The Federal Government will on Friday arraign 130 suspects comprising 113 foreign nationals (87 males and 26 females), predominantly of Chinese and Malaysian origin, and their 17 Nigerian collaborators (4 males and 13 females) for their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes, hacking, and activities that threaten national security.

The Nigeria Police Force had arrested the suspects in an operation that was conducted through a coordinated raid on a building at the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, reports Channels TV.

The suspects were reportedly using computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities.

The operation which was led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth Igweh, on Saturday, 3rd November 2024, comprised officers of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).

The suspects are to be arraigned before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court.

Stakeholders in the manufacturing sector have called for urgent investment and strategic support to revitalise Nigeria’s economy through non-oil exports.

The appeal was made at the 36th Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Anambra/Ebonyi/Enugu Chapter, held in Enugu on Friday, themed “Revitalising Nigeria’s Economy Through Manufacturing-Driven Non-Oil Export.”

Chairperson of the MAN chapter, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, emphasised the pressing need for Nigeria to shift from its oil-dependent economy by strengthening the manufacturing sector.

She highlighted that the nation’s overreliance on oil has exposed it to challenges like price volatility, environmental degradation, and limited economic diversification.

“To ensure economic sustainability, Nigeria must prioritise manufacturing-driven non-oil export strategies, as seen in countries like Singapore, where innovation and research have propelled their manufacturing sector to global competitiveness,” Chukwudozie stated.

She further urged the government to implement supportive policies, such as tax incentives, improved access to financing, and investment in critical infrastructure.

Keynote speaker and former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, described manufacturing as the “master key” to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“Export-driven manufacturing can reduce our vulnerability to oil price fluctuations, generate revenue, and create jobs,” Peterside said, while advocating for infrastructure development, stable monetary policies, and power sector reforms to support manufacturers.

Anambra State’s Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, called for collaboration among Southeast states to leverage their comparative advantages. He cited Anambra’s agricultural revolution in palm and coconut production as an example of non-oil sector innovation.

The event also featured awards to distinguished individuals and highlighted the urgent need for a united approach to reposition Nigeria’s manufacturing sector as a driver of economic growth.

The Oyo State Government has abolished the N4,000 administrative fee previously required for civil servants to access their retirement forms.

This decision, aimed at easing the financial burden on retirees, was announced in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Olusegun Olayiwola, on Friday.

Olayiwola, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said the move aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees.

“Previously, retirees were required to pay N4,000 to obtain a retirement form at the Ministry of Establishments and Training. However, following the governor’s directive, we have designed an electronic form that retirees can now access online, free of charge,” he explained.

The commissioner emphasized that this change reflects the governor’s continued efforts to prioritise retirees’ welfare, noting that Makinde had increased monthly gratuity payments from N250 million to N500 million.

This adjustment, he said, has allowed more retirees to receive their payments on time and without any issues.

“The removal of the N4,000 fee is a significant step towards reducing financial stress on retirees. It also highlights the government’s commitment to streamlining processes and eliminating unnecessary costs,” Olayiwola added.

He further noted that the introduction of e-payment for gratuity benefits ensures seamless and secure transactions, underlining the administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of retirees.

The Permanent Secretary, Olajide Okesade, also expressed his appreciation for the cancellation of the fee, calling it a positive step towards alleviating the financial strain on retirees and demonstrating the government’s genuine concern for their well-being.