The Nation Newspaper

Tag: FG

  • FG pledges commitment to promoting restorative justice in rights protection

    FG pledges commitment to promoting restorative justice in rights protection

    The federal government has pledged its commitment to encouraging measures to promote the deployment of restorative justice in addressing rights violation cases.

    The government called for improved collaboration among national human rights institutions and related stakeholders in West Africa to improve rights protection in the sub-region and beyond.

    Chairperson of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Salamatu Suleiman, expressed the position of the federal government on the issue while speaking in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Dr. Suleiman, a former Minister of Women Affairs and ex-Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke at the 2025 Regional Consultation of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa.

    The event organised by the National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NHRI-WA), with support from sister organisations, will be held between June 30 and July 4 in Abuja

    Dr. Suleiman urged members of the network to walk the talk, adding that the activities of members and stakeholders must be directed at promoting respect for human dignity and encouraging reconciliation.

    Stating that “Nigeria is resolute in its commitment to advancing restorative justice,” Dr. Suleiman cautioned that without mutual collaboration and support, the objective of the consultative meeting by members of the network will not be achieved.

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu (SAN) spoke about the many achievements of his agency and expressed concern about the growing challenges to human rights protection in the sun-region.

    Ojukwu noted that it is to ignore the escalating violations of human rights across West Africa, resulting from “undemocratic changes of governments, shrinking civic spaces, conflicts, terrorist insurgency, forced displacements of populations and climate change.

    “In the face of all these challenges to the enjoyment of human and peoples’ rights, there can be no better time for solidarity among NHRIs than now. We must affirm our resolve to advance a unified, stable, and human rights-friendly West Africa.

    “Our shared challenges are formidable, but they are not insurmountable when we stand together. In this regard, NHRI Nigeria pledges its support and solidarity to citizens and NHRIs of our sister nations in West Africa.

    “The promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights can only be realised if NHRIs are alive to their mandates and supported to discharge their responsibilities as gatekeepers of human rights.

    “We currently serve as a quasi-judicial body to receive and resolve an annual average of two million complaints of human rights violations and have issued indictments to violators and paid compensation to victims.

    “We are not resting on our oars because more than ever before, the roles of NHRIs in protecting democracy and human rights in Nigeria and across West Africa are now a necessity,” Ojukwu said.

    The President of the NNHRI-WA, Dr. Joseph Whittal, decried the escalating threats to civic freedoms.

    Whittal called for a shift towards a human rights-based approach to addressing migration issues across the continent.

    He said, “As human rights institutions, we cannot claim to be fair to our countries or institutions if we do not take migration issues seriously.” 

    Whittal stressed that the role of NHRIs includes monitoring migration trends and protecting vulnerable populations.

    The Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Barrie Freeman, underscored the need to protect migrants and to ensure civic space remains open for citizens to exercise their rights without fear or repression.

    Freeman warned that the shrinking space for civil society and the stifling of public participation pose a significant threat to democratic governance, peace, and human rights in the region.

  • FG intensifies cancer fight, seals pact with American top cancer centre

    FG intensifies cancer fight, seals pact with American top cancer centre

    The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), on Tuesday signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the VCU-Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, aimed at boosting cancer research, clinical trials, and treatment capacity in Nigeria.

    The agreement, signed during a ceremony in Abuja, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to deepen international collaboration in the fight against cancer and strengthen research tailored to the country’s genetic and clinical realities.

    The MoU is expected to catalyse several initiatives, including enhanced data sharing for more representative clinical trials, co-designed training programs, capacity building for local researchers and clinicians, and the development of cancer infrastructure in Nigeria.

    It also sets the stage for deeper cooperation in vaccine-related cancer innovations and population-specific therapy designs.

    The agreement marks a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s health diplomacy and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve universal healthcare delivery.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, NICRAT Director-General, Professor Usman Aliyu, said the partnership reflects both the urgency and promise of tailoring cancer care to the country’s unique needs.

    Amid Nigeria’s escalating cancer burden, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates claims over 72,000 lives annually, the Director General emphasised, “This collaboration with VCU is not just timely, but essential to what we are building in Nigeria under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Health.

    Against the backdrop of Nigeria grappling with a rising cancer burden, estimated by WHO to result in over 72,000 deaths annually, the DG said, “This collaboration with VCU is not just timely, but essential to what we are building in Nigeria under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Health.

