The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • KACRAN laments livestock ministry’s poor take off

    KACRAN laments livestock ministry’s poor take off

    The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has  appealed  to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide  urgent support  for the Ministry of Livestock Development.

    In a statement by the  national president, Hon. Khalil Moh’d Bello,  KACRAN said “it is seriously concerning that nearly eight months after the establishment of this crucial ministry, the renovation of the permanent office allocated for its operations is yet to be started.”

    This delay, he said, has impeded the implementation of essential policies and programs aimed at promoting the livestock sector and its value chains across Nigeria. “When the Ministry was established on July 9, 2024, we, Nigeria’s pastoralists, viewed it as a long-awaited answer to our prayers and a significant step towards addressing over 50 years of neglect in the livestock sector.

    “However, the lack of progress since then has been disheartening,preventing the Ministry from fulfilling its critical role in ensuring food security and contributing to the national economy.”

    Currently, Hon. Khalil said  the ministry functions more as a Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for it to operate independently and effectively.

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    His words: “Despite the critical nature of its mission, the allocated office space/building remains unrenovated and a timeline for starting the renovation or completion has not been provided. This situation severely hampers the ability of the Honorable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff to coordinate effectively and execute their responsibilities.”

    Moreover, he said the financial resources allocated to the Ministry for the 2025 fiscal year are insufficient for the Ministry to achieve its objectives.

    “KACRAN is deeply concerned that without immediate attention to these challenges, the foundational goals of the ministry will remain unattainable. As the political landscape evolves, it is vital that the focus remains on policy timely implementation rather than allowing the future of this very important Ministry to be muddling through uncertainties.

    “We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the renovation and operation of the Ministry’s office so that the Honorable Minister and staff can effectively promote and develop the livestock sector

    “Additionally, we implore the President to invest significantly in the livestock sector, for enabling the Ministry to actively engage in ensuring food security, enhancing the nation’s GDP, and reducing heavy reliance on imported milk and food products, which costs Nigeria billions of dollars annually.

    “Finally, KACRAN expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega as an Advisor on Presidential Livestock Reform Programs. We hope that under his guidance, the Ministry can achieve its goals and bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s pastoralists and the wider population.”

  • Bauchi government condemns arrest of Accountant General

    Bauchi government condemns arrest of Accountant General

    The Bauchi State government has condemned the arrest of its Accountant General by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), labeling it as a politically motivated move that undermines due process.

    The Nation reports that the EFCC had  arrested Alhaji Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State over an alleged ₦70 billion fraud.

    Jaja was apprehended in Abuja on Wednesday alongside Aliyu Abubakar of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, an unlicensed Bureau de Change (BDC) operator, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.

    EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Abuja saying the arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation of state resources.

    Reacting to the arrest in a statement issued  yesterday, the government expressed surprise over the EFCC’s decision to apprehend the official in Abuja while he was attending a Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting.

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     The statement issued by  Governor Bala Mohammed ‘s Special Adviser  on Media and Publicity ,  Mukhtar Gidado  maintained that the matter was already under investigation by the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Agency, led by a retired EFCC veteran, DIG Sani Mohammed.

    “The EFCC is well aware of our ongoing efforts, which have led to the removal, arrest, and investigation of the former Accountant General and several permanent secretaries. Yet, they chose to sensationalize this case, fueling unnecessary drama and suspicion,” the statement read.

    The state government accused the anti-graft agency of engaging in media trials and political witch-hunting, questioning the timing and manner of the arrest.

    It reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transparency, vowing  to resist any attempts to undermine its governance through “arbitrary treatment” of officials.

    While pledging cooperation with the EFCC, the Bauchi State government called for fairness and objectivity in the fight against corruption, warning against turning anti-corruption efforts into political maneuvering.

  • Shettima mourns victims of Karu tanker explosion

    Shettima mourns victims of Karu tanker explosion

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion that occurred in Karu, Abuja, on Wednesday night, claiming multiple lives and leaving many others injured.

    Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Shettima extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them of the Federal Government’s support during this difficult time.

    In a statement issued on Friday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “my deepest condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy.

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    “No words can adequately express the sorrow we feel for your loss. The Federal Government stands with you in this difficult time,” the Vice President stated.

