Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Nigerian Military has announced plans to deploy troops to Ondo State for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 16, in a bid to enhance security and support the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining peace and order.

In a statement on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Operations, said military personnel would collaborate with the police, who are leading security efforts, to ensure a smooth and disruption-free electoral process.

General Buba added that the Nigerian Air Force has begun providing logistical support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), transporting sensitive electoral materials to ensure their secure and timely delivery across the state.

“Troops have been deployed in substantial numbers to support the police in maintaining a safe and orderly environment during the Ondo governorship election on November 16, 2024,” he said, emphasizing that the military’s presence aims to create a secure environment for voters to participate without fear of harassment or intimidation.

The deployment, which includes both ground and air support, reflects the military’s commitment to upholding democratic processes and ensuring citizens exercise their voting rights safely.

The Federal Government has secured a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to enhance agricultural production, with a focus on the seeds and grains sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the funds will support farmers nationwide in increasing the production of staple crops to strengthen food security.

Chief Information Officer Eremah Anthonia stated, “The Federal Government has secured a loan facility of $134 million from the African Development Bank to help farmers boost seeds and grain production in the country.”

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced the loan at the launch of the 2024/2025 National Dry Season Farming initiative in Calabar. Alongside Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, Kyari highlighted the loan’s importance in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Kyari emphasized the role of the dry season farming initiative in ensuring year-round production, stating, “This loan will be instrumental in guaranteeing national food security, supporting increased production of essential crops such as wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybean, and cassava.”

He added that the loan is part of the National Agricultural Growth Support Scheme – Agro Pocket Project, designed to increase Nigerian farmers’ capacity to meet the country’s growing food demands. The Federal Government has declared a food production emergency to provide affordable, nutritious food for Nigerians.

Kyari also updated on the 2023/2024 dry season support program, revealing that 107,429 wheat farmers were assisted in phase 1, 43,997 rice farmers in phase 2, and an additional 192,095 farmers growing rice, maize, sorghum, millet, soybean, and cassava nationwide.

The minister noted Cross River State’s significant role in wheat production, with over 3,000 wheat farmers set to benefit from the new loan. “Cross River has shown strong commitment to wheat production, which is why we are partnering with the state to enhance Nigeria’s wheat supply for the 2024/2025 dry season farming,” he said.

The initiative aims to support 250,000 wheat farmers across wheat-producing states, with a projected output of 750,000 metric tons, helping to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on wheat imports.

The body of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has arrived in Abuja ahead of his final burial.

The remains are being transported to the National Christian Centre, where a service of songs will be held to honor his life and service. Following this ceremony, a formal military parade and burial will take place on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

Lieutenant General Lagbaja, a respected officer from Osun State, passed away on November 5, 2024. Appointed as Chief of Army Staff on June 23, 2023, he was recognized for his significant contributions to national security and infrastructure.

He is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and extended family, who mourn his passing and honor his commitment to the nation.

Video of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja arriving Abuja.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has criticized Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s decision to provide judges with houses and cars, calling it inappropriate.

Wike had in October initiated the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Abuja’s Katampe District, a move that has sparked debate, with some describing it as unethical. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Falana argued that gifts from the executive to judiciary members, particularly judges, are improper.

“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory operates like a state governor by virtue of Section 299 of the Constitution,” Falana said. “Therefore, he cannot allocate houses and cars to the federal high court, FCT high court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court judges.”

Falana argued that, as a federal minister with a budget limited to FCT affairs, Wike should not be offering gifts to judges who may oversee cases involving the FCT administration. “On the principle of equality before the court, it is inappropriate to give cars or houses to judges deciding cases involving your administration,” he stated.

Falana emphasized that the judiciary’s financial autonomy, granted by the Constitution, ensures it can manage its own budget without executive intervention.

Additionally, the senior lawyer condemned Wike’s recent demolition of private properties in the FCT, describing the actions as unlawful and “primitive.” He asserted that such demolitions are not authorized under the Urban and Regional Planning Act governing the FCT.