    “Cancer care is no longer about localised treatment. It is global in scale, multi-modal in approach, and must be informed by evidence and research”.

    He stressed that one of the most pressing challenges is Nigeria’s and Africa’s underrepresentation in global clinical trials. According to Aliyu, fewer than 2% of Africans participate in clinical studies globally, a gap that leaves African populations reliant on treatments developed without consideration for their genetic and environmental contexts.

    “Our genetic makeup is different, and this has real implications for how we respond to treatment. Through this collaboration, we aim to conduct more clinical trials locally and ensure that future therapies are not only effective but also safer for Nigerians and Africans at large,” the DG noted

    He further noted that Nigeria is not approaching the partnership as a beneficiary alone, saying, “This MoU is not a one-sided arrangement. We also have something to offer. The goal is to elevate standards on both sides”.

    Echoing the same sentiment, Professor Robert Winn, Director of the VCU-Massey Comprehensive Cancer Centre and the first African-American to lead a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated centre in the United States, emphasised the need for authentic, two-way partnerships rooted in mutual respect.

    “In the past, many partnerships with Africa have been extractive, ‘we’ll take your tissue, write papers, and say thank you.’ That’s not our model. We operate under a framework called Global Asset Partnership. Both sides bring value to the table. We learn from each other.”

    He underscored the urgency of expanding access to global research breakthroughs, particularly among communities of African descent, noting, “Too often, the cutting-edge benefits of American research are confined within its borders. But if we’re talking about a global health future that includes people of African descent, then partnerships like this are not only necessary, they’re urgent.”

    The MoU is expected to catalyse several initiatives, including enhanced data sharing for more representative clinical trials, co-designed training programs, capacity building for local researchers and clinicians, and the development of cancer infrastructure in Nigeria.

    It also sets the stage for deeper cooperation in vaccine-related cancer innovations and population-specific therapy designs.

    Winn noted that VCU-Massey, a Carnegie tier-one research institution, rivals centres such as Stanford and Johns Hopkins in research excellence.

    However, he said its unique strength lies in its commitment to democratizing innovation and bringing science to underserved communities.

    “We’ve adopted what we call the ‘community-to-bench’ model, rather than starting research at the lab bench, we begin with communities.

    “If the people can’t reach your bedside, your science is incomplete.”

    Highlighting the power of clinical trials to change cancer outcomes, Winn challenged outdated perceptions of trials as dangerous experiments, stressing, “Clinical trials today are not dangerous experiments; they represent hope, especially when existing standard care options are no longer effective.

    “In the U.S., following strategic investments in trials and research since the 1990s, cancer mortality dropped by 36% over the next 30 years.

    Read Also: Decolonise education to promote African culture, Prof. Falola urges FG, policymakers

    That means more people are attending weddings and graduations instead of funerals. The same is possible here in Nigeria.”

    He acknowledged that Africa does not lack medical talent but suffers from underinvestment in trial infrastructure. “It’s not about doctors. It’s about systems. With the right ecosystem, those same Nigerian doctors can lead global trials.”

    To support this vision, Winn shared VCU’s success with community-based trial design, noting, “In glioblastoma trials, one of the deadliest brain cancers, we achieved 47% participation from rural populations, compared to the 17% industry average.

    “That was possible because we trained researchers in both trial design and community engagement.”

    He encouraged Nigeria to consider similar regional mapping to ensure equitable access to trials across its six geopolitical zones, an approach he praised as “visionary” in Nigeria’s national cancer strategy.

    Appealing for partnerships that move beyond tokenism and toward systemic transformation, Winn said, “This is not about what we take. It’s about what we share. For far too long, global partnerships have meant extracting data or tissue from African countries with little return. This is different; we are here to build a sustainable model together.

    “True partnership is not just about what we offer, but what we gain by listening, adapting, and growing together. Let’s not just do things differently. Let’s do different things entirely.”

  • FG targets safer waterways with local boat manufacturing

    FG targets safer waterways with local boat manufacturing

    The Federal Government is set to begin local boat manufacturing as part of efforts to phase out rickety wooden vessels and curb the rising number of accidents on inland waterways.

    Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah, disclosed this in Abuja, stating that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), is driving the initiative.

    He said, “The minister is looking at a new way of making boats in Nigeria to phase out all these rickety wooden boats that are very easy to capsize.

    “You see, the kinds of boats that are being put to use on our waters are not even boats that somebody should put on the water.”

    He attributed the prevalence of unsafe boats to the lack of a professional boat-building industry in Nigeria, noting that even smaller neighbouring countries have advanced in the local fabrication of safe watercraft.

    “Because we have not properly professionalised boat making in Nigeria, that is why today we are still using wooden boats. But all of these are in the master plan — the blueprint that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy has just inaugurated recently. Plans are there to fabricate proper boats with the right specifications,” he explained.

    Akutah emphasised that the newly unveiled marine and blue economy policy would lead to tangible progress within a year, particularly in tackling boat mishaps.

    “The minister is leveraging the knowledge, experience and expertise of staff to brainstorm on ideas to transform the marine sector and enhance safety,” he stated.

    He commended the federal government’s recent efforts to distribute life jackets across various states but stressed the importance of consistent usage by passengers and operators. He also called for the creation of a dedicated coastal guard unit to guide boat users, especially during night navigation.

    Beyond water safety, Akutah said the Shippers’ Council is intensifying efforts to promote secure and well-planned vehicle transit parks across hinterlands to reduce road accidents and support inland logistics.

    He said, “Vehicle transit parks are one of our mandates, and we are also promoting the development of inland dry ports to bring porting facilities closer to shippers.

    Read Also: Customs seizes 481 Indian hemp, rice worth N352m on Lagos waterways

    “The Nigerian Shippers Council undertook a study which showed that most of the accidents we have on our roads today are as a result of fatigued drivers.”

    According to the NSC boss, the African Charter on vehicular movement caps driving time at seven continuous hours, a rule often ignored due to the lack of rest stops.

    “The development of transit parks is not only to create critical transport infrastructure, but also to avoid accidents and ensure cargo security. These parks will allow drivers to rest in a secure environment with other economic activities,” he added.

    Akutah reaffirmed the council’s commitment to aligning with government economic policies, working with public and private stakeholders to drive sustained growth in the port and logistics sectors.

  • FG, UNODC partner to tackle mineral terrorism, money laundering

    FG, UNODC partner to tackle mineral terrorism, money laundering

    The federal government is collaborating with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism financing and money laundering linked to the nation’s vast solid mineral resources.

    The initiative, funded by the Canadian government, aims to build the capacity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system to detect, investigate, and prosecute illicit financial flows associated with conflict financing, including funding for armed groups and organised crime within the mining sector.

    During a visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, UNODC’s Project Coordinator on Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Tom Parker, commended Nigeria’s efforts to curb illegal mining, especially the introduction of the Mining Marshals.

    Parker pledged UNODC’s commitment to working closely with the ministry to ensure the project’s success.

    Read Also: UNODC, NAPTIP, Immigration, others unite to redefine migration governance in Nigeria

    In response, Dr. Alake said the initiative aligns with the government’s ongoing drive to sanitize the solid minerals sector and prevent criminal and terrorist exploitation of the country’s mineral wealth.

    “When I got in here, I discovered we needed a new security architecture specifically for the mining sector. I sought the permission of Mr. President to set up Mining Marshals, and they’ve been doing a good job arresting and prosecuting illegal miners,” Alake explained. “The essence is to send a strong message that it can’t be business as usual, and it is yielding salutary effects. A lot of operators are now trying to regularise their operations and are obeying mining laws.”

    Alake revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new satellite monitoring system for mines nationwide to track illegal activities in real time and support swift deployment of security operatives.

    The UNODC team included Project Officers Inneke Geysens-Bourgions and Nicole Andersen, who pledged full technical support for Nigeria’s efforts to clamp down on mineral-related financial crimes.

    The partnership is part of broader reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda to reposition Nigeria’s solid minerals sector as a major driver of growth while stamping out criminal networks that exploit the nation’s natural resources.

  • FG declares emergency on Suleja-Minna road

    FG declares emergency on Suleja-Minna road

    The Federal Government has directed the immediate commencement of emergency reconstruction on critical sections of the Suleja-Minna road, following prolonged neglect and hazardous conditions that have claimed lives. 

    Minister of Works Dave Umahi, stated this during an inspection visit, accompanied by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi; and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Segun Showunmi, among others.

    According to the Minister, efforts to get the original contractors, Salini Nigeria Ltd to repair the severely damaged road over the past 18 months were unsuccessful. 

