The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • ‘Number of boys, men suffering from gender-based violence on increase’

    ‘Number of boys, men suffering from gender-based violence on increase’

    The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has stated that Nigeria cannot promote and achieve sustainable democracy and good governance without tackling the worrying issues of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

    The institute noted that while women and girls are the most vulnerable and susceptible to SGBV, and need to be supported and protected, it noted that there was an increasing number of boys and men who suffer from SGBV – who also need to be protected.

    It, therefore, urged all critical stakeholders, including the government at the Federal and State level, civil society organisations, private sector, and others, to deepen collaboration to accelerate progress towards ending SGBV in Nigeria.

    The Director, Africa and West Asia Region, International IDEA, Dr. Roba Sharamo disclosed this in an interview in Abuja, during the 10th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) organised by the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) Programme, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice Sexual and Gender-based Violence Response Unit.

    He said: “The conference is part of the activities to commemorate the 16 days of activism this year, and various studies we have done, including the women in political participation environment, produced by International IDEA this year, that shows that one of the key factors preventing women from getting into politics is the sexual and gender-based violence against women candidates, and also the issues of abuse on social media, that continues to undermine the effective participation of women in that regard.

    “It is important to understand that as we try to promote democracy and good governance, we cannot do that in an environment that is hostile to more than half of the African population, which are women. It is, therefore, important that we look at the issues of SGBV.

    “SGBV against women is not just a serious human rights issue and justice issue, the increasing number of boys and men who suffer from sexual and gender-based violence does not also diminish the focus on the same.”

    Stating the importance of the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), and their achievements since their establishment, Sharamo said: “The first SARC, the Mirabel Centre, was established in 2018, to offer a safe environment for survivors of sexual assault, and the data that we have shows that of the 47 SARCs established across 22 states, 51,127 survivors have been assisted through the various centres since 2013.

    “With more centres being established, the conference of the Network of SARCs since 2016, continues to look at all the achievements that we continue to make.”

    In his remarks, Deputy Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos stated that gender-based violence was not a ‘women’s issue,’ but an issue of all of society, hence, combating it required the whole society approach.

    Read Also: EU seeks justice, care for survivors of gender-based violence

    He noted that while prevention was key to breaking the vicious cycle that perpetuates violence, protection ensures safeguarding and the immediate wellbeing of survivors.

    He said: “Speaking openly about gender-based violence still can be a huge risk for survivors. The EU supports the creation of an environment where women and children are not only encouraged, but also empowered to break the silence.

    “The EU’s commitment to addressing these issues, promoting gender equality, and strengthening support systems, underscores the determination to ensure that every survivor’s voice is heard and respected.”

    Vergos, while stating that access to justice and care for survivors of SGBV must remain a top priority, decried the low number of cases of SGBV that are prosecuted, compared to the number of survivors.

    He, therefore, called on the government to take ownership of the campaign against SGBV by allocating more funding and ensuring that SGBV units at designated institutions have all that they require to address the needs of the people.

    “We like to express the EU’s appreciation to the Nigerian government represented by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Justice, for the strong partnership demonstrated. We will continue to work side-by-side, and always guided by Nigerian policies and under Nigerian leadership, moving towards a more gender-sensitive society.

    “The EU remains committed to the course of the fight against SGBV, which remains one of the pillars for rebuilding humanity in the 21st century,” he said.

    Minister of Women Affairs and SocialDevelopment, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim who was represented by Director, Women Development in the ministry, Mrs. Friya Bulus said that the SGBV campaign this year will afford the government, development partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector the opportunity to accelerate progress towards ending violence against women and girls.

    “The campaign this year is to ensure sustained advocacy, raise awareness about gender-based violence, despite previous efforts made, and mobilise more stakeholders to take action against gender-based violence, and to provide support services to gender-based survivors,” she said.

  • Innovation hub, other projects to make Kwara a go-to place, says Abdulrazaq

    Innovation hub, other projects to make Kwara a go-to place, says Abdulrazaq

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has visited the sites of some of his legacy projects, including the talk-of-the-town Innovation Hub, which is receiving finishing touches ahead of its public unveiling. 

    The Governor said the objectives for the huge projects are to build a new ecosystem that makes Kwara a go-to place in Nigeria and build an economy that benefits the people and further elevates the state. 

