Obasempire reports that Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume claims certain ministers are unable to engage President Bola Tinubu in discussions about the escalating living costs and food shortages in Nigeria.
Earlier, Ndume and colleague Sunday Karimi tabled a motion urging government action on the food crisis, citing a World Food Programme warning of potential food insecurity for 82 million Nigerians in the next five years.
Speaking to BBC Hausa post-plenary, Ndume emphasized the government’s failure to tackle these issues as a significant hurdle.
He said: “The major problem with this government is that its doors are closed to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President, not to mention members of the National Assembly, who do not have the opportunity to meet with him and discuss the issues affecting their constituencies.” The senator said the aim of the motion was to draw the government’s attention to the severity of the food crisis affecting many Nigerians.
He expressed concern that if the government does not take urgent action, the situation could lead to famine and starvation, especially among children.
“We want to draw the government’s attention to the fact that Nigeria is not only facing a high cost of living but also food scarcity. “We want the President to intervene in the issue of high cost of living and food scarcity,” Mr Ndume added.
He cited the example of Katsina State, where children are already suffering from malnutrition due to food scarcity.
He also mentioned the situation in the Niger Republic and South Sudan, where children are dying due to hunger.
“We have seen how it happened in Niger Republic and South Sudan, where children are dying due to hunger, and we are starting to see it in Nigeria,” the lawmaker added.
While calling on the government to take immediate action to address the food crisis, Mr Ndume expressed disappointment that the government had not taken any concrete steps to address the issue, despite its promise to do so.
He, therefore, called on the government to meet with experts and other stakeholders to find a solution to the problem.
“What we want the government to do is to sit with experts and other stakeholders to find a solution to the problem. We are urging the government to take action, lest they forget that Nigeria is grappling with both soaring prices and a severe food shortage.
“We fear that a day may come when even if someone has the financial means to purchase food, they will go to the market and find none available,” he warned.
Obasempire reports that Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister, Abubakar Kyari, affirmed that the Tinubu administration has halted duties, tariffs, and taxes on essential food imports such as beans, wheat, and husked brown rice.
Kyari, in a statement posted on his social media profile, disclosed that the government has suspended “duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.”
In his statement, Mr Kyari said the imported food “will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).”
With this, the minister explained that the government hopes that the new food import policy will lead to a drastic reduction in the prices of basic food items, whose prices have increased astronomically since President Bola Tinubu removed subsidies on petrol and floated the naira to allow the value of the Nigerian currency to be determined by market forces.
Mr Kyari also said the federal government will massively import some food items in addition to allowing the duty-free importation of food.
“The Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country,” he said.
This implies that the government is planning to import maize and wheat equivalent to approximately 2.5 million bags (100kg) of each commodity to ameliorate the shortages in the country and force down the prices in the market.
Obasempire reports that the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development.
Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the organization’s leader, expressed that the ministry would unleash the multi-billion naira livestock economy and generate high-quality and efficient employment opportunities throughout the livestock value chain, thereby enhancing the Nigerian economy.
“With this development, MACBAN believes the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renew Hope Agenda. The promise made by President Tinubu, to raise the productive capacity of Nigerian agriculture to ensure food security is being fulfilled.
“We, as an association, had for years been agitating tooth and nail to actualize the creation of a stand-alone ministry to modernise livestock production systems in line with global best practices,” he said.
Othman-Ngelzarma pledged support to the federal government to turn livestock production into a foreign exchange earner, and reduce the farmer/ herder conflicts and its related security challenges.
According to him, Nigerian pastoralists appreciate this historic development, adding that they would reciprocate the gesture.
“On behalf of chairman and members Board of trustees of MACBAN, his Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and entire members of Cattle Breeders association of Nigeria across the nation heartily congratulate the President and Commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed forces for this wonderful development.”
President Tinubu, yesterday, announced the creation of the ministry in a bid to reform Nigeria’s livestock industry and provide long-term solutions to recurring clashes between herders and farmers.
A new minister for the ministry which will bring the number of ministers in Tinubu’s cabinet to 49, will be announced soon.
Tinubu made the announcement while inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms.
Established in September 2023, the committee which is now named the Renewed Hope livestock reform implementation committee, is expected to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to develop recommendations aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers while ensuring the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians.
The establishment of the Committee followed the submission of a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria, convened by the former Governor of Kano State and Chairman of All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, last year.
During the inauguration, the president also announced a reshufflement within the committee. Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Attahiru Jega, has been named co-chair, while the president will serve as the committee’s chair, a position previously held by Ganduje.
The President emphasised that the solution to the long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders is at hand, with the distinguished personalities and their collective experience on the committee.
He stated that the livestock and dairy industry offers substantial commercial and economic advantages that can boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities, and stimulate economic growth.
