation of modern grazing reserves and cattle ranches in willing states to end open grazing and reduce farmer-herder clashes permanently.

    * Immediate fortification of all 10,000+ public schools in high-risk local government areas with perimeter fencing, CCTV, trained armed guards, and emergency communication systems before the end of 2026.

    * Launch of a special North-East/North-West Youth Economic Empowerment Scheme targeting 1 million youths with skills acquisition, start-up grants, and agricultural mechanisation support to remove the economic incentives driving recruitment into banditry and terrorism.

    * Expansion of Operation Safe Corridor to the North-West with dedicated rehabilitation centres in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina for repentant bandits, coupled with a simultaneous “no-negotiation-with-high-value-terrorists” policy.

    * Comprehensive audit and overhaul of military and police intelligence architecture to eliminate sabotage, leakage, and corruption, with severe sanctions for any officer found compromising operations.

    * Activation of the Victims of Terrorism Support Fund to provide immediate financial, medical, and psychological support to families of fallen heroes and victims of attacks.

    According to the Youth Wing: “Time is up for terrorists, bandits, their sponsors, and their informants. Their reign of terror must end now.”

    The group called on all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, or political affiliation, to rise above bigotry, ethnic jingoism, and divisive narratives.

    “Insecurity is a national problem that requires a united national response. When we view these tragedies through tribal or religious lenses only, we give comfort to the enemy. United we stand, divided we perish,” the group stated.

    The Youth Wing condoled with the Armed Forces and the family of the gallant Brigadier General Muhammed Uba, Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade brutally murdered by ISWAP terrorists in Borno State.

    It also sympathised with Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, people of Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area and especially the congregation of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) that came under vicious attack.

  • Canadian firm woos investors against FX volatility

    Canadian firm woos investors against FX volatility

    A Canadian firm, Golden Gate Investments Inc., has called on investors to race against foreign exchange volatility by diversifying their portfolios into Canada’s real estate and private mortgage markets.

    The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Gate Investments Inc, Mr Andrew Enofe, spoke at the sidelines of an investor forum in Port Harcourt.

    Enofe explained that the company was opening “secure, high-yield doors of opportunity” for Nigerians looking to protect capital and grow wealth in a stable economy.

    He said the company was providing structured avenues for Nigerians to participate in Canada’s thriving real estate sector, either through private mortgage funds, real estate funds, or investment-linked immigration pathways.

    He said, “We help investors to have more opportunities to diversify their funds. We open doors of opportunities for investors to invest in the Canadian real estate market.

    “Investors can either invest in private mortgage funds or real estate funds, or perhaps you want to have an immigration pathway for yourself and family to come to Canada—you invest with Golden Gate.

    “We take your funds and improve them for you in terms of investing in Canada and then bring the returns back to Nigeria, because we understand the situation that’s going on currently in Nigeria in terms of exchange rate volatility, currency devaluation, and strong inflation”.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    Enofe noted that the current economic climate made diversification an urgent financial decision.

    He said, “It’s great to invest in Nigeria, but I am telling you to diversify your funds—invest in a stable economy—so you can have your funds return to Nigeria, while your capital is safe and secure.

    “Why Canada? It’s the best place in the world, with a great economy, a beautiful country, and it’s the dream place for most people. The inflation rate in Nigeria is 18 percent, depreciation is almost 20 percent.

    “If you’re an international investor, you should be looking for other opportunities outside Nigeria, particularly in a country like Canada that has a safe economic environment.”

    Mr. Kelvin Ezenwajiaku, Managing Director of Kencheks Nigeria Limited, described the programme as insightful.

    Ezenwajiaku said, “It was a wonderful session. It’s an eye-opener and an opportunity for people, businessmen, and entrepreneurs who have spare cash. From what I have heard, it looks attractive and lucrative.

    “I may need to go back and do more investigation, but so far it’s attractive and lucrative.”

    An investor, Mark Onyibe, said he travelled to Port Harcourt solely to attend the forum.

    He said, “It’s a very nice package and I was able to ask questions and get clarity, because if I am to invest my money, I need to be sure. I’m okay with Golden Gate Investments. If they’re able to keep to what they’re saying, I’ll encourage a lot of people to join them”.

  • First Lady urges women to apply ICT skills, mentor others as training programme ends

    First Lady urges women to apply ICT skills, mentor others as training programme ends

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has charged beneficiaries of the 2025 Women ICT Training and Empowerment Programme to put their newly acquired digital skills to practical use, pursue continuous learning, and mentor other women and girls across the country.

    Speaking on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the programme, jointly organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the First Lady said the participants now carry the responsibility of driving digital literacy and empowerment within their communities.

