CSOs allege powerful elites depleting Nigeria’s mineral resources
Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), short of naming names, have strongly alleged that powerful elites were sponsoring illegal mining to strip Nigeria of its mineral wealth. The stakeholders said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. They warned that the situation could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification policy, aimed at enhancing the solid minerals sector to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It would be recalled that Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, had alleged that retired military officers were involved in illegal mining, using sophisticated machinery and procuring arms for the activity. He said that they use choppers to transport minerals out of the country, making billions of dollars in the process. He added that the arms procured to secure illegal mining sites were also used for banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. The Executive Director of Renevyln Development Initiative (RDI), Philip Dakpor, stated that powerful interests were behind illegal mining, depriving Nigeria of revenue from the sector, which required deliberate action to address the menace “There is no doubt that powerful interests are behind illegal mining across the country, so Comrade Adams Oshiomhole may be right in pointing fingers. However, his allegations lack the political will needed to address the issue. “This is because he said the perpetrators are known yet no names were mentioned, and no one has been arrested. If those behind the menace are known and can’t be named and arrested then it shows something even deeper. “ It is either collusion at certain quarters in government or total negligence, but I suspect it is collusion. Some people in government are benefiting maximally from illegal mining and so choose not to halt the practice, “ he said. An activist, Dr Abdullahi Jabi, alleged that traditional rulers were conniving with illegal miners, mostly expatriates, to cart away Nigeria’s mineral wealth. Jabi, the Chairman, North Central Zone, Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy, Civil Society of Nigeria, said that locals in mining communities aid illegal miners in perpetrating the act. “These activities have been on over the years and government did not pay attention to it, until it got escalated with illegal expatriates coming to the country with machineries. “They are using residents and citizens within those communities, who show them the way, and then connive with traditional rulers to perpetrate these wounds against the states, “ he said. He described the situation as complex, resulting from factors such as the negligence of constitutional duties by political leaders and public office holders. “ It is a network that is critical to destroy. Its not as easy as you see it, because the high and the mighty are behind it. “This is because a poor man, who cannot feed, who has no energy, cannot go to exploration of minerals resources that is almost 200 or 500 miles into the mother earth. “Who will give him the equipment? Who will provide him with security to do that, “ he said. The activist listed poor governance, weak leadership, and a deteriorating economic situation as factors further making the sector vulnerable to expatriates, whom he alleged were supported by some leaders. According to him, to address the situation, a holistic legal framework must be established to ensure that the solid minerals sector received the required attention. He emphasised the need for adequate logistics to enable the government to implement strict measures for the benefit of the people, rather than a few individuals who were exploiting the nation’s resources. It will be recalled that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during the Ministry’s budget defence in 2023, had also alleged that illegal miners were sponsoring banditry in the affected states. He said that efforts were ongoing to identify the perpetrators, adding that various strategies, including both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches were being deployed to address the situation.
The six zonal political system and Nigeria’s stability and economic development
Being excerpt of a paper presentation by AVM Monday Riku Morgan (rtd) as a response to the recent creation of Development Commissions for the extant six geopolitical zones. This paper argues that the adoption of a six-zonal political structure in Nigeria, as recently partitioned by President Tinubu, could potentially address long-standing concerns about marginalization and governance inefficiencies. Nigeria’s current arrangement of 36 States and the FCT has not resolved ethnic, regional, and political tensions, leading to continuous agitation for the creation of more states. By shifting focus from States to economic development zones, the structure would allow for greater resource management, economic growth, and stability across the regions, and reduce the risk of domination by one ethnic group over another. Historically, the amalgamation of northern and southern Nigeria in 1914 brought together diverse ethnic groups, cultures, and interests. From the outset, there were concerns about dominance, whether by population, economic power, or political influence. The continuous creation of States was seen as a solution to these fears, giving ethnic nationalities and regions a sense of security and political representation. However, with 36 States and the FCT, the challenge has shifted to inefficient governance, excessive bureaucracy, and strained resources, while agitations for more States have persisted. SEE ALSO: Maximum government and minimum governance President Tinubu’s six-zonal structure presents an opportunity to address these issues by focusing on regional economic development and governance. Each zone would focus on harnessing its natural and human resources for its development, allowing for a more strategic allocation of resources. By moving to a zonal arrangement, the risk of marginalization would diminish because zones would have more autonomy, and governance would be more inclusive at a regional level, rather than being fragmented into multiple States with limited power. Under this structure, the current States would become provinces, and the senatorial districts would have quasi-autonomous powers, reporting to a zonal council at the zonal headquarters. This system of decentralization and regional empowerment would enhance security, as zones would have more resources and autonomy to establish independent Police systems, tailored to the specific security challenges in each zone. PLEASE READ: Why Nigerians should not pay tax The role of traditional institutions is also crucial in this zonal arrangement. In many Nigerian