    “We have been on this for a year and a half, urging the contractors to return to the site. Section 1 of the road, starting from Abuja-Kano highway, is in a terrible state with tankers and trucks frequently breaking down, leading to fatal accidents,” he said.

    After inspecting the contractor’s capacity and observing the absence of necessary equipment, the Ministry decided to terminate the contract, he said, declaring that the two worst-hit sections have now been declared emergency projects and will be handled under emergency procurement procedures.

    “We’re documenting the current condition of the road for public accountability. Once work is completed, people tend to forget how bad it was. The Information Department must keep a visual record to justify our emergency action,” he said.

    The Minister confirmed Niger Governor had raised concerns directly with President Bola Tinubu, who subsequently directed the Ministry to intervene. 

    “The State government has already constructed part of the dual carriageway through its urban renewal programme, handled by CCCC. In line with this, the Federal Government has approved CCCC to continue work under emergency terms.

    “The road is 103km in total. The Governor has completed about 30km. What remains is a 71km dual carriageway, making 142km of work in total. 

    “This corridor is a known death trap. A journey to Minna that should take under two hours now takes seven,” he said.

    He said CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and begin work on the most critical 7km stretch, adding, “Our engineers and theirs will jointly handle site levelling. Final design work is ongoing and will be aligned once completed. 

    “This is emergency procurement, work begins first, then pricing is verified by the Bureau of Public Procurement”.

    He said sections of the road will be awarded separately, noting that while Section 2 (starting from the tear-off point) is to be fully assigned to CCCC, the Ministry will temporarily retain Section 1B for maintenance by the same contractor to ensure one fully motorable carriageway. 

    He also stressed that security measures and rest areas with solar lighting and CCTV will be integrated.

    Responding to the road inspection invitation and the government’s swift action on his concerns, PDP chieftain and former senatorial candidate, Showunmi, acknowledged the urgency of the intervention and commended the Ministry of Works for its prompt and responsive approach.

    “I had raised concerns about four key roads with the Minister, this Minna road, the Abuja–Kaduna road, Lagos–Calabar, and Sokoto–Badagry routes. I insisted this one needed immediate attention. To his credit, the Minister invited me to see the progress for myself,” Showunmi said.

    He condemned the substandard delivery of road projects by some foreign contractors, saying, “I’ve seen better roads abroad by the same companies, and I question why the same standards are not applied here.”

    Responding to questions about whether he was endorsing the current administration considering his positive impression of th road interventions, he said, “This commendation is specific to the Minister’s work. 

    “It is not a blanket endorsement of the administration. I remain critical where necessary and supportive where due.”

    Nonetheless , he added that Nigerians must move beyond partisanship when it comes to national development, noting “We all admire countries like China, the U.S., and the UAE for their progress, not because their people are better than ours, but because they collaborate across political lines. 

    “That’s what we must emulate.”

    Reinforcing his belief that good governance should transcend political affiliations and rely on collective effort, Showunmi reiterated his proposal for a legislative bill to restrict political campaigning to one year before general elections.

    “Governance should not be disrupted by unending political bickering. Let us give our leaders time to work and hold them accountable based on results,” he said.

    Calling for responsible political engagement, Showunmi urged Nigerians to shift away from constant national criticism, urging, “Democracy doesn’t mean endlessly shaming your country. We need to build it together.

    “We’ve seen this project, thank you. But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more”.

    Sen. Nwaebonyi commended the President and the Minister for their leadership and commitment to infrastructure delivery while emphasizing the Minister’s hands-on approach to project supervision, which ensures value for money and quality execution. 

    “You are the only Minister of Works known for personally inspecting projects regularly,” he said.

    He lauded the administration’s work on the Lagos-Calabar road, which links multiple States and is central to Nigeria’s economic renaissance. 

    Read Also: Trailer, fuel tanker collides on Suleja-Minna road

    “Infrastructure is key to prosperity. Parliament will continue to support initiatives that prioritize the welfare of Nigerians,” he said.

    The Senator pledged ongoing legislative backing for the administration’s road projects and praised the President’s vision to connect economic corridors and reduce poverty through infrastructure.

    Goronyo applauded Showunmi’s “investigative opposition,” commending him for inspecting projects firsthand rather than critiquing from a distance.

    “This is a new political culture. You took time to come here yourself, and now you’ve seen what the government is doing,” he said while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist deception. 