Tinubu thanked Ganduje for convening the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria, whose recommendations informed the decision to constitute the presidential committee.
The President, while announcing the appointment of Jega as the co-chair of the committee, said he wants to remove any element of partisan politics to ensure the focus remains on the opportunity to create wealth and better the lives of Nigerians.
Tinubu also announced the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development, stating that this presents a unique opportunity to delineate and establish a separate ministry to develop the economy and give people the opportunity to excel in the livestock and dairy industry.
He emphasised the need to utilize available technologies, such as herd identification with chips and tracking, to support the implementation of the livestock reforms. He also called on the Attorney General, Budget and Economic Planning Minister, and Finance Minister to prioritize and provide the necessary legal, budgetary, and financial support for the successful implementation of the committee’s objectives.
Tinubu expressed his confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver on the livestock reforms and create a prosperous future for Nigeria.
He said: “I’m here before you to inaugurate the committee for the implementation of the livestock in our beloved country. First, I must say thank you very much to those who said the solution is far, I said no, the solution is here. With these distinguished personalities, the name, the intellectual capacity, majority of you have great experience and you want Nigeria to prosper.
“First and foremost, to provide impetus to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming, dairy products, cold chain logistics, collectively offers substantial commercial and economic advantages.
“We have seen the solution and opportunity, with this adversity that has plagued us over the years, and I believe the prosperity is here in your hands.
“The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security that supply essential proteins and vitamins through milk and its derivatives such as cheese, yoghurt, butter and economic advantages. Efficient cold-chain logistics are crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farm to market, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.
“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors and consumers alike.
“Let me take advantage of the presence here, to thank the former executive governor of Kano State and the chairman of All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje for assembling the best minds and experts to find solution by convening national conference on livestock reforms and mitigation of associate conflicts in Nigeria in February last here. The far reaching recommendation in their report informed our decision to constitute and inaugurate this presidential committee on the implementation of livestock reforms and cease the great opportunity to better the lives of our people, rather than the conflict promoted agenda.
“It is our renewed hope and I believe that hope is here in trying to see a great opportunity for wealth in a situation that is very conducive. I must mention here that I have discussed on a number of occasions with the governors the need to seize this opportunity, let’s run with it from here.
“At this juncture, I will appeal to remove everything of partisan politics from it, assume the chairmanship of the committee as the president and appointed Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair. And I asked Dr Ganduje, we say thank you, just remove yourself so that anything of politics in this environment will be erased completely. This is not about politics, this is about opportunity, this is about our nation. So, while I may be absent, Jega will preside and contribute to promote.
“We’ve solved the problem, we have identified the models for livestock management, it is done in other countries, in other climes successfully promoted. It created a great economy and empowerment for ordinary people.
“Traditional livestock system must be reformed to add significant and sustainable value to Nigeria’s social economic growth and development. With all measures that are available to us.
“I don’t want us to turn this environment to another talk opportunity, I just want to inaugurate this community to ensure that I am ready. I assure you and the Nigerian public that we need to create this economy, seize this opportunity. These ranches you recommend, and promote, I will work with it. And luckily, we have information and technology minister present too, herds of cows can be identified with chips and be tracked these days. If other technologies are available to us, we are ready to work. As I said from the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here and we must run with it.
“The governors are hereby represented, any law that might inhibit the promotion and the actualization of our objective, the Attorney General is here, please give it a priority and budget and economic planning minister is here, find a budget head for it to grow and finance is here as well to work hard for the money.
“When you have a great opportunity like this, why should Nigeria continue in conflict with the caliber of the people that are here?
“This presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a separate ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. We will develop the economy, give people the opportunity to excel. Our vet doctors can give us the necessary opportunity to rear, crossbreed and stop the wanton killings, even animal feeds is a huge economy,” he said.
Obasempire reports that Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has stated that the legislative body is contemplating enacting a law to oversee alms solicitation within the state.
Mr. Obasa made these remarks during an interview on the sidelines of the launch of the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation in Lagos.
He emphasized the necessity for such legislation, highlighting the launch sponsored by Lotus Bank in Lagos.
The foundation aims to empower underprivileged Muslims and alleviate poverty through the promotion of Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf.
Mr. Obasa clarified that the proposed legislation would grant authority to the state government and organizations like the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation to oversee aid requests.
He added that the law aims to ensure donations directly benefit those in need without resorting to street begging, citing the increasing number of beggars in Lagos as a driving factor for regulation.
“We are looking at how we can manage such situations to stop beggars from parading the streets of Lagos begging for alms.
“Following such legislation, anyone caught begging on the streets or aiding such, particularly among children, would also be sanctioned according to the law,” Mr Obasa said.
Speaking on the foundation’s launch, Mr Obasa highlighted the benefits of Zakat, which helps both payers and beneficiaries by eradicating poverty.