    He also conveyed his prayers for the injured, emphasis the government’s commitment to their recovery.

    “To those currently receiving treatment in various medical facilities, I pray for your swift and complete recovery,” he said.

    Shettima commended the swift response of emergency services, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Red Cross, the Fire Service, security agencies, and other first responders, for their prompt action in rescuing victims and providing medical aid.

    Highlighting the importance of road safety, he called for stricter adherence to regulations to prevent future tragedies.

    Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, directed a thorough investigation into the incident and extended his condolences to the victims’ families.

    He also ordered priority medical care for the injured and instructed security agencies to enhance traffic monitoring, particularly at Abuja’s entry and exit points.

  • I can’t stand the health implications of open defecation – Mutfwang

    I can’t stand the health implications of open defecation – Mutfwang

    Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang said his administration has taken a firm stand against open defecation, saying, “I can’t stand the health implications of open defecation in my state.”

    He promised that the state would do all it takes by providing clean and potable water supply and sanitation facilities.

    Speaking on the occasion of the commemoration of the 2025 World Water Day with the theme, “Glacier Preservation”, in Jos on Friday, put together in partnership with Nelmaco Industries Limited, the governor said that not only does the practice of open defecation poses serious health risks but also contaminates the state’s water sources.

    The governor, represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nicholas Bamlong, said that more than ever before, the state is committed to protecting the environment which is under threat due to climate change.

    He said, “Here in Plateau State, we recognise the significance of protecting our environment and natural resources. We will continue to work towards reducing our carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices.

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    “Another critical issue we must address is open defecation. It’s unacceptable that in this day and age, many of our citizens still lack access to proper sanitation facilities, hence our ranking as the second state in the practice of open defecation.

    “To combat this as a government, we have vowed to change the narrative by intensifying our efforts towards creating an enabling environment to provide clean water and sanitation facilities to all citizens…

    “Some of our strategies will include: Sustained Improving Water Supply: We have taken immediate steps to introduce the renewable energy to power the facilities of Plateau State Water Supply Agencies for sustainable access to water supply across the State and  promoting sanitation and hygiene practices in collaboration with World bank Sustainable Urban Rural water supply and sanitation and hygiene under the SURWARH programme in rural small town and urban areas of Plateau State and supporting the construction of toilets and sanitation facilities within those jurisdictions.

    Chairman, Nelmaco Industries Limited, Dr. Nelson Uba Mkparu, pledged the cooperation of his organisation readiness to live up to the United Nations Standard by ensuring that Plateau State continues to have access to clean water.

    A highlight of the occasion was the signing of commitment by representatives of the 17 local government areas to end open defecation in their different localities.

  • Kaduna leads North in IGR– KADIRSi

    Kaduna leads North in IGR– KADIRSi

    Kaduna State has been the leading Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) performing subnational amongst the 19 northern states in the last two years, owing to Governor Uba Sani’s tax reforms.

    The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) which disclosed this in a statement on Friday, was reacting to the claim that suggests a decline in IGR under the present administration.

    ”As a validation of the reforms in the revenue sector of the state under Governor Uba Sani, in 2023 and 2024, Kaduna State collected IGR of ₦62.48 billion and ₦71 billion respectively, consolidating its place as the leading IGR performing state in northern Nigeria in the last two  years.

    ”Furthermore, in the months of January and February 2025, Kaduna State has already collected an IGR of ₦7.46 billion and ₦6.68 billion respectively, bringing the total revenue collected in two months to ₦14.16 billion,” the statement disclosed.

    The statement, which was signed by the Head of Corporate Communication, Malam Zakari Jamilu Muhammad, noted that records of states IGR collections are in the public domain.

    Zakari said Governor Uba Sani has introduced a series of  reforms that have improved tax collection and made tax payment easy, including “an integrated tax administration portal (PAYKADUNA), financial inclusion initiatives, enhanced taxpayers and stakeholders’ engagement.”

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    According to the statement, KADIRS has also deployed “the first-of-its-kind interactive voice response system for taxpayer complains redressal among several initiatives that have resulted in improved tax administration in the state.”