communities, traditional rulers are central to maintaining peace, resolving conflicts, and providing leadership at the grassroots level. Reinstituting these traditional institutions into the zonal security and governance architecture would create a more holistic and culturally resonant approach to governance. Furthermore, the zonal structure would promote healthy competition among the regions, leading to improved governance, accountability, and leadership. As zones work to attract investments, improve infrastructure, and enhance their economies, leaders would be pressured to perform better, reduce corruption, and deliver on their promises to the people. In this way, the six-zonal structure would contribute to the overall development of the country. READ ALSO: High cost of governance as an impediment to development The paper concludes that adopting the six-zonal political system is a viable solution to Nigeria’s challenges of marginalization, poor governance, and security. It is time for Nigeria to consider a system that emphasizes regional cooperation, economic development, and stronger governance frameworks that promote unity, inclusivity, and accountability. Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan (Rtd) is the former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Armed Forces of Nigeria
Maximum government and minimum governance
WHAT we have had since the return of democracy (rule by civilians really) in 1999 has been more government and less governance. Successive administrations have steadily expanded governmental institutions without a commensurate positive impacts on the lives of Nigerians. The number of ministries in the states and at the federal level has been on the rise. The same goes for the number of commissioners or ministers as the case may be. Government departments have also exploded so much so that many Nigerians have lost count and track. Their functions are also blurred. The story is worse as it concerns agencies. These creations are not informed by the desire to serve the majority of our people. The ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) mushroom as jobs for the boys. And drainpipes on the commonwealth. They are centres of mindboggling and unimaginable heists on our common patrimony. The situation is so bad that the government sometimes feigns embarrassment. Though in reality the government is not embarrassed. It’s only interested in selling dummies to the people. And successive administrations have elevated deceiving Nigerians to an art form. The ongoing charade can be gleaned from this running and recurring story of more than 10 years and counting. In 2011, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president, Goodluck Jonathan set up what was formally called the Presidential Committee on the Rationalisation and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies. The panel subsequently became known as as the Oronsaye Committee after the name of its chairman Stephen Oronsaye. Oronsaye was a federal permanent secretary, and his committee had representatives from various ministries, departments and agencies as members. The panel sat for about one year, and its primary mandate was to review the then existing (it has become worse now) structure and operations of federal government agencies, with a view to streamlining, rationalising, and restructuring them for greater efficiency and effectiveness. READ ALSO: High cost of governance as an impediment to development The committee submitted its recommendations in 2012 to the same regime that set it up. Beyond making pious statements, Jonathan did nothing concrete about the report. He was just one year into his own administration after serving out the remainder of the first term of his running mate, President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, who died in office in 2010. In essence Jonathan had a fresh mandate of Nigerian voters, he had no looming election, he set up the committee, and yet he had no balls to implement the recommendations of his own committee. Three years later, Jonathan sought reelection with a promise, among other promises, to implement recommendations made to him three years earlier. Of course, he was defeated. A man who could not explain his failure to effect changes he promised after three years could not be trusted to act differently if armed with a new mandate. The PDP was also swept away in the gale of sacking. In comes the All Progressives Congress (APC) regime of Nigeria’s affliction, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, in 2015. He was touted and promoted as Nigeria’s messiah. But he turned out to be a disaster. The jury is still out on who between Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current occupant of the presidential villa, will be the worst in the history of this country. Buhari vowed to implement the Oronsaye Committee recommendations. He did not. He failed spectacularly. By the way, he failed in almost all he attempted to do in the eight years of his presidency. However, Buhari succeeded only in achieving one thing – taking Nigeria backwards by one generation or 30 years. I did not make up this – read the determinations of many personages on Buhari’s performance, and the current lamentations of his party men who succeeded him. “One year, this month, a presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga wrote this on the micro blogging platform X: “Twelve years after the Steve Oronsaye panel submitted its report on restructuring and rationalising federal government parastatals and agencies and a white paper issued two years after, President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council today (February 2024) decided to implement the report. Many agencies will be scrapped and many others will be merged, to pave the way to a leaner government”. Key recommendations of the Oronsaye Committee which have remained on the shelf for 13 years included reduction of statutory agencies from 263 to 161, the abolition of 38 agencies, merger of 52, and reversion of 14 to departments within ministries; abolition of controversial agencies such as the federal character commission, fiscal responsibility commission, and the national poverty eradication programme; merger and restructuring of various agencies including the national agency for the control of aids (NACA) with the centre for disease control, and the national emergency agency (NEMA) with the national commission for refugee, migration, and internally displaced persons (NCFRMI); subsuming and relocating the service compact with all Nigerians (SERVICOM) to function under the bureau for public service reforms (BPSR), and the niger delta power holding company (NDHC) to be relocated to the ministry of power. It was estimated then that if the recommendations were implemented the federal government would be saved almost N1 trillion in operational expenses. The ultimate objective of the recommendations was to streamline government operations, eliminate redundancies, and improve service delivery. PLEASE READ: Why Nigerians should not pay tax The Report has seen the back of two administrations, those of Jonathan and Buhari, and midway into the first term of the third. One year, this month, a presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga wrote this on the micro blogging platform X: “Twelve years after the Steve Oronsaye panel submitted its report on restructuring and rationalising federal government parastatals and agencies and a white paper issued two years after, President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council today (February 2024) decided to implement the report. Many agencies will be scrapped and many others will be merged, to pave the way to a leaner government”. The Minister of Information and National Orientation also briefed the press on the issue. Mohammed Idris