    “Infrastructure is the driver of development. The economic recovery you seek is already underway, just open your eyes,” he added.

  • FG rallies African nations to strengthen economic sovereignty, unity

    FG rallies African nations to strengthen economic sovereignty, unity

    The federal government has urged African nations to seize the current global economic shifts as an opportunity to lead from the front, by putting forward a unified voice that drives inclusive development, asserts economic sovereignty, and expands the continent’s influence on the global stage.

    Speaking at the ongoing 32nd Annual Meetings of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, called on African governments and stakeholders to recommit to the principles of unity, resilience, and self-determination.

    “In a world that is increasingly fragmented and protectionist, it is vital that we not only adapt, but lead,” Edun told delegates. “The collective voice of Africans across the continent and in the diaspora must become a powerful force for inclusive development, economic sovereignty, and global influence.”

    The finance minister expressed Nigeria’s enduring commitment to continental cooperation and integration, describing institutions like Afreximbank as central to Africa’s advancement.

    “Nigeria has long been a staunch supporter of African unity and economic integration. We believe that our collective progress depends on cooperation with the continent’s institutions, like Afreximbank, that catalyse trade, build industrial capacity, and invest in the future of our people,” Edun said.

    He urged participants at the high-level meetings to “recommit to the ideals of partnership, resilience, and self-determination that have guided Africa’s march forward,” stating that “these ideals – of partnership, dignity, and mutual prosperity – bind us as one people with a shared destiny.”

    Reflecting on Afreximbank’s role, Edun noted that the institution has been instrumental in reshaping Africa’s economic landscape.

    “For more than three decades, Afreximbank has played a transformative role in the continent’s economic architecture. Its bold interventions – whether through crisis response, finance and support for key sectors of our economy, shaping industrialisation, promoting export development, and enabling intra-African trade – have proven that Africa can finance and shape its own development path,” he said.

    Also speaking at the Annual Meetings, Afreximbank President, Professor Benedict Oramah, shared the bank’s achievements over the years and its strategic focus in the face of current global challenges.

    “Over the past 32 years, we have mobilised over $250 billion into Africa, empowered industries long neglected by conventional financiers, and served as a lifeline during crises – from the COVID-19 pandemic to commodity shocks and broken supply chains,” Oramah said.

    He described the bank’s journey as one of resilience and institutional innovation. “The story of Afreximbank is one of defiance against doubt, of institution-building in the face of resistance, and of steadfast belief in Africa’s potential,” he stated.

    Oramah noted that this year’s meetings are taking place during a time of intensifying global headwinds marked by deglobalisation, rising protectionism, and geopolitical tension.

    “Yet, it is precisely this uncertainty that reminds us of the imperative to build strength from within, charting a future that is unapologetically African and globally impactful,” he said.

    He projected a new development model for Africa built on the continent’s demographic and resource strengths.

    Read Also: FG moves to pay verified contractors

    “It is expected to be a future where Africa’s youthful population, rich natural resources, expanding intra-African trade, and technological shifts create a new development paradigm,” Oramah said.

    He disclosed that the meetings have been designed to confront the key issues facing the continent by re-evaluating institutional structures and redefining strategies in the context of a shifting global order.

    “The meetings this year are structured to tackle these themes head-on: examining our past, reimagining our institutions, and strategising for a fractured and changing, deglobalising world order,” he said.

    In his concluding remarks, the Afreximbank President reiterated the institution’s commitment to shaping Africa’s transformation.

    “As we gather policymakers, development finance institutions, the private sector, civil society, and academia, our goal is to create not only a platform for dialogue but also a roadmap for action. Together, we will explore how Africa has been asserting greater control over its development destiny and how Afreximbank and our sister institutions can continue to be anchors of sustainable socio-economic transformation,” he said.

  • FG mulls tariff to support gas-to-power projects

    FG mulls tariff to support gas-to-power projects

    The federal government is considering strategic interventions to address power tariff challenges affecting gas supply and payment structures at key Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)-led thermal power plants.

    This development emerged during a high-level meeting at NNPC Towers in Abuja between Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; and NNPC Ltd leadership led by Dr. Salihu Jamari, representing the EVP Gas, Power and New Energy.

    The meeting focused on urgent financial and policy interventions to resolve tariff-related issues impacting the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP) Phase 2, and Kano IPP Phase 1.

