Africa Security Investigation News

My fellow citizens,

I want to talk to you about our economy. It is important that you understand the reasons for the policy measures I have taken to combat the serious economic challenges this nation has long faced.

2. I am not going to talk in difficult terms by dwelling on economic jargon and concepts. I will speak in plain, clear language so that you know where I stand. More importantly, so that you see and hopefully will share my vision regarding the journey to a better, more productive economy for our beloved country.

3. For several years, I have consistently maintained the position that the fuel subsidy had to go. This once beneficial measure had outlived its usefulness. The subsidy cost us trillions of Naira yearly. Such a vast sum of money would have been better spent on public transportation, healthcare, schools, housing and even national security. Instead, it was being funneled into the deep pockets and lavish bank accounts of a select group of individuals.

4. This group had amassed so much wealth and power that they became a serious threat to the fairness of our economy and the integrity of our democratic governance. To be blunt, Nigeria could never become the society it was intended to be as long as such small, powerful yet unelected groups hold enormous influence over our political economy and the institutions that govern it.

5. The whims of the few should never hold dominant sway over the hopes and aspirations of the many. If we are to be a democracy, the people and not the power of money must be sovereign.

6. The preceding administration saw this looming danger as well. Indeed, it made no provision in the 2023 Appropriations for subsidy after June this year.  Removal of this once helpful device that had transformed into a millstone around the country’s neck had become inevitable.

7. Also, the multiple exchange rate system that had been established became nothing but a highway of currency speculation. It diverted money that should have been used to create jobs, build factories and businesses for millions of people. Our national wealth was doled on favourable terms to a handful of people who have been made filthy rich simply by moving money from one hand to another. This too was extremely unfair.

8. It also compounded the threat that the illicit and mass accumulation of money posed to the future of our democratic system and its economy.

9. I had promised to reform the economy for the long-term good by fighting the major imbalances that had plagued our economy.  Ending the subsidy and the preferential exchange rate system were key to this fight. This fight is to define the fate and future of our nation. Much is in the balance.

10. Thus, the defects in our economy immensely profited a tiny elite, the elite of the elite you might call them. As we moved to fight the flaws in the economy, the people who grow rich from them, predictably, will fight back through every means necessary.

11. Our economy is going through a tough patch and you are being hurt by it. The cost of fuel has gone up. Food and other prices have followed it. Households and businesses struggle. Things seem anxious and uncertain. I understand the hardship you face. I wish there were other ways. But there is not. If there were, I would have taken that route as I came here to help not hurt the people and nation that I love.

12. What I can offer in the immediate is to reduce the burden our current economic situation has imposed on all of us, most especially on businesses, the working class and the most vulnerable among us.

13. Already, the Federal Government is working closely with states and local governments to implement interventions that will cushion the pains of our people across socio-economic brackets.

14. Earlier this month, I signed four (4) Executive Orders in keeping with my electoral promise to address unfriendly fiscal policies and multiple taxes that are stifling the business environment. These Executive Orders on suspension and deferred commencement of some taxes will provide the necessary buffers and headroom to businesses in the manufacturing sector to continue to thrive and expand.

15. To strengthen the manufacturing sector, increase its capacity to expand and create good-paying jobs, we are going to spend N75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024. Our objective is to fund 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start sustainable economic growth, accelerate structural transformation and improve productivity. Each of the 75 manufacturing enterprises will be able to access N1 Billion credit at 9% per annum with a maximum of 60 months repayment for long term loans and 12 months for working capital.

16. Our administration recognises the importance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector as drivers of growth. We are going to energise this very important sector with N125 billion.

17. Out of the sum, we will spend N50 billion on a Conditional Grant to 1 million nano businesses between now and March 2024. Our target is to give N50,000 each to 1,300 nano business owners in each of the 774 local governments across the country.

18. Ultimately, this programme will further drive financial inclusion by onboarding beneficiaries into the formal banking system. In like manner, we will fund 100,000 MSMEs and start-ups with N75 billion. Under this scheme, each enterprise promoter will be able to get between N500,000 to N1million at 9% interest per annum and a repayment period of 36 months.

