The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Corruption fuelling insecurity in Nigeria, CISLAC warns

    Corruption fuelling insecurity in Nigeria, CISLAC warns

    The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has warned that corruption remains a major driver of insecurity across Nigeria.

    In a statement to mark the United Nations (UN) Anti-Corruption Day, CISLAC’s Executive Director and Head of Transparency International in Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said corruption was weakening the country’s security system despite years of heavy spending on defence and internal security.

    The organisation said Nigeria’s struggles with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, militancy, and organised crime have been worsened by corruption embedded across the security sector.

    It noted that defence procurement, recruitment, welfare administration, intelligence sharing, and operations were all affected.

    CISLAC said security funds were often lost to inflated contracts, poor procurement practices, and diversion of resources, leaving security personnel under-equipped and poorly motivated.

    It added that families of officers killed in service were frequently denied their entitlements, further damaging morale.

    The group also raised concerns over corrupt recruitment practices that place unqualified individuals in sensitive positions, as well as nepotism and unlawful tenure extensions by senior officials.

    It said the misuse of security privileges, where some individuals receive excessive protection while citizens remain exposed, reflected deep inequality and mismanagement.

    CISLAC criticised weak oversight by the National Assembly and poor accountability within the security sector. It said the lack of coordination and intelligence sharing among agencies was creating gaps exploited by criminal groups. The group further condemned routine corruption in law enforcement, including illegal payments at roadblocks.

    It warned that the spread of small arms and light weapons remained a serious threat, noting that Nigeria was estimated to hold about 70 per cent of illicit weapons in West Africa in 2021.

    CISLAC linked this to concerns over terrorist financing, which contributed to Nigeria’s ranking as eighth among the world’s most terrorism-affected countries in the 2024 Global Terrorism Index.

    The organisation called for urgent security sector and anti-corruption reforms, urging the Federal Government, National Assembly, and security agencies to ensure transparency in defence spending. It demanded stronger legislative oversight, independent audits of defence procurement, and strict punishment for officers involved in corruption.

    CISLAC also called for improved welfare and equipment for security personnel, better intelligence sharing, and protection for whistle-blowers.

    It said Nigeria cannot defeat insecurity without tackling corruption in the security sector, adding that increased spending will not deliver results without accountability.

    The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and citizens to promote reforms that strengthen security and rebuild public trust.

  • Lekki Port is fully automated to boost international trade

    Lekki Port is fully automated to boost international trade

    • …Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road project will help ease congestion

    The Lekki Deep Sea Port is now fully automated to boost international trade, satisfy customers, stakeholders, and other port users, The Nation has learnt.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos on Wednesday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, Wang Qiang, urged importers, clearing agents, and stakeholders, including government agencies operating at the port, to key into end-to-end digital processes available at their terminal to boost quick cargo clearance and facilitate international trade.

    He noted that Customs procedures, particularly physical cargo examinations, and other port services must be fully digitalised to significantly reduce cargo dwell time and facilitate cargo clearance.

    He said, “For automation to work efficiently, all players must be ready – customers, government, and every stakeholder. Only then can we have a fantastic system.”

    He also stressed that improved connectivity would allow the port to effectively double capacity through performance optimisation without expanding its physical footprint.

    Commenting on the new tax regime expected to take effect in 2026, he urged the government to adopt a simplified tax framework that supports ease of doing business. He cited Germany and other countries where goods are cleared from ports with a 30-day window allowing for value-added tax (VAT) remittance.

    Findings have shown that between Q1 and Q3 2025, Lekki Port handled an estimated N13.46 trillion in total trade value, combining imports and exports, making it Nigeria’s second-largest port by trade value. This figure places it well ahead of Tin Can Island Port N9.31 trillion and almost double the N6.76 trillion recorded at Port Harcourt (Onne).

    “We already reached 50 per cent of our capacity now – almost 50 per cent of the port capacity,” he said, noting consistent improvement in the number of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled monthly.

    Qiang, however, emphasised that efficient multimodal connectivity remains critical to sustaining and accelerating growth at the port, revealing that barge operations have become an important evacuation channel and currently account for about 10 per cent of cargo movement from the port.

