Headlines

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced plans to construct an intra-city rail network to connect Maiduguri and its surrounding areas, marking the first such initiative by a northern Nigerian state government.

The project will begin with 12 designated terminals within Maiduguri, connecting major markets, schools, public facilities, and economically strategic locations. The first phase is expected to facilitate efficient passenger and goods movement while opening new economic opportunities across the state.

During an inspection of the proposed terminals and routes, Borno’s Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga, highlighted the ongoing feasibility studies, environmental risk assessments, and community consultations to ensure smooth project execution.

“The rail network will ease transportation, revitalise the economy, create jobs, and modernise Maiduguri’s transport system,” Bamanga stated.

The rail project, which could extend to local government areas in the future, is designed to be a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation alternative. It will complement ongoing infrastructure projects, including the 113-kilometre Maiduguri ring road expansion linking key communities such as Auno, Molai, Polo, and Shagari low-cost areas.

Governor Zulum’s administration has previously introduced electric and gas-powered taxis and buses at subsidised rates to cushion the effects of rising transportation costs following fuel subsidy removal. Additionally, the government has embarked on various urban and rural development projects aimed at rebuilding the state after years of insurgency.

Zulum’s commitment to infrastructure development is seen as a significant step towards restoring peace and prosperity to Borno State.

Bishop Mathew Kukah, founder of the Kukah Centre, has expressed optimism that the tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration could address financial mismanagement among Nigeria’s elites.

Speaking on the controversial reforms, which have drawn criticism nationwide, Kukah urged the Federal Government to ensure the measures drive the country’s development.

The proposed tax bills, currently before the National Assembly, have faced backlash, with some alleging they disproportionately target the northern region and could overburden Nigerians.

Addressing the issue, Kukah described the reforms as an opportunity to address systemic inefficiencies. “Nigeria is a country with immense talent and energy, but the inability of states to harness this potential often results in violence. The tax reforms excite me because they could end the financial recklessness of the elites and bring fiscal efficiency to a richly endowed nation,” he said.

Kukah highlighted the importance of communication in the government’s reform agenda. He noted that effective engagement with Nigerians is essential, particularly as the populace grapples with widespread poverty.

“This government must urgently address issues of massive impoverishment. While I believe it has lofty ideas, there’s a lack of a constructive engagement strategy. Communication is key—Nigerians need to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” Kukah stated.

He also advised the government to avoid blame-shifting and focus on informing citizens about its plans, such as the tax reforms, local government autonomy, and the revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

“Government spokespersons must go beyond insults and differing views; their role is to clearly articulate and communicate the government’s ideas to the people,” Kukah added.

The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the unfreezing of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) accounts within 72 hours.

The resolution, passed on Tuesday, followed a motion sponsored by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu and 32 other lawmakers.

President Tinubu had earlier suspended all social intervention programmes in January due to corruption scandals within the sector. NSIPA, which oversees initiatives such as N-Power, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), was affected by the directive.

Speaking on the motion, Kalu emphasized the need to restore NSIPA’s operations to support the administration’s poverty alleviation agenda. “Restoring NSIPA’s account aligns with the president’s vision, ensuring that poverty alleviation efforts remain effective, efficient, and impactful. It is essential to act swiftly to resolve this issue to maintain momentum toward the administration’s poverty eradication goals,” he said.

The House further resolved that the government should ensure all frozen accounts of NSIPA are unfrozen within 72 hours to facilitate the agency’s programmes. Additionally, lawmakers urged the immediate release of funds for the payment of outstanding stipends owed to 395,731 N-Power beneficiaries nationwide.

The Finnish Police have confirmed that Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Biafran separatist movement, is being held for an offence that is not bailable under Finnish law. The arrest has drawn reactions from the global Biafran community and international observers.

Ekpa, known for his advocacy for an independent Biafran state, has faced criticism for his alleged involvement in inciting violence in Nigeria’s Southeast region. While Finnish authorities have not disclosed full details of the charges, they are reportedly linked to activities breaching Finnish laws, possibly with international ramifications.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Finnish Police described the alleged offence as severe. “The nature of the case goes beyond minor infractions and falls under categories deemed serious in our jurisdiction,” a spokesperson said.

The development has caused divisions within the Biafran movement. Some supporters have labeled Ekpa’s detention as persecution and demanded his immediate release, while others advocate for a peaceful and organized approach to their separatist goals.

The case has attracted significant international attention, raising concerns about its potential impact on Nigeria-Finland relations. Analysts predict further tensions within the Biafran diaspora as the situation unfolds.