19. To further ensure that prices of food items remain affordable, we have had a multi-stakeholder engagement with various farmers’ associations and operators within the agricultural value chain.

20. In the short and immediate terms, we will ensure staple foods are available and affordable. To this end, I have ordered the release of 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices. We are also providing 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers who are committed to our food security agenda.

21. Our plan to support cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice remains on course. To be specific, N200 billion out of the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly will be disbursed as follows:

-Our administration will invest N50 billion each to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize.

-N50 billion each will also be earmarked to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava.

22. This expansive agricultural programme will be implemented targeting small-holder farmers and leveraging large-scale private sector players in the agric business with strong performance record.

23. In this regard, the expertise of Development Finance Institutions, commercial banks and microfinance banks will be tapped into to develop a viable and an appropriate transaction structure for all stakeholders.

24. Fellow Nigerians, I made a solemn pledge to work for you. How to improve your welfare and living condition is of paramount importance to me and it’s the only thing that keeps me up day and night.

25. It is in the light of this that I approved the Infrastructure Support Fund for the States. This new Infrastructure Fund will enable States to intervene and invest in critical areas and bring relief to many of the pain points as well as revamp our decaying healthcare and educational Infrastructure.

26. The fund will also bring improvements to rural access roads to ease evacuation of farm produce to markets. With the fund, our states will become more competitive and on a stronger financial footing to deliver economic prosperity to Nigerians.

27. Part of our programme is to roll out buses across the states and local governments for mass transit at a much more affordable rate. We have made provision to invest N100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses.

28. These buses will be shared to major transportation companies in the states, using the intensity of travel per capital. Participating transport companies will be able to access credit under this facility at 9% per annum with 60 months repayment period.

29. In the same vein, we are also working in collaboration with the Labour unions to introduce a new national minimum wage for workers. I want to tell our workers this: your salary review is coming.

30. Once we agree on the new minimum wage and general upward review, we will make budget provision for it for immediate implementation.

31. I want to use this opportunity to salute many private employers in the Organised Private Sector who have already implemented general salary review for employees.

32. Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there is no doubt about it that it is tough on us. But I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All of our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work.

33. Sadly, there was an unavoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully online. However, we are swiftly closing the time gap. I plead with you to please have faith in our ability to deliver and in our concern for your well-being.

34. We will get out of this turbulence. And, due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.

35. In a little over two months, we have saved over a trillion Naira that would have been squandered on the unproductive fuel subsidy which only benefitted smugglers and fraudsters. That money will now be used more directly and more beneficially for you and your families.

36. For example, we shall fulfill our promise to make education more affordable to all and provide loans to higher education students who may need them. No Nigerian student will have to abandon his or her education because of lack of money.

37. Our commitment is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of our people. On this principle, we shall never falter.

38. We are also monitoring the effects of the exchange rate and inflation on gasoline prices. If and when necessary, we will intervene.

39. I assure you my fellow country men and women that we are exiting the darkness to enter a new and glorious dawn.

40. Now, I must get back to work in order to make this vision come true.

41. Thank you all for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

By Raychel Omaga

The Chairman, Aazik Group, United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria and the Secretary General of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Dr. Raymond Edoh has called on the federal government of Nigeria to ensure a fair and inclusive open door policy for the youths of the country pointing out that this would result to a coordinated and all inclusivity youth participation in the government of the day.

The Chairman, Aazik Group, Dr. Edoh stated this when he paid a working visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Monday.

Speaking on youth expectations from the government, Dr Edoh said that there are two key areas he would want the present administration to look into, which are “leadership and Education”.

He appealed to the SGF to keep his doors open for the youths to always engage with him.

He also assured the SGF of the unwavering support of youths who are willing to work with him and make sure that he succeeds in his task and comes out as the best SGF appointed in the country.

Dr Edoh also congratulated Senator Akume on his well-deserved appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He applauded Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, for considering Akume worthy to serve in that capacity.

In his response, the SGF, Senator George Akume said that Nations are great because of their youths.

He pointed out that the President is youth-friendly and believes in the capacity of Nigerian youths.

He also noted that the President believes strongly in youth diversity and the unity of the country.