    Qiang added that the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road project would help ease congestion and improve access to the port, but stressed that rail connectivity remains essential, particularly given the scale of industrial activities emerging within the Lekki corridor.

    “I believe the train option is something the government is concerned about, and with the level of industrial activities in this region, we expect that it will be provided,” Qiang said.

    Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT), Captain Jedrzej Mierzewski, added that after only two years of operations, LFT has already become the number two terminal in the Nigerian market.

    “We are the fastest-growing terminal in the country, combining modern infrastructure, operational excellence, and a clear ambition to become a leading transshipment hub for West Africa.

    “Our growth supports the Nigerian economy by strengthening trade connectivity and helping to reduce the cost of foreign trade through efficient, reliable, and competitive port services.”  Mierzewski said.

  • FRSC arrests 16 drivers for speeding on Abeokuta–Sagamu expressway

    FRSC arrests 16 drivers for speeding on Abeokuta–Sagamu expressway

    • …uses laser radar gun technology

    No fewer than 16 drivers have been arrested and booked by operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State for overspeeding along the Abeokuta–Sagamu expressway.

    The state command deployed laser radar gun technology following findings that overspeeding remains the leading cause of road accidents in the state.

    The Sector Commander, Akinwunmi Fasakin, who led a special intervention patrol on the Sagamu–Abeokuta road on Tuesday, said the operation was part of efforts to achieve the FRSC’s 2025 Corporate Strategic Goal 1, which targets a 10 per cent reduction in road traffic fatalities and injuries, particularly during the festive period.

    According to him, the laser radar gun was used to apprehend drivers for speeding violations, while speed-limiting devices were also installed in offending vehicles. “Sixteen offenders were booked for speeding violations,” Fasakin said.

    He warned motorists against the dangers of overspeeding and overloading, urging them to prioritise safety while driving. Fasakin also assured residents of Ogun State of the FRSC’s commitment to ensuring a safe motoring environment across the state.

  • Reps to scrutinise future treaties, agreements, MoUs signed by Nigeria

    Reps to scrutinise future treaties, agreements, MoUs signed by Nigeria

    The House of Representatives Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements has said it will closely scrutinise all treaties, agreements, and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) entered into by Nigeria to prevent the government from signing deals that are unfavourable to the country.

    Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, the committee’s chairman, Hon. Rabiu Yusuf, lamented that Nigeria has, over the years, signed numerous treaties and agreements without adequate oversight, domestication, or monitoring.

    He noted that some of the agreements allegedly contain hidden obligations, sovereignty waivers, unfavourable arbitration clauses, and financial risks that are largely unknown to Nigerians.

    According to him, several foreign-funded infrastructure contracts, particularly those involving foreign firms, require deeper examination to determine value for money, loan exposure, local content compliance, contract performance, as well as environmental and labour standards.

    “Nigeria cannot afford treaties that weaken our legal authority, compromise national assets, or burden future generations with unsustainable liabilities,” Yusuf said.

    He explained that the committee’s intervention is aimed at ensuring that all international agreements comply with Section 12 of the Constitution. He added that the objectives also include safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty in foreign dealings, protecting the country from harmful financial exposure and poor contract terms, ensuring full transparency around treaties and major contracts, and strengthening Nigeria’s negotiating position.

    Yusuf further disclosed plans to recommend a national framework for treaty oversight and digital tracking to prevent future lapses.

    He stressed that treaties have direct implications for citizens, affecting job creation, trade, taxation, infrastructure, and foreign investment, warning that poorly negotiated agreements could weaken the economy, increase debt, and threaten strategic national assets.

    He said the committee’s work would help ensure that Nigerians benefit from international partnerships rather than suffer from them, emphasising that the ultimate goal is to ensure Nigeria never signs agreements it cannot defend

    He said, “Our mandate is clear: to examine all bilateral and multilateral treaties, protocols, agreements, and foreign-funded contracts Nigeria has entered into—and determine whether they protect or endanger the national interest. This review is not political. It is patriotic, constitutional, and essential for Nigeria’s sovereignty, debt sustainability, and economic security.”

  • Makinde harps on elite consensus to move Nigeria forward

    Makinde harps on elite consensus to move Nigeria forward

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that there is a need for Nigeria’s elite to reach a consensus on how best to move the country forward.

