🗞️ Follow the money 🫵🏾
In this edition
The president is not getting a Yacht
Cholera outbreak in Ogun
Today’s elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo
51 healthcare workers quit in Abuja
This newsletter is 1,880 words (approx. 6 min read)
“Yacht Scandal”
President Tinubu and the Senate approved a supplementary national budget of N5 billion ($2.8 billion).
This is in addition to the $34 billion budget that was proposed in October of this year (a supplementary budget is usually proposed when they decide/discover that the initial budgeted estimate isn’t enough).
The extra funds were initially proposed to fund “urgent issues” like security needs and fixing bridges across the country.
It turns out that the 'security' allocation was intended for purchasing bulletproof cars for the president and his wife, as well as renovating the president's residence.
They also wanted to use it to buy a presidential yacht. (recall that the country is in a cost-of-living crisis),
When asked, the presidency said the yacht is an “operational naval boat with specialised security gadgets”.
“The navy ordered the Naval boat under the previous administration. President Tinubu has consistently said that government is a continuum as he inherited both assets and liabilities of past administrations”, they said.
Despite the backlash, the Senate went ahead and approved the yacht. However, the House of Representatives cancelled the allocation and added it to the student loan, increasing the budget for the scheme to N10bn, up from the initial N5.5bn.
Science, Danger, Drugs
Recall on HIV test kit
NAFDAC has warned healthcare providers about a problem with Abbott’s m-PIMA HIV-1/2 VL test kits.
These kits didn't perform as claimed for certain types of HIV. The affected kits are believed to have potential issues with giving falsely low results which could lead to delayed treatment and worsening health for patients.
Note that I attempted to find official statements from Abbott or any health/development publications but found none. However, here’s Guardian Ng’s report.
No ethoxyquin, please
NAFDAC in Nigeria has prohibited the use of a substance called ethoxyquin as an antioxidant in the feed given to animals raised for food. The decision is based on concerns that ethoxyquin may cause health problems in both animals and humans
Ethoxyquin is commonly used to preserve animal feed but comes with potential health risks, including cancer.
The ban aims to address these concerns and ensure the safety of both food-producing animals and the people consuming their products.
Don’t use these lotions
NAFDAC has announced that Sheesha Beauty Cream and Dona White Extra Whitening Lotion are unsafe for use.
These products were found to contain mercury, which can be harmful to health. Mercury can lead to severe health risks, affecting the kidneys, brain, nervous system, and reproductive health.
NAFDAC has added them to the list of banned imports and they advise healthcare workers and consumers to report any adverse reactions or suspicions about these products.
Meanwhile, The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized over N13 billion worth of tramadol and codeine, in operations at different locations in Lagos State.
They arrested 10 suspects for alleged drug trafficking. The raids targeted drug cartels in Amuwo Odofin, Surulere, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The NDLEA arrested three men involved in a drug trafficking ring between Lagos and Kano.
Cholera outbreak in Ogun state
The Ogun State government taking action to stop the spread of cholera in the state following an outbreak that has caused at least 12 deaths.
The Ministry of Environment is going to check and confirm the water and beverage companies in the state to ensure they follow proper hygiene standards in their production processes.
The government will work with regulatory bodies like NAFDAC and conduct regular assessments to identify any companies not meeting the required standards.
Also in Ogun - TW: Rape
A secondary school teacher named Olaniran Lateef has been arrested for allegedly raping two girls in Abeokuta, Ogun state. The 43-year-old mathematics teacher was apprehended by a team from the Ministry of Women's Affairs and the police. One of the victims reported the incident, leading to the arrest. Olaniran Lateef is currently remanded at the Ogun state police command headquarters. - Punch
Politicking
Another round of Presidential elections. In addition to 18 aides announced in September, Tinubu has announced more in the last week, including
Ayomide Adeagbo as Special Assistant on Arts, Culture And Creative Economy. Special skills: Time Management and Creativity. 💀
Comrade Asefon Sunday Adedayo as Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement. He has been a student advocate for 10 years! Amazing 💪
Titilope Gbadamosi as Special Assistant on Delivery and Monitoring Youth Initiatives
Rinsola Abiola as Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership.
Mohammed Isa as his special assistant on disability matters.
Elections in Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi governorship elections
Nigeria held elections for new governors in February and March 2023, but not all state elections were recorded. This is because some state results had issues, and this forced INEC to cancel in those areas. For this reason, elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi were held today, Saturday 11th of November 2023.
INEC stated that out of the 5,409,438 registered voters, 5,169,692 collected their voter cards.
In Nembe, Bayelsa on Friday the 10th, women were protesting because they believed the police commissioner in Bayelsa was favouring a political party before the election. The police responded by using tear gas and force to break up the peaceful protest.
How’s it going? Not well
Highlights from Kogi elections
According to Vanguard, during the governorship election in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, political agents were distributing money to buy votes. The amounts given ranged from N3000 to N5000, dependent on the voter's personality or bargaining power. To receive the money, voters were required to present their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)
Some beneficiaries claimed that they had already decided on their candidates and were not selling their votes, despite accepting the money.
In Bayelsa
Election materials were allegedly hijacked from the ward headquarters in Olugbobiri, Southern Ijaw LGA of the state. This prompted the voters to ask INEC to cancel the votes in the affected area. Angry voters confirmed the incident and reported that there was no voting in Olugbobiri.
