Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, says he is disappointed in Nigerians for their seeming laid-back disposition to the economic hardship sweeping through the country. The former governor of Rivers bemoaned the rising cost of living in Nigeria, including the hike in the price of fuel, and spiralling food inflation. President Bola Tinubu’s “reforms” have dealt a huge blow to the purchasing power of millions of Nigerians. Speaking in an interview published by ABN TV, Amaechi said even he can no longer afford diesel due to the prevailing hardship. He added that citizens should not have allowed politicians to embark on recent electioneering campaigns in the face of economic pain. “I’m angry with the citizens. I have said it several times. You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you, you cannot buy fuel and anything,” he said. “The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’. “That is what people should be saying. The rate of hunger now… if people like us cannot afford diesel, you can imagine what is happening to those who do not have children like us. “Somebody said what this government has achieved is that it has made Nigerians to be strong in the sense that Nigerians now trek.” Amaechi served as minister of transportation from 2015 to 2022 in the Muhammadu Buhari administration. He was governor of Rivers state from 2007 to 2015.

A Turkish Airlines plane heading to Istanbul made an emergency landing in New York after the captain died on board. The plane took off from Seattle on Wednesday but was forced to divert after İlçehin Pehlivan, the 59-year-old pilot, fainted. Yahya Üstün, Turkish Airlines spokesperson, said the crew gave the pilot an emergency treatment on board and tried to revive him but failed. “When the first medical intervention to our captain on the plane was ineffective, the cockpit crew consisting of 1 captain and 1 co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing, but our captain lost his life before landing,” Üstün said. The spokesperson noted that the pilot had worked at the airline since 2007 and had no known health problems. Üstün added that the captain also passed a medical earlier this year, noting that no health problem was detected that would have prevented him from working. “As Turkish Airlines, we deeply feel the loss of our captain and extend our sincerest condolences to his bereaved family, colleagues, and all his loved ones,” Üstün said. The airline official said arrangements have been made for the passengers to connect their flight to Istanbul via New York.

Friday 10 October 2024 Senate faults govs’ fresh move on LG allocations Rivers CP visits razed LG secretariats as probe begins Lagos-Calabar Highway: Foreign investors decry $250m property demolition Army probes commander accused of diverting soldiers’ benefits Only 15% property owners have approvals – Lagos govt Bouncer arrested for allegedly stabbing suspected hoodlum to death in Lagos Naira down to N1,625/$ in NAFEM Rivers LG Polls: NJC must act swiftly against conflicting court orders — SANs South Korean investors to construct 4 refineries in Nigeria – FG FG Plans Zero VAT For Pharmaceuticals World University Rankings 2025: Covenant, ABU Emerge Top In Nigeria (Full List) Edo 2024: Election Materials Inspection Shifted To Thursday On APC’s Request Senate Asks FG To Declare State Of Emergency On Girl-Child Protection Alleged Money Laundering: Judge’s Absence Stalls Ruling In Binance Executive’s Bail Plea  EFCC Arrests 44 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Ebonyi, Anambra States Israel Minister Says Attack On Iran Will Be ‘Deadly, Precise And Surprising’ Matawalle: Tinubu has asked me to relocate to Sokoto over banditry Tinubu will end ASUU strikes – Akume PDP Crisis: Party Leaders Clash Over Atiku, Wike Reps to probe Buhari’s tax credit scheme Appeal Court affirms removal of Enugu PDP Rep member Cybercrime poses serious threat to national security – IGP Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has secured loans worth $6.45bn from the World Bank in just 16 months. The amount increased to the new figure following the recent approval of three new loans totalling $1.57bn from the World Bank for various projects in Nigeria and is expected to increase further in the coming months. This was as the international lender approved no fewer than 36 loan requests to the Federal Government, amounting to a substantial total of $24.088bn within five years. These approvals, aimed at financing various development projects nationwide, arrive alongside increasing concerns about the country’s escalating debt profile, prompting questions about the sustainability of these financial commitments and their potential long-term effects on the economy. Some of the projects under Tinubu include loans for power ($750 million), women empowerment ($500 million), girl’s education ($700 million), renewable energy ($750 million), economic stabilization reforms ($1.5 billion) and resource mobilization reforms ($750 million), For many Nigerians, long years of infrastructure decay and increased unemployment have triggered an increased feeling of bitterness whenever they hear the government’s intention to borrow. Although some of them realistically agree