Road Tax Revenue Surges by 63% Across Nigerian States in 2023, NBS Reports

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a 63% rise in road tax collections by Nigerian states in 2023, highlighting transportation’s impact on states’ internal revenue. According to the NBS Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) report, total road tax rose to ₦40.14 billion, up from ₦24.57 billion in 2022.

Lagos led with ₦16.74 billion, accounting for 41.7% of the national total. Ebonyi State recorded a remarkable 3,804.32% increase, while Rivers State saw a 270.66% rise. Conversely, Enugu, Katsina, and Niger States reported significant declines in their road tax revenue.

House Minority Caucus Calls for Justice and Compensation for #EndBadGovernance Protesters Detained Unlawfully

The Minority Caucus of Nigeria’s House of Representatives has urged the government to compensate minors who were detained for three months on charges of terrorism and arson after participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests. In a Friday statement, the caucus demanded an investigation and punishment for those responsible for the prolonged detention.

Signed by Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda and other caucus leaders, the statement calls for accountability, expressing concern over the psychological toll on the detained youth.

Ex-Nigerian Ambassador Seeks U.S. Asylum Over Corruption Allegations by News Platform

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia, Lilian Onoh, is pursuing asylum in the United States following a corruption allegation published by Sahara Reporters. The news platform reported that Onoh was dismissed from the Nigerian Civil Service Commission over alleged misappropriation of ₦50 million, recommending her for trial by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

In response, Onoh filed a defamation lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas against Sahara Reporters Media Group, Inc., and its founder, Omoyele Sowore, citing defamation and emotional distress from the publication. She submitted a 102-page affidavit to support her claims, asserting that the allegations had caused significant personal and professional harm, including her inability to participate in church activities.

The legal documents reveal that Onoh, who initially planned to retire in Nigeria, is now seeking permanent residency in the U.S. due to perceived risks if she returns. She is currently awaiting her Green Card, having filed for asylum on grounds of safety for diplomats in danger, which includes obtaining an Employment Authorization valid until 2028. Onoh’s application has reportedly advanced through U.S. immigration processes, and she now intends to establish permanent residence in Texas.

Tinubu’s Political Path Stands Apart from Past Nigerian Leaders, Says Sule Lamido

Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has observed that President Bola Tinubu’s rise to power is distinct from that of his predecessors, including figures like Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Muhammed, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Muhammadu Buhari, who each gained support from influential institutions.

In a recent interview, Lamido remarked that these leaders, unlike Tinubu, relied on the backing of key institutions or strong political constituencies rather than solely on personal influence. “Tinubu’s journey,” he said, “is defined by his personality rather than institutional support.” Lamido argued that Buhari, for instance, needed four attempts before winning the presidency, showing he couldn’t do it alone.

Lamido, a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), elaborated on Nigeria’s political landscape, noting that many prominent figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) originated in the PDP, creating a bridge between the two parties. He commented, “Today’s APC crisis actually has its roots in past PDP issues.”

On PDP’s internal dynamics, Lamido was asked about former PDP leaders now aligned with the APC, including prominent officials in the National Assembly. He responded that for PDP to regain strength, it must reconcile with members who left for the APC.

Touching on the divisive role of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, now an APC federal minister, Lamido called Wike “inconsequential” to PDP history. “Our focus should be on PDP leaders who understand the party’s mission. With their return, we can offer a credible alternative to APC.” Lamido concluded that he and other PDP leaders are working privately on strategies to revive the party’s legacy.

Chad Army Air Strikes Eliminate Scores of Boko Haram Militants

The Chadian military has confirmed successful air strikes that killed and wounded numerous Boko Haram terrorists following recent attacks by the group near Chad’s border with Nigeria. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who was directly involved in the response, stated that these operations were launched after Boko Haram’s deadly assault last month, which left around 40 Chadian soldiers dead.

