Africa Must Evolve New Military Strategy With Change In Mindset, Strategy, Tactics – Tinubu

July 21, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised Africa to evolve a new military strategy with a change in mindset, in strategy, in tactics in equipment and in gear.

“We must also be brave enough to reform military doctrine and practice. We do not face a conventional army on the traditional field of battle. No, we contend against mobile, elusive irregular forces that disdain the normal rules of warfare.

”We must adjust accordingly to subdue the menace. This shall require a change in mindset, in strategy, in tactics in equipment and in gear.”

These were the charges given to African leaders by the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna State today, July 21.

He emphasized the need for Nigeria and the neighbouring countries in the Lake Chad region to display courage in reforming their military doctrine and practices.

He said that the change in tactics has become necessary because the countries in the region are battling a “mobile and elusive irregular force” that disregards established rules of warfare.

The President pointed out that the adversaries facing countries in the sub-region are not conventional armies engaging in traditional battlefield warfare.

The Nigerian leader, who encouraged African countries to work together against common threats, acknowledged the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic, and Chad to bring peace to the Lake Chad region.

He reinforced his message that the collaboration should serve as a commendable example to be emulated and improved on wherever necessary.

The President also used the occasion to spell out his National Security Objective, saying it would focus on ensuring security, justice, and democratic prosperity through state power.

While acknowledging the commitment of the immediate-past government in enhancing the combat readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the President pledged to “pick up the pace,” by providing the necessary support to the military.

”As Commander-in-Chief, I have given myself the following charge: to deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure security of our people and property in a just and democratic society.

”Under my predecessor, the Armed Forces worked tirelessly toward necessary reforms to enhance combat effectiveness and operational capability. We must now pick up the pace.”

President Tinubu described the role of the armed forces in combatting Africa’s greatest challenge of violence and exploitation as crucial, urging them to defend the continent from geopolitical changes and resource competition.

”We live in a moment of flux. Geopolitical change is afoot. Old alliances and assumptions are being tested as new ones are being shaped. Trade and global economic activity are fast, yet fragile and easily disrupted by war, weather or pandemic.

”Underlying it all is the often unspoken but urgent competition for precious resources. Water, food, gold, oil and other items have all been placed in contest.

”In too many instances, the contest turns violent. Areas that should blossom into economic prosperity and hope become factories of pillage and oppression.

”In Africa, this condition is perhaps our greatest challenge and harshest injustice.

”Your role combating this grave evil is crucial. For we call on you to defend not only our land and resources but our people and their democratic existence.

”Your training was sculpted to fit the imperatives of our times,” the President told the 291 graduating officers.

Commending the graduates from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as students from Asia and sister Africa nations, the President underscored the importance of the College and its contributions to professionalism and defense of national interests.

Addressing the graduating students from Asia and Africa, the President said their presence in Nigeria is a testimony that national security is not solely achieved through muscle and might, but also in building friendships and alliances based on cooperation, justice, good governance and mutual respect.

”Notwithstanding the demands of your training, I hope you have enjoyed our customary Nigerian friendliness as well because Nigeria is one of the most hospitable countries you can find. We have opened our arms like friends and brothers to you.

”To the graduating students from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, you have warranted the confidence of your respective organizations.

”The knowledge gained here will prove invaluable in our mission to harmonize all aspects of government policy and programs toward the twin goals of national security and national prosperity.”

The President also commended the College’s efforts in curricula improvement and facility upgrade, encouraging the graduates to stand brave and unwavering in their constitutional responsibilities as defenders of the nation.

”I leave you with a charge much like the one I gave myself. Your nation has invested much in your training.

”Much faith has been placed upon your broad shoulders. Our collective safety rests in your hands.

”Your graduation today is a call to greater duty for the nation you love. May you stand brave and unwavering in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities and may you always do honour to the sterling name of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.”

At the ceremony, many of the participants who distinguished themselves were awarded various prizes. Squadron Leader S.S Yikawe got both the Chief of Defence Staff Award (Department of Joint Studies) and Chief of Air Staff Award (Department of Air Warfare) prize. Major A.A Bako was awarded for Chief of Army Staff Award (Department of Land Warfare) while Surg Lt Cdr. K.O Nwagwu got the prize for Chief of Naval Staff Award (Department of Maritime Warfare).

Dr. K.O Adams got the prize for the Commandant’s Award for Best Non-military Student. Major PJ Nartey from Ghana won the Commandant’s Award for Best International Student.

