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In this edition
Army nabs some alleged kidnappers
FG wants to introduce technology to help catch kidnappers, bumps “old” “tech”
Lagos bans plastic to help the environment, but FG accelerates inter-country gas pipe plans.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger quit ECOWAS
This edition is 2,000 words (approx. 7 mins read)
Canada has announced a two-year cap on new study permits for international students, aiming to issue approximately 364,000 permits globally in 2024, a 35% decrease from 2023.
The country’s minister of immigration, Marc Miller, said the move is to enhance program integrity and address concerns of low-quality private institutions emerging across the country.
The cap will be allocated to different Provinces in the country based on their current population size
They’ll also be restricting work permits for spouses of master's, doctoral, and professional program students.
The government also plans to limit post-graduate work permits for public-private partnership programs and expand post-study work rights for master's graduates.
However, the cap won't affect graduate-level and secondary school applicants and existing permit holders.
Insecurity
Plateau
Since the massacre on the 24th of December, there have been many more attacks in Plateau State
Most recently, at least 30 people died in an outbreak when a Muslim headers attack on Christian farming communities led to a clash between the two groups.
There have been attacks on schools, churches and homes. A family of 4 were burnt to death when suspected headers attacked a community and set their homes on fire.
The clashes are part of a broader, decades-old conflict between the predominantly Muslim north and mostly Christian south of Nigeria. The conflicts are often rooted in disputes over land, worsened by the impacts of climate change and population growth.
The Army has made some arrests
The Nigerian Army arrested a group of men who they believe are responsible for some of the attacks in Plateau. The military says they seized dangerous weapons like rifles and explosives. - Guardian ng
The Army also says they’ve killed a “kidnapping kingpin” and his minions in Kaduna
Also, The Taraba Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested two suspects attempting to traffic 16 children - the cable
Katsina
Suspected terrorists attacked Yandaka village, killing three people, including an Imam, and kidnapping more than 32 people. - Guardian ng
The attackers are said to have targeted residents in their homes.
The Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, advised the Federal Government to use digital strategy and technology to combat criminal activities. He emphasised the importance of leveraging modern technology to tackle issues like kidnapping and banditry, suggesting that the Ministry of Digital Technology should play a crucial role in implementing effective security measures.
Speaking of tech
According to the new FCT Minister Nyesom Wike (old Governor of Rivers State), the president has approved an emergency purchase of “digital tracking divisions” to combat kidnappings. Wike assured that the emergency procurement would provide necessary equipment for security agencies.
But we’ve had this conversation before.
During his reign as Minister of Digital Economy, Isa Pantami assumed that the insistence of connecting NIN to mobile phone numbers would help combat and curb kidnappings and terrorism.
Pantami now says that the government is not utilising this technology as he intended
He didn’t say much about why it wasn’t implemented when he was in office.
On the sisters who were kidnapped in Abuja recently: After national & international attention, the sisters have been released. Read more here
Kidnapped NYSC corps still missing
Seven NYSC members kidnapped in Zamfara four months ago are still missing.
The victims were abducted in August while travelling to Sokoto for the NYSC program. Two were released, but six and the driver remain captive.
The kidnappers demand a N70 million ransom, having already collected N30 million. Families, frustrated by the lack of government action, gathered for a march in Uyo, pleading for help.
The situation worsened as the kidnappers threatened to kill the victims if the ransom wasn't paid.
With the constant abduction of NYSC members, people have called for a pause on the corps program, but there has been no response from the government.
The government's response is criticised, with calls for increased efforts and a review of the NYSC scheme.
Ibadan explosion updates
Recall that in Ibadan, there was an explosion on January 17, causing five deaths, injuring 77 people, and damaging 58 houses. The Bodija Estate Residents Association revealed that around 10 people are still missing. The association presented a map of the affected street to the government to help locate missing individuals. The Federal Government has given security agencies two weeks to review the report and hopefully identify the owner of the illegal mining explosives.
Government at work
Lagos
The Lagos State Government has banned use of Styrofoam and single-use plastics in the state to control litter and protect the environment. The government has given 3 weeks for the complete removal of single-use plastic from the state
This decision aims to improve the quality of life, health, and overall environmental conditions.
The ban includes items like plastic spoons, straws, and disposable cups. The government wants to tackle the serious issue of plastic waste, as Lagos generates a large amount of plastic, leading to pollution and health concerns.
The environmental impact of plastics is significant, with millions of tons of plastic waste harming the planet every year. Plastics take hundreds of years to decompose and can harm marine life when they end up in oceans. Health experts warn that polystyrene, in particular, contains toxic compounds that can leak into food and drinks, causing health problems.
Other countries, like Taiwan, Kenya, Rwanda, and Canada, have already taken steps to reduce or eliminate the use of such plastics.
But Lagos vendors are now using black nylon bags to hold food. Which is not any better
This ban was first announced as a national decision 3 years ago, but wasn't implemented so…we’ll see
The Lagos Government has also closed the Lekki Conservation Centre because their canopy bridge is wonky and if it breaks when people are on it, it won’t be funny.
Abia
Abia State University (ABSU) staff are on strike because the state government hasn't paid them their salaries for the past 11 months.
The workers had given a deadline of December 31 for the payment, but it hasn't happened. As a result, the academic and non-academic staff are not working, and students haven't been able to resume classes after the holidays.
The lecturers are striking to draw attention to their situation and are asking for the government's help to resolve the issue.
The president needs his friends
Tinubu defended his decision to have a large cabinet of 47 ministers, stating that it reflects the diverse roles needed for an efficient government.
