NCC Boss, Maida Advocates Multi-Stakeholders’ Approach To Attract Investment In Rural Telecom

March 13, 2025

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has called for a Multi-Stakeholders’ approach to attract investment in rural telecommunications.
Speaking at the industry-focus stakeholders’ engagement session of the Universal Provision Fund (USPF) in Lagos today, March 13, Dr. Maida said that such multi stakeholders’ approach would be able to explore innovative financing models to the project.
He commended the pivotal stakeholder engagement event, organized under the auspices of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in collaboration with the ITU and supported by the UK FCDO.
“This engagement, themed: ‘Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure in the Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth; reflects our collective commitment to ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services for all Nigerians, especially those in unserved and underserved communities.”
Dr Maida acknowledged the crucial role USPF has been playing in collaboration, strategic partnerships and complementary efforts to achieve sustainable development.
He said that the evolving telecommunications landscape has necessitated innovative and collaborative approaches to ensure long-term viability in delivering connectivity to unserved and underserved populations.
“The Role of the USPF in Expanding Access The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through the USPF, has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at providing universal access and universal service.
“These efforts align with broader national and global goals, including bridging the digital divide, promoting universal access, fostering economic growth and social inclusion, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals “SDGs 4” (Quality Education) and (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
“Over time, the USPF has successfully implemented several projects under its access and connectivity programmes.
“Given the focus of this event, it is important to highlight key connectivity projects such as the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), Backbone Transmission and Infrastructure, amongst others.
“This engagement serves as a vital platform to discuss practical strategies to enhance the impact of these projects through strengthened partnerships.
“Without doubt, to achieve digital inclusion, government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecom trade groups must work closely together.
“It is for this reason that a multi-stakeholder approach is essential to explore innovative financing models to attract investment in rural telecommunications.
“Leverage emerging technologies and alternative power solutions for sustainable connectivity. “Promote policies that incentivize collaborative participation in connectivity projects.
“I want to use this platform today, to urge all stakeholders to take decisive steps toward strengthening partnerships. “Let us harness our collective expertise, resources, and innovative capabilities to build a resilient and sustainable telecommunication infrastructure that will empower millions of Nigerians.
“We must remember that collaboration remains the cornerstone of sustainable development in this sector.
“I must mention that our solutions must be tailored to address local challenges/needs and align with current realities.
“I am confident that the deliberations from this engagement will lead to actionable solutions that will drive progress, foster economic development, and ultimately transform lives through connectivity in the most remote corners of our nation.”

Nigeria Would Have Gone Bankrupt, Its Economy Collapsed If… – President Tinubu

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria would have gone bankrupt if he had not taken the measures he took when he assumed office in 2023.
Giving the rationale behind his administration’s economic reforms, he said that the primary motive was to protect the interests of future generations.
“For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West coast of our subregion with fuel. It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future.”
Tinubu spoke today, March 13, at the State House in Abuja when he received a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, during which he served as a Senator representing Lagos West.
The President highlighted the challenges faced at the beginning of his administration, especially economic and social issues, and expressed his gratitude for the delegation’s support in addressing these difficulties.
“We faced very challenging time. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse.”
President Tinubu said that the administration had been able to stem the tide and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their collective support in turning things around.
“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the Exchange rate is stabilising. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel.”
He said firm adherence to democratic tenets is the best route to economic, social, and political development.
“I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy. I thank you for keeping faith and remembering how we started. Some people missed the ball.
“Some leadership failed, but we kept the faith with our democratic beliefs and freedom and the right to aspire to the highest office in the land. I am benefitting from it.”
Senator Emmanuel Chiedoziem Nwaka, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed his delight at some of the programmes that the Tinubu administration had implemented, especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and at what the two organisations were offering Nigerians.
“I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it.
“And the next one is the CREDICORP. That’s a major way of fighting corruption. You see a young man, you come out of school, you want to buy a car, you have to put down cash, you want to buy a house, and you are not married, but with the CREDICORP, you can get things done. I’m following their activities; we are delighted.”
Other members of the delegation were Senator Bako Aufara Musa, Hon. Terwase Orbunde, Hon. Wasiu Logun, Hon. Amina Aliyu, High Chief Obi Anoliefo and Hon. Eze Nwauwa.