    Abdulrazaq was responding to a media enquiry requesting him to explain the huge investments on projects such as the garment factory, international conference centre, visual arts centre, innovation hub, film factory, shea butter factory, Patigi Motel, remodelled civil service clinic, and a multi-storey courthouse, and a few others. 

    “Our focus is to build an ecosystem that projects our state to the world and make us more attractive. The rebuilding of the civil service clinic, for instance, is part of our efforts to strengthen the healthcare delivery system,” he told reporters on the sideline of his visit to the clinic now undergoing massive reconstruction.

    The Governor had also visited his other legacy projects such as Kwara Hotel, Ilorin International Conference Centre, and Ilorin Innovation Hub.

    The Governor said making good healthcare services accessible to the people has become a national priority, adding that the government is committed to making Kwara a shining example.

    Read Also: We’re investing in human capital development, says AbdulRazaq

    “This is deepening healthcare at the secondary level, just like we are doing at the basic level. You have seen that there has been a lot of emphasis on primary healthcare by all tiers of government in terms of making sure that we deliver good healthcare services to the people,” he added.

    “We are rebuilding and expanding the Civil Service Clinic to be a major referral centre at the secondary level. We’ve converted the Ilorin General Hospital to a University Teaching Hospital. Sobi Specialist Hospital will become Al-Hikmah University Teaching Hospital, and the Omu-Aran Hospital will become Thomas Adewumi University Teaching Hospital. So, we have a long way to go. This is a major step we are taking here now. It is a big investment.”

    AbdulRazaq said the administration is making huge investments across key sectors to create an ecosystem and make the state a place to go.

    “Our focus is to create an ecosystem that makes Kwara State a place to go. For every single thing you want to do: entertainment, healthcare, tourism, conferencing, Kwara will be a place to go,” the Governor said. 

    “By next December, you will see a flood of people coming to Kwara. We want to have an airport with four flights or more coming in and four flights or more going out. So we are repositioning the kwara state to be where it used to be in the 1st Republic. Our journey is a long one, but we will maintain our strides in that journey. 

    “And things are already taking shape. For example, the Innovation Hub is 99 per cent complete. But we are not just going to have an innovation hub that will not be functional. We are speaking to the right partners: IHS has come on board with us. It is a programme worth over 10 billion naira. We are looking at several billions of naira to be invested here over the next 10 years.

    “Our target is to have five unicorns in ten years. That will be a major gain. This is going to be a standard for Africa. Watch that space; there is nothing like this in Africa. And we are going to bring the major companies in.”Innovation hub, other projects to make Kwara a go-to place, says Abdulrazaq

  • Stop distracting Tinubu, Arewa Think Tank tells IMF, World Bank

    Stop distracting Tinubu, Arewa Think Tank tells IMF, World Bank

    …says IMF/W Bank policies have failed to transform Nigeria’s economy

    A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has warned officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to stop distracting President Bola Tinubu from implementing good policies for Nigerian citizens, saying that IMF policies have failed to transform Nigeria’s economy for the better over the years.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, noted that the IMF was trying to discourage President Tinubu from ensuring that the people of Nigeria enjoy dividends of democracy sooner rather than later.

    “We want to condemn IMF in all ramifications. We want to remind them that if they cannot pay us in the good coins in the 70s that Nigeria borrowed them money, they should leave us alone. If you see the IMF saying that Nigeria is working, it means the country is working against its citizens. Nigeria should not take this IMF people seriously. It is because they have noticed that President Tinubu’s policies are working seriously, and that is why they want to discourage him and distract him.

    “We agreed with the former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, who has said that years of economic prescriptions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have failed to transform Nigeria’s economy for the better.

    “We can recall that in the 1970s, Nigeria borrowed IMF money. If the economic policies of the IMF and World Bank had been effective, Nigerians would be living more prosperously today.

    “In all honesty, where have all the prescriptions of the IMF and the World Bank over the years taken Nigeria to?

    Read Also: Arewa Think Tank hails Ribadu over comments on new terrorist group

    “It’s time we define our problems and design ways to solve them. If the IMF and World Bank’s prescriptions had been correct, we should be living happily today, but we are not. To make matters worse, the world itself is changing, and the international community is evolving; global relationships and norms are shifting.

    “We also want to recall that in the 1980s, the Nigerian military government rejected IMF and World Bank prescriptions. Nigeria and Africa as a whole should define their problems and develop their institutions and forget about the IMF a long time ago.