Nigeria accepts invitation to join BRICS as a partner country
Nigeria’s economic growth and development aspirations have been boosted, following its acceptance on Saturday, the offer to become a BRICS partner country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, its Acting Spokesperson. The alliance would assist in bringing Nigeria’s goals for regional integration and inclusive growth into compliance with the best practices of strategic autonomy, the statement said. It was also emphasized that Nigeria’s dedication to promoting global cooperation, taking advantage of economic possibilities, and developing strategic alliances that support the country’s development goals was underscored by this official admission. “BRICS, as a collective of major emerging economies, presents a unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries,” the statement added. “Nigeria aims to use this partnership to advance shared goals in areas such as trade and investment, energy security, infrastructure development, technology, and climate change.” The statement also emphasized how the collaboration was in line with Nigeria’s strategic autonomous ethos and its national goals of inclusive growth, regional integration, and active involvement in creating a just and equitable global economic order. In line with national interests and strategic aims, the ministry stated its hope to work constructively with BRICS members to promote innovation and people-to-people interactions.
Global Collaboration Vital for Sustainable Growth – President Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed a global audience at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday. Speaking on the topic “From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future,” he emphasized the importance of international cooperation to tackle climate change and build a sustainable future. Tinubu stated that sustainability is not achievable by any one country alone and requires global unity, knowledge exchange, and shared efforts. He highlighted that addressing climate change presents an economic opportunity, which can reshape Africa’s future and the global energy landscape. PLEASE READE: Pay TV operators have right to fix prices – BON The Nigerian leader reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. He detailed Nigeria’s strategies focusing on energy transition, climate resilience, and sustainable development, while also ensuring they align with both local and global objectives. Nigeria aims to diversify its energy sources, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and invest in renewable energy as part of its national growth plan. Tinubu also discussed Nigeria’s efforts in promoting clean energy through initiatives like Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles, as well as using solid minerals for the green energy transition. The Nigerian government is also implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to improve food security and reduce environmental damage. Additionally, Nigeria’s National Clean Cooking Policy seeks to advance clean energy for health and socio-economic benefits. Recognizing the impact of environmental challenges such as deforestation and flooding, Tinubu called for international cooperation to address these issues and implement sustainable practices across sectors. PLEASE READ: Joseph Aoun elected Lebanon’s new president He urged global partners to support Africa’s green economy initiatives, noting that such projects require substantial investment and collaboration. Nigeria has already taken steps towards financing green projects, becoming the first African nation to fund these initiatives through Sovereign Green Bonds. The third issuance of these bonds is currently in progress. In conclusion, President Tinubu praised the UAE for hosting the event, which brought global leaders together to discuss solutions to the world’s pressing environmental challenges.
Africa has what it takes to develop itself – Tinubu
At the risk of almost contradicting his choice of policies and other actions since assuming office, President Tinubu has declared that Africa has what it takes to develop itself. The President who has visited most important capitals in the industrialised north since assuming office less than two years ago in search of elusive Foreign Direct Investment made the assertion via a post on his X account. As some wonder whether this post reflects a change of policy direction or mere grandstanding, President Bola Tinubu doubled down, urging African leaders to look inward to improve intra-African trade in the interest of the people and the continent. READ ALSO: Breaking: FG Issues Travel Alert to Citizens Traveling to UK The President made the post on Monday, adding that he had successful conversations with the Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, on the eve of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025). “We have the resources, the people and the capacity. We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration to benefit the African people and the continent. “The time for Africa is now. We can. We must. We will,” said Tinubu. The President departed Abuja on Jan. 11 to participate in the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, invited President Tinubu to attend the Summit, which will take place in the Emirate from Jan. 12 to 18. READ ALSO: MY VISIT TO THE BEAUTIFUL CTY OF KINSHASHA The Summit is expected to bring together global leaders to accelerate sustainable development and advance socioeconomic progress. The event titled, ‘The Nexus of Next; Supercharging Sustainable Progress,’ will enable policymakers, business, and civil society leaders to explore pathways to fast-track the transformation to a sustainable economy and evolve a new era of prosperity for all.
Nigeria Must Diversify to Avoid Economic Vulnerability, Says Speaker
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, warned that Nigeria’s continued dependence on oil threatens the country’s economic stability and exacerbates issues like poverty and unemployment. Speaking at the 14th convocation of Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Abbas called for a shift away from oil by tapping into the nation’s vast resources and human capital to drive economic diversification. Abbas stressed that with declining oil revenues and a global pivot to renewable energy, Nigeria must focus on sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, technology, and the creative industries to create jobs and foster long-term growth. READ ALSO: Kado Estate Residents Struggle With Water Shortage, Urge FCT Minister’s Help He pointed to countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and the UAE as examples of successful diversification through strategic policies and investments. He also emphasized the need for targeted reforms and investments in infrastructure, education, and technology, urging both government and private sector involvement to create a more resilient economy. Universities, Abbas added, should play a central role in research and fostering innovation to support this transformation, while encouraging youth to embrace opportunities in entrepreneurship and emerging sectors.
125,000 barrels/day Warri Refinery Resumes Operation
National energy company, the NNPCL says its long comatose Warri Refining and Petro-Chemical company has commenced production. NNPCL Group Managing Director, Mr. Mele kyari announced today in Warri, Delta State that the company’s 125,000 per day Warri Refinery commenced operation, though it currently operates at below installed capacity. Mr. Kyari who made the disclosure before conducting journalists and other guests on a tour of the refining complex said, “We are taking you through our plant. This plant is running. Although it is not 100 per cent complete, we are still in the process. READ ALSO: Policy Intensify Crack Down on Robbery and Kidnapping, Rescue 13 Victims Many people think these things are not real. They think real things are not possible in this country. We want you to see that this is real.” “I must congratulate our team for their determination and extreme belief that this company can restart this plant. “This has brought the result we are seeing in collaboration with our contractors. We have proved that it is possible to restart a plant that you deliberately shut down. We have proved this. “This plant has three stages. We have started stage one which is called Area 1, able to produce AGO (diesel), Kerosene, naphtha and others. These are brands of high-quality products required in the country. We will also be able to export them. This country will make money to meet the promises of Mr president that this country will be an exporter of petroleum products. PLEASE SEE: Carter Understands Power, He knows the Beauty Lies in Not Using It “I must put on record the development was as a result of the charge by Mr President that we must get all three refineries to work. It is already happening. We have successfully started the Port Harcourt 65, 000 barrels per day refinery. We have also started the area 1 of the Warri refinery. The other plants that will produce PMS will also come live. “Kaduna is also on stream. We are not going to give you a date but we will surprise you,” Mr. Kyari said, excitedly.
THE MIRAGE OF A FRENCH MILITARY BASE IN NIGERIA
“So, it will seem like it is President Tinubu’s visit to France that is rattling Tchiani and he is scared of the possibility of discussions about Niger by the two Presidents. Since President Tinubu’s visit to France, the media space has been filled with rumors of French troops on our soil. Aside the AP video of 2013 in Mali, there is no evidence whatsoever to this outrageous claim.” By Tahir Ibrahim Tahir Talban Bauchi 2027 has come so early with a groundswell of gimmicks and political manoeuvres that are being used to overheat the polity, and shape political opinion in favor of those angling to contest the 2027 elections. From the Samoa agreement fiasco, through to the tax reforms debates, we are now in the middle of a conversation about french invasion. A certain journalist who is notorious for spreading fake news and ending up presenting as a sick person in court when arraigned, was at his propaganda best, spreading the fake news of a french military presence in Nigeria. He was called out online by a security expert who pointed out to him that the soldiers in the said video were English, and that it was not the first time that the Nigerian military is collaborating with foreign personnel for training and similar programmes. He deleted his post after that. Now the Niger Head of state Abdourahamane Tchiani, President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, CNSP, has come forward with allegations that the French government has a military base in Nigeria, and is harbouring and supporting the operations of terrorist cells with the active participation of the Nigerian government. Our ‘sick in court’ journalist and his cohorts have latched onto this once more and are milking it on behalf of the 2027 hopefuls. Who is Abdourahamane Tchiani? He is the presidential guard commander that betrayed President Bazoum and forcefully removed him from power on the 26th of July, 2023. Since his ascension to power, Niger has not witnessed meaningful developments that