    This was contained in the press statement the spokesperson to the Minister, Mr. Louis Ibah, issued on Wednesday.

    According to the statement, the NNPC Ltd team expressed concerns over delayed payments and tariff gaps within the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) framework, posing operational sustainability risks to these gas-fired power projects.

    NNPC Ltd. warned that without timely intervention, power supply to key regions may be jeopardised, with potential economic and social impacts.

    Read Also: Nigeria hosts inaugural global civil service conference as FG demands bold reforms

    Ekpo noted that resolving this bottleneck was critical to ensuring Nigeria’s gas-to-power infrastructure delivers its full value to the economy and the people.

    He emphasised the importance of reliable power generation for regional stability and industrial development in Maiduguri, Kano, and increased supply to the National Grid from Okpai Phase 2 IPP.

    Finance Minister Edun acknowledged the need for a collaborative approach between all stakeholders to establish a sustainable financial mechanism that ensures the viability of these power plants, while supporting the national grid and economic growth.

    All parties agreed to hold a follow-up meeting with the Minister of Power to work towards actionable solutions within a short timeline, focusing on finding a sustainable solution to ensure optimal operation of the affected power plants.

  • FG reports N6.9tn revenue in first four months of 2025

    FG reports N6.9tn revenue in first four months of 2025

    The federal government has recorded N6.9 trillion in revenue between January and April 2025, reflecting a 40 percent year-on-year growth compared to N5.2 trillion during the same period in 2024.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a Q2 2025 Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement Session briefing on the fiscal performance and reform outlook of the current administration.

    According to Edun, the revenue growth is attributable to ongoing reforms, particularly in foreign exchange policy and fiscal governance, as well as the deployment of technology and automation to enhance revenue collection across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

    There is hope that the government will generate more revenue as the year runs by, following the expected surge in revenue from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) when businesses file their tax returns by the end of June.

    “Through improved transparency, automation, and plugging revenue leakages, we’ve moved from an annual revenue of about N12.5 trillion to over N20 trillion in 2024,” Edun stated. He added that the government remains focused on ensuring all revenues due to the Federation are collected and properly accounted for, through revenue assurance mechanisms and stricter compliance monitoring.

    Despite the upward trajectory, Edun noted that delays in revenue remittance by some government-owned enterprises, due to late auditing and reconciliation processes, continue to hinder prompt inflows. “Institutions that are mandated to remit up to 80 percent of their operating surpluses to the federal purse under the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the 2020 Finance Act often delay until audited figures are finalised,” he explained.

    He noted that in such cases, the Auditor-General reviews the financials and issues a demand note for reconciliation. This process introduces a lag in cash inflow, but the government is committed to ensuring eventual compliance without resorting to estimations or unverified assumptions.

    Edun also addressed improvements in debt sustainability metrics, pointing to a significant reduction in the debt service-to-revenue ratio. In the first quarter of 2023, before the current administration took office, the figure stood at 150 percent, meaning debt servicing exceeded total revenue. By the end of 2024, the ratio had dropped to about 60 percent, driven by rising revenue and tighter fiscal discipline.

    He added that the government has discontinued the practice of excessive borrowing through Central Bank overdrafts (Ways and Means), in line with fiscal responsibility legislation. “We now operate within regulated borrowing limits, which enhances debt sustainability,” Edun said.

    The Minister acknowledged that oil revenue performance remains below target due to underwhelming crude oil production and global price fluctuations. “We’re not where we expected to be on oil output. Every effort is being made to raise production, but this has had an impact on short-term revenue projections and debt service funding,” he said.

    Nonetheless, Edun believes long-term gains from Nigeria’s return to value-added exports and industrialisation will strengthen the economy. He referenced the country’s growing domestic refining capacity, led by the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries, which collectively provide up to 1.2 million barrels per day in capacity.

    “This reduces raw exports, creates jobs, and boosts foreign exchange earnings by exporting refined petroleum products and supplying domestic industries with inputs,” he said.

    Edun further noted that international rating agencies, including Fitch and Moody’s, have upgraded Nigeria’s credit ratings in response to the ongoing reforms. These upgrades, he said, send strong signals to global investors and reduce the cost of borrowing on international markets. “Better sovereign ratings mean lower interest rates on bonds, both externally and locally, which supports inflation control and macroeconomic stability,” he said.

