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Security Agents Are Informants To Criminals – NSCDC CG
The commandant-general, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, has attributed the increase in crime and criminal activities in the country to the informants within the security services and the society.
He called for an engagement with communities, religious and political leaders to address the security challenges plaguing the nation.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ summit on the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, yesterday with the theme, “Synergy: Panacea to effective critical assets and infrastructure protection,” the CG stressed the need to re-strategise to better protect national assets from the onslaught by bad elements.
According to him, the rise in crime constituted a threat to critical national assets and infrastructure as witnessed in some states, including Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno and other northern states.
He cited a statement by the minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, who revealed that the federal government spends N60 billion annually on the repair and maintenance of vandalised oil pipelines across the country.
He stated, “You will agree with me that the nefarious activities of these criminal elements are being strengthened not only by informants within security formations but equally those within the society; hence the need to engage our traditional rulers, religious, community, political and youth leaders in the process of finding a solution to this menace.”
The minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, pointed out that the threats to national assets and infrastructure continued to escalate due to the insecurity in the country.
Leadership News
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No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
President Bola Tinubu, Thursday, at the prestigious Palais des L’Élysée, told France President, Emmanuel Macron, that a starved nation will not care about weather or environment, and that in the 21st century no child should go to bed hungry.
President Tinubu at a high-profile meeting with President Macron also affirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as food security, energy, solid minerals, education, and defense. At a joint press conference, President Tinubu highlighted the vast, yet largely untapped potential within Nigeria’s agricultural sector and beckoned international investors to capitalize on the nation’s welcoming investment climate.
Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said: “The French-Nigeria Business Forum is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security. We cannot help but invest in another’s country.”
He emphasised Nigeria’s flourishing financial sector as a facilitator for foreign investment, particularly from French enterprises, as part of the drive to bolster food security.
“Nigeria’s financial sector is evolving and flourishing. We are also creating grounds for investment in Nigeria’s economy for French nationals, especially in the area of food security.
“It is our responsibility to put together a food security programme for the private sector to come and invest in the country.
“We are working on stability and we are getting closer and closer, but we can do better and better,” the President stated.
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President Tinubu said Nigeria’s economy was being repositioned for more Foreign Direct Investment that will directly impact the livelihood of the citizens.
“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business and close to this, we have a vibrant youth population that is educated, and ready to be trained in various areas of entrepreneurship and development,” he said.
No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
News
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it has disbursed refunds amounting to N4.4 billion to 36 States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces pertaining to the Masha’ir (core Hajj period) electricity services not rendered properly by the Saudi Authorities during the 2023 Hajj
The Head, Public Affairs, NAHCON, Malam Muhammad Musa, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Musa explained that in addition, the Commission has refunded a sum of N917,148,479.99 to 192 accredited Tour Companies that participated in the 2023 hajj.
” This amount is intended for onward disbursement to their respective pilgrims, while the remaining participating companies will also be refunded after due reconciliation.
“This refund underscores NAHCON’s commitment, under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj operations.”
Musa explained that all pilgrims who participated in the 2023 hajj were advised to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies, Boards and Commissions or tour operators to claim their refunds.
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“Each Pilgrim, is entitled to receive a refund of N61,080.00. A detailed breakdown of the number of pilgrims per state and the corresponding amounts is attached to this press statement.
“The commission hereby calls upon all 2025 hajj intending pilgrims to promptly deposit their hajj fares with their respective state pilgrims boards.
“This measure is essential to ensure the timely transmission of funds to NAHCON, thereby facilitating early arrangements of the 2025 Hajj in strict compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“In the interest of transparency and due process, NAHCON calls upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant security agencies to closely monitor the refund process.
“This collaboration aims to ensure that all refunds are appropriately disbursed and reached the intended beneficiaries without any discrepancy,” Musa said.
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
(NAN)
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Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday began a two-day visit to France, with both countries seeking increased economic cooperation and Paris looking to boost ties in English-speaking Africa following a series of setbacks with former allies on the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron met his counterpart at the historic Invalides Memorial Complex, with the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader in more than two decades.
The two national anthems sang out in the courtyard of one of Paris’ landmarks, kicking off a visit focused on encouraging economic partnerships between France and Africa’s most populous country.
Macron has sought a “renewal” between Paris and Africa since his 2017 election and after military coups and changing attitudes lessened France’s influence in Africa.
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The visit is “an opportunity to deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria”, Macron’s office said.
Nigeria is Africa’s leading oil producer and has a robust film and entertainment industry.
However challenges posed by insecurity and corruption have left 129 million Nigerians — more than half the country’s population — living below the poverty line.
Nigeria is seeking to build ties in “agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation and energy transition,” Tinubu’s office said in a statement, adding that the president had landed in Paris on Wednesday evening.
Tinubu and Macron will also address “shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication,” it added.
Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
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