Chad’s interim Prime Minister, Abderahim Bireme Hamid, highlighted the mission’s aim to protect civilians and dismantle Boko Haram’s operational capacity. The Lake Chad area, often a refuge for Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), has faced ongoing assaults from these factions. In collaboration with Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, Chad has been part of a multinational force to counter the insurgency since 2015.

Top Nigerian Headlines: National Grid Woes, Ministerial Advice, and New Terrorist Threats

1. National Grid Collapse Explained by TCN
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced that a sudden frequency spike caused the national grid to collapse for the 11th time this year. TCN’s Public Affairs Manager, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, explained that the issue stemmed from one of the company’s substations, and repair work is underway. Instability may continue until major repairs are completed, with assurances of TCN’s commitment to improving reliability.

2. SGF Akume Advises New Ministers
George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, urged newly appointed ministers to prioritize national interests over personal or ethnic agendas. Speaking at a retreat in Abuja, Akume emphasized unity to drive progress in key areas, including economic diversification and infrastructure development.

3. New Terrorist Group Lukarawas Threatens Nigeria’s Northwest
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a terrorist group called ‘Lukarawas,’ originating from Niger after recent political unrest. The group has infiltrated areas in Sokoto and Kebbi, exploiting the disrupted military cooperation along border regions. Efforts are underway to restore security in affected communities.

4. Malaysia’s CNG Phase-Out and Tinubu’s Response
Following Malaysia’s decision to end the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles, Nigeria’s Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that safety concerns were related to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), not CNG, emphasizing that Nigeria will continue to support clean energy policies.

5. FG to Address Herdsmen Attacks through Grazing Reserves
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, announced a plan to address herdsmen-farmers clashes by optimizing grazing reserves. Maiha highlighted challenges such as high feed costs and climate change but affirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering private investment in the sector.

6. Defence Headquarters Declares Nine Wanted for Terrorism
The Defence Headquarters declared nine individuals wanted for terrorism in the Northeast. The announcement follows heightened efforts to address violent extremism, with ongoing intelligence operations to apprehend the suspects.

7. NNPCL Refutes Claims of Adulterated Fuel in Keffi
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) dismissed rumors of selling dark-colored petrol at a Keffi station. NNPCL’s communications officer, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed the product did not originate from their stations, emphasizing their quality control measures.

8. National Assembly Appoints New Clerk as Tambuwal Retires
Kamoru Ogunlana has been appointed as the new Clerk of the National Assembly, succeeding Sani Magaji Tambuwal, who is on retirement leave. The appointment signals upcoming structural changes, with over 30 senior officials set to retire.

9. INEC Warns Staff Ahead of Ondo Gubernatorial Election
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu cautioned staff against negligence as Ondo prepares for gubernatorial elections. He urged parties to promote peaceful conduct, with candidates signing a Peace Accord to maintain order.

10. Bauchi Governor Criticizes Federal Tax Reform Bills
Governor Bala Mohammed voiced concerns over President Tinubu’s proposed tax reform, warning of adverse impacts on less-industrialized northern regions. He urged the President to reconsider, advocating for equitable policies to promote national unity.

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate and Rice Prices Surge in Nigeria

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rates
The dollar-to-naira exchange rate in Nigeria’s black market reached N1,735 for buying and N1,750 for selling on November 7, 2024. These rates are available at the Lagos Parallel Market, though the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize these figures. The CBN rate, meanwhile, shows a slightly lower rate of N1,680 for buying and N1,681 for selling.

Rice Prices Soar by 144% Over the Year
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports a significant surge in rice prices, with a 50kg bag of imported rice now costing ₦120,193, compared to ₦49,103 in September 2023—a 144.77% increase. The cost per kilogram of imported rice rose from ₦982.07 a year ago to ₦2,403.86 in September 2024. Similarly, loose agricultural rice prices have risen, with a year-over-year increase of 146.33%, and Nasarawa recording the highest price at ₦3,050.33 per kilogram.

These inflationary trends reflect growing food security concerns, with rising import costs impacting Nigeria’s staple food prices amid economic pressures.

