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SERAP Seeks Details of N400bn Saved from Subsidy Removal

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fuel subsidy

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to publish details of the N400 billion his administration claimed it saved from subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol.

SERAP, in the letter dated July 1, 2023, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, urged him to “provide details of the plans on how subsequent savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, including specific projects on which the funds would be spent, and the mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that any such savings are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”

According to reports, the federal government has saved N400 billion within the four weeks following the implementation of the policy on the removal of payment of subsidy on petrol.

The organisation said: “Your government has a legal responsibility to ensure that the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol are spent solely for the benefit of the 137 million poor Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the removal.”

SERAP said, “Prevention of corruption in the spending of savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol and preventing and addressing the challenges caused by the removal are serious and legitimate public interests.”

According to the rights group, “Nigerians have the right to know how the savings are spent. Publishing the details of the spending of the savings would promote transparency, accountability, and reduce the risks of corruption in the spending of the funds.”

It stated that if the details are not made public as demanded, “the savings from subsidy removal may be embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”

“Opacity in the spending of the savings from subsidy removal would have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

“Unless the government is transparent and accountable to Nigerians in how it spends the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, the removal will continue to undermine the rights of Nigerians and increase their vulnerability to poverty and social deprivation.

“Transparency would ensure that the funds saved from the removal of subsidy are not diverted into private pockets and increase public trust and confidence that these savings would be used to benefit Nigerians.

“The implementation of the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) and spending on the programme have been mostly shrouded in secrecy.

“Publishing the details of the spending of the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy would also ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties, including the management of the funds.

“Transparency and accountability in the spending details of the N400 billion saved as a result of the removal of subsidy on petrol, and on the spending of subsequent savings from the removal would mean that the savings can help poor Nigerians to overcome the effects of such removal.

“It would also help to avoid a morally repugnant result of double jeopardy on poor and socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians.

The lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol and the resulting human costs would directly threaten fundamental human rights that your government has an obligation to protect.

“Your government has the legal obligations to address the effects of subsidy removal on the human rights of 137 million poor Nigerians and to prevent and address some of the direst consequences that the removal may reap on human rights, especially given the disproportionate impact on these Nigerians.

“SERAP also urges you to promptly instruct Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the spending of all savings from subsidy removal.

“SERAP notes that the removal of subsidy on petrol continues to negatively and disproportionately affect poor Nigerians, undermining their right to an adequate standard of living.

“Your government has a positive obligation to protect individuals against the threat posed to human rights by the removal of subsidy on petrol. Your government also has legal obligations to effectively address the aftermath of subsidy removal.

“SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of public funds and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined public trust and confidence in governments at all levels.

“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol would be spent.

“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act 2011, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, there are transparency obligations imposed on your government to widely publish the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol are spent.

“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.

“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power” in the country.

“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’

“Section 16(2) further provides that ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’

“Similarly, articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on your government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs,” it said.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Nigeria Suffers First National Grid Collapse of 2025

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national grid

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Residents of Nigeria experienced a power outage on Saturday, January 11, 2025, after the national grid collapsed.

It was the first that occurred this year and it happened at about 3 pm today, according to information gathered by Business Post.

Last year, the nation recorded about 12 grid collapse that almost embarrassed the government, which later set up a team to look into the causes of the frequent collapse of the grid.

It was later that today’s incident occurred after power generation went down from 2,111.01 megawatts at 2:00 pm to about 390.20 megawatts by 4:55 pm.

This development caused a cut in power supply in most parts of the country, but the situation has been brought under control, with electricity restored in most affected areas.

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Tinubu Seeks Increase to $2bn Naira-Yuan Currency Swap Deal

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trade relations between Nigeria and China

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged the Chinese government to increase the $2 billion currency swap between Nigeria and the Asian nation to enhance trade between the two countries.

He also called for an upward review of the $50 billion aid package for Africa, which China’s President Xi Jinping announced last year.