that resources are thin, considering an outsized population; however, they believe the past borrowings have not been justified. However, according to an analysis of documents obtained from the international lender website on Tuesday, the international lender has maintained an annual credit approval to the nation since 2020. A cursory look showed that the lender approved 15 loan requests worth $6.36bn in 2020. Some of these projects include the Nigeria Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project with an approved project commitment of $510m, The Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project ($430m), and $750m for the Nigeria SATAN additional financing for COVID-19 response, amongst others. In 2021, the loan requests were reduced to six projects worth $3.2bn while the nation, under the administration of former president Mohammadu Buhari, secured loans worth $1.26bn in 2022 for six projects. For instance, a $500m loan request was approved for a livestock productivity and resilience support project on March 18, 2022. Another loan of $750m was approved under the Nigeria: State Action on Business Enabling Reforms Program in the same year. Also, $3.9m was secured for the Umbrella organisation to support Nigeria for women’s projects. However, in 2023, the loan request increased to $2.7bn to implement four projects, namely $750m for Nigeria- AF power sector recovery performance-based operation, $500m for Nigeria for Women Program Scale-up projects and $750m for the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy scale-up project. Similarly, the bank has approved $3.82bn already in 2024 for five projects, which include a grant of $70 million. This means that the loan amount was $3.75bn so far in 2024, with more credit facilities expected before the end of the current year The World Bank has approved a series of loans to Nigeria, strategically targeting critical sectors such as economic reforms, resource mobilization, adolescent girls’ education, and renewable energy expansion. Recall that on June 13, the World Bank announced the approval of two loan projects aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s economic stability and supporting its vulnerable populations. According to a statement from the bank, the combined package, totalling $2.25bn, comprises the $1.5bn Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing Program and the $750m Nigeria Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms Program-for-Results. Already, the international lender has received $751.88m of the $1.5bn under the Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation. The World Bank is expected to approve another loan request worth $500m by December 16, 2024, for the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project – Scale Up project. According to a statement released last week announcing the latest approval, the international lender said the credit facilities will help the government strengthen human capital through better health for women, children and adolescents. It added that the approved projects would also help build resilience to the effects of climate change, such as floods and drought, by improving dam safety and irrigation. The statement read, “The World Bank has today approved three operations for a total of $1.57bn to support the Government of Nigeria in strengthening human capital through better health for women, children and adolescents and building resilience to the effects of climate change such as floods and droughts through improving dam safety and irrigation.” The international lender stated that this new financing includes $500m for addressing governance issues that constrain the delivery of education and health, $570m for the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Programme and $500m for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project. “The HOPE-GOV and HOPE-PHC programmes combined will support the Government of Nigeria to improve service delivery in the basic education and primary healthcare sectors which are critical towards improving Nigeria’s human capital outcomes. “The SPIN project will support the improvement of dams’ safety and management of water resources for hydropower and irrigation in selected areas of Nigeria. “The HOPE-GOV Programme will support Nigeria to address underlying governance weaknesses in the systems and procedures of government in two key human development sectors,” it noted. The approval, made on September 26, 2024, highlights the World Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s human capital and building resilience in the face of climate threats. Data from the external debt stock report of the Debt Management Office shows that Nigeria owes the World Bank a total of $15.59 billion as of March 31, 2024. Nigeria’s debt servicing expenses reached N6.04tn in the first half of 2024, marking a sharp increase of 68.8 per cent from the N3.58tn recorded during the same period in 2023, the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed. This sharp rise in debt service obligations, likely driven by naira devaluation for foreign debt repayments, reflects the growing burden on the government as debt repayment consumes a significant portion of its financial resources.