“It is important for anyone blessed by God to reach out to the less privileged.
“This should start from the immediate family and extend to every other member of society.
“The essence is to make everyone equal, or at least to move people from poverty and make them feel comfortable,” he added.
Obasempire reports that the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 11,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State as part of its ongoing efforts to halt illicit cross-border trade.
Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, the Controller of the Kebbi Command, Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, also disclosed the seizure of additional smuggled items, including 40 crates of imported pasta, 50 bundles of used clothing, 28 boxes of 50mg Diclofenac tablets, and 10 containers of cooking oil.
Ojike stated that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods is fourteen million, seven hundred and ninety-two thousand, four hundred naira (N14,792,400).
He disclosed that the seized PMS would be auctioned to the public, generating an estimated eight million, one hundred and seventy-eight thousand, one hundred eighty-three naira (N8,178,183), which will be remitted to the Federal Government’s coffers.
“The team was able to generate twenty-five million, eight hundred and forty-seven thousand, six hundred and eleven naira (N25,847,611) in June, which is a 67.6% increase compared to the previous month of May,” Ojike added.
In a separate briefing in Birnin Kebbi, the National Coordinator of Operation WHIRLWIND, Comptroller Hussien Ejibunu, reported the seizure of PMS products in the Sokoto Area Command by the operatives of Operation Whirlwind Zone D’ axis.
Ejibunu stated that the operation has successfully disrupted and dismantled networks of smugglers of Premium Motor Spirit nationwide.
“This operation is coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and other law enforcement agencies,” he said.
He revealed another substantial seizure of 661 kegs of PMS, containing 30 and 40 litres each, and 15 drums of PMS, each containing 200 litres, amounting to a total of 79,500 litres of PMS with a DPV of fifty-five million, seven hundred and twenty-nine thousand, five hundred naira (N55,729,500).
These interceptions were made across Kebbi and Sokoto States.
Ejibunu further mentioned that one filling station was sealed off and handed over to the regulatory agency, NMDPRA, for further investigation, noting that the continuous monitoring of PMS trucking, discharging, and dispensing processes to prevent diversion.
He urged members of smuggling cartels to reconsider their activities and pursue legitimate business ventures, warning that the Nigerian Customs Service will continue to pursue economic saboteurs relentlessly.
“There is no place for their illegal activities,” he stated.
Obasempire reports that the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed her views on Nigerians who choose to emigrate in search of better prospects overseas.
In a widely circulated video on social media, Tinubu denounced such migration trends.
In the footage posted by Arise News on YouTube, the First Lady observed that Nigerians often pursue employment opportunities abroad that they would decline in their homeland.
She contended that highly educated individuals from Nigeria opt to work overseas to afford luxuries like cars, whereas they would refuse similar positions domestically.
Additionally, the senator advised Nigerians to assist the less fortunate within their communities rather than solely relying on government assistance.
She suggested that resources spent on lavish celebrations could instead be directed towards aiding those in need locally.
Obasempire reports that the presidency has refuted claims made by Senator Abdul Ningi, accusing him of spreading falsehoods regarding President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the 2024 budget.
Senator Ningi, in an interview with BBC Hausa, alleged discrepancies between the budget passed by the National Assembly and the one being implemented by the federal government.
He asserted that the budget presented by President Tinubu amounted to N28.7 trillion, contrary to the N25 trillion passed by the Assembly.
However, Bayo Onanuga, a presidential spokesperson, rebuffed Ningi’s assertions in a statement, labeling them as untrue.
“To set the record straight, President Tinubu presented a budget of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly on November 29, 2023, comprising N9.92 trillion for recurrent expenditure, N8.25 trillion for debt service, and N8.7 trillion for capital expenditure,” Onanuga clarified.
Contrary to Ningi’s claims, Onanuga emphasized that the Senate could not have debated and passed a N25 trillion budget that was never presented to the National Assembly.
“We don’t expect a senior senator to overlook such details before making baseless allegations,” Onanuga remarked.
Furthermore, Onanuga underscored that the budget signed into law by President Tinubu on January 1, 2024, amounted to N28.7 trillion, as passed by the National Assembly.
Reports suggested that Ningi and other senators, in a closed-door meeting, also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of unlawfully inflating the budget.
Akpabio, however, denied the allegations during the meeting.
Regarding Ningi’s claim of bias against the North in the budget, Onanuga asserted,
“President Tinubu’s administration is committed to fairness and equity across all regions of Nigeria.”The presidential rebuttal seeks to dispel misinformation and reaffirm the government’s commitment to transparency and equitable governance.
Obasempire reports that Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, underscored the resilience of Nigerians amidst economic challenges, emphasizing their capacity to endure hardship and persevere.