I Will Remain Committed Member Of APC, Ex President Buhari Vows

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2025

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he will remain a committed member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This is coming on the heels of the statement attributed to the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, that he got Buhari’s approval before dumping the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a statement today, March 13, by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari said he would not leave a party that helped him secure two terms as President.
He said that he has nothing but gratitude for the support that the party gave him before and during his tenure as president.
The statement reads: “Without referring to any individual, a cast of characters, or issues, principles and ideals currently being discussed by party leaders at various levels, the former president, Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated what he said times without number that he is member of the All Progressives Congress, APC and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party.
“He says he wants to leave no one in doubt that he would never turn his back to the party that gave him two terms of office and would do whatever he can to popularize it. “I am an APC member and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means.
“He went on to add that at present, he has nothing but gratitude for the support that the party gave him before and during his tenure as president, which he considers as the highest honor, and would never ask for anything more.
“He further stated that the pains taken by the founding fathers to establish a strong party to protect our constitution, and democracy as a system of government are worthy sacrifices that should be cherished and nurtured.”

24 Hours After El-Rufai Switched To SDP, Outspoken Retired Army Chief, Al-Mustapha, Follows

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2025

Hamza Al-Mustapha, outspoken retired army chief and aide to late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has formally joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
This came over 24 hours after the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) which he helped to form ahead of 2015 general elections to the SDP.
Hamza Al-Mustapha, accompanied by his team, arrived at the SDP headquarters in Abuja, where he was warmly received by party leaders and supporters.
He said that his move to the party signals his commitment to leadership based on justice, security, and progress.
The outspoken army officer-turned politician declared: “we intend to get the North back on track; we know we would hurt People.”
Hamza Al-Mustapha was the Chief Security Officer to former military ruler General Sani Abacha during his administration from 1993 to 1998.
He was known as one of Abacha’s closest associates during the military regime.

GOCOP Mourns As Amuchie Loses Both Parents, Okafor Loses Mum, Amongst Others

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2025

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has been thrown into mourning in the past three months as four of its members lost their loved ones.
While Max Amachie, publisher of Sundiata Post online newspaper lost his father and mother in quick succession, Okafor has just lost his mum. Earlier, Tunde Abatan, publisher of Newsdawn online newspaper lost his wife, Mrs. Desola Amoke Latifat Abatan, who died at the age of 58 after a brief illness.

Mrs. Abatan…
Max Amachie was just preparing to bury his father, High Chief Emmanuel Ikonne Amuchie, Ugo Eji Ejemba I of Uvuru, Mbaise in Imo, scheduled for April 29 and 30 when his mother, Lolo Angela Ihuoma Amuchie, died just a few days ago.

Mrs Bene…

Only today, March 13, Celestine Okafor, publisher/Editor-in-chief of Nigerian NewsLeader Newspaper, announced the death of his mother, Mrs Benedette Okafor, aged 75.
Mrs Bene Okafor, an educationist and retired school headmistress, hails from Ishi-Ozalla Autonomous Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu East Senatorial district, Enugu state, South East, Nigeria.

Godfrey….

The father of Nkechi Esezobor, Chief Onyemaobichukwu Godfrey Naeche died on January 13 this year.

Dotun…
This was even as the immediate past President of the Guild, Dotun Oladipo and his wife narrowly escaped death in gas explosion in Lagos yesterday, though their mechanic died in the explosion.
We in Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine, a pioneer member of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) send our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families, and congratulate our Emeritus President for surviving the gas explosion.

Natasha Was Suspended For Unruly Behaviour, Not On Sexual Harassment Allegation, Senate Writes To IPU In New York

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2025

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth-month suspension of Senator Natsaha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
These were contained in a letter to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) over the claims by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that she was suspended for accusing the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.
Senator Natasha, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the Senate, had earlier appeared the IPU in New York to lay complaint about her suspension from the senate over sexual Harassment and other forms of maltreatment.
In the letter reacting to Natasha’s complaint, the Senate explained that she was suspended for the violations of its rules and speaking abusive words to the leadership.
The letter was read at the IPU by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, who is presently at the event in her official capacity.
The letter, signed by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, stressed that the actions of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan represented a direct challenge to the authority of the Senate.
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth-month suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.
“Natasha was suspended over her repeated violations, legislative decorum, including refusing to seat in her assigned seat on the 25th of February, despite multiple pleas from the leadership and other ranking senators, and act of open defiance and disorderly conduct, speaking without being recognised by the Presiding officer in clear violations of parliamentary practices and procedures on the 25th February, 2025.
“Engaging in an unruly behaviour and disturbing the orderly conduct of Senate proceedings, making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate, ignoring the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate the cases of misbehaviour.”