Present at the colourful occasion were Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, all the Service Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Oyo Govt Shut Down 5 Hospitals, Allegedly Managed By Quack Doctors

Editorial staff

July 21, 2023

The Oyo State Government has shut down five private hospitals in Ibadan, as part of measures towards protecting the health and well-being of residents.

A statement today, yesterday 20, by the Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Rotimi Babalola, said that the hospitals were shut down for employing unqualified and unlicensed doctors, commonly referred to as quack doctors.

Speaking during an inspection recently at Olodo and Moniya axis of Ibadan, the Director for Secondary health care and training, Dr. Wale Falana had said that the action became necessary after an extensive monitoring and evaluation of hospital facilities was carried out in the state.

“The inspection revealed alarming evidence of malpractice, misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatments being administered to unsuspected patients.”

According to him, the five health care facilities sealed were found to be lacking in terms of equipment, personnel, and compliance with standard medical regulations.’

“Also, some hospitals were staffed with unqualified personnel who were practicing medicine without the required qualifications and license.’

Dr. Falana expressed deep concern and warned hospitals not to compromise on the quality of healthcare offered to patients, even as he said that the facilities will remain closed until they meet the requirements and standards set by the regulatory bodies.

“This administration underscores its commitment to ensuring that health care services in the Oyo State adhere to the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

“The government of the day, distinguished health as one of the cardinal programmes, consequently, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde takes the health of the people as essential, which is the reason behind the omititun free health mission held quarterly throughout the state.

“We will not tolerate any compromise in medical standards that could put lives at risk. Our action in closing these hospitals demonstrates our commitment to maintaining quality healthcare delivery within our state.”

Dr. Falana advised citizens to be more cautious when seeking medical attention and reminded them to verify the qualifications and licenses of healthcare providers they visit for treatment.

He asked the citizens to report any suspected cases of quack doctors or substandard medical practices to the Ministry of Health.

“This will enable the government to take swift action and ensure that the healthcare system in Oyo State remains trustworthy, reliable, and patient-centric.”

Benue Govt Uncovers 2,500 Ghost Workers On Teachers, LGs Payroll

Editorial staff

July 21, 2023

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has said that 2,500 ghost workers have been uncovered in the first phase of staff verification and payroll audit for teachers and Local Government staff members in the state.

A statement yesterday, July 20, by Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Tersoo Kula in Makurdi, said: “in the first phase of staff verification and payroll audit for Primary and Secondary School Teachers as well as Local Governments workers, 2,500 ghost workers were uncovered.

”The payroll has since been cleaned and names of the ghost workers have been remove.

”The government also uncovered phantom schools, double dipping, unlawful employment, salary padding, payment to dead or retired individuals and unlawful replacements.”

The governor expressed regrets over the delay in payment of salaries of teachers in primary and secondary schools, as well as the Local Government staff.

The governor said that the decision for the delay in the payment of salaries was taken after the government discovered mindless padding of the wage bill and other fraudulent manipulations on their payroll.

He assured workers who have been screened that they will receive their salaries before the end of the week.

”We are not only getting rid of ghosts workers and removing the padding associated with payroll fraud. We are putting in measures to ensure the system is protected going forward.”

Source: NAN.

Subsidy Removal: NEC Supports Cost-Of-Living Allowance For Civil Servants

Editorial staff

July 20, 2023

The National Economic Council (NEC) has thrown its weight behind the planned distribution of grains and fertilizer to Nigerians by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria to mitigate the impact of the removal of petrol subsidy on citizens.

The decision was part of resolutions reached today, July 20, at the 4th meeting of the Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential villa, Abuja.

The decision was taken after a presentation by the NEC Adhoc Committee on cushioning the effect of petrol subsidy removal was made by Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.

Speaking after deliberations on the presentation, Senator Shettima read the resolutions of the Council,

He said: “we will also pursue vigorously, the mass deployment of CNG-powered vehicles and establishment of autogas conversion plants/kits in all States in the short-term and deployment of electric buses and cars with charging infrastructure across the country.”

The meeting also resolved to support enhanced engagements between State Governors and the leadership of the labour unions across the States, and proposed the provision of the cost-of-living allowances to be paid to civil servants in both the State and Federal Civil Services.

The Council agreed to support federal Government’s efforts to scale up infrastructure especially to give attention to fixing dilapidated highway roads across the country.

Other highlights of the 134th NEC meeting are as follows:

UPDATES:

I. OUTSTANDING BALANCES AS AT END OF JUNE

Excess Crude Account

– $473,754.57

Stabilisation Account

– ₦27,524,857,142.27

Development of Natural Resources Fund – ₦98,421,834,602.86

Monthly Statutory, Exchange Gain, Non-Oil Revenues Etc.