    “In this regard, it is high time the African continent began to strengthen African institutions such as the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

    “We can see that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. Presiden, the politics, oil and gas, business, economy, women, youth, and the environment are thriving without the support of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

    “Arewa Think Tank is therefore appealing to President Tinubu not to allow IMF pressure to distract him from implementing good policies for the people of our great country, Nigeria”. The statement said.

  • ‘National library preserves 5 million titles for posterity’

    ‘National library preserves 5 million titles for posterity’

    The Chief Executive/ National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi has said more than 5 million titles in 13 million volumes of intellectual resources across the country has been preserved by the National Library of Nigeria.

    Prof. Anunobi disclosed this during a news conference in Abuja to mark the library’s 60th anniversary and also unveiled a five year strategic plan 2025-2030 as well as new logo.

    Anunobi highlighted the library’s achievements, including the issuance of 1.5 million International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) and over 20,000 International Serials Numbers (ISSN).

    She said: “NLN is primarily established as the nation’s memory with the responsibility of collecting all intellectual resources published and unpublished in Nigeria, by Nigerians about Nigeria and preserve them for posterity.

    “Presently the NLN has preserved over 5 million titles in over 13 million volumes of resources stored in various locations all over the country inclusive of 2.5million titles and 7.5million volumes resources of Nigerian origin.

    Read Also: National Library seeks reintroduction of reading hours in schools

    “From the first National Bibliography of Nigeria (NBN) produced, NLN has consistently produced over 20 editions which serve as both reference material and cataloging tools for Nigerian resources nationally and internationally.”

    Anunobi said that the library had also established over 100 literacy centres and reading clubs, promoting good reading culture among citizens.

    She added that the National Library’s 2025-2030 strategic plan would be unveiled during the anniversary celebration today in Abuja.

    She said: “It is also a pointer that going forward the NLN must design education, research and cultural development programmes that will not only attract the youths, but transform them as a very important and valuable asset of this Nation.

    “We will not be found wanting in the global information concerns including open access and knowledge sharing, enhancing discoverability and user engagement, building a smart library infrastructure, competence transformation and capacity building, strengthening collaborative networks, while we envision a sustainable future.”

    Prof Anunobi said over the past six decades, the national library has evolved in her foundational vision as a dynamic repository of Nigeria’s knowledge and cultural heritage, offering a sturdy backbone for education, literacy, research, and intellectual heritage preservation.

    “The journey has been both challenging and rewarding, one that is marked by the unwavering commitment to preserve the Nation’s knowledge storehouse, fostering reading and literacy, and serving as a platform for access to knowledge for Nigerians from all walks of life for personal and national development.”

    The National Librarian also emphasised the need to promote the culture of reading among Nigerians, saying the NLN has the foundational mandate to ensure that the information resources that are collected and preserved are read for enhanced literacy and sustainable development of the country.

    She said: “It is also cheering that NLN has had personal engagements with over 1 million Nigerians in her effort to ensure that Nigerians across all age, gender, occupations, and class understand and embrace the culture of reading towards sustainable development.

    “This we have achieved through our readership promotion and establishment of over 100 literacy centres and reading clubs as well as visits to hospitals, correctional centres, skills acquisition centres, motor parks, schools, etc. Since 2022, we have taken the campaign to the hard to reach communities (the underserved) where the rate of illiteracy is becoming endemic.

    “This is necessary as Nigeria cannot afford to leave anybody behind in her developmental strides.”

  • Alia okays N75,000 minimum wage for Benue workers

    Alia okays N75,000 minimum wage for Benue workers

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved a minimum wage of N75,000 for workers in the Northcentral state.

    Alia, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, announced the new wage in Makurdi yesterday after meeting with representatives of organised Labour.

    The governor, who said that the new minimum wage would take effect this month, assured that the remaining three months of the five-month backlog of salary arrears promised workers would be paid as budgeted in the 2024 budget.

    Read Also; Multichoice, multi-laments

    He emphasised that the arrears would be paid along with the new minimum wage.

    The statement reads: “We decided to set the wage at N75,000, fully aware of the other concerns raised by organised labour during the negotiations.

    “These concerns included a minimum wage of N30,000, wage awards, transportation allowances, tax relief, and work-off days, among others.