Senator Natasha had submitted her position to the IPU, saying: “I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I’d like to apologise to Honorable Kathila Obara. I am not here to bring shame to our country. I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria.
“Again, my name is Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Five days ago, on the 6th of March, 2025, I was suspended. “As a senator, I was suspended illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“I thought that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us will submit ourselves to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition for a fair and transparent investigation. Unfortunately, I was silenced and I was suspended.
“I was suspended for six months, amongst many other stringent conditions, such as taking away my security and all the officials, vehicles, and other items handed over to me as a senator.
“My salaries would be cut off. I must not appear anywhere near the National Assembly. “And for six months, I’m not to introduce myself or present myself as a senator locally in Nigeria or internationally.
“That means I am here illegally. But I have no other place to go but to come here and speak to you women. Because this is a bigger picture.
“This is a bigger picture. It depicts the crisis of women’s political representation. My suspension is not just about me. It’s about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria. Women make up 3.6 percent of political office holders.
“And in the Senate, it’s just 2.8. We have 109 men, and only four of us are women. So right now, it’s 108 with only three women. This is a clear case of political victimisation, punishment for speaking out against security, corruption, and gender-based violence. The United Nations Declaration 48-104 declares sexual harassment as a form of gender violence.
“The Senate action is an assault on democracy. I was elected by my constituents to represent them, yet a few powerful men have unilaterally decided to silence their voices by suspending me for six months. My call for an open and transparent investigation into harassment allegations has been met with hostility instead of accountability.
“If a female senator can be treated this way in the full view of the world, imagine what partners in Nigeria will go through every day, in workplaces and in universities.”

3,688 Prisoners Are Currently Waiting For Execution In Nigeria, Prison Boss Reveals

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2025

The Acting Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Sylvester Nwakuche, has said that the number of prisoners waiting to be executed in Nigeria is now 3,688, a rise from 3,590 in September 2024.
He said that the increase represents a 2.73 percent or 98 prisoners within six months.
Speaking when the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, was screening him for the position of substantive Comptroller General, he explained the major challenges facing the correctional service in the country, including the fact that majority of inmates are currently awaiting trials.
“That is the major headache we are trying to address on a daily basis.
“State governors are part of our challenges. They refuse to execute inmates on the death row, neither do they commute their death sentence to life imprisonment.
“If they commute death sentences to life imprisonment, it is easier for us to distribute them to rural correctional facilities, which are not as congested as those in urban correctional facilities.
“This is because the issue of congestion is a major urban phenomenon.
“Our correctional facilities in urban centres are more congested than those in rural areas.
“If we commute them to life sentencing, we will be able to distribute them equitably.”
The acting comptroller-general pledged to collaborate with other security agencies more strategically to ensure that the issues of awaiting trials are permanently resolved so that the prison can be decongested.
Nwakuche emphasised the need for collaboration and synergy, specifically with the Nigeria Police, EFCC, DSS and ICPC, among others to decisively address the challenge of awaiting trials in all the correctional facilities nationwide.
“This is very important for any establishment to forge ahead.
“An establishment like correctional centres cannot do anything without collaboration.
“We are the one at the recipient of the products of all the prosecuting agencies.”
According to Nwakuche, the Nigeria Police, EFCC, DSS, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and ICPC “will bring all these products to our doorpost.
“They are expected to turn around and push them into the society and be law-abiding citizens.
“If we must meet this expectation, we need to collaborate more meaningfully.”
He lamented that the dispensation of justice system “is very slow.
“When I met with the Inspector-General of Police, I said some of your inmates are in our facilities.
“They have stayed up to five or six years.
“Some of them are not needed to be in our facilities any longer.
“If they have been sentenced, some of them will not spend up to two to three years in prisons.
“But they have stayed in our facilities for six years.
“For me, such persons should be discharged and acquitted.
“That is one area we must collaborate to decongest our facilities.
“I also met the Director-General of the DSS on the need for collaboration.
“I met the Attorney-General of the Federation for the same reason.
“Some of the inmates are waiting for the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution.
“If we do not reach out to these agencies, our people will continue to be in prisons unnecessarily.”
In his remarks, Chairman, Senator Oshiomhole said that the committee would submit its report based on the performance of the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Nwakuche was accompanied to the screening at National Assembly by his Principal Staff Officer, Godwin Okosun; Deputy Controller of Corrections of NCoS, Babatunde Ogundare and Assistant Controller General of NCoS, Ahmed Adagiri, among others.