Balance as at Jan to June, 2023 – ₦104,978,145,865.8

Solid Mineral Development Fund (SMDF)

Balance As At Jan To Jun, 2023 – ₦835,511,263.00

II. UPDATE ON STATES’ BUDGET SUPPORT FACILITY AS AT 30TH JUNE, 2023 FAAC MEETING

OUTSTANDING LIABILITY: – ₦1,718,705,566,436.25

PRESENTATION BY FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE BY CHAIRMAN, MUHAMMAD NAMI*

The presentation on revenue outlook by the FIRS was made by the Chairman, Mr Muhammad Nami. It focused on major revenue reforms implemented between 2020 and 2023. Four key areas highlighted include:

· restructuring tax operations and administration

· automation of tax administration and operational processes

· creating a customer-focused service

· creating a data-centric institution.

Short-Term plans by FIRS

· further automation tax administration in FIRS

· bring the informal sector into the tax net through partnership

· intensify data streaming from industry regulators, MDAs, industry operators and treaty partners to improve compliance

FIRS 2023 revenue projection for the second half of the year was put at N7.5 trillion and 2024 revenue projection at N25 trillion.Council resolutions:

Council commended the FIRS for its initiatives and reforms to boost revenue generation in the country, especially the projection of N25 trillion for year 2024.

Council encouraged States to utilize the peer review mechanism in the Nigerian Governors Forum and improve partnership with the Federal Inland Revenue Service to increase their internally generated revenue.

*PRESENTATION ON FLOOD READINESS AND RESPONSE, INCLUDING COORDINATION MECHANISMS ACROSS STATES BY DG NEMA, MUSTAPHA AHMED*

The presentation on flood readiness and response, including coordination mechanisms across states preliminary assessment report was made by the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Ahmed.

In the presentation the DG highlighted the plight of victims of the unfortunate flood disaster across affected States of the Federation could be alleviated if the much-needed intervention from the Federal Government materialized without further delay.

HIGHLIGHTED STRATEGIES

PREPAREDNESS AND EARLY WARNING MEASURES

NEMA in collaboration with Bournemouth University Disaster Management Centre, organized an Executive Disaster Management Course between 23rd-27th January, 2023 to enhance capacity of disaster responders. This enabled the production of disaster early warning alerts that are disseminated to communities at risk nationwide.

FLOOD DISASTER EARLY WARNING COMMUNICATION

Request to equip State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to efficiently and effectively respond to emergencies within the State;

Carry out public sensitization of the public on 2023 Climate – Related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies.

FLOOD DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Organize State humanitarian coordination meetings to prepare for activation of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) to coordinate search and recue and relief distribution.

Ensure evacuation of refuse, weeds, water hyacinths and floats from water channels and on all avenues for river run-offs to allow free flow of excess waters.

MITIGATION EFFORTS

• Carrying out Media Public Enlightenment Campaign (i.e. Radio & TV jingles), targeting vulnerable communities (on-going);

• Advocacy visits to Federal MDAs, DRUs & other relevant disaster management partners. (on-going);

• Collaborating with National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to acquire satellite imageries of inaccessible areas in the event of floods.

THE WAY FORWARD

Disaster management is multi-task, multi-discipline and multi-jurisdictional. Disaster management, is everyone’s business.

To meet our aspiration for effective disaster risk management, NEMA requires the full support and collaboration of all tiers of government, the private sector and general public.

All disasters are local; disaster hits a particular community, in a particular LGA, in a particular state. The first lifesaving responders are always from the local community before external support arrives.

Disasters cut across political and administrative boundaries as proven by annually recurring floods and the recent pandemics, COVID-19, Ebola etc.

Council resolution:

Council resolved that relief materials be distributed to flood and disaster victims across the country by NEMA.

PRESENTATION ON STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED ON FOOD AND AGRICULTURE BY PERMANENT SECRETARY, FMARD, DR ENERST UMAKHIHE*

The proposed strategies for achieving food and nutrition security include:

Support smallholder farmers with agricultural equipment, other farm inputs such as seeds & seedlings, agro-chemicals and growth enhancers among others, and build their capacity on good agronomic practices.

Training and capacity building agents, strengthen agricultural extension services.

Improve pasture development by building farm settlements for pastoralists and generally ensuring breed improvement in livestock sub-sector.

Promote out-grower scheme for cropping maize and soyabean for livestock production.

Construction of rural roads, boreholes, mini-water treatment plants, among other facilities geared towards improving the entire livestock value chain.