“In the FCT, any alleged violation of building laws must first be reviewed by the Urban and Regional Planning Board,” Falana explained. “Property owners can then appeal to the Urban and Regional Tribunal, and if necessary, to the High Court, which may issue a demolition order if warranted,” he added.

Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has embarked on a vacation following the end of his tenure, stating that the break will allow him to rest and undergo thorough medical check-ups.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Obaseki’s spokesperson, Crusoe Osagie, who conveyed the former governor’s gratitude to God and to the people of Edo State and Nigeria for the opportunity to serve.

Osagie stated, “He urged all Edo people, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain hopeful and pray for the peace, progress, and prosperity of our state and Nigeria.”

Obaseki concluded his eight-year tenure on November 11, handing over to Monday Okpebholo, who won the gubernatorial election after defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo and Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata.

Okpebholo was sworn in as the new governor of Edo State on Tuesday.

The Nigerian Navy has received three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters, purchased by the Ministry of Defence, in a handover ceremony held on November 12, 2024, in Lagos.

The Director of Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, confirmed the handover in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the event took place in Ikeja with the Chief of the Naval Staff and senior officers present to receive the helicopters.

According to Adams-Aliu, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, expressed gratitude to the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for facilitating the acquisition.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the Armed Forces and the Navy.

The new helicopters will enhance the Navy’s operational capacity, supporting activities such as air reconnaissance, search and rescue, air insertion, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

Adams-Aliu highlighted the AW 109’s specifications, noting that the helicopters are configured for VIP use, with full leather interiors and noise-reduction systems.

The aircraft is equipped with landing skids for better load capacity and auxiliary tanks, extending its endurance to 3 hours and 40 minutes, enabling long-range transport flights. Additionally, the helicopters can be retrofitted with specialized mission equipment as required.

The Ogun State Government has disbursed N2.6 billion in gratuities to retired public primary school teachers and local government retirees for the fourth quarter of 2024.

The payment, facilitated by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was announced by the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Olufisan Osiyale, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.

Osiyale stated that the disbursement reflects Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to supporting senior citizens, particularly in light of current economic challenges. “We are fortunate to have Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose dedication to the welfare of people is unprecedented,” he said. “He believes that those who have served diligently during their active years should be well cared for in retirement.”

Osiyale encouraged the beneficiaries to maintain their health and adopt a moderate lifestyle, expressing hope that their support and prayers would show appreciation for the governor’s gesture.

Also speaking, Mrs. Caroline Oguntola, State Chairperson of the Retired Primary School Teachers Association of Nigeria (REPSTAN), praised Governor Abiodun for increasing retirees’ monthly pensions, paying gratuities, and providing subsidized rice. She urged the governor to continue his efforts in supporting retirees.

The Edo State Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Martins Moye, has sounded an alarm over the growing number of irregular migrants entering Nigeria. He made this statement during the 2024 NIS enlightenment campaign against irregular migration held in Benin, the Edo State capital.

Moye emphasized the importance of public awareness in combating irregular migration and highlighted efforts by the NIS to address the issue.

Speaking at the event, David Amanahu, a facilitator from the NIS headquarters in Abuja, pointed out Edo State’s longstanding role in irregular migration patterns. He noted, however, that recent efforts by the Edo State Command have led to significant improvements, allowing the state to drop in national rankings for irregular migration.

“The positive news is that Edo State is no longer ranked number one in irregular migration,” Amanahu said, crediting the Edo team’s dedication in tackling the issue.

Delivering a message from the Controller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, Amanahu also emphasized the NIS’s strengthened focus on border management and migration concerns.

The Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) has raised alarm over an “existential threat” faced by six million Nigerians with diabetes due to skyrocketing healthcare costs.

In a statement marking United Nations World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14, DAN’s National President, Dr. Ejiofor Ugwu, noted that diabetes claims the lives of 30,000 to 40,000 Nigerians each year.