He warned against merging ministries to save money, arguing that it would lead to non-performance. We’re currently getting the best of the best
Despite criticisms, he justified the size of his cabinet by stating that officials need manageable challenges.
New appointments
Following the passing of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and the introduction of his former deputy as the new governor, the Ondo State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed Olayide Adelami as the Deputy Governor - Punch
Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Dr. Bayero Farah as Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria for a second term of four years. - Punch
Usman Ododo, has been sworn in as the Kogi State Governor - Punch
Tracking funds
In December 2023, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) approved the distribution of N1.13 trillion to the federal, state, and local governments from the total revenue of N1.67 trillion - Leadership
The federal government received N383.87 billion, states got N396.69 billion, local governments received N288.93 billion, and oil-producing states got N57.92 billion.
Additionally, N62.25 billion was given to revenue-generating agencies, and N484.57 billion was allocated for transfers, intervention, and refunds.
The Value Added Tax (VAT) for December 2023 increased to N492.51 billion from N360.46 billion in the previous month, with a rise of N132.05 billion.
The gross statutory revenue for December was N875.38 billion, slightly lower than November's N882.56 billion.
N470.38 billion was allocated for transfers and refunds, and the remaining N363.19 billion was distributed to the three tiers of government.
Also, N287.74 billion from exchange differences was shared among the federal government, states, and local governments.
Atiku calls out presidency over emergency loan
Atiku Abubakar called out President Tinubu to explain the details of a $3.3 billion loan taken by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The loan was secured last August from the African Export-Import Bank to “stabilise the foreign exchange market”.
Atiku raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the deal, pointing out that a company named Project Gazelle Funding Limited, incorporated in the Bahamas, is involved.
He questioned why the government registered a company in the Bahamas, considering the recent scandal involving that country.
Atiku also highlighted discrepancies in the repayment amount, calling for the government to clarify the details of the deal.
Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Morocco are actively working together to speed up the final decision on the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline.
The discussion, held on January 24, involved key officials from both countries and focused on driving the partnership to accelerate the project.
The gas pipeline, spanning 5,600 kilometres across 13 African countries, aims to supply about three billion standard cubic feet of gas per day from Nigeria to Morocco and Europe.
The project is seen as crucial for monetizing (*exploiting* Nigeria's gas resources, enhancing NNPC's energy leadership, and “fostering economic cooperation among African nations”
According to sustainability experts, this project comes with some environmental risks due to increased extraction and consumption of fossil resources.
Fossil fuels already have considerable environmental implications in Nigeria — from leaks, fires and explosions.
Additionally, the methane emissions from this gas project can potentially destroy the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fisheries and farming as sustenance along these regional waters.
Nigeria presently has this problem already. Oil spills are very common and companies like Shell have been sued for destroying livelihoods due to harmful extraction practices and reckless spills that have led to the loss of life and livelihoods in the Niger Delta region
Speaking of Shell…
Members of The Ejalawa Community in Rivers State claim that Shell is selling Nigerian onshore property without following a court order.
The Federal High Court in Owerri had ordered Shell and others to pay the community N800 billion for damages caused by an oil spill in 2019.
The court also instructed Shell to quickly fix the environmental damage.
However, the community says that Shell is trying to sell its assets, including the property crucial for compensation, without complying with the court order.
The community is asking the Federal Government to stop Shell from selling any property until they fulfil the court's order to compensate and clean up the affected area.
More on money
The depreciation of the Naira and the exit of major mediation manufacturing companies from Nigeria are causing mediation import prices to rise to over N900 billion, putting pressure on citizens.
In 2022, Nigeria imported $1 billion worth of pharmaceutical products, costing N475.17 billion.
With the current exchange rate (N902.45/$), it's expected to cost N950.81 billion in 2024.
Foreign drug companies exiting the country and the reliance on imported materials contribute to surging drug prices.
The government and medical associations are expressing concerns, and measures are being considered to regulate the pharmaceutical sector and address rising costs.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger quit ECOWAS
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have decided to immediately leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
These countries, all led by military leaders who seized power from civilians, express disappointment that ECOWAS has moved away from its original goals.
They claim that ECOWAS did not support them enough in their fight against terrorism.
The three nations were suspended from ECOWAS after the coups, and tensions between them and the bloc have grown.
ECOWAS says it remains committed to finding a peaceful solution, but as of now, they haven't received any formal notice of withdrawal.
The junta-led governments in Niger and Mali face pressure to transition to civilian rule, while Burkina Faso, under Captain Ibrahim Traore, is prioritizing the fight against insurgents.
Teacher allegedly beats a student to death
A student named David Babadipo allegedly died after being beaten by a teacher at Araromi Ilogbo Secondary School in Lagos. - Punch
The incident led to protests by other students. The 16-year-old had been sick for days before his teacher - supposedly knowing he was sick - beat him and he tragically died. The Police have yet to confirm the incident, and the school has not commented.
Other news
The federal government has given 100-bed mother and child hospitals to Kebbi and Kogi. Each hospital has an operating theatre, ICU, scanning room, and more. The hospitals aim to address health challenges, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic - The Cable
Lagos pastor Feyi Daniels has been charred to life imprisonment for raping church member - Punch
NSCDC Destroys Vast Illegal Refinery Site In Rivers - Channels
A Baltimore County Circuit Court in the United States presided over by Theresa Adams, has slammed a record $50,000 damages on a US-based Nigerian blogger, Funke Ashekun, for “defaming” the General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr Daniel Olukoya - Punch
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