    Read Also: Hypertension: FG, experts alarmed as only 1 in 10 Nigerians receive care

    The government’s consumer credit initiative is also gaining traction. Managing Director of CreditCorp, Mr. Uzoma Nwagba, revealed that 400,000 young people are already being targeted under the take-off phase of the scheme. “Though the official launch is pending, eligible beneficiaries can already access credit via our platform,” he said, referring to loan packages of N200,000 to N300,000 available to early applicants, including youth corps members.

    In a related development, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI) is intensifying efforts to optimise government assets. Speaking on behalf of the MoFI Managing Director, Dr. Armstrong Takang, Executive Director Tajudeen Ahmed said the asset register has identified N38 trillion worth of government-owned assets over the past two years.

    Ahmed projected that the total value of assets captured could hit N70 trillion by 2026, as more assets are brought into the system.

    The MoFI aims to scale this value to N100 trillion over the next decade, leveraging it to drive investment, transparency, and capital formation.

    Edun concluded that the broader goal is to build a fiscally resilient and inclusive economy, where government revenues are optimised, leakages are curtailed, and resources are directed toward high-impact projects and social investments. He stated that while external risks such as oil price volatility remain, the foundations laid through macroeconomic reforms and institutional restructuring are already yielding measurable results.

  • FG denies abandoning Nigerians in Iran

    FG denies abandoning Nigerians in Iran

    The Federal Government has debunked the news making the rounds that it abandoned its citizens in Iran. 

    Nigerian authorities also described as misleading the report that officials at the embassy in Tehran had departed.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement said there was no truth in the claims.

    The statement, which was signed by the ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the bombing of Tehran only  disrupted normal work schedules and forced staff to work remotely.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to misleading and unfounded reports circulating on social media and certain news platforms that the Embassy of Nigeria in Tehran, Iran, has abandoned Nigerian nationals and departed the country due to the ongoing crisis with Israel.  

    “The Ministry categorically debunks these allegations and assures the public, particularly Nigerian citizens in Iran, that the Embassy of Nigeria in Tehran remains operational and committed to the welfare and safety of all Nigerian nationals in Iran. The consistent bombing in Tehran has, however, disrupted normal work schedules and forced staff to work remotely.  

    “Given this unfortunate development,  the Embassy is actively engaging with the Government of Armenia to grant access for the evacuation of Nigerians via Yerevan.”

    Read Also: FG suspends two Correctional Service personnel over attempts to procure passport for inmate

    Moreover, Nigerians in Iran requiring assistance are encouraged to contact the Embassy directly through its official  emergency contacts: 

    Mr. Esson Anzaku +989393216872 and Abutalib +989024199018 ‪+989393216872,  and emails: Nigeria.tehran@mfa.gov.ng

     anzakuesson02@gmail.com and lawshed@yahoo.com.

    Nigerians in Iran are also advised to contact the various designated coordinators of the Nigerian Community in these three locations as earlier arranged.

    The Embassy has also advised members of the Nigerian Community to download the Iranian local messaging app, eitaa, and join the Nigerian group for  regular updates  

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of Nigerians worldwide.

  • FG suspends two Correctional Service personnel over attempts to procure passport for inmate

    FG suspends two Correctional Service personnel over attempts to procure passport for inmate

    The Federal Government has suspended two personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) over attempts to procure international Passport for an inmate.

    The suspension was announced in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, Umar Abubakar.

    Abubakar, a Deputy Controller of Corrections, described the incident as a misconduct “detected through the automated passport application and other holistic reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service.” 

    He also said the detection of the misconduct was as a result of interagency collaboration in the Ministry of Interior. 

    Abubakar who explained that the incident happened a fortnight ago, added that it was a contradiction of established rules and procedures and therefore becomes unacceptable and impermissible. 

    While alluding to a publication on the incident, Abubakar said “necessary disciplinary actions were taken including the suspension of the two correctional personnel implicated in the incident by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) chaired by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubumni Tunji-Ojo.”

    Read Also: FG steps up fight against malnutrition

    “The Controller General of Corrections (CGC) Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has reiterated his commitment to upholding discipline, transparency, and professionalism in all custodial centres across the country. 

    “The Service categorically states that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption, or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system” he said. 

    He said the Service remains committed to its mandate of safe custody, humane treatment, and reform of inmates in line with global best practices.