News
Speaker Abbas Urges NWDC to Assess Needs Of North-West
…as he inaugurates house committee for oversight
The Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has urged the newly formed North West Development Commission (NWDC) to carry out a thorough assessment of the region’s needs as it begins operations.
Speaker Abbas who stated this during the inauguration of the House Committee on the North West Development Commission on Wednesday in Abuja, emphasised the importance of exploring diverse funding options to effectively achieve the commission’s objectives.
He highlighted his personal connection to the initiative, and noted that, as a representative from the North-West and a key advocate for the bill that led to the creation of the commission, the moment was particularly meaningful to him.
Speaker Abbas emphasised the crucial role of the North-West geopolitical zone in Nigeria’s economy and society, ans described it as a historic hub of agricultural excellence, renowned for producing staple crops like millet, sorghum, and groundnuts in vast quantities.
With a population exceeding 47 million, he highlighted the region’s immense cultural and economic potential. However, he expressed concern that this potential remains hindered by significant challenges.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman NWDC, Rep. Gumi assured of a transparent and results-oriented approach to tackling the region’s socio-economic and security challenges.
He underscored the urgency of addressing rising insecurity, economic stagnation, and infrastructural deficiencies, calling for immediate intervention.
“This is more than just a committee inauguration; it is a moment of renewed hope and determination. Our people have endured hardship for too long, yet they remain resilient. Today marks the start of decisive action to transform the North-West,” he stated.
Gumi outlined the committee’s broad mandate, which includes overseeing NWDC activities, fostering partnerships with development agencies, and collaborating with the private sector to facilitate rehabilitation, resettlement, and regional development across the seven states—Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
He also stressed that security was central to the Commission’s objectives, and noted that sustainable development cannot be realized in a region grappling with banditry, kidnappings, and economic distress.
To achieve this, he committed to rigorous oversight visits to NWDC projects across the seven states, ensuring that budget allocations align with regional development priorities. He also stressed the need to build partnerships with international development agencies and private sector players while implementing a quarterly review system to track progress, address challenges, and refine strategies.
Gumi highlighted the importance of learning from other regional development commissions to avoid inefficiencies and policy pitfalls.
Unveiling a proposed work plan, he described it as a blueprint for immediate action, with a focus on youth empowerment, infrastructure development, security enhancement, and leveraging the region’s agricultural and commercial potential for sustainable economic growth.
“Our approach prioritizes transparency, inclusivity, and measurable results.
“Policies must go beyond paperwork to deliver real, tangible improvements in people’s lives.
“With unity, dedication, and shared purpose, we will address the challenges, seize the opportunities, and create lasting change for the generations to come. Together, we will lay the foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and thriving North-West,” he said.
He therefore called for collaboration among all stakeholders—federal and state governments, traditional institutions, civil society, and the private sector to ensure the NWDC achieves its mandate.
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has directed the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, to appear before it on Tuesday February 18, 2025, and respond to allegations regarding the continued service of certain senior officers beyond their retirement dates.
The Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation had petitioned the 10th House, claiming that some Assistant Comptrollers and Comptrollers—identified as Imam, Umar, and Egwu, as well as Awe, Fatia, and Faith had reached their mandatory retirement dates but refused to step down.
In issuing the summons, the Committee Chairman, Rep. Mike Etaba stressed the importance of transparency in public service.
He said: “Nigerians deserve to know the true situation, and only the Customs Comptroller General can provide clarity.
“With many young Nigerians seeking employment, it is unacceptable for those due for retirement to hold onto positions meant for fresh recruits”.
Rep. Etaba emphasised that the Committee remains impartial, committed to ensuring justice based on the merits of each case.
In a related matter, the Committee has warned that it may issue an arrest order for the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) if she fails to appear in person to respond to allegations of a breached software agreement.
Truid Limited, a private firm, claims that NIMC failed to honour a license agreement for a tokenization system it developed and deployed at no initial cost to the commission.
The agreement, signed in 2021, allowed Truid to recoup its investment through service provider transactions, with revenue shared between both parties over a ten-year period.
However, the petition alleged that the new NIMC DG has been attempting to terminate the arrangement, leading to a dispute.
Chairman Etaba expressed dissatisfaction over the DG’s repeated absence despite multiple invitations.
“If she fails to appear at the next hearing, we will have no choice but to request the Inspector General of Police to compel her attendance.
“Government officials cannot continue to disregard constituted authority”, he stated.
By Gloria Ikibah
A bill seeking to establish a regulatory body for organ harvesting, transplantation, and donations in Nigeria, has passed through second reading in the House of Representatives on Tuesday at plenary.
Titled A Bill for an Act to Make Provisions for a Regulatory Body for Organ Harvesting, Transplanting, and Donations and for Related Matters, the proposed legislation aims to create a structured system for organ transplants nationwide.
Leading the debate, sponsor of the bill, Rep. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), highlighted its primary goal: establishing a framework to govern organ harvesting, transplants, and donations.
“This legislation is intended to save lives by facilitating organ transplants while also supporting individuals with organ failure,” Soli stated.
Beyond medical procedures, the bill also seeks to promote research and education in organ donation and transplantation.
Under its provisions, the proposed regulatory committee will be chaired by the Minister of Health, with the Minister of Justice, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, and two other medical experts as members.
The committee will be responsible for setting policies to regulate organ transplants, providing guidance on donation procedures, and promoting educational programs to encourage organ donation.
The bill specifies that individuals aged 21 and above can donate their organs. In cases where a donor is unable to consent, close family members, including a spouse, child, parent, or sibling may do so, provided there is no objection from the family.
According to its explanatory memorandum, the legislation is designed to ensure ethical and legal compliance in organ harvesting and transplantation across Nigeria.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Anambra State government has finally sealed Okija Shrine to crackdown on fake native doctors and criminal activities.
The shrine, allegedly operated by Ekene Igboegbueze, a self-proclaimed native doctor who promises unsuspecting individuals super wealth, was shut down following numerous complaints from Okija residents.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakai, stated that the government took action based on reports from the local community.
“Igboegbueze’s business is illegal under Anambra State Homeland Security Laws,” Emeakai said, adding that properties acquired through the illicit trade have also been sealed.
“All items found in the shrine will undergo forensic examination, and the results will determine further government action,” he added.
Director of Operations for Agunechemba Security Outfit, Chinenye Ihenko, cautioned youths against patronizing fake native doctors and pastors.
“The activities of fake spiritual leaders are fueling a get-rich-quick mentality in the state,” he said.
“Our mandate is to sanitize Anambra, and we are committed to that. Anything contributing to the desecration of the state or aiding criminal activities will be eradicated. That, we can assure the people.”
He urged the youth to engage in legitimate ventures to avoid falling foul of the law.
Reps Panel Summons Customs Boss, Threaten To Arrest NIMC DG Over Noncompliance
House Moves to Regulate Organ Transplants, Harvesting
Finally, Anambra Govt seals Okija Shrine to crackdown on fake witch doctors
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