    The Head of Corporate Communication further expatiated on the current automation process of tax collection, explaining that ”payments are made through the PAYKADUNA portal or via pay direct channels from which they are swept directly into the State’s Treasury Single Accounts.”

    According to the statement, this process ensures that staff of the Service have no access or interaction with tax collections.

    The IGR account is a collection and transit account and not  an expenditure account, therefore, it is highly inaccurate to think that any amounts can be withdrawn from it to service any interests,” it explained.

    The statement noted that ”the current level of IGR collection of the state speaks to the competence of the chairman, the management team of the Service and the support they enjoy from the state to function as a professional and apolitical revenue authority of the state.”

    Malam Zakari also debunked the rumour that the former Executive Chairman was removed for calling out the Speaker for refusing to pay taxes, explaining that he had served ”his entire four-year tenure as provided in the Kaduna State Tax Codification and Consolidation Law, after which a new Executive Chairman was appointed by the Executive Governor.”

    The statement further said that KADIRS has never  received any instructions to facilitate the payment of  N100 million, or any payment  for that matter, to either an  individual or organisation.

  • MMIA Customs command hands over falsely declared $578,000 to EFCC

    MMIA Customs command hands over falsely declared $578,000 to EFCC

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command has handed over $578,000 seized from a male passenger to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Handing over the foreign currency to the EFCC in Lagos yesterday, the Comptroller in charge of (MMIA) Command, Effiong Harrison, said that the money was falsely declared by the passenger at the airport.

    Harrison, who handed over the intercepted currency following the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, said the suspect’s action was in contravention of the provisions of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

    The command head said the passenger’s International Passport and other relevant documents were also handed over to the EFCC for necessary action.

    He said: ‘The suspect (name withheld), a male passenger with Passport Number A13384205 arrived on board a South African Airways Flight SA60 from Johannesburg on Wednesday.

    “He approached the Currency Declaration Desk and declared a total $279,000. Upon examination, additional sum of $299,000 was discovered neatly concealed in different packages thereby bringing the total sum to $578,000.

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    “Also concealed was €100 and a counterfeit $250. This is in contravention of the provisions of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

    “This Act stipulates that any currency or other forms of negotiable instruments where the value exceeds $10,000 threshold or its equivalent must be properly declared for inbound and outbound passengers.”

    Harrison said the command was committed to arresting and stopping unlawful activities that had brought the country into disrepute.

    He said that customs was ready and continuously working together as an organisation of the government to ensure that those who are engaged in money laundering do not use international airport in Lagos for their criminal activities.

    “We promote a situation whereby the country is safe. As an investment destination, we want to promote a system whereby investors have confidence to come to Nigeria to do business in line with government policies.

    “We are working for the safety of all our financial institutions in this country. People are not comfortable with what is going on.

    “The economic policies are not being adhered to and we are losing revenue because of the activities of people like this. So they are undermining the Integrity of the financial institutions.

    “The suspect should have told the truth and declared accordingly. But he did not and so he has contravened.

    “We have handed him over to the relevant government agency,” Harrison said.

    While receiving the suspect and the foreign currencies, the Acting Director, Lagos office 2 of the EFCC, Mr Ahmed Ghali, commended the efforts of the comptroller and officers of the command.

    Ghali urged members of the public to be wary of such act, adding that the provision of the law was very clear on money declaration.

    He explained that passengers were allowed to carry along 10,000 dollars and that any additional money would be declared.

    “No matter how much is the amount, all what the law requires upon the traveller is mandatory that honest declaration is required.

    “I’ll leave the rest to us. Nobody will stop you from travelling with your cash in as much as you declare, no matter the amount.

  • FCT-IRS seals Abuja businesses over tax defaults

    FCT-IRS seals Abuja businesses over tax defaults

    The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) on Friday shut down the operations of two businesses in Abuja due to their failure to file tax returns and settle outstanding liabilities, despite repeated notifications.

    The enforcement exercise, carried out under a court order, is part of the agency’s efforts to enhance tax compliance and boost internally generated revenue for the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

    Speaking to journalists during the operation, Barrister Festus Tsavsar, Acting Director of Legal Services and Head of the Enforcement Team, disclosed that the affected businesses—Phase 3 Telecom and Cilantro Village, both located in Maitama—had consistently ignored demand notices, invitations for dialogue, and multiple reminders from the FCT-IRS over the past three years.