    “Recall that the President had approved the sum of N70,000, which we have decided to exceed, considering the concerns raised by organised labour regarding our ability to pay,” he said.

    Alia restated his administration’s commitment to serve the common man and stressed that he would do everything legitimately possible to ensure the welfare of workers.

    The governor added that his motivation to ensure the payment of arrears was to alleviate the effects of the harsh economy on workers.

  • Police arrest suspected kidnappers, cattle rustler, vandals in Kaduna

    Police arrest suspected kidnappers, cattle rustler, vandals in Kaduna

    • 58 kidnap victims freed in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Police Command, through its Operation Fushin Kada, has arrested six kidnappers, a cattle rustler and five suspects involved in vandalism.

    The operations also led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and charms.

    A statement issued by the Command’s PPRO, ASP Mansir Hassan, said on November 12, 2024, four members of a kidnapping syndicate were apprehended in Rahama and Dutsen Wai village, and nearby areas.

    “The suspects, Yahaya Abdullahi, Shamsu Ibrahim, Linus Obasi and Hauwa Mohammed, all from Dutsen Wai Village in Kubau LGA, were arrested.

    “Abdullahi confessed to conspiring with Ibrahim to kidnap a woman from Rahama Village, who was held in Obasi’s brothel under Mohammed’s watch until a ₦3 million ransom was paid for her release,” the PPRO added.

    Read Also; Sokoto: Lamido, Wamakko in supremacy battle

    The police spokesman also stated that in a separate operation on November 6, 2024, officers in Ikara LGA arrested two members of a gang that had been terrorising residents. 

    According to him, “the suspects, Surajo Hassan and Abdulhadir Usman, admitted to multiple kidnappings and robberies, including one case where a victim was held for 60 days before an ₦8 million ransom was paid.

    “Both suspects disclosed receiving ₦1 million each as their share.

    “On November 13, 2024, officers arrested a 27-year-old cattle rustler, Audu Abdullahi, in Kujama.

    “He confessed to belonging to a syndicate operating with AK-47 rifles and other weapons.

    “A search in a nearby bush led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and charms.

    “Meanwhile, officers responding to a distress call from the Kaduna State Vigilance Service at the Trade Fair Complex arrested three suspects—Salisu Mohammed, Mohammed Abubakar, and Aliyu Isah—caught vandalising armored cable wires.

    “They confessed to the crime and named Abubakar Garba and Isiaku Abdullahi, who were also arrested, as receivers.”

    Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday handed over 58 people rescued during joint security operations to the Kaduna State Government.

    The victims were presented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to the Kaduna State Chief of Staff, Sani Limankila, who represented the state governor during the ceremony.

    Gen. Musa emphasised that no ransom was paid for their release.

    “This rescue was achieved through the combined efforts of the military and other security agencies,” Musa said, adding that “the operation utilised both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, underscoring the need for collective effort; not just military actions.”

    He highlighted the importance of collaboration at all levels, from the presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Ministry of Defence and the Kaduna State Government.

     According to him, it was such synergy that enabled the successful rescue of the victims.

    Musa reiterated that every Nigerian has a role to play in ensuring security, saying “if we do not work together, it will be extremely difficult to succeed. It’s a whole-of-society approach.”

    He also warned against sabotage by individuals attempting to undermine government efforts, stressing that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.

    “Many of us have sacrificed weekends and holidays, working day and night to achieve these successes.

    “We assure Nigerians that we will continue until every captive is freed and every Nigerian can move freely across the country,” Musa said.

    The CDS noted that some individuals involved in banditry were forced into it, but the military remains determined to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

    The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, provided details about the victims.

    He said they were kidnapped from Gayam, Sabon Layi, and Kwaga villages in Dan Musa council area of Katsina State.

    Laka revealed that the joint operation, conducted by troops of 1 Division on November 14, led to their rescue.

    The victims included 35 males and 23 females.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that they were kidnapped by armed bandits under the command of a notorious criminal known as Janbros.

    “The victims were forced to trek hundreds of kilometers through the Birnin Gwari forest”, Laka said.

    He added that following their rescue, the victims received medical care and necessary assistance to stabilise them, explaining that six victims who required hospitalization had now recovered and were reunited with the others for the handover.