    He urged the ruling class to identify the challenges the country is facing and design appropriate solutions, which must discourage the winner-takes-all approach.

    The governor said this on Wednesday, at the launch of a book by a former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, entitled ‘Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined An Administration,’ held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

    He said that ordinary Nigerians have arrived at a consensus that they want to be Nigerians, but that the elite have been the ones dividing the country along ethnic, religious, political, and other lines.

    Governor Makinde added that those who negotiated Nigeria’s independence chose federalism and multi-party democracy because they were imperative for the country’s multi-ethnic status.

    He said, “My experience is that ordinary Nigerians already have a consensus that they want to be Nigerians. But the elite, we the elite, are the ones dividing the country because we have ambitions. ‘Oh, he’s Muslim, he’s Christian, he is Fulani’ and all that.

    “So, I came here to say, well, this book, I know the author, he is a Nigerian who will attract all sorts of people across the divide. And that is why I am here. I am not in APC, and I am not about porting to APC either.

    “So, because we have here Nigerians from across the divide, I believe we need elite consensus, just like Professor Afolabi (former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, who delivered the keynote address) mentioned. We need elite consensus on how to move forward. But I will leave you with just one thing to ponder.

    “He said here that Nigeria’s independence was negotiated under a certain condition. Of course, federalism was settled in that negotiation; multi-party democracy was settled in that negotiation. And Prof also said civil war came, and we went towards a unitary arrangement.

    “Yes, I have had the opportunity to discuss with some of our leaders who were players in that period. They said, well, the only problem they were faced with, as of that time, was that they went through a civil war, and they needed to unite Nigeria. That was the only problem.

    “So, federalism and all of those things negotiated, became secondary. Their major task was to unite Nigeria. But is it the same problem that we are faced with today? The answer is no. So, we must identify the problem that we are faced with today and design something that will allow us to tackle that problem.

    “My own magic bullet is, Prof mentioned, designing an arrangement where there will be no winner-takes-it-all politically in Nigeria.”

    Governor Makinde, who eulogised the author of the book, Mohammed, praised him for documenting his experience in government.

  • Tinubu writes Reps, seek end to multiply budget implementation

    Tinubu writes Reps, seek end to multiply budget implementation

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday wrote the House of Representatives seeking approval of the parliament to put an end to the era of multiple budget implementation.

    The President is seeking the approval of the Assembly to draw the N43.561 trillion from the consolidated revenue fund of the federal government as expenditure for 2026.

    In a letter dated December 16, 2025, and read at plenary on Wednesday by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, the President said apart from ending multiple budget implementation, it will also ensure reasonable, unprecedentedly high capital performance rates on the 2024 and 2025 capital budgets.

    The President explained that  N1,742,786,788,150 is for Statutory Transfers, N8,270,960,606,831 for Debt Service, N11,268,513,380,853 for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure, and N22,278,780,968,673 for Capital  Expenditure/Development Fund contribution, for the year ending 31 December 2025 (as provided in the Bill).

    The President said, “The House of Representatives, the enclosed Appropriation (Repeal and Re-enactment Bill-2), 2024, for the consideration of the National Assembly, in accordance with the established constitutional and legislative appropriation process.

    “The Bill seeks to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation of the total sum of N43,561,041,744,507, comprising N1,742,786,788,150 for Statutory Transfers, N8,270,960,606,831 for Debt Service, N11,268,513,380,853 for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure, and N22,278,780,968,673 for Capital  Expenditure/Development Fund contribution, for the year ending 31 December 2025 (as provided in the Bill).

    “This Bill is to bring an end to the practice of running multiple budgets concurrently, while at the same time ensuring reasonable – indeed unprecedentedly high – capital performance rates on the 2024 and 2025 capital budgets.

    “It further provides, through a transparent and constitutionally grounded appropriation mechanism, for the orderly consolidation and appropriation of critical, time-sensitive expenditures necessarily undertaken in response to emergency exigencies (advancing the collective well-being of Nigerians and safeguarding national security) – while reinforcing fiscal discipline, accountability, and prudent public financial management.