Experts Urge Nigeria to Utilize More Arable Land to Address Food Security Challenges

Agricultural stakeholders in Nigeria have emphasized the need to use the remaining 60% of the country’s underutilized arable land to address food security concerns effectively. Currently, only 40% of Nigeria’s arable land is cultivated, a figure experts argue is insufficient to combat the nation’s food and poverty issues.

Speaking at the Policy Dialogue Series on Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria, held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Plateau State, Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, highlighted the importance of expanding agricultural capacity. Fasua noted that fully utilizing available farmland could not only ensure food availability but also support local consumption, increase export opportunities, and reduce poverty through agricultural employment.

“Nigeria is fortunate to have favorable weather and rich soil across its northern states, which support diverse crops like sesame, sorghum, ginger, soybeans, cassava, and yam. Tapping into our agricultural potential can address local food needs and open up international market opportunities,” Fasua said.

Markus Wauschkuhn, Cluster Coordinator of the Sustainable Economic Development Cluster (SEDEC) at GIZ Nigeria, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing GIZ’s commitment to fostering sustainable development, employment, and income generation. He highlighted the SEDEC team’s efforts to enhance policy implementation and support economic growth across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Nigeria’s Cotton Production Declines to 40,000 Tons as Industry Faces Major Challenges

Nigeria’s cotton industry is facing a significant decline, with production estimated to drop to just 40,000 tons this year. According to Prof. Samuel Oloruntoba, Secretary of the Cotton Ginners Association of Nigeria, both the quality and quantity of cotton produced have steadily decreased, a trend that threatens the industry’s viability.

Speaking at the Annual Cotton Master Sample and Production meeting at the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR/ABU) in Zaria, Prof. Oloruntoba highlighted that in recent years, cotton production varied between 60,000 and 120,000 tons. However, due to a series of internal and external factors, including a shrinking workforce and the closure of many textile mills, production continues to plummet.

In his presentation, titled The Role of Government in Resuscitating the Cotton Sub-Sector in the Nigerian Economy: Update, Challenges, and Prospects, Prof. Oloruntoba emphasized that the cotton sector once employed millions and was the second-largest employer in Nigeria, with over 170 textile mills and 52 ginneries. Today, fewer than 22 ginneries operate, and they are working at less than 30% capacity.

To address these challenges, Prof. Oloruntoba called for the formation of a high-level committee under the Presidency to develop a five-year strategic roadmap to revive the cotton industry. He believes that a coordinated effort involving all stakeholders is necessary to restore the sector.

Prof. Ado Yusuf, Executive Director of IAR, supported this call by urging the federal government to enhance domestic cotton utilization and promote research. He shared that the institute is modernizing its equipment to improve cotton fiber quality and strengthen partnerships with local industry players and international seed companies like India’s Mahyco. These efforts, he stated, aim to revitalize cotton production and encourage the introduction of new BT cotton hybrids.

Additionally, Prof. David Idoko Adekwe, Programme Leader for Cotton Research at IAR, mentioned that the meeting this year also focused on re-establishing the Cotton Market Board, which could help stabilize cotton pricing and ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts.

This coordinated push from both the private and public sectors could be key to reviving Nigeria’s cotton industry and restoring its economic and employment contributions.

Terrorist Group “Lukarawas” Emerges in Northwest Nigeria, Sparking Security Concerns

The Nigerian military has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group called “Lukarawas” in the northwest, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states, heightening security concerns in the region. According to the military, this group infiltrated Nigeria from Niger following the recent political coup there, which disrupted border security cooperation.

Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated during a press briefing that the terrorists leveraged gaps in border security, crossing through remote areas to establish themselves in these states. Local residents initially believed the group had positive intentions, failing to alert authorities in time.

The military is now intensifying Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities to track and neutralize the group, while reinforcing border security to prevent further incursions. The group is reportedly exploiting Nigeria’s under-governed areas to evade capture.

In addition, the military has declared nine key terrorist commanders wanted, including Abu Khadijah and Usman Kanin Shehu, who have been involved in ongoing disturbances in the northeast.