He said that from the indication of the appointments made so far by the President, “There is an indication of what he has in stock for the Nigerian youths.

“This is your time, I have absolute confidence in the youth. If you think we are derailing tell us. If we are on the right path, also encourage us. We are not God. There is nobody that is infallible. We are determined to serve to the best of our ability. Yes, we could make such mistakes, genuine mistakes, correct us and not condemn us. There are others who don’t see anything good in a leader when they are not involved” the SGF said.

He called on the Ambassador to use his office to attract more scholarships for youth in the country and also support the present administration to take many youths off the street.

In an exclusive interview immediately after the courtesy visit, while speaking regards the company, Edoh said, Aazik Petroleum Limited is a leading supplier of wholesale and retail automotive gas oil (AGO/Diesel) in Nigeria, Its strength lies in understanding the regional and local market and also with the ability to identify supply-demand gaps, which enables the company to provide savings to its clients through effective management and synchronization of Trade, Finance, and Operation.

He stressed further that Aazik Petroleum services have a wide range of customers including International Oil companies, Government Agencies, Manufacturing Industries, Hotels, Banks, and many more private businesses in Nigeria.

He pointed out that its services are not limited to Diesel Delivery,
Haulage, Sales of Machinery, Supply & Logistics, Consultancy, and Product Sourcing.

“Aazik Petroleum with over a decade of experience in providing a wide area of specialty services works and also provides volumes of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) directly to end consumers. Its priority is to ensure that its customers have their needs met on request and on demand, with timely delivery.

“Aazik Petroleum Limited can manage multiple distribution channels across all sections of the downstream Oil and Gas value chain. The company has developed extensive knowledge that enhances its activities over the years.

“The greatest desire of the company is to implement technologies to give added value to the materials extracted in its home country, applying international standards and norms to be competitive and helping to bring the country to a level of respect and equality. Its strength lies in the large available market for petroleum products, in understanding the regional and global marketplace and ability to identify supply and demand gaps and opportunities”.

Earlier, he mentioned that Aazik Petroleum Limited, its mission is to provide sustainable & efficient energy solutions that drive business growth and develop human capital while ensuring customer satisfaction. Effective management and synchronization of trade, finance, and operations which enables it to maximize efficiency and profitability while minimizing risks.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Aazik Group, Frank Azikiwe, has this to say, “We help source for heavy equipment, consisting of more than 500 machines. Consequently, we can deliver the equipment you want anywhere in the world at very short notice.

“From our state-of-the-art facilities, we coordinate the distribution of products to end-users including major oil companies and airlines via barges, road tankers
and aviation fuel bowsers.

“Our operations cover the entire downstream supply chain and are driven by innovative technology and infrastructure in Product Procurement & Trade, Warehousing & Storage, Marketing & Distribution, and Retail.

“From our state-of-the-art facilities, we coordinate the distribution of products to end-users including major oil companies and airlines via barges, road tankers, and aviation fuel bowsers.

“We also help source for heavy equipment consisting of more than 500 sundry categories of machines”, he added.

The youth under the umbrella of Youth and Civil Society Coalition for Development YCSCD said the announcement of Badaru’s nomination for the minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from Jigawa by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave them a huge sigh of relief.

This, the National Coordinator of the YCSCD Comrade Aminu Aminu said was because progressive youth in Jigawa were disturbed by the fake ministerial list in circulation earlier in the country containing names of those considered by the majority of citizens as political liabilities to the state and its people.

The feelings of disappointment and betrayal were however demystified on Thursday when the authentic ministerial list was transmitted to the National Assembly by our beloved president for screening and confirmation.

This nomination Comrade Aminu Aminu said, did not just console the youth in Jigawa State but also reflect the long-held principle of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of rewarding loyalty, patriotism, and hard work irrespective of one’s ethnicity, religion, or region.