have justified his military coup. His supposed romance with Russia has not yielded any dividends as Russia is embroiled in a war with Ukraine, and practically the whole of Europe (or those that matter) and the US as foes. Tchiani has come to the crossroads where he has to come clean with his people. He has zilch on his scorecard, topped with a battle with rebels that want to ease him out. He is lost for words and ‘lost for action’ and does not have anything promising for his people. He is obviously not the hero he posed to be. He also does not have the support of his neighbouring countries. The economic support that is most crucial to his supposed transition to civilian rule. A drowning man they say will clasp onto a straw. Tchiani is drowning and he is looking for straws to latch onto. He is in search of protagonists to his lost cause. The ECOWAS Commission, and the Nigerian Government have debunked his claims. The Information Minister and the National Security Adviser have also done so eloquently. The National Security Adviser has challenged him or anyone to provide proof of the claims of a french military base in Nigeria. Tchiani’s claims are quite porous anyway. His claims that the former Director of the National Intelligence Agency, Rufa’i Ahmed, is part of the operations linked to a terrorist group is a big lie to the high heavens. He probably thinks Rufa’i is still in charge. Meanwhile Rufa’i left the service in August of 2024. Tchiani is making his claims in December of 2024. Rufa’i is not in charge of the system anymore. Also, DailyTrust did us all a favor of fact-checking the video in circulation, which is being referred to as the evidence of French troops in Nigeria, and found out that the video was recorded in 2013 in Mali. The Nigerian troops seen were on a training mission under the auspices of the AU. This video was uploaded on Youtube in 2015. That is almost 10 years after. Nigerians are witnesses to the war on terrorism in Nigeria, including the war waged on the Lukarawa group, who have faced aerial bombardments from the Air Force. This is the group Tchiani is claiming that the Federal Government is using to fight him. Again, Tchiani’s claims do not hold up according to the border communities in Sokoto state who have also debunked Tchiani’s claims. He alleged that there is a forest called ‘Gaba’ where the french have their base in Sokoto. Those communities have denied the existence of any forest called Gaba in their areas. In fact the district head of Ilelah said that the Nigerien military officials come in from Niger to work with their vigilantes in maintaining peace and order in their communities. This was disclosed during a fact check by DailyTrust. There are no french troops in the border communities between Nigeria and Niger. ALSO READ: Benue State Shuts down Lawmaker’s Business Over Fee Disputes The US had asked Nigeria for permission to build a military base long ago and it was refused. The UK who are our colonial masters have not built a military base in Nigeria. Nigeria has a better diplomatic relationship with the UK and the US. How will Nigeria entertain a French military base in the country? To incubate and propagate terrorism? The UK would sit and watch such incursion? Mr. President was hosted officially in France recently and his visit was to woo French investors into the country. There were no defence or security pacts. President Tinubu and President Macron have a personal relationship that spans over 25 years, back to when President Macron was a junior officer in the French embassy in Lagos. So, it will seem like it is President Tinubu’s visit to France that is rattling Tchiani and he is scared of the possibility of discussions about Niger by the two Presidents. Since President Tinubu’s visit to France, the media
Bauchi Gov Challenges Tinubu To Rethink Tax Reform Bills
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed tax reforms, warning that they could worsen economic challenges, particularly in Northern Nigeria. Speaking during a meeting with the Christian community in Bauchi, the governor criticized the approach taken by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, calling for policies that align with the needs of the people. He argued that the reforms risk creating financial strain in the region, making it difficult to fund essential projects and pay salaries. READ ALSO: Tinubu is a Leader Not Listening He urged leaders to be more responsive to public feedback and cautioned against policies perceived as imposing hardship. “We are calling on the presidency and the Federal Government to change their style. Whenever a policy is not popular, they should listen to the people. They should not be arrogant and think that whatever they bring must be. This is not an oligarchy; this is not a military rule; they must listen to the people, and that is what makes a good leader. “And we pledge to be loyal to them, but anything they are doing contrary to that, they are calling for anarchy; they are calling for intransigence, and it is unacceptable. There is a lot of wahala; we must work together across party lines and across the tiers of government to provide succour and solace to the Nigerian people,” he said. Governor Mohammed also acknowledged the support of the Christian community in Bauchi for his administration, emphasizing the need for unity and fairness in governance across religious and political divides. He pledged continued efforts to address the needs of all residents, irrespective of their backgrounds.