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    “The House of Representatives may wish to note that, the Bill also strengthens implementation discipline and accountability by, among other provisions: requiring that appropriated funds are released and applied strictly for the purposes specified in the Schedules; providing that virement may only be effected with prior approval of the National Assembly; setting out conditions for corrigenda where genuine errors may hinder implementation; requiring separate recording of excess revenue and limiting its expenditure to an Act or approval of the National Assembly; and mandating due-process compliance and periodic reporting on releases and agency revenues/assistance.

    “While it is my hope that the House of Representatives will consider the passage of the Bill expeditiously, please accept, Rt. Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

  • NCTC debunks claims of aiming socio-cultural group to fight banditry

    NCTC debunks claims of aiming socio-cultural group to fight banditry

    • …urges media restraint on counter-terrorism efforts

    The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has debunked claims that the ONSA supplied arms to a socio-cultural organization to fight banditry.

    The denial follows reports on some online platforms claiming that a member of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, who was arrested in Kwara State, was allegedly found in possession of a rifle reportedly issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for security operations in the state.

    The NCTC, in a statement on Wednesday by its Head of Strategic Communications, Abu Michael, said the federal government and its agencies do not conduct kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups, contrary to claims circulating in online reports.

    According to the statement, pursuant to Part III, Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, the NCTC coordinates and supports law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism in Nigeria.

    The statement explained that, in line with the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), Nigeria’s kinetic approach includes the deployment of hybrid forces. This involves the coordinated use of regular security forces and trained irregular auxiliaries—such as hunters and vigilante groups—to operate in difficult terrains, including forest areas.

    According to the statement, this approach previously guided the engagement of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the North East. The CJTF comprised trained civilian volunteers who worked alongside the Armed Forces in operations against Boko Haram.

    “The same strategy currently informs hybrid deployments in parts of the North West and North Central. These operations are aimed at degrading the capabilities of bandit, criminal, and terrorist groups. This approach has yielded several successful outcomes,” the statement said.

    It explained further that all hybrid personnel are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies following due diligence, and that all operations are conducted in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures.

    “The situation in Kwara State is not different. However, media reports on the matter are inaccurate. The limited public information is due to the sensitive nature of these operations. Details are restricted to prevent operational compromise and to protect the safety of personnel and auxiliary forces,” the statement said.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups.

    “Claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser has provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation are false and should be disregarded.”

    The NCTC, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard unverified reports that misrepresent the conduct of these operations.

    It also cautioned the media to exercise responsibility, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons.

    “The National Counter Terrorism Centre remains committed to an open-door policy to deepen stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts,” the statement said.

  • 2027: Reps begin consideration of new Electoral Act

    2027: Reps begin consideration of new Electoral Act

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday commenced consideration of a new Electoral Act that will guide the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

    The session was largely rowdy, with lawmakers frequently attempting to speak at the same time amid repeated shouts of “point of order.”

    Members initially spent considerable time debating which sections of the bill should be considered or excluded before agreeing to focus on areas recommended by the House Committee on Electoral Matters.

    During the exercise, the House approved a recommendation that all pre-election matters should be handled exclusively by the Federal High Court in the state where such disputes arise.

    The Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters explained that the amendment was intended to prevent pre-election cases from being filed in the Federal Capital Territory or other states without proper jurisdiction.

    However, the proposal to disqualify any candidate found to have provided false information on constitutional eligibility, along with the candidate’s political party, generated intense debate. While some lawmakers opposed the move, arguing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should instead conduct a fresh election excluding the affected candidate and party, others maintained that the provision would compel political parties to carry out proper due diligence before presenting candidates.

    The House also approved stiff penalties for electoral offences, including a five-year jail term for any returning officer who declares false election results and a ten-year jail term for failing to record results in the prescribed form but announcing them.

    In addition, a two-year jail term was approved for any Resident Electoral Commissioner who fails to release Certified True Copies of election results.

    Consideration of the report was, however, deferred until Thursday for continuation.

  • 2027: We can’t afford to be in opposition again – Oyo APC youths

    2027: We can’t afford to be in opposition again – Oyo APC youths

    Youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have outlined strategies aimed at reclaiming the Agodi Government House in the 2027 general elections and securing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The youths declared that the APC cannot afford to remain in opposition in the state beyond 2027, calling on party members to embrace unity of purpose to achieve their collective goals.