  • Restoration of vandalised electricity installations in north gulps N9b

    Restoration of vandalised electricity installations in north gulps N9b

    • Kano loses N10b to blackouts

    Repairs of the electricity installations and equipment recently vandalised in parts of  the north by unknown men have so far gulped  N9billion  of public funds, The Nation gathered yesterday.

    The amount is besides the billions of naira worth of goods, services and man hours wasted by the blackout resulting from the vandalisation.

    The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria Chapter put  the  economic losses for the entire northern region at ₦1.5 trillion.

    It is estimated that Kano State alone may have incurred up N10billion in losses.

    Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu told The Nation through his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, that “N9 billion has been spent so far”  by the Federal Government to repair the damaged installations and restore electricity supply to areas affected by the power interruption.

    Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Public Affairs Manager, Ndidi Mbah last month  described   the losses  from the vandalised  Shiroro – Kaduna 330kV lines 1&2 as colossal.

    Each of the affected lines is capable of wheeling 600MW to the North West.

    Read Also; Sokoto: Lamido, Wamakko in supremacy battle

    The  TCN confirmed  that vandals damaged towers T133 AND T136 along 330kV Shiroro– Kaduna lines 1 & 2.

    The company said two towers along its 330kV Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines one and two were vandalised, damaging parts of both transmission lines.

    She said: “the vandalised Shiroro – Kaduna 330kV lines 1&2 are vital lines through which bulk power is transmitted to parts of the North West region, with each line capable of carrying 600MW.

    “Vandalism of the towers and transmission lines presents a significant challenge to bulk power transmission in that axis.”

    By the 21st of the same month vandals also hit the 330kV Ugwuaji – Apir transmission lines.

    However , Line 1 was repaired and restored on October 30, 2024.

    The reoccurring vandalism of the transmission assets is believed to be partly responsible for the incessant collapse of the  national grid in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

    Midway into the repairs of vandalised installations gunmen struck afresh in Kogi State on the night of November 12 and damaged the ongoing 330/132/33kV transmission substation at Obajana.

    Kano loses over N10 billion to electricity supply collapse

    It is estimated that Kano State which is the commercial nerve centre  of the north has suffered up to N10 billion in economic losses since the prolonged  outages caused by the vandalised installations.

    The situation is further compounding economic and security issues, disrupting essential services, livelihood and daily life across the 44 local government areas and metropolis of Kano state.

    The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria Chapter put  the economic losses of the entire Northern region at  N1.5 trillion.

    The Country Director of IHRC-RFT, Nigeria Chapter, Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, said in  Kano, that government needed to do more to stabilise electricity supply.

    Apart from economic losses, the health sector is badly hit by the poor electricity supply.  The storage systems (for drugs and other consumables) in  hospitals and clinics, for instance, have been affected greatly.

    Educational institutions are not sparred while households struggle to  have safe water, preserve food , charge their phones and operate computers.

    Kaduna, Jos, Lokoja, Ilorin residents bemoan continued poor electricity supply

    Electricity supply in many parts of Kaduna, Plateau, Kogi,and Kwara remains low and residents want those responsible for power to do more than they are doing now.

    Artisans in particular appealed to government to consider their plight.

    A barber in Asa Dam area of Ilorin , Moshood Mohammed (MM) wondered what the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) wants him to do with the light they provide only at night when he won’t be in his saloon to attend to clients.

    “I have resorted to the use of generator set for power. The ultimate brunt bearers are our customers,” he said.

    In Kogi State, communities such as  Adankolo, Baptist  area,Kabbawa,Road market,Kanamoro and NUJ hardly have light.

    A resident of Lokoja, Mary Jimoh said she had to turn to selling roasted cat fish as the  erratic public  power supply being experienced in the state affected the cold store business that she was initially engaged in.

    She said: “I used to run  a cold fish business until early this year, selling frozen fish ,frozen chicken and frozen  meat. But I  had to stop the business owning to   erratic public power supply.

    “When things improve, I will still go back to the cold room business.”

    A resident of Lamingo Road, Jos North, Jos, Emmanuel Ajang, said light is available in the area for only three or four hours daily while Garba Aliyu of  Zaria Road, Jos, said , ” there is need for improvement.”

  • The lottery conundrum, why federal government role is crucial

    The lottery conundrum, why federal government role is crucial

    By Mohammed Hamisu

    As Nigeria awaits the Supreme Court’s verdict on the landmark case of SC 1/2008, the nation holds its breath. At stake is the future of lottery regulation and revenue collection, with far-reaching implications for national development.

