News

Reps Summon Environment Minister, DG NEMA

Published

11 months ago

May 28, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Environment and Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to appear before its Committee on Environment or face sanctions accordingly.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the duo were expected to appear at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Environment to address the devastating issues of gully erosion, perennial flooding, and desertification that plague many communities in Nigeria, but did not honour the invitation nor send a representative.

The hearing was to address the adverse impacts of gully erosion in several communities across six states, namely, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos, and Ondo; as well as the desertification disaster in Kano and the flooding disaster in Bauchi State.

Chairman of the Committee on Environment, Rep. Committee on Environment, Hon Pondi Gbabojor, expressed displeasure over their absence, even as he said it was the second time they were shunning the invitation to appear.

He therefore directed the clerk of the Committee to write to the Minister of Environment and DG NEMA as such attitude would no longer be condoned.

He said: “Clerk do a letter to the Ministry of Environment and NEMA and express the displeasure of the committee because this is the second time they are not showing up and it would not be condoned again”.

Rep. Gbabojor said that the issue to be addressed was of urgent concern to the wellbeing of Nigerians, especially as the concerns were brought to the attention of the House during plenary, following the deliberation of some motions which were accordingly referred for further legislative actions.

He said the environmental crisis resulting from gully erosion is more prevalent in the South-Eastern region, and has reached an alarming stage.

He said the degradation has not only depleted the vast fertile land for agriculture, but has also impacted the infrastructure such as roads, buildings and ultimately displacement of communities.

The Committee Chairman further said over time, perennial flooding had unleashed its devastating consequences in many parts of Nigeria, especially in coastal and riverine areas, particularly Lagos, Delta, and Bayelsa, which has resulted in great human, agricultural, and economic losses.

He added that equally, desertification, particularly in the northern parts, is swiftly encroaching and that this silent but relentless crisis reduces fertile land, threatens food security, and deepens poverty.

Gbabojor said desert encroachment has affected and continues to affect millions of people who depend on agriculture for their survival.

“As the Committee on Environment, alongside other pertinent committees of the House, we recognize the urgent need to address these challenges comprehensively and to chart a course toward sustainable solutions that will protect our environment and provide relief to the affected individuals and communities.

“It is in light of the above, that this Hearing is convened today, to enable us to gather insights from experts, stakeholders, and affected communities, and to deliberate on the multifaceted and severe environmental crises we face as a Nation”, he stated.

He explained that the House following its consideration of the Motions, called on Institutions of Government to amongst others provide immediate relief materials to ameliorate the sufferings of the affected residents and possibly resettle them; visit the affected areas, and carry out a comprehensive review to ascertain the extent of environmental damage caused by these incidents; and expedite the construction of shoreline protection as a matter of urgency to prevent further erosion-related damage and ensure the survival of these communities.

He added that they are also to embark on a mass afforestation program that includes the planting of economic trees, development of shelter belts, woodlots to enhance soil conservation, improve biodiversity and increase fuel wood, while also providing seeds and farm inputs that are resistant to drought; prioritize projects that promote environmental conservation in budgetary allocations; and allocate funds to accommodate the erosion control projects, flood management systems, and desertification prevention programs in the affected communities in the 2025 Appropriation Act.

“We must take proactive measures to forestall natural occurrences that lead to environmental degradation. This includes investing in research and development to better understand and predict environmental changes, by adhering to early warning systems, and developing resilient infrastructure that can withstand environmental shocks.

“While I look forward to fruitful discussions and valuable insights that will emerge from this hearing, which will hopefully shape the future of our environment and the well-being of our people. I urge everyone to approach and accord this task the seriousness it demands and the collaborative spirit it requires. Together, we can develop and implement strategies that will protect our environment, provide relief to those affected, and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all Nigerians,” Gbadojor said.

Earlier in his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said the prevalence of climate change had impacted the environment harmfully, resulting in an increased wave of erosion, desertification, flooding, and other forms of natural disasters that have assumed severe and worrisome dimensions in the vulnerable communities across the 36 states of the Federation.

The Speaker who was represented by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Rep. Abdullahi Halims, said the ecological threats have specifically caused deaths, displacement of homes, devastation of farmlands and means of livelihood, and destruction of infrastructure, leading to socio-economic challenges in communities across the eight states captured in the public hearing.

“As the People’s Parliament and in line with our Legislative Agenda of embarking on legislative processes and legal frameworks to address environmental challenges, the House resolved to respond urgently to the menace in the communities to stem the ugly tide. On this note, I urge you to feel free to make your contributions in the most resourceful and open manner possible to provoke positive legislative results”, he said.

News

NASS Expected To Tackle Security Challenges Upon Resumption—-Nnamchi

Published

51 minutes ago

May 6, 2025

ADMIN

Hon. Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency, has declared that lawmakers would be expected to prioritize security challenges upon the National Assembly’s resumption after the Eid al-Fitr and Easter breaks.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Nnamchi emphasized the need for meaningful engagements on security, economy, and living conditions of Nigerians which had continued to dwindle.

“The insecurity situation is worsening, with farmers being chased off their lands and kidnappers becoming more brazen,” he noted. “We must strengthen our legislative oversight to address these challenges.”

Nnamchi also highlighted the struggles of Nigerians, citing skyrocketing living costs and dwindling incomes. He noted NASS was expected to focus on motions and Bills that would address the expectations of Nigerians.

Regarding his pending Bills, Nnamchi mentioned the University of Agriculture, Ako-Nike, College of Education Eha-Amufu upgrade, and School for Gifted Children, Trans-Ekulu, as likely to be concluded before the 2025 legislative break.

The lawmaker also appealed for increased remuneration for university staff, particularly lecturers, to prevent tertiary education collapse.

News

Kano LGs to contribute N670m for Emir Sanusi’s vehicles

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2025

Admin

The Kano State government has allegedly directed each of the 44 local government areas in the state to contribute N15,227,272.72, totalling N670m to the Kano Emirate Council.

The amount is for the repairs and purchase of vehicles for the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

The directive, contained in a memo from the Ministry of Local Government, with reference number MLG/INSP/LGD/166T/6, dated March 25, 2025, was addressed to all the local government chairmen.

A palace official, who spoke to The PUNCH on conditiion of anonymity for lack of authorisation, confirmed the authenticity of the memo.

“The company has already been contacted, and plans are in motion to bring in the vehicles and begin the restoration of the vintage ones,” the source disclosed.

According to the memo signed by the Director of Local Government Inspection, Abubakar S. Dabo, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government, the approved amount would be deducted from the State/Local Government Joint Account to repair two vehicles and supply four new vehicles to the Emirate Council.

The letter, with the caption, “Conveyance of Approval for the Release of Funds,” sighted by The PUNCH read: “I am directed to convey government’s approval for the release of the aggregate sum of N670,000,000.00 at the rate of N15,227,272.72 per LGA from the State/Local Government Joint Account to repair 2 No. vehicles and supply 4 No. vehicles to the Kano Emirate Council through Sottom Snergy Resources Ltd as per below:

“Complete refurbishing of engine, body and interior of 1993 Fleetwood Cadillac limousine at N25 million and complete refurbishing and rebuilding of both engine, interior and complete body for Daimler D5 420 1998 at N25m.”

The new vehicles to be purchased are one Toyota Hilux pickup 2024 model at N98 million, one Toyota Hiace Bus at N98 million, one Toyota Land Cruiser VXR full option 2024 model at N268 million and one Prado 2024 model at N156m.”

The letter, which was also copied to the Auditor General, Local Government Audit, Kano State and all Zonal Inspectors, Ministry for Local Government, Kano State, directed them to ensure that all due procedures were strictly adhered to.

Reacting, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Alhassan Yaryasa, slammed the government for approving the money.

He said, “How can the state government approve this huge amount of money while the residents of the state capital and some other major towns in the state are grappling with water scarcity?

“This is a complete misplacement of priority. How can you spend this money on repairs and purchase of new vehicles for the Emir while other sectors need government attention, especially education and health sectors that have suffered neglect?”

Yaryasa, who was the former coordinator of Tinubu Campaign Organisation for Kano South, called on Governor Abba Yusuf to reconsider the decision and channel the funds to areas where they would be needed most.

“Emir Sanusi does not need new posh cars. Where are the ones he has been using since returning? This is a wasteful expenditure and Kano masses will not forgive them,” he said.

News

NIPOST moves to cashless operations nationwide from July 1

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2025

Admin

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced a sweeping reform agenda aimed at transforming the agency into a modern, efficient, and digitally driven institution, with a key policy shift being the adoption of cashless transactions across all its offices.

Starting July 1, 2025, all post office counters in the 774 local government areas of the country will stop accepting cash payments for services.

Customers will instead be required to use approved electronic channels to complete their transactions.

Announcing the development on Monday, NIPOST’s Postmaster General and CEO, Tola Odeyemi, described the move as a major milestone in the agency’s modernisation efforts.

“This is a crucial step in our modernisation journey — one that ensures safer, faster, and more transparent service delivery,” she said.

In a statement signed by NIPOST’s Director of Corporate Communications, Franklin Alao, the agency said the reforms are in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and are designed to place NIPOST at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

“With these initiatives, NIPOST is positioning itself as a dynamic, technology-driven player — connecting Nigeria, delivering solutions, and improving lives,” the statement added.

Alao said, “These initiatives mark a new strategic direction for NIPOST under the vision titled, ‘Change of Renewed Hope Berths at NIPOST Shores”.

“The reforms are designed to align the agency with global best practices, the needs of Nigeria’s evolving digital economy, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“At the heart of this transformation is NIPOST’s commitment to becoming a modern postal service — one that is driven by innovation, accountability, value, and service excellence.

“We are assuring Nigerians of a revitalised NIPOST that delivers superior service and embraces the future”.

NIPOST commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for his unwavering support and leadership.

“The organisation also commended the new Chairman of the NIPOST Board, Barr. Isaac Kekemeke for his passion and strategic foresight since his appointment, and the Postmaster General/CEO, NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, for her relentless efforts in championing institutional reforms, improving staff welfare, and driving capacity development”, Alao said.

Also, assured that NIPOST would implement a performance-based reward and recognition system to encourage excellence, alongside strict disciplinary measures to uphold organisational integrity.