He stated this during a session on Wednesday in the lower legislative chamber. Kalu’s remarks came as he contributed to a discussion on food security.
The legislator highlighted the buoyant spirit of Nigerians despite prevailing economic adversities, noting that their resilience contributes to national happiness.
Kalu advocated for the subsidization of farm inputs to bolster the nation’s journey towards food security.
He urged governors to adopt policies that promote agriculture within their respective states, aiming to complement the federal government’s initiatives.
In his address, Kalu urged governors to align their policies with agricultural priorities, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to bridge the gap between federal strategies and local implementation.
“It is high time you prioritise your policies and the mechanism to achieve those policies towards agriculture and food insecurity so that what the president is doing from this level of the federal government will be felt at the local level,” he said.
“If there is a need for subsidy in this country, it is to subsidise these farm inputs and everything that has to do with farming. Let‘s put our energy there.
“We are hardworking people in Nigeria. We have been declared as one of the happiest people in the world because we can absorb hardship and keep moving.
“The governors — we urge you to prioritise the issue of agriculture.”
Kalu’s call to action resonated with an appeal to governors, urging them to prioritize agricultural development as a crucial step towards enhancing food security nationwide.
Obasempire reports that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has emphasized that the current remuneration of federal lawmakers falls short of sustaining them in executing their duties effectively.
In a candid discussion on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, on Monday, Kalu dismissed claims that the average lawmaker’s salary is extravagant, asserting that it barely meets their obligations.
He underscored the distinction between salaries and allowances, emphasizing that allowances are earmarked for constituency duties and cannot be tampered with.
“The salaries of the National Assembly are significantly lower than perceived. Even a 50% or 80% reduction would not align with the economic realities,” Kalu remarked, highlighting the challenges lawmakers face in serving their constituencies adequately.
He elaborated on the financial strains lawmakers encounter, including transportation costs, running constituency offices, and maintaining aides essential for fulfilling their mandates.
Kalu maintained that slashing salaries would not resolve the underlying issues but expressed readiness for adjustments if it enhances national progress.
He said, “Considering the cost of transport, running constituency offices and the number of maintaining aides who are supposed to have you achieve what the mandate of that office demands, it is not a discussion that will add value to the crisis we are faced with.
“But I can assure you they will be willing to adjust. If that is what will move Nigeria to the next level, why not? After all, we did not send ourselves there. We were voted in by the constituents.”
Amid discussions on fiscal prudence, Kalu commended President Bola Tinubu for his decision to implement the 2012 recommendations of the Steve Oronsaye panel, applauding Tinubu’s commitment to effective governance.
Kalu’s remarks shed light on the complexities surrounding lawmakers’ compensation and the imperative for nuanced approaches to address legislative challenges, urging stakeholders to consider the broader context in deliberating on remuneration matters.
Obasempire reports that the Nigeria Police Force has stationed anti-riot personnel at key locations, in anticipation of today’s nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the country’s economic downturn.
According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, officers have been placed on red alert to manage potential unrest.
Despite warnings from the Presidency and police authorities, the NLC remains resolute in its decision to proceed with the demonstration, citing economic hardships and prevailing conditions in the country.
The protest stems from the government’s alleged failure to uphold agreements made on October 2, 2023, following the removal of fuel subsidies.
The NLC had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the widespread hardships.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
In response to the looming protest, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed state commissioners to safeguard the demonstrators’ rights while preventing any attempts to hijack the event.
The police underscored their commitment to upholding citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly while vowing to deter any disruptions.
Adejobi emphasized the police’s preparedness to swiftly counter unlawful activities or violence during the protest, asserting that the force will not tolerate disorder or threats to public safety.
“Emphatically, the force, therefore, is fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any unlawful activities or acts of violence that may threaten peace, public safety, and security in the event of such.
“It is vital to state that the police have spread their tentacles nationwide to curb any attempt by some individuals who might want to leverage the nationwide protests to create brouhaha, and such will be met with approved legal and proportional force as the police will not allow the wanton breakdown of law and order, loss of lives and property like we had experienced, in some instances, in the past, in some parts of the country,’’ Adejobi stated.
The force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi,
The statement read in part, “The Nigeria Police Force on the heels of the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress hereby affirms the fundamental right of all citizens of the country to engage in peaceful protest in line with extant laws.
“As such, the NPF reiterates its commitment to ensuring the rights and freedom of protesters are protected.
“In line with its lawful duty to maintain law and order, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed personnel nationwide and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protest.
“All commissioners of police and their respective supervising officers have been briefed and instructed to coordinate the officers on the ground in ensuring the safety and security of all participants if the protests hold as planned.’
’In a bid to facilitate a peaceful rally, police commands in Delta, Benue, and Niger states have engaged with labor leaders to coordinate efforts for a smooth protest.