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has clarified that its visit was to inspect a property located at the premises of the National Open University Centre in Nsu Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, for the establishment of a skills acquisition center aimed at training persons of concern and youth from the five southeastern states. Two weeks ago, there was outrage and fear on social media after a news report by TVC which stated that the facility is meant for the IDPs. The news was aired by TVC on September 19. Many social media influencers heightened tensions after pushing the narrative that the Internally Displaced Persons in northern Nigeria will be moving down to Imo State to settle permanently. As a result of this, hoodlums set the facility on fire. However, in a statement posted on the commission’s official X account in Tuesday, it clarified that the goal was to explore and ascertain whether the center could be utilized to train returnee migrants, refugees, and displaced persons, such as victims of floods and communal clashes, as well as the youth and people of Imo State and the broader southeast region. The statement explained further that Displaced persons are found throughout Nigeria, including those affected by floods and other crises in places like Orlu, Njaba, and Orsu areas of Imo State. NCFRMI said its primary aim was to train, certify, and empower the vulnerable populations of Imo State and the southeast with vital skills for self-reliance, with the potential to establish the center as the regional headquarters for this initiative. “It’s important to note that similar skills acquisition centers are being proposed to be established in all the six geopolitical zones of the country to serve the populations in each respective zone, in line with the Commission’s “Skills to Wealth” initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. “The primary goal of NCFRMI is to protect, assist, and maintain the welfare of refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons in Nigeria. We work tirelessly to ensure that those displaced by conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises are given the support they need to rebuild their lives, reintegrate into society, and contribute to the economic and social fabric of our country. “It is important to highlight that out of the over 6 million people facing displacement in Nigeria, a significant number reside in the southeast, where entire communities have been displaced due to ecological challenges such as erosion, landslides, and other forms of environmental degradation. “In 2024 alone, the Commission facilitated the return of 4,550 stranded migrants, with no fewer than 30% of them originating from the southeast. Additionally, the region hosts approximately 50 non-Nigerianan nationals currently seeking asylum as refugees in Nigeria. This group belongs to the subset of the population referred to as persons of concern to the Commission. “Unfortunately, after the press briefing, some unscrupulous individuals spread false information regarding the purpose of the visit and the intended use of the facility. These individuals misunderstood the Commission’s objectives, leading to tension that culminated in the burning of several homes, including that of Senator Frank Ibezim, who facilitated the visit and accompanied my team and me during the visit. “We want to categorically state that the NCFRMI’s intervention in Imo State and the entire southeast has no political motives and it does not in any way intend to bring IDPs from the northern part of Nigeria to reside in the southeast. “The commission equally wants to state that no money was given to any person or persons for the purpose of utilizing the facility as it belongs to the government. “The proposed establishment of the skills acquisition center is purely a humanitarian initiative designed to serve as a critical resource and provide training in areas such as vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and capacity building. These programs will benefit displaced persons, returnee migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups, irrespective of their political affiliation, ethnicity, or religious inclination within the southeast region. “We deeply regret the misrepresentation of information by the media that led to the unwarranted unrest and the destruction of properties by some unscrupulous elements. “The NCFRMI’s mandate is rooted in humanitarian principles. We operate based on global standards of neutrality, impartiality, and transparency. “It is unfortunate that such a misrepresentation of information has caused distress within the affected community. However, we are committed to working closely with local authorities, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to restore peace, trust, and development. “We wish to reiterate that the NCFRMI remains dedicated to fulfilling its mandate of providing durable solutions to persons of concern across Nigeria. The proposed establishment of the skills acquisition center in Nsu Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, is one of such projects aimed at providing sustainable and durable solutions for refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons in Nigeria. “Lastly, we strongly condemn the arson attack on the National Open University in Nsu Ehime Mbano. We sincerely express our deepest sympathy to the Executive Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and the good people of Imo State over this tragic event. We equally appeal to all members of the affected community to remain calm and avoid any further acts of violence and destruction of their own assets, as they all belong to them. “We must join hands to build a peaceful and progressive society for ourselves and future generations.

The Nigerian Army has detained M.A. Sadiq, former commander of the 3 Brigade in Kano, over allegations of theft and mismanagement of palliatives. Sadiq allegedly diverted rice palliatives from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) intended for soldiers under his command. He is also accused of stealing official military equipment, including a MIKANO heavy-duty generator from the Military Training Camp in Falgore, Kano state, which was allegedly sold to scrap metal dealers. He has since been relieved of his duties and replaced by A.M. Tukur, the former registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy. Onyema Nwachukwu, director of army public relations, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday. Nwachukwu added that investigations into the allegations are ongoing, and appropriate administrative actions will be taken based on the findings. “The Nigerian Army has been inundated with media reports concerning the former Commander of the 3 Brigade, Brigadier General M.A. Sadiq, who is currently under military investigation for administrative discrepancies during his tenure,” he said. “As a result, the senior officer has been relieved of his command to allow for a comprehensive investigation. “The Nigerian Army, as a self-regulating institution built on discipline, justice, and accountability, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and misconduct that undermine its core values. “We assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and appropriate actions will follow. “Our commitment to transparency and integrity remains steadfast, and we guarantee a fair and impartial process that adheres to our established procedures.”