Comrade Aminu Aminu who went down the memory layin to recollect the electioneering campaign activities said, Badaru’s job as All Progressives Congress (APC) Northern Regional Campaigns Coordinator for Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 elections was hugely facilitated by the director General NITDA’s supported Youth and Civil Society Coalition for Development which did everything possible to ensure that Tinubu was elected the Nigerian President to succeed former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Director General NITDA Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi (KIA) was Secretary Data/Management  Committee APC Presidential Campaign Council  (PCC 2023)

His support for the Grassroot Mobilization for Asiwaju (GMA) 2023, and Youth and Civil Society Coalition for Development in improving the lots of youth across the country in organizing vocational training for the youth in various areas of self-development, particularly in ICT.

The national youth leader under the YCSCD Comrade Aminu Aminu said courtesy of the NITDA Boss Kashifu Inuwa, his organization is made to be one of the most structured in the country whose activities have impacted positively the overall success of APC at the polls. This he said was because as youth coordinator for the nineteen Northern States, he inaugurated the nineteen Northern states’ coordinators, these states’ coordinators went and inaugurated their local government and wards’ coordinators to build a well-structured organization with a network of foot soldiers that would ease the rigorous campaign responsibility that YCSCD shouldered.

The organization did not just leave the coordinators on their own but ensured that they were trained on the best methods and strategies to lead a successful campaign that could deliver for APC and that was achieved.

The YCSCD Comrade Aminu further said has written a book titled ” 101 Fundamental Reasons For  Supporting Asiwaju in 2023″ which was necessary at the time when opposition parties were trying to capitalize on religion in the rural areas against Tinubu with the support of our beloved ministerial nominee Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.

Comrade Aminu Aminu noted that apart from being the National Coordinator Youth and Civil Society Coalition for Development (YCSCD) has also been appointed by the Independent Campaign Council (ICC) as Director of Contact and Mobilization in Jigawa State while also serving in seven (7) different committees under the ICC and PCC.

Comrade Aminu Aminu has during the electioneering campaign worked under Three Ministerial Nominees comprising
His Excellency Muhammad Badaru Abubakar is our grand patron for Grassroot Mobilization for Asiwaju (GMA) 2023.

Imaan Suleman Ibrahim National Coordinator ICC, Special Duties
and Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo Director of Youth Mobilization Committee North West PCC.

All these personalities were nominated as ministers, this shows that our struggle, our efforts, and our sacrifices for the APC did not go in vain. Comrade Aminu Aminu assured that Nigerians would not regret their presence in President Tinubu’s cabinet God willing.

Comrade Aminu Aminu said he has committed his resources to purchasing vehicles, renting office edifice, the inauguration ceremony of the nineteen States coordinators, and twenty-seven local government coordinators and training them on the best way to achieve success and above all the reception of over fifty thousand decampees from other political parties into All Progressives Congress (APC).

Comrade Aminu Aminu thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making the right choice in the ministerial nomination so far assuring Nigerians that more best hands are on the way coming.

Comrade Aminu also congratulated his grand political mentor His Excellency Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Hajiya Iman Suleman Ibrahim, and Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo all of whom are ministerial nominees. He wish them well and prayed that God guide them through these onerous national tasks placed on them by the President.

He noted that all his energy, his resources, the sleepless nights he had, and all the other nasty experiences he endured through that electioneering exercise till the victory was achieved were at last not a waste since his mentors and close associates are been rewarded for the sacrifices made.

He also expressed his unreserved gratitude to the Director General NITDA Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi for all the moral, financial, and spiritual support for the GMA and YCSCD that enable them to record the successes they achieved before, during, and after the 2023 general elections.

The Theatre Commander (TC) Major General GU Chibuisi, on Tuesday, 25 Jul 2023, embarked on an operational tour of Sector 2 Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) Damaturu, Yobe State.

He was received during the visit by the Commander Sector 2 JTF (NE) OPHK, Maj Gen MLD Saraso, where he was also briefed on activities of the sector.

Addressing troops during the visit, at Headquarters Sector 2, the TC charged them to always be at alert and remain vigilant against emerging threats. He also urged them to decisively deal with insurgence and other criminal elements in the AOR.

The TC further enjoined troops to remain committed in the fight against insurgency and other criminal activitivies just as he urged both officers and soldiers to always maintain very good relationship with the members of public, in order to get positive information that will assist in ongoing operations across the Theatre.