The way forward in addressing food insecurity is as follows:

Fast-track the operationalization of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing zones in each of the six geo-political zones and revitalize moribund agricultural industries to promote production and productivity for food and nutrition security.

Establishment of more mini earth dams and run-off water harvesting structures to promote all year-round farming.

Strengthen agriculture research institutes and colleges for increased research output and agricultural productivity in the country.

Bridge fertilizer raw material gap by fast tracking the local exploration of Di-Ammonium Phosphate and muriate of potash in line with National Food Security Council to the Solid Mineral Development Fund.

Council noted the various agricultural interventions made to boost food production across the country.

Federal, State Govts Move To Reduce Cost Of Governance

Editorial staff

July 20, 2023

Federal and State Government have made move to reduce the cost of governance.

Responding to questions at a news briefing shortly after the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the Presidential villa, Abuja, today, July 20, the Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo said however that discussions on it would continue.

“I think it’s an omnibus concept, and it’s not something you sit down in a meeting to legislate for each and every state.

“But the fact that the council recognizes that this is an issue that each tier of government should now focus on as an area of concern. That we must look at the cost of running the state.

“The way we even live, some gave an example of a state governor going with 20 something vehicles in a convoy and all these have to be fueled, and so on and so forth.

“And the fact that we’re even amongst ourselves almost like in a peer review, kind of setting to talk to ourselves is a good development.

“We would need to be sensitive to the times; we need to live within the average of the people that we’re governing, so on and so forth. We need to knockoff the waste and the irrelevances so to speak.

“I will like to give you a simple example and I’m going to legislate it for everybody (Governor) to go and look into his mind.

“When I assumed office, for example, it was costing about N137 million every month to clean up public offices, and so on. Today, in Anambra, we’re doing N11 million a month, from N137 million on a monthly basis. This is just an illustration.

“And it’s a thing that we are persuading each and every one of us to look into. “Check into our books and look ourselves in the mirror and move with the times.

“It’s not that the council sat and begin to prescribe. We didn’t get to that but each person will do that.”

Federal Inland Revenue Generates N5.5 Trillion In 6 Months

Editorial staff

July 20, 2023

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced a total tax revenue collection of N5.5 trillion for the half-year period of January to June 2023. This is the highest tax revenue collection ever recorded by the Service in any first six months of a fiscal year.

The Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Muhammad Nami, made this known today, July 20, while presenting the 2023-2024 tax revenue outlook to the National Economic Council at its meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to a statement by Johannes Oluwatobi Wojuola, Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman on Media and Communications, the presentation showed that the FIRS achieved over one hundred percent of its target for the first-half of the year when compared with a mid-year target of N5.3 trillion.

The report said that tax revenue collected from the oil sector from January to June 2023, stood at N2.03 trillion, as against a target of N2.3 trillion; while non-oil tax collection stood at N3.76 trillion, as against a target of N2.98 trillion.

Nami said that the Service collected a total of N1.65 trillion tax revenues in June 2023. This sum is the highest tax revenue collected by the Service in any single month.

Speaking on what he described as “a good head start, despite stubborn headwinds,” Muhammad Nami attributed the excellent performance to improved voluntary tax compliance enabled by the automation of FIRS’ tax administrative processes.

“This is a good head start as we work towards meeting our target for the year. And it was achieved despite stubborn headwinds such as the impact of the currency redesign and 2023 General Elections on the economy in the first and second quarters of 2023.

“This half-year performance was achieved as a result of improved voluntary tax compliance by taxpayers, the continued improvement of automation of our tax administration processes, including the updated VAT filing processes; as well as our dogged engagement with stakeholders in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.”

On the outlook for the remainder half of the year, the FIRS Executive Chairman gave assurances that the country should expect “better days ahead” in terms of tax revenue collection.

“We believe that the performance in the second half of the year would be better considering the continuing improvement to our tax administration processes and positive impact of current government’s policies on the economy.”

Recall that the Service achieved a total collection of N10.1 trillion in the year 2022, being the highest tax collection ever made by the FIRS in a single year.

Tinubu Approves Establishment Of Infrastructure Support Fund In States

Editorial staff

July 20, 2023

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of Infrastructure Support Fund (ISF) for the 36 States of the Federation as part of measures to cushion the effects of the petrol subsidy removal on the people.

The approval was disclosed at the monthly meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), today July 20, in Abuja.

The new Infrastructure Fund will enable the States to intervene and invest in the critical areas of Transportation, including farm to market road improvements; Agriculture, encompassing livestock and ranching solutions; Health, with a focus on basic healthcare; Education, especially basic education; Power and Water Resources, that will improve economic competitiveness, create jobs and deliver economic prosperity for Nigerians.

