Nigeria Times

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has strongly criticized Nigerian politicians for weaponizing insecurity for political gain. Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 2024 Annual General Conference in Lagos, Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that socioeconomic development is impossible without security and condemned political actors who instigate unrest to undermine their opponents.

In her keynote address titled “A Social Contract For Nigeria’s Future,” the former finance minister called for an end to this harmful practice, stressing that it often results in the loss of lives and property. She also highlighted the availability of technological solutions to combat crude oil theft in Nigeria, urging authorities to take decisive action against those responsible.

A Federal Court in Abuja has frozen the bank accounts of 32 individuals and companies linked to the #EndBadGovernance protest, pending investigation and prosecution. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled in favor of the motion filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Mohammed, directing banks to place a Post-No-Debit order on the accounts and to apprehend any persons transacting on them.

The accounts, spread across various banks, are suspected to be involved in unlawful activities, including terrorism financing and treasonable felony. The ruling comes as authorities intensify efforts to investigate the financial networks behind the 10-day protest.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called out President Bola Tinubu for allegedly giving his nephew undue advantage in the acquisition of significant oil assets in Nigeria. In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned why Oando Plc, a company owned by Tinubu’s nephew, received expedited approval to purchase AGIP and ENI’s onshore assets, while other transactions like the Shell/Renaissance and Mobil/Seplat deals remain delayed.

Atiku criticized the Tinubu administration for favoring family interests in the oil and gas sector, accusing it of undermining democracy. He also took aim at the House of Representatives for not adequately addressing concerns related to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which he claimed has been “mortgaging the country’s national oil assets to vested interests.”

Atiku argued that democracy under Tinubu has devolved into a government that serves the President and his family, rather than the people of Nigeria. He highlighted the speed with which the Nigerian Upstream Production Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) approved Oando’s acquisition, contrasting it with the stalled Mobil/Seplat deal, whose consent letter remains on Tinubu’s desk.

Furthermore, Atiku accused the NNPC of disregarding a directive from the House of Representatives to suspend its acquisition of OVH assets pending an investigation. Despite ongoing issues in the oil sector, key officials continue to retain their positions, which Atiku views as a sign of their loyalty to Tinubu’s interests.

The Nigerian government has appointed three of the nation’s most prominent business leaders—Aliko Dangote of Dangote Group, Tony Elumelu of Heirs Holdings, and Femi Otedola of Geregu Power Plc—to lead the charge against malaria through the Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC).

The NEMC, established in 2017 and officially launched by former President Muhammadu Buhari on August 16, 2022, is tasked with coordinating national efforts to eradicate malaria in Nigeria.

These newly appointed leaders are expected to intensify efforts under the NEMC to address the malaria crisis, which remains a significant health challenge in the country.

During the inauguration ceremony held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, highlighted the critical impact of malaria in Nigeria. He noted that Nigeria accounts for over 25% of global malaria cases and roughly a third of global malaria-related deaths, with children and pregnant women being the most vulnerable groups.

Alausa described the situation as “tragic,” emphasizing that malaria contributes to approximately 25-30% of childhood deaths and 60% of hospital visits in Nigeria. The disease also leads to significant absenteeism in schools, workplaces, and markets, exacerbating financial burdens on households.

The newly appointed NEMC leaders will collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), national assembly health committees, and women’s organizations to advance the agenda of malaria elimination in Nigeria.

Alausa stated, “It is my honor to be part of this important initiative aimed at reducing the malaria burden and ultimately eliminating malaria in Nigeria, which will significantly enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians.”

He further remarked, “Nigeria remains a major contributor to global malaria cases and deaths, particularly among children and pregnant women. Malaria accounts for a significant portion of childhood mortality and hospital visits in our country.”

“Despite progress in other nations, Nigeria continues to see a rise in malaria cases. The majority of our malaria interventions are donor-funded, which is neither sufficient nor sustainable.”

To address this, Alausa recalled the African Heads of States’ initiative launched in 2009, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), and the Malaria Scorecard developed in 2011 to monitor national performance and advocate for stronger governmental action.

The establishment of the NEMC is intended to ensure that malaria remains a top priority at both national and state levels, with strong political commitment and the mobilization of resources from diverse sources.

Alausa concluded, “Given your influential positions in Nigeria, your commitment to health issues, particularly malaria, and the communities you represent, your membership in this council is crucial for the benefit of society, especially for children and pregnant women who are most affected and will be forever grateful.”

As part of the ceremony, the minister formally handed over the leadership of the council to Aliko Dangote.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on all 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to disclose comprehensive details regarding any Chinese loans, liabilities, and other external borrowings obtained and guaranteed by the Federal Government. SERAP also requested information on debt restructuring, loan terms and conditions, collateral provisions, and investment agreements with Chinese entities.

In a statement released on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization expressed concerns over the efficient management of these debts, warning of potential financial risks and exposure to Nigeria, including the possibility of asset confiscation in foreign jurisdictions due to defaults. SERAP issued a seven-day ultimatum for the disclosure of this information, threatening legal action if the states and FCT fail to comply.

SERAP emphasized that despite significant borrowing, many Nigerians continue to lack essential services, such as regular electricity supply, raising concerns about the management and utilization of these funds.

Summary:
Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) granted asylum to 1,467 Nigerians between January 2023 and March 2024. This brings the total number of successful asylum claims by Nigerians to 11,370 since 2012, according to data from the IRB’s Refugee Protection Division.

The IRB grants refugee protection based on criteria established by the United Nations, which has been incorporated into Canadian law. Applicants must demonstrate a fear of persecution due to race, nationality, religion, political ideology, or membership in a particular social group, such as those based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or health conditions like HIV/AIDS. They must also provide evidence of the potential danger, including torture, risk to life, or the threat of cruel and unusual treatment if they return to their home country.

From January 2023 to March 2024, the IRB rejected 589 asylum applications from Nigerians, with over 12,600 total rejections since 2013. The acceptance rates have varied over the years, with significant numbers being granted asylum in the last decade.

Key Points:

• Accepted Asylum Claims: 1,467 Nigerians granted asylum from Jan 2023 to Mar 2024.
• Total Since 2012: 11,370 Nigerians have been granted asylum in Canada.
• Rejections: 589 applications were rejected in the same period, totaling over 12,600 since 2013.
• Asylum Criteria: Based on UN definitions and Canadian law, requiring proof of persecution or risk of harm.

Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, described the acceptance rate as fair, noting that irregular migration often leads to rejection.

President Bola Tinubu is reportedly taking steps to win back the support of northern political leaders who have expressed dissatisfaction with his administration. According to sources close to the presidency, a series of initiatives are being rolled out to address concerns of alleged nepotism and marginalization that have been raised by these leaders.

The discontent stems from accusations that the President has favored individuals from Lagos in key government appointments and implemented policies that northern leaders perceive as unfair. Prominent voices in the North, including the Borno Elders Forum and former Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume, have been vocal about their concerns, further highlighting the growing tension within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In response, Tinubu’s administration is reportedly working on a two-pronged approach: increasing northern appointments to counter claims of lopsidedness and addressing poverty and illiteracy in the region. Despite these efforts, criticism remains, with some northern leaders expressing regret over their support for Tinubu in the 2023 election.