    “I encourage you to apply the skills you have learned, pursue continuous growth, and mentor other women and girls to embrace opportunities in the digital space,” she told the 2025 cohort at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

    Senator Tinubu described the participants as “ambassadors of digital literacy,” noting that their creativity and determination reflect the expanding impact of the initiative.

    She expressed confidence that the knowledge they have acquired will spark innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustained empowerment in the years ahead.

    The First Lady highlighted the growth of the programme since its inception, recalling that it started with a pioneering group of women in 2023 before expanding significantly in 2024, when 252 young women, 40 from each geopolitical zone and the FCT, underwent intensive ICT training and emerged as Digital Literacy Champions.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    For the 2025 edition, she said the programme was implemented across Bauchi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Imo, Edo, Ondo States, and the FCT, with a total of 320 beneficiaries.

    These included 40 women from each selected zone, 40 from the FCT, and an additional 40 stakeholders, all trained in essential digital skills aimed at improving their socio-economic prospects.

    Senator Tinubu emphasised that the collaboration between NITDA and the Renewed Hope Initiative falls under the Economic Empowerment scope of RHI and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to fast-track economic diversification through industrialisation and digitalisation.

    “By providing ICT training to women across all regions of Nigeria, we are laying solid foundations for a digital future where more women and girls can thrive, innovate, and lead,” she said.

    The First Lady expressed appreciation to the Director-General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, his team, state first ladies, and Renewed Hope Initiative coordinators for their commitment to the programme’s success.

    She also commended the facilitators and trainers whose efforts, she noted, had “opened doors for women across the nation.”

    Earlier, Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, praised the First Lady for her leadership and support in advancing digital empowerment for women.

    He said the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader goals of economic diversification, human capital development, and inclusivity.

    Abdullahi noted that Nigeria is targeting a 70 per cent digital literacy rate by 2027, and that NITDA, working with the Ministry of Education, is integrating digital literacy into the national curriculum from early childhood to tertiary education.

    Several universities, he added, have already adopted digital literacy as a general studies requirement.

    He said the women trained have acquired foundational digital skills, including device and software use, data literacy, content creation, digital marketing, online safety, problem-solving, and insight into the gig economy.

    “You can live in Aba and work remotely for clients in Lagos, Abuja, or even outside Nigeria. The future is the gig economy, and knowledge gives you power,” he told the beneficiaries.

    The DG reported that between 2023 and 2024, NITDA trained more than 1.1 million Nigerians in various digital skills.

    Under the women-focused partnership alone, the DG reported that 607 women have benefited, while in 2025, 510,000 Nigerians, including 10,000 teachers and 32,000 civil servants, have already been trained.

    “To truly touch lives, we must prioritise women. When we empower women, we empower families and strengthen communities. Strong communities lead to a more inclusive and prosperous nation,” he said.

    In attendance were wives of senior government officials, including the wife of the Deputy Senate President; the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President; several state First Ladies; wives of ministers; and wives of service chiefs, including those of the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the DSS.

  • Amotekun arrests ‘notorious bike snatcher’ in Ondo

    Amotekun arrests ‘notorious bike snatcher’ in Ondo

    Men of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have arrested a suspect, Oyediran Ayomide, said to be notorious for snatching motorcycles and attacking commercial riders along the border communities between Ondo and Kwara states.

    Ayomide, 19, who hails from Kwara State, was apprehended on Thursday in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    His arrest followed intensified patrols under Operation Le Won Jade (Operation Flush Them Out), launched by the Amotekun Corps last week to strengthen security across border corridors during the 2025 ember months.

    The special operation targets kidnappers, bandits, armed robbers, and other criminal elements operating within forest reserves and boundary areas linking Ondo with Ogun, Ekiti, Kwara, and Osun states.

    Confirming the arrest, the spokesman for the Amotekun Corps, Mr Jimoh Adeniken, said the notorious suspect attacked a commercial motorcyclist with a sledgehammer before fleeing with the victim’s motorcycle to Ore.

    Adeniken added that Ayomide, who had been in custody following interrogation, will be handed over to security operatives in Kwara State for further investigation and prosecution.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, saying he intended to use the stolen motorcycle for commercial operations in Ore.

    “I told the commercial motorcycle (okada) rider to take me to a farm settlement. When we got there, I pretended to make a phone call to distract him. Then I hit him on the head with a sledgehammer. He abandoned the motorcycle and ran,” he said.

  • NALDA targets high-integrity carbon credits to boost rural income

    NALDA targets high-integrity carbon credits to boost rural income

    The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has announced a renewed drive to generate high-integrity carbon credits through its expanding network of farm estates, a move the agency said will accelerate rural wealth creation and support Nigeria’s push toward a middle-income economy.

    Speaking during NALDA’s COP30 side event in Belém, Brazil, the Executive Secretary/CEO, Cornelius Adebayo described the carbon-credit initiative as both a climate intervention and a socio-economic strategy aimed at empowering farmers.