The Committee also resolved to save a portion of the monthly distributable proceeds to minimize the impact of the increased revenues-occasioned by the subsidy removal and exchange rate unification-on money supply, as well as inflation and the exchange rate.

Out of the June 2023 distributable revenue of 1.9 trillion Naira, only N907 billion will be distributed among the three tiers of government, while N790 billion will be saved, and the rest will be used for statutory deductions.

These savings will complement the efforts of the Infrastructure Support Fund (ISF) and other existing and planned fiscal measures, all aimed at ensuring that the subsidy removal translates into tangible improvements in the lives and living standards of Nigerians.

The Committee commends President Tinubu for the bold decision to remove the petrol subsidy, and even more importantly, for providing necessary support to the States to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on Nigerians.

Bayelsa Gov Releases 106 Vehicles To Cushion Effect Of Fuel Subsidy Removal

Greenbarge Reporters

July 20, 2023

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has released 106 vehicles in a bid to alleviate the suffering of commuters in the state following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.
Diri inaugurated 100 cabs and six luxury buses at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall premises yesterday, July 19, saying that it is the initiative of his government.
In a statement by his chief press secretary Daniel Alabrah, the governor acknowledged the hardship on Bayelsans due to the removal of the subsidy on petrol.
He said that the restriction on commercial tricycles at night is still in force and that taxis and buses are an effective replacement.
Diri, who said that his government has completed and inaugurated the Bayelsa State Transport Terminal started by his predecessor, said that the launch of the transport scheme will make the terminal functional.
“This is another historic day as we launch this fleet of transport vehicles to alleviate the suffering of our people.
“For those who have been crying over the ban on commercial tricycles at night, this is an effective replacement. The ban is however still in force.
“Now, we have taxis that will run within the city of Yenagoa and environs to the Niger Delta University at Amassoma, to the airport and the Federal University, Otuoke and other towns.
“I appreciate all Bayelsans for their patience. You know that your government has your welfare at heart.”
The governor called on youths in the state to take full advantage of the initiative to empower themselves just as he projected that over 100 youths would be engaged as drivers in the intra-state and intra-city transport scheme.
While handing over the keys of the vehicles to the general manager of the Bayelsa State Transport Company (BSTC) Timi Fanama, the governor said that the new arrangement will be different from previous government’s transport initiatives in the state and urged the management to make good use of the vehicles to enhance the transport system.
Fanama called on the youths to avail themselves of the scheme and see driving as a career.

President Tinubu To Nigerians: Be Patient, I See Light At End Of The Tunnel

Greenbarge Reporters

July 20, 2023

“As we persevere and struggle to confront our present challenges and the temporary pain we experience, I enjoin you to remain hopeful that there is light and prosperity at the end of the tunnel.
“My team and I are leaving no stone unturned in our bid to deliver on the promises we made, in spite of the present difficulties.”
This is the message President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent to Nigerians as Muslims across the world celebrate the Islamic New Year in Hijri calendar 1445.
The President appealed to the citizens to imbibe the important values of patience, perseverance and faithfulness, “which were at the roots of the decision by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to migrate from Mecca to Madina, 1445 years ago.”
He called for earnest prayers and supplications to God Almighty to direct and protect our path to greatness and prosperity in Nigeria.
I prayed that the new Hijri Year would usher in a more peaceful and prosperous period in our lives.

CBN Throws 2,698 Bureaux de Change Out Of Business, Revokes Their Licences

Editorial staff

July 19, 2023

File photo of Some Bureau De Change Operators in Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has thrown 2,698 Bureau de Change (BDCS) out of business, while retaining 2,991 others.

The CBN published a list of approved BDCS today, July 19, in a document titled: ‘Approved BDCs.’ The document revealed that the licenses of the 2,698 BDCs have been revoked.

A similar list was published by the apex bank last year, which approved 5,689 black market dealers.

BDCs play a significant role in determining the exchange rate in Nigeria.

The number of operators has experienced substantial growth, increasing from 74 in 2005 to 5,689 in 2021.

Suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, later prohibited the sale of foreign exchange to BDCs due to concerns of round tripping and involvement in illicit financial activities.

Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, recommendations were made to implement key reforms such as increasing the capitalisation requirements for BDC operators and allowing Nigerian banks to act as primary dealers in the forex market.

Since the floating of the naira by the CBN in June, the currency has depreciated, with the exchange rate reaching N795.28 at the Investors’ and Exporters’ FX Window.

At the parallel market, the naira closed at N820 per dollar, N1,095 per British pound, and N905 per Euro.

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