    Speaking at the 2025 Oyo State APC Summit and Interactive Session in Ibadan, themed “Oyo State APC Today and Tomorrow,” the Oyo State APC Youth Leader, Comrade John Aremu, described youths as the backbone of any political party.

    He said the summit was convened to bring together key stakeholders, youth leaders, critical thinkers, and party loyalists to assess the party’s current realities and chart its future direction.

    Aremu noted that the theme reflected the youths’ shared commitment to strengthening party structures, increasing youth participation, and positioning the APC for electoral success in 2027.

    Delivering the guest lecture, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, urged the party to leverage key initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to regain the state.

    He described Oyo State as crucial to the party’s overall progress and stressed that it must not be lost again in the 2027 elections.

    Afikuyomi also called for the strengthening of internal democracy and unity across all party factions ahead of the polls. “We must create our own narrative so that people can connect with us and we can connect with them. Our reward system needs improvement, as youths and women are critical stakeholders to the party’s victory,” he said.

    Similarly, the lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, said discipline is essential for the party’s advancement. He noted that the summit was timely, as membership realignment and reconciliation have become imperative.

    Oseni expressed confidence that the APC would reclaim its lost glory in Oyo State in 2027, adding that the future of the party lies with the youths.

    Highlights of the summit included a review of the party’s current standing in the state, youth engagement and empowerment sessions, strategic planning for 2026 and beyond, networking among stakeholders, and the unveiling of youth-driven initiatives to drive party growth.

  • Northern CAN distributes food items to 1,000 vulnerable households in Kaduna

    Northern CAN distributes food items to 1,000 vulnerable households in Kaduna

    The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern CAN) has distributed food items to no fewer than 1,000 vulnerable households as part of its Christmas humanitarian intervention across communities affected by violence in Kaduna State

    The relief items included rice, beans, maize, garri, groundnut oil, palm oil, sugar, salt, seasoning, and other essentials, aimed at easing hardship among victims of violence, widows, orphans, and persons living with disabilities.

    Each of the beneficiary households received 25kg bags of rice, beans, garri, and maize, alongside other food items.

    Flagging off the distribution on Wednesday in Maraban Rido, Kaduna, the Chairman of Northern CAN and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the intervention was supported by Barnabas Aid.

    Hayab explained that the initiative targeted vulnerable persons, including displaced families and people living with disabilities.

    He said the association deliberately selected 1,000 households from two communities, noting that the gesture was meant to bring happiness, relieve pain, and reassure beneficiaries that they were not forgotten during the Christmas season.

    According to him, the initiative combined spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and educational care, stressing that hunger could undermine peace, dignity, and people’s ability to respond positively to calls against violence.

    Hayab added that prayers were offered before the distribution to demonstrate solidarity with beneficiaries and to assure them that their welfare and well-being mattered.

    He disclosed that the humanitarian exercise was not limited to Kaduna State, adding that similar interventions would take place in Borno, Plateau, and Benue states, as well as other violence-affected communities in the North.

    The Northern CAN chairman said the current outreach was part of a broader plan to support about 5,000 households across Northern Nigeria, benefiting tens of thousands of people directly and indirectly.

    Hayab, however, noted that the relief materials could not compensate for the pain suffered by the victims but were a show of solidarity, urging beneficiaries not to sell the items.

    Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Jonah Samson, said the outreach aligned with biblical injunctions and the example of Jesus Christ, who fed multitudes during His earthly ministry.

    Samson identified the beneficiaries as victims of persecution and displacement, widows and orphans, and persons living with disabilities, noting that the assistance was being delivered in batches.

    He said that although the support might not solve all challenges, it would bring relief, encouragement, and succour at a time of severe economic hardship and rising cost of living.

    Samson added that the gesture cut across denominations and communities, urging beneficiaries to extend love and support to others, while commending Barnabas Aid for supporting the humanitarian initiative.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Village Head of Maraban Rido, Kudansa, Mr. Auta Alkali, thanked Northern CAN and its partners for the timely intervention.

    Alkali described the relief as a source of hope and encouragement during the Christmas season, saying the food items would ease hardship, reduce hunger in their homes, and remind them that they were not forgotten despite the challenges they faced.