    “These taxpayers have deliberately failed to meet their tax obligations despite several opportunities given to them. We secured court orders to seal their premises, and this action will remain in effect until they clear their outstanding liabilities,” Tsavsar stated.

    He further warned that business owners are legally prohibited from reopening their sealed premises without following the due legal process.

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    “By law, no one is permitted to unseal their premises without clearance from the FCT-IRS. Any attempt to do so constitutes an offense. The only course of action available to them is to settle their tax debts, after which we will approach the court to lift the enforcement order,” he explained.

    One of the affected businesses, Phase 3 Telecom, reportedly owes millions of naira in unpaid taxes spanning over three years.

    “We have sent multiple demand notices to them over the years, yet they refused to respond. Even after attending meetings and making commitments to pay, they still failed to comply,” Tsavsar added.

    Cilantro Village was penalized for failing to file its annual tax returns for more than three years, which led to the court-ordered enforcement action.

    The enforcement team plans to extend similar actions to other defaulting businesses in the coming weeks.

    “We want all tax defaulters in Abuja to know that we are coming after them, one by one. It is in the best interest of every taxpayer in the FCT to comply with tax regulations by filing their returns and paying their dues on time,” he cautioned.

    While corporate tax filings were due by January 31, individual taxpayers have until March 31 to comply before facing possible enforcement measures.

  • Emergency rule in Rivers: Prevention better than cure – Arewa Think Tank

    Emergency rule in Rivers: Prevention better than cure – Arewa Think Tank

    A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has hailed President Bola Tinubu over the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State, saying  prevention of the looming crisis was better than curing it.

    The group, however, advised President Tinubu to do underground meeting with the warring parties within the period of the state of emergency for a firm reconciliation before the suspension is formally lifted.

    In a statement on Friday by the Chief Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the group said it wouldn’t have been proper to declare state of emergency in the middle of the crisis, but it was wise that the looming trouble was stopped in its infancy.

    To this end, Arewa Think Tank praised the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio for approving the emergency rule after majority of the senators supported it through voice votes.

    “So for us at Arewa Think Tank, President Tinubu has taken the best action by imposing state of emergency on Rivers State. By doing so, he has saved the State from the looming anarchy, blood shed and economic sabotage through vandalisation and destruction of our oil and gas facilities in that State. So people should stop blaming Mr. President.

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    “Nigerians must learn to appreciate their leaders who are taking decisions for national interest rather than personal interests because the approval of the emergency rule is for the national interest and progress.

    “We also know that the senators unanimously agreed to approve the proclamation of the state of emergency in Rivers as parts of its constitutional power in line with section 305 (2)

    “The Senate invokes the powers conferred on it by Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitutional Referral Report of Nigeria as amended and approves the proclamation of state of emergency declared by Mr. President in Rivers State of Nigeria.

    “The Senate further directs that the declaration of the state of emergency stated in the proclamation documents and demands of Mr. President to review and even to terminate the state of emergency at any given time, but not later than six months.

    “Therefore, we want to advise here that there should be a committee to reconcile Fubara and Wike, and other warring groups within the State before the expiration of the suspension.”

  • Rivers State of Emergency: Legal expert backs Tinubu, slams critics  

    Rivers State of Emergency: Legal expert backs Tinubu, slams critics  

    A legal expert and Professor of Constitutional Law and Human Rights, Prof. Kola Salman, has weighed in on the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, which was ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly (NASS). 

    In his analysis on Friday, the University of Ilorin legal expert dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu overstepped his constitutional boundaries, arguing that the declaration followed due process and was necessary given the circumstances in the State.  

    “The National Assembly’s approval of the President’s declaration is not just a formality but a fundamental constitutional requirement. 

    “Without their approval, the proclamation would have been null and void. The Constitution makes it clear that the National Assembly must debate and approve such a declaration for it to stand,” Salman explained.

    He further emphasized that both the executive and legislative arms of government have acted in alignment, ensuring that the state of emergency is legally binding. 

    However, while acknowledging that the declaration meets constitutional standards, he strongly agreed that the discretionary power granted by the President was neither misplaced nor misused.  

    According to Salman, the Constitution grants the President the power to declare a state of emergency under specific conditions. “Sections 305 (1)(2)(3)(4)&(5) of the Constitution clearly outline the circumstances under which this power can be exercised,” he noted.  

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    However, he noted an important procedural step that may have been overlooked, saying, “If the state of emergency applies to a particular state or states, the governor(s) of those states must invite the President to make the declaration. Only if the governor fails to do so within a reasonable time can the President step in unilaterally.”  

    Responding to criticisms that the President lacks the power to suspend the governor and the State House of Assembly, Salman firmly rejected such claims. 

    “This is totally untrue. When a state of emergency is declared, the President becomes the sole administrator of that state. The State House of Assembly loses its ability to legislate during that period,” he said.

    He further argued that suspending the governor is within the President’s discretionary powers, especially if the governor is implicated in the breakdown of law and order. 

    He said: “In Rivers State, the crisis can be traced back to the actions and inactions of the governor himself.  

    “Let’s not forget that the governor demolished the newly constructed multimillion-naira House of Assembly simply because he didn’t want members to deliberate there. He then set up a ‘mini’ Assembly within the Government House, allowing only a handful of his loyalists to participate, while ostracizing the majority of 27 lawmakers,” he noted

    Professor Salman also had strong words for social media commentators and self-proclaimed legal experts who have been criticizing the President’s decision.  

    “It is unfortunate that some individuals, who suddenly emerge as ‘constitutional lawyers’ on social media, are misleading the public. They read the Constitution and interpret it based on personal interests rather than the public good,” he noted.  

    He urged such commentators to “limit their opinions to what they truly understand,” warning against “politicizing legal matters unnecessarily.”  

    Backing the President’s decision, Professor Salman posited, “Every step taken by the President aligns with the Constitution. This is a crucial and necessary intervention. My advice to critics is simple, be careful not to fan the flames of political division through misinformation by heating the polity.”  

  • FOST defends Seyi Tinubu’s humanitarian gestures amid criticism

    FOST defends Seyi Tinubu’s humanitarian gestures amid criticism

    The Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST) has defended the humanitarian efforts of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that his goodwill initiatives should be commended rather than condemned.

    The group’s statement comes in response to criticism from Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, son of the Bauchi State governor, who faulted Seyi Tinubu’s food distribution in Bauchi as part of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE) initiative.

    In a statement, FOST President Comrade Adejorin Tai Manuel expressed disappointment over what he described as an attempt to politicize a genuine act of kindness. 

    He noted that distributing food and engaging directly with communities under RHYE was meant to support people in need, not serve any political agenda.

    Manuel emphasized that leadership is about service, and Seyi Tinubu’s efforts reflect a sincere commitment to fostering unity, empowerment, and grassroots engagement across Nigeria.

    He said, “At a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic challenges, showing up for the people, especially in underserved regions, should not be ridiculed. Rather, it should be encouraged and emulated by public officials and political leaders.” 

    He stated that true leadership is about staying connected with the people, listening to their needs, and offering tangible support where possible.

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    “We challenge those criticizing Seyi Tinubu’s outreach, particularly Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, the son of the Bauchi State Governor, to reflect on their own contributions to the welfare of the people. 

    “If reaching out to Nigerians is now considered “stooping low,” then what is the essence of governance? Those fixated on food distribution are deliberately ignoring the larger purpose of his engagement—strengthening national unity, uplifting communities, and offering direct support where it is needed most.

    “It is ironic that Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, who enjoys the privileges of his father’s gubernatorial office, dares to attack an individual who, unlike him, has taken it upon himself to make a difference. If he is truly concerned about youth empowerment and social development, he should first question what his father’s administration has done to uplift Bauchi’s youth before pointing fingers at Seyi Tinubu.

    “The Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST) commend this selfless effort and urge government officials, public figures, and politicians to take a cue from his approach. Leadership is not about staying in offices or engaging only during election cycles; it is about standing with the people, understanding their realities, and making impactful contributions.

    “Rather than mock a man who is actively engaging with Nigerians, we should collectively encourage a leadership culture that prioritizes human connection, empathy, and action. Seyi Tinubu is leading by example, and we stand firmly in support of his commitment to service.”