Dr. Ugwu highlighted that between 6 and 8 million Nigerians, approximately 5.7 percent of the population, are affected by diabetes, though this estimate may be low as two-thirds of cases remain undiagnosed due to a lack of routine screening.

“Diabetes kills an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 Nigerians annually,” Dr. Ugwu stated, adding that diabetes management in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including widespread poverty, low awareness, a shortage of diabetes specialists, cultural and religious barriers, and insufficient care facilities.

According to Dr. Ugwu, the cost of diabetes medications and consumables has risen dramatically in the past year. He cited that the price of insulin, once around N4,000 per vial, now stands at approximately N18,000, a more than 400 percent increase, putting care out of reach for many patients. “This creates a significant barrier to optimal diabetes care in Nigeria, resulting in increased complications and premature deaths,” he said.

Dr. Ugwu urged the Federal Government to urgently subsidize diabetes medications and consumables to make them more affordable. Additionally, he called for a full tax waiver on the importation of diabetes-related medications and consumables and advocated for the reintroduction of a sugar-sweetened beverages tax—discontinued in June 2024—with revenues directed toward diabetes and non-communicable disease prevention.

Dr. Ugwu also emphasized the need for a national survey on non-communicable diseases, stating that reliable data would support informed healthcare policy-making in Nigeria.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has highlighted property tax as a critical but underutilized revenue source for Nigeria and other low-income countries in their pursuit of sustainable growth.

In a recent blog post titled “How Property Taxes Can Help Low-Income Countries to Develop”, the IMF proposed that efficient property tax reforms—particularly in urban centers like Lagos—could significantly increase local government revenues, enabling funding for essential infrastructure and services.

According to IMF estimates, global governments will require an additional $3 trillion to meet development goals by 2030. Emerging markets will need to raise an equivalent of 4 percent of their GDP, while low-income countries will need 16 percent, a significantly higher target.

In regions like Nigeria, where high revenue demands are coupled with limited income and wealth tax frameworks, property taxes present a viable alternative, the IMF said. Findings from the IMF indicate that countries in Africa and Asia currently collect only around 0.1 percent of GDP from property taxes, compared to over 1 percent in OECD countries and up to 3 percent in certain advanced economies.

The IMF blog stated, “The world’s governments must raise an additional $3 trillion to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth goals this decade. The cost in emerging markets equals 4 percent of gross domestic product and 16 percent for low-income countries.”

The IMF emphasized the potential of property tax reforms in large urban areas, such as Delhi and Lagos, noting that improved property tax collection could significantly contribute to local revenue. Prior IMF research has shown that countries can increase domestic tax revenue by up to 5 percentage points of GDP over two decades if needed.

The IMF acknowledged the political difficulties surrounding tax reforms, pointing to recent examples of social unrest in response to tax increases. However, the report suggested that locally collected property taxes could face fewer political challenges compared to broader national tax hikes.

The organization also observed that recurring taxes on immovable property could allow local governments to capture the wealth generated by urban development, especially in light of challenges with income and wealth taxes in developing economies.

The IMF further highlighted that advanced economies collect more than 1 percent of GDP from property taxes on average, with some raising nearly 3 percent, while emerging regions in Asia and Africa only achieve 0.1 percent. The IMF suggested that with the right policy changes and technology—such as satellite imagery and drones—property tax collection could become ten times more effective.

To ensure sustainable adoption, the IMF recommended that municipalities gradually transition from area-based taxes to a full market value-based system as technology and valuation methods improve. The use of geographic information systems (GIS) and drones in cities like Delhi and Bangalore to track property changes was noted as a model, with the IMF encouraging similar approaches in Nigeria.

“An area-based approach initially, supported by the precision of modern mapping tools, can help countries transition smoothly to market-value-based property taxes. This pathway makes property-tax reform practical and politically appealing, especially when well-communicated to the public,” the IMF observed.

The IMF reiterated that with effective implementation, property taxes could help resource-constrained countries like Nigeria enhance local services, strengthen economic stability, and promote inclusive growth, laying a foundation for a more resilient fiscal future.