Recall that China and Nigeria recently renewed their currency swap agreement, valued at 15 billion Yuan (approximately $2 billion), to enhance trade and investment.

According to a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President made this appeal and more while receiving the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Mr Wang Yi, at the State House Abuja on Thursday.

The President said increasing the level of currency swaps will speed up the infrastructural development in Nigeria and deepen the strategic bilateral relations.

“We still demand more in the area of currency swap. The level you have approved as a government for Nigeria is inadequate considering our programme. If you can increase that, it will be well appreciated. Our bond should grow stronger and become unbreakable,” the President was quoted to have said in a statement

President Tinubu noted that the continent’s infrastructural needs would require more commitment, urging a review of the amount to reflect the continent’s reality.

“I am happy you are part of China’s highest decision-making body. We will want you to use your position to influence improved project funding. First, I say yes to the 50 billion dollar support, and thank you for contributing to African growth.

“The infrastructural needs of Africa are greater than that, and we want to move as rapidly as our other counterparts. All share your vision of rapid development. Africa values the relationship with China, and we seek deeper collaboration for infrastructural development,” he stated.

President Tinubu also called on China to support Nigeria’s bid for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat.

“You are a member of the UN Security Council. We want you to use your influence to ensure Nigeria secures the seat,” the President said.

The Nigerian leader thanked President Xi Jinping for his warm reception during his visit to China last year.

He said Africa, particularly Nigeria, was prepared to meet developmental goals and contribute counterpart project funding

“We are ready to move and reach the various developmental goals. Due to our deliberation, we signed many MOUs and planned many action programmes.

“My visit during FOCAC was a good experience. We signed several comprehensive MOUs during the visit. We planned several programmes of action. As a result of that deliberation, I made sure that immediately after I returned, I appointed one of the best brains available to coordinate Nigeria-China relations, Mr Joseph Tegbe. He will work to actualise various MOUs and promote a greater understanding of developmental programmes.

“It is good that you came at such a critical time. My visit to China was a good experience. Once again, accept my sympathy for the earthquake in Tibet. It was a natural disaster that nobody expected. We commend your government for the rapid reaction to protect lives.

On his part, Mr Yi said Chinese investments in the country would focus on employment generation and infrastructural development. He said the Chinese National Development Bank had started funding some development projects.

He said the Chinese Government would support including an African country in the UN Security Council, adding that “it was a historical injustice by the world that should be corrected”.

“We stand with Africa, and we will not support a country that invades another country,” he stated.

The foreign minister said China would welcome Nigeria’s membership in the BRICS and participation in the global development mechanism.

He said China fully supported Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), for a second term in office.

The minister also lauded President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and consistency in projecting Africa’s needs, which require China’s support.

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Nigeria Receives $52.88m Assets Linked to Diezani Alison-Madueke

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Diezani Alison-Madueke

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria has received $52.88 million recovered Galactica assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, from the United States Government.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) disclosed this at the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the US in Abuja on Friday.

Delivering his remarks, Mr Fagbemi explained that $50 million of the recovered assets will be deployed through the World Bank to the development of the rural electrification project and the remaining $2 million will be deployed to the International Institute of Justice to expand the Justice system and also counter corruption.

Mr Fagbemi noted that the asset return marks a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the US in combating corruption and upholding the rule of law

He said the event is also a significant effort by President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of corruption.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills called for the monitoring and effectively utilizing the recovered assets by the Ministry of Justice to benefit Nigerians.

Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke has been accused of abusing her power when she was petroleum minister under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Nigeria, including accepting financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.

In 2023, the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) alleged that Mrs Alison-Madueke benefited from at least £100,000 ($127,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.

Other charges against her also detail financial rewards, including furniture, renovation work and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from high-end designer shops such as Cartier jewellery and Louis Vuitton goods, the NCA said.

Since she left office, she has been dogged by corruption allegations but denies the charges.

The 63-year-old woman has been on bail since first being arrested in London in October 2015.

The US Department of Justice has recovered assets totalling $53.1 million linked to Mrs Alison-Madueke’s alleged corruption.

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