Ex President Buhari Endorsed My Exit From APC, El-Rufai Confirms

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2025

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai has confirmed that former President Muhammadu Buhari endorsed his decision to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In an interview with BBC Hausa service, el-Rufai said: “I met with him (Buhari) on Friday and informed him of my plans to leave the party. I sought his blessings and prayers and told him about the new party I intended to join. He gave me his full support and wished me well.”
The former two-term Kaduna state governor dismissed insinuation in some quarters that his defection from APC was driven by bitterness because he was not appointed a minister in the Bola Tinubu’s government.
He stressed that he did not lobby for a position in Tinubu’s cabinet and could not have been bitter for not getting any.
“Tinubu publicly appealed to me in Kaduna to work with him. Even then, I didn’t immediately accept.
“We later had a private discussion where he explained that resolving Nigeria’s persistent power supply issues was a key priority for his administration.”
El-Rufai said that he agreed to support Tinubu based on the president’s commitment to tackling the power sector crisis.
“I believed he was serious about addressing this challenge. That’s why I agreed to consider working with him.”
He expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s leadership, saying however that he had no regrets backing him in the 2023 presidential election.
“I’m not bitter, but I’m disappointed,” Peoples Gazette quoted him as saying in Hausa language.

President Tinubu Hosts Akpabio, Others At Aso Rock

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2025

President Bola Tinubu, along with Vice President Kassim Shettima, hosted Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and other senate leaders to the breaking of Fast (Iftar) last night, March 12.

Lagos Emerges As Africa’s Second Largest City Economy With Its GDP Hitting $259 Billion – Report

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2025

Lagos State has been adjudged as Africa’s second largest city economy with its Gross Domestic Product hitting $259 billion based on Purchasing Power Parity.
According to a report presented at the official launch of the Lagos State Economic Development Update (LEDU) 2025, the state ranks as Africa’s second-largest city economy by PPP, behind Cairo, the capital city of Egypt.
The report showed that the state’s Gross Domestic Product stood at $259.75 billion in 2023.
It is noted that the Lagos economy recorded significant growth in the first half of 2024, expanding to N27.38 trillion, a substantial increase from N19.65 trillion in 2023.
This development highlights the resilience of Nigeria’s commercial capital amid economic reforms and ongoing infrastructure investments.
Despite this growth, the tax-to-GDP ratio remains low at 2.3%, reflecting the need for enhanced revenue mobilisation efforts.
Meanwhile, the State Government has set ambitious projections for the 2025 fiscal year, with expectations for further economic expansion and stability.
The state’s GDP is projected to grow from N54.77 trillion in 2024 to N66.47 trillion in 2025. Real GDP growth is expected to range between 5.02 percent and 6.49 percent.
The service sector will continue its expansion, complemented by improvements in agriculture and industrial production. Economic stability is expected to be aided by a decline in PMS (petrol) prices and a stable naira/dollar exchange rate.
Headline inflation is projected to be 34.2 percent, with food inflation slightly higher at 34.9 percent.
The State Government anticipates generating N2.79 trillion in revenue for 2025, emphasising the need for increased fiscal discipline and diversification of revenue sources.
Lagos remains a key destination for investors looking to tap into Nigeria’s vibrant economic landscape.
The state’s continued economic expansion, coupled with strategic policy interventions, presents opportunities in infrastructure development, technology, real estate, and manufacturing.
However, observers note that while Lagos enjoys a large economy, challenges such as high inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and infrastructure deficits must be addressed to sustain long-term growth.
The National Bureau of Statistics is set to rebase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year, using 2019 as the new base year instead of 2010.
The base year for GDP calculations is being updated from 2010, which has been in use for the past 15 years, to 2019.
The rebasing process includes extensive updates in the scope of economic activitiesu captured, with particular focus on the following:
Digital Economic Activities: Inclusion of e-commerce, fintech, and other online services.
Emerging Sectors: Data from modular refineries, pension fund administrators, and quarrying industries.
Source: The Eagle online.

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