In Imo
All polling units in Isu Njaba reportedly had materials and INEC officials in place by 8:00 am, with voter accreditation beginning around 8:30 am.
Security operatives in Imo reportedly foiled an attempt by alleged political thugs to abduct INEC officials and seize election materials at a Registration Area Center in Amaimo.
Heavy security presence was reported in Owerri and its environs, with armed personnel enforcing movement restrictions and conducting thorough searches at checkpoints.
Meanwhile, the Appeal Court in Abuja upheld the election tribunal's decision declaring Simon Lalong the winner of the Plateau South Senatorial election. Napoleon Bali of the PDP initially won, but Lalong contested, claiming the PDP lacked proper structure. The tribunal agreed, stating PDP couldn't field candidates. Bali appealed, but the Appeal Court upheld the decision, emphasising PDP's failure to obey orders for a new congress.
Oil
Nigeria is fully invested in importing oil
NNPCL may import 110,000 barrels of crude oil per day from Venezuela or Saudi Arabia to run the Kaduna Refinery, set to start operations next year.
Other refineries like Dangote and BUA may also need to import about 1.322 million barrels daily due to challenges in local oil production.
Challenges: Nigeria’s slowed-down oil production has caused a loss of about $8.9 billion in the first seven months of 2023.
While some support crude oil importation, others emphasise the need for a long-term solution to the challenges in our oil production industry. Particularly challenges in the Niger Delta instead of relying on imports.
Some of these problems include bad roads and rusty pipelines. These issues raise doubts about the successful operation of Nigeria’s refineries.
Nigeria 🤝 Saudi Arabia
The Nigerian government has signed an agreement with the government of Saudi Arabia to collaborate in the oil and gas sector, as reported by Premium Times
The agreement aims to strengthen ties and cooperation between the two nations in the oil and gas industry.
The focus is on exchanging information, technology, and expertise. Saudi Arabia, with advanced technologies in oil and gas, will share its knowledge with Nigeria, potentially boosting efficiency and production in Nigeria's energy sector.
The agreement also emphasises environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.
More deals
France and Nigeria have signed a $600 million agreement for the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) Programme in Abuja. - Nairametrics
This initiative by the Nigerian government aims to boost entrepreneurship and innovation in digital technology and the creative industry.
The program is expected to benefit 2 million youth, with 40% being women, providing training sessions, creating 65,000 startups, and generating 150,000 direct jobs, along with 1.3 million indirect jobs.
The funding comes from the French Development Agency, the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Bank of Industry.
Follow the money
FG splits revenue from federal universities
The Federal Government says they’ve started taking a 40% cut from money that federal universities and other partially funded public institutions make on their own (internally generated revenue). This decision, based on information initially shared in December 2021, intends to regulate how much of their revenue these institutions spend - Guardian ng
Lagos cuts transport discount
In a memo sent by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, the Lagos State government has decided to stop the 50% reduction in transportation fares for state-owned transport. This change comes about two months after the Governor, Sanwo-Olu introduced the policy to help ease the impact of subsidy removal in the state.
However, in response to complaints from residents in Lagos, the government decided to reinstate a 25% discount on BRTs and rail transport
Kogi sponsors WAEC
Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, is allocating N497 million to pay for the 2023 WAEC exam fees for students in public schools in the state.
This is part of his plan to improve education and provide free schooling from primary to secondary levels.
The governor aims to ensure that all children have access to quality education without imposing a financial burden on their families.
The initiative aims to support 15,033 students in the state.
Scarcity
Food inflation, scarcity
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warns that over 26.5 million Nigerians may face a food crisis between June and August 2024. The states at higher risk include Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, and the Federal Capital Territory. The FG says they are working to mitigate this risk.
Health care drain
The Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, Abuja, revealed that 51 health workers resigned so far in 2023 to seek better opportunities.
The Chief Medical Director expressed concern about the significant staff shortage, especially in key departments, due to brain drain.
The Committee aims to intervene to make healthcare more affordable, accessible, and of high quality in the country.
Meanwhile, UNICEF, reports that only 57.3% of children in Nigeria are officially registered.
The Chief UNICEF Officer emphasised the importance of registering births for economic planning.
UNICEF is working with partners to increase birth registration coverage in Nigeria, using technology to make the process easier.
They are urging media in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States to raise awareness about birth registration.
The National Population Commission in Kano aims to register one million children electronically by the end of 2023 but faces challenges like a lack of healthcare workers, and awareness.
UNICEF is looking to commission journalists to inform people about the importance of electronic birth registration.
Other news
The Nigerian government has opened new passport facilities in Italian, Spanish, Greek, Austrian, and Swiss embassies. - Vanguard
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it is embarking on a $1.1 billion port rehabilitation plan in the first quarter of 2024 to fortify Nigeria’s trade competitiveness. - Punch
A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, yesterday, sentenced six residents of the state to five years imprisonment each for posting a nude video of the immediate past Speaker of the State House of Assembly - Guardian Ng
The Nigerian Army has apprehended Philip Gokas, the alleged mastermind behind the brutal murder of Adamu Idris Gabdo, the Ardo of Panyam in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State - Guardian ng
Tinubu has decided to halt the implementation of a proposed hike in the electricity tariff, opting instead to continue subsidising power consumption nationwide - Punch
Former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, granted bail by Abuja court after 151 days in custody; court orders release and passport deposit - The Cable
A generator explosion at the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria's capital of Abuja killed two people and sent another two to hospital - CBC