TC however warned troops against involvement in any act of misconduct which could jeopardize operations, assuring that he will do the best he can to address the challenges facing the various sectors within the theatre of Operations.

Highlights of the visit were group photograph, tour to level 11 Field Hospital, New Barracks, and Detention facility within the Barracks. There after proceeded to other Units under Sector 2 AOR.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) wishes to draw public attention to a fraudulent LinkedIn Account impersonating the person, and office of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta.

Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs in a press release he signed on July 27, 2023, said, the account was obviously created by some unscrupulous and criminal elements with a view to defrauding unsuspecting members of the public and users of social media who may think that such an account belongs to the EVC of NCC.

For the avoidance of doubt, the EVC/CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has no LinkedIn Account. Therefore, any such account found on social media or any other platform, purporting to belong to the EVC of NCC, is fake!

We are working with appropriate security agencies to investigate the source of this fraudulent act with a view to nipping it to the bud.

We urge members of the public, and our esteemed stakeholders to be cautious, and vigilant, while on social media platforms, or in the cyberspace as many of these fraudulent individuals and groups abound, looking for unsuspecting users to defraud.

The Commission has a presence on the Internet with the official website (www.ncc.gov.ng), and key social media platforms. All information about our activities, programmes and reports are verifiable on our website and on our verified social media handles.

We also encourage everyone to follow our official social media accounts for credible updates and announcements.

Members of the public are advised to be carefully guided when accessing or using information from social media.

By Emmanuel Daudu

Recently,  the Armed Forces of Nigeria is engaged in several operations across the 6 geopolitical zones to tackle the security challenges confronting the nation.

Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations, in a press release signed on 28 July 23, the military has neutralized 59 terrorists and arrested a total number of 88 criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen, and 19 suspected oil thefts. Troops have also rescued 88 kidnapped hostages.

In the course of operations across the country troops recovered a total number of 68 weapons and 1,364 ammunition. Troops recovered 26 AK47 rifles, 1 GPMG, 1 AKMS rifle, 1 FN rifle, 4 pump action, 5 pistols, and 19 Dane guns. Also, recovered are 1,083 rounds 7.62mm special, 228 rounds 7.62mm NATO, 14 rounds 5.56 x 45mm, 15 fully loaded AK47 magazines, 9 rounds of 9mm ammo, and the sum of N41,915.00 only, and CFA 49,000.  Others include 323,650 liters of stolen crude oil, 128,700 liters of illegally refined AGO and 4,000 liters of DPK. While an estimated sum of N388,441,660.00 was denied the oil thefts.

Additional details of the operational activities conducted by the military are herein attached as part of the press release.

For any organisation big on service delivery, the objective is to consistently meet and even exceed customers’ expectations.

So when stakeholders in the industry recognize such organisation, it is no mean feat.

This is the view of stakeholders about the Nigerian Meteorological Agency as the Agency was awarded the Service Provider of the year 2022 award by the League of Airport and Aviation Corespondents (LAAC).
The award, which was in recognition of NiMet’s improved service delivery, was presented at the 27th annual conference of LAAC that held at the Providence Hotel, Lagos this Thursday.

Earlier in his address at the event, the Director General/CEO of Nigerian Meteorological Agency Prof Mansur Bako Matazu described the role of the media in nation building as very important and requires courage, selflessness and truth, which he ascribes to LAAC in the aviation industry.
“The role of the media in nation building is very important and it requires courage, selflessness and truth while being patriotic. Such is the role of LAAC in the Aviation industry.
As the nation’s aviation media umbrella body with the responsibility of ensuring adequate coverage and reportage of activities within the industry, LAAC is strategic to the visibility, relevance and growth of the industry”, he noted.

Prof. Matazu who was represented by the Director of Research and Training, Prof Effiom Essien Oku described the aviation industry as dynamic vulnerable and fast paced in terms of changing technology.

The Aviation industry is one of the fastest growing industries with tremendous contribution to the GDP by providing revenue to the nation; livelihoods for workers; catalytic support to other sectors and growth for the nation among others.

The event was well attended by stakeholders in the Aviation sector and featured paper presentations, panel discussions and the presentation of LAAC magazine, Travelwatch