    Under the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estates programme, Adebayo said NALDA will allocate five hectares of farmland to each farmer, giving them a sustainable source of income while allowing them to earn from carbon credits generated through structured tree-planting and reforestation efforts across the estates.

    He said the estates, which range from 5,000 to 25,000 hectares, function as fully mechanised agricultural settlements with access roads, irrigation systems, processing hubs, energy infrastructure, and perimeter fencing lined with climate-resilient trees planted to produce certified carbon removals.

    “We want to move Nigerians from a low-income bracket to a true middle-class economy. By combining agricultural productivity with carbon-credit earnings, farmers can become independent, prosperous, and globally competitive.”

    During the event, NALDA also showcased its Plantation Carbon Roadmap, which brings over 20,000 hectares of restored and rehabilitated plantations under rigorous Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) protocols, ensuring transparency and global credibility in the voluntary carbon market.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    He added that NALDA is building a carbon-credit framework that uplifts communities”, he said.

    “Every credit earned must translate into improved incomes, restored landscapes, and strengthened food systems. That is the value we bring to global climate action.”

    He further disclosed that it signed new cooperation agreements at the event to enhance verification capacity, align registry systems, and deepen international collaboration.

    The side event drew climate negotiators, development partners, private-sector leaders, technical experts, financial institutions, and international observers, all of whom engaged with NALDA’s model for integrating climate finance into agricultural development.

  • Tinubu mourns veteran petrochemical engineer Pa Sotinrin

    Tinubu mourns veteran petrochemical engineer Pa Sotinrin

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pa Olusanya David Sotinrin, describing the renowned petrochemical engineer as one of the silent pillars behind Nigeria’s energy development.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the late Sotinrin’s lifelong contributions to the petrochemical and oil and gas sectors, noting that his expertise, integrity, and professionalism played a significant role in shaping the country’s modern energy landscape.

    President Tinubu said Pa Sotinrin’s decades of service helped establish industry standards, build local capacity, and mentor a generation of engineers who continue to benefit from his pioneering knowledge.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    “Pa Sotinrin belonged to a class of gifted Nigerians who saw their profession as a calling and offered their talents in service to the nation. His brilliance, humility, professionalism, and commitment to excellence stood him out,” the President said.

    He added that Nigeria had lost “a rare gem whose work helped build the foundations of our modern petrochemical industry.”

    The President extended heartfelt condolences to the Sotinrin family, especially his son, Ayo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture, urging them to find comfort in the remarkable legacy of service and excellence their patriarch leaves behind.

  • Kwara church attack: CAN demands justice for slain, abducted worshippers

    Kwara church attack: CAN demands justice for slain, abducted worshippers

    National leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday condemned the attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku town, Ekiti local government area of Kwara State.

    CAN described the incident as heartbreaking and sad.

    The religious body expressed shock over the attack, which left some worshippers dead and an unspecified number abducted during a prayer service.

    CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement, called on security agencies to move swiftly to rescue the abducted worshippers and bring the perpetrators to justice, demanding swift government action, and warning against reprisal attacks.

    Okoh said, “On behalf of the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, I express sadness over the violent attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where worshippers were killed and several others abducted during a prayer service”.

    He emphasised the gravity of the attack on a place of worship, calling it a heartbreaking reminder of the growing insecurity facing Christian communities across the country.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    The CAN President extended the body’s solidarity with the affected families and the Eruku community, adding that, “Their pain is our collective pain, and their trauma is one that no community of faith should ever be forced to endure.”

    Okoh said the Eruku attack added to a pattern of repeated assaults on Christian populations in vulnerable regions.

    CAN lamented that despite consistently raising the alarm, official responses have often dismissed fears of targeted violence, even as the frequency and intensity of these incidents continue to provoke legitimate national and global alarm.

    He also stressed the need for a transparent and credible investigation, which would reveal the circumstances of the attack, identify security lapses, and restore public confidence.

    While highlighting a critical need for long-term solutions, Okoh emphasized the urgent need for stronger protection of places of worship, especially in areas repeatedly exposed to violent threats.

    Okoh said the tragedy underscores the importance of a robust national security strategy capable of confronting terrorism and banditry to guarantee safety and dignity for all Nigerians, irrespective of their faith.

    He said, “This tragedy further highlights the importance of a long-term national security strategy capable of confronting terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent extremism in a way that guarantees safety and dignity for all Nigerians, irrespective of their faith.

    “We appeal to religious, traditional, and community leaders to help maintain calm and prevent any form of reprisal. Our collective focus must remain on justice, healing, and peace, pursued through lawful and constructive means.

    “We will continue to monitor developments closely and engage with authorities and partners to ensure that the victims of the Eruku attack receive justice and that Christian communities across Nigeria are better protected”.