    The case pits the Attorney General of Lagos State and 21 other states against the Federal Government, sparking intense debate. Proponents of state autonomy argue that lottery regulation should rest with individual states, while federal authorities insist on their constitutional mandate.

    The case is a contentious issue that has been argued and awaits judgment from the Supreme Court. At its core, this case revolves around the regulation and revenue collection of lottery activities, with the Attorney General of Lagos State and 21 other states contesting the Federal Government’s involvement as unconstitutional.

    Proponents of state autonomy argue that lottery regulation should rest with individual states. They claim that since lottery is not explicitly mentioned in either the Exclusive or Concurrent list of the 1999 Constitution, the Federal Government has overstepped its bounds by regulating and collecting revenue from lottery activities. 

    The states assert that this encroachment infringes upon their rights to manage their own affairs.

    On the other hand, federal authorities insist on their constitutional mandate. They argue that the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the National Lottery Trust Fund have sole authority over gaming. 

    The Federal High Court has already ruled in favor of the federal regulator, acknowledging its critical role in ensuring fairness and transparency.

    However, experts contend that federal involvement ensures fairness and transparency. “Without federal oversight, lottery operations would become a free-for-all,” warns Dr. Emmanuel Akintade, a gaming industry analyst. “This would lead to exploitation and undermine public trust.”

    The federal government’s power over lottery is essential for several reasons, all interconnected to ensure a fair, transparent, and regulated industry.

    The federal government’s role in standardizing and transparentizing lottery operations protects players and stakeholders from potential exploitation. 

    The National Lottery Regulatory Commission sets standards, guidelines, and rules for lottery operations, promoting fairness and integrity. 

    The federal government’s oversight of lottery activities has yielded substantial revenue, which the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has strategically utilized to support various good causes across Nigeria. 

    This impactful initiative has benefitted numerous communities nationwide, focusing on vital sectors.

    The NLTF has made significant contributions to healthcare by providing medical equipment, infrastructure, and services to healthcare facilities, enhancing access to quality healthcare for millions. 

    Additionally, it has developed sports infrastructure, promoted grassroots programs, and supported athletes, fostering a culture of fitness and excellence.

    In education, the NLTF has renovated schools, supplied educational materials, and offered scholarships, empowering future generations. Environmental conservation projects have also been implemented, addressing pressing environmental challenges.

    Humanitarian assistance has been provided to vulnerable communities, disaster victims, and internally displaced persons. The NLTF’s contributions have positively impacted countless lives, demonstrating the lottery’s potential to drive meaningful change.

    Some notable NLTF-funded projects include construction of healthcare facilities in rural areas, provision of educational resources to disadvantaged schools, implementation of environmental conservation programs, and emergency relief interventions for disaster-affected communities.

    Federal oversight also safeguards players’ interests, ensuring lottery operators comply with regulations and maintain fair business practices. 

    The National Lottery Regulatory Commission provides a platform for players to report complaints and resolve disputes, preventing illegal lottery operations that undermine the industry’s integrity and deprive the government of revenue. The commission collaborates with law enforcement agencies to clamp down on illegal operators.

    A centralized regulatory body ensures consistency across states, preventing conflicting regulations and ensuring a level playing field. This coordination facilitates information sharing and best practices among states, aligning Nigeria’s lottery industry with international standards. 

    The federal government’s guidelines and policies promote transparency, accountability, and fairness.

    A well-regulated lottery industry creates jobs and stimulates economic growth. Federal involvement attracts investors and promotes related industries’ development. 

    By exercising its power over lottery, the federal government ensures a fair, transparent, and regulated industry benefiting players, stakeholders, and the nation. This is the practice all over the world and Nigeria should not be an exception. 

    The federal government’s lottery revenue funds national development projects, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The National Lottery Trust Fund supports good causes, including investments in education, health, sports, environment, agriculture and humanitarian. 

    This integrated approach ensures that the lottery industry contributes to Nigeria’s overall development.

    Ultimately, the federal government’s role in lottery regulation strikes a balance between economic growth, player protection, and national development, fostering a thriving industry that benefits all stakeholders.

    A Revenue Assurance Platform, as proposed by the Federal Executive Council, would curb corruption and unlicensed operators. A Revenue Assurance Platform offers real-time monitoring and automated reporting, making it more efficient than the usual monitoring systems. 

    This technology enables regulators to track transactions, detect suspicious activities, and prevent revenue leakage. By adopting such a platform, Nigeria can align with international best practices in gaming regulation.

    Rather than scrapping the Lottery Commission and Trust Fund, all stakeholders should work together. “A unified approach would facilitate effective regulation, benefiting the industry and stakeholders,” says Lagos State Gaming Board CEO, Mr. Bashir Abiola.

    The federal government’scontinued involvement would generate jobs and stimulate economic growth.

    As Nigerians await Supreme Court judgement, Nigeria’s development hangs in the balance. Scrapping the Lottery Commission and Trust Fund would undermine progress and create uncertainty.

    Preserving the Lottery Commission and Trust Fund is essential for Nigeria’s development as the same Supreme Court panel did in judgement against states on the legality of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission yesterday. I must commend the panel for that judgement which is similar to the lottery one.

     Federal authority ensures transparency, revenue generation, and economic growth. As the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s verdict, one thing is clear: continuity, not disruption, is the key to a thriving lottery industry.

    Mohammed Hamisu wrote from Kaduna Nigeria.

  • Newly appointed DG of BPP Adebowale will strengthen procurement process

    Newly appointed DG of BPP Adebowale will strengthen procurement process

    The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD) has applauded President Tinubu over the appointment of Dr Adebowale Adedokun as the Director – General of the Bureau of Public Procurement(BPP).

    The Country Head of office for NEFGAD, Akingunola Omoniyi said this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    He said that Adedokun’s appointment would strengthen the Bureau’s mandate in ensuring value for money, promoting good governance, and upholding the principles of due process in all public procurement activities.

    Omoniyi said President Tinubu with his choice of Adedokun, a core procurement professional and highly experienced and refined public administrator has demonstrated readiness to turn things for the good.

    The statement said: “Mr President’s choice of Dr Adebowale as Director General of BPP reflects a deep commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement processes in Nigeria.

    “As one of the pioneer staff of the Bureau, Dr Adebowale brings a wealth of experience, proven integrity, and a track record of performance and excellence to this crucial role. His leadership is poised to strengthen the Bureau’s mandate in ensuring value for money, promoting good governance, and upholding the principles of due process in all public procurement activities.

    “The appointment greatly underscores Mr President administration’s dedication to institutional reform and the pursuit of sustainable development.

    “We are confident that with the support of stakeholders, the Bureau under the new leadership will drive impactful reforms and enhance public confidence in procurement practices in the country.”

  • Association unveils task force to combat infrastructure vandalism

    Association unveils task force to combat infrastructure vandalism

    The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has unveiled a new task force aimed at combating illegal activities and vandalism of public infrastructure across the country.

    The task force was unveiled in Katsina State and is expected to uphold the integrity of the circular economy by curbing the actions of individuals who sabotage public assets, thereby threatening economic progress.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris said the task force is targeted at strengthening the relationship between citizens and governmental responsibilities.

    He also highlighted the recently launched Renewed Hope Circular Economy Roadmap 2024.

    The minister, who was represented by the Special Assistant on Research and Strategy Saidu Ahmed, emphasised the importance of the National Values Charter which was carefully crafted to redefine the relationship between Nigerians and the country’s responsibility to its people.

    Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, cited a report showing that Nigeria generates an estimated 32 million tons of solid waste annually.

    He noted that the circular economy sector has spurred a 3.2 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) increase, improved trade balance with a €4.4 billion boost from imports, and created 1.6 million additional jobs compared to a “business-as-usual” approach.

    Chairman of NAK Steel Rolling Mills Company Ltd, Akilu Mohammed, lauded the Katsina State government and President Bola Tinubu’s administration for their progressive policies supporting the circular economy.

    He said the Ministry of Environment was committed to sustaining sectoral growth.

    NASWDEN said it would hold a national stakeholder tour to engage with government ministries, departments, agencies, and international organisations.

    It said the tour is aimed at rallying support for the circular economy sector and would culminate in the first National Circular Economy Workers Summit in early 2025.

    NASWDEN stated that the summit would strengthen collaboration among sector stakeholders, enhance productivity and job creation to support the nation’s economy.