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Inflation Increases By 15.70%, NBS Confirms …Merchandise Trade Deficit Rises 171% To N1.93trn

Published

4 years ago

March 16, 2022

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)has said that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 15.70percentYear-on-Year in the month of February.
This is 1.63percent lower than 17.33percent recorded in the previous month.
The Statistician General of the Federation, Dr. Simon Harry, disclosed this, yesterday, during the monthly press briefing at the bureau’s headquarters, in Abujaon its ‘Consumer Price Index February 2022’ report.
On the month by month basis, the inflation he said also increased by 1.63percent, which is 0.16percent higher recorded in the month of January.
According to the NBS, the highest increases were recorded in prices of gas, liquid fuel, wine, tobacco, spirit, narcotics, solid fuels, among others.
It said, “In February, 2022, the CPI which measures inflation increased to 15.70per cent on year-on-year basis. This is 1.63per cent points lower compared to the rate recorded in February, 2021 (17.33)per cent. This means that the headline inflation rate slowed down in February when compared to the same month in the previous year.
“Increases were recorded in all classification of individual consumption by purpose divisions that yielded the headline index. On month-on-month basis, the headline index increased to 1.63per cent in February, 2022, this is 0.16per cent rate higher than the rate recorded in January, 2022 (1.47)per cent.”
According to the NBS report, the percentage change in the average composite CPI for the 12 months period ending February, 2022 over the average of the CPI for the previous 12 months period was 16.73per cent, showing 0.14per cent point from 16.87per cent recorded in January, 2022.
The urban inflation rate increased to 16.25per cent (year-on-year) in February, 2022 from 17.92per cent recorded in February, 2021, while the rural inflation rate increased to 15.18per cent in February, 2022 from 16.77per cent in February, 2021.
Similarly, the National Bureau of Statistics said the country’s merchandise trade deficit rose year-on-year (YoY) by 171per cent to N1.93trillion last year from N711.24billion in 2020.
NBS also said that total merchandise trade stood at N39.7trillion in 2021, rising YoY by 57.5per cent from N25.2trillion in 2020.
The bureau disclosed this in its Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics report for the fourth quarter of 2021 (Q4’21).
According to the report, the value of imports rose YoY by 64per cent to N20.84trillion in 2021 from N12.68trillion in 2020.
The value of exports in 2021 rose by 51per cent to N18.9trillion from N12.5trillion in 2020.
The report stated: “In Q4’21, Nigeria’s total merchandise trade stood at ¦ 11.7trillion, representing 11.79per cent over the level recorded in Q3’21 but was 74.71per cent higher when compared to the value recorded in Q4’20.
“Export trade in the quarter under review stood at ¦ 5.76trillion indicating an increase of 12.27per cent over the preceding quarter and the value in 2021 also grew by 80.5per cent over the corresponding period of the previous year.
“Furthermore, the share of exports in total trade stood at 49.26per cent in Q4’21.
“On the other hand, total imports stood at ¦ 5.94trillion in Q4’21 indicating an increase of 11.33per cent over the preceding quarter and 69.41per cent over the corresponding period of 2020.
“Imports value in the fourth quarter of 2021 accounted for 50.74per cent of total trade.
“The balance of trade in the period under review stood at (¦ 173.96billion), this shows a deficit trade with an improvement of 12.72per cent over the preceding quarter.
“In 2021, the value of total trade stood at ¦ 39.75trillion which is 57.6per cent higher than the value recorded in 2020.
“The value of total imports in 2021 stood at ¦ 20.84trillion which is 64.11per cent higher than the value recorded in 2020, while total export was valued at ¦ 18.9trillion showing an increase of 50.9per cent than the value recorded in 2020.
“Overall in 2021, merchandise trade recorded a deficit ¦ 1.93trillion.”
On trade by Custom Ports and Post, NBS said: “In Q4’21, the bulk of exports transactions were carried through Apapa Port with goods valued at ¦ 5.16trillion or 89.54per cent of total exports. This was followed by Port Harcourt which recorded ¦ 398.14billion or 4.6per cent of total export.
“In terms of imports, Apapa Port also recorded the highest transactions valued at ¦ 3.53trillion or 59.5per cent of total imports. This was followed by Tin Can Island which accounted for goods valued at ¦ 774.18billion or 13.03per cent while Port Harcourt (3) handled ¦ 457.07billion or 7.69per cent of total imports.”
Also, the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) revenue generation increased to 86.7per cent to N4.3billion in December 31, 2021 from N2.303billion in the corresponding period of 2020.
A statement from the NMCO signed by the Director-General, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, yesterday, said that the figure was highest ever generated to the federation’s account by the agency over the years.
He stated: “From January to May, 2021, the MCO was able to rake in N2.016billion while by December 31, 2021, the revenue generated rose to N4.3billion, which was the highest revenue generated ever by the office.”
Highlighting some of its achievements, he said offices have been established in the six geo-political zones of the country which are working and collaborating more closely with other departments and agencies of the Federal Government in the Ministry of Solid Minerals.
He said, “With about 44 minerals, there is a need to invest in accurate data gathering in order to attract the right investors to the solid minerals sector. The concern of the MCO is to be able to imbibe transparency, security of tenure and non-subjectivity, all towards attracting the needed investments in the sector”.
He also emphasised the need to generate the needed revenue for the country, especially with the support of government and other stakeholders, even as he said the Federal Government should rethink and concentrate on solid minerals to diversify the economy thereby increasing its revenue base as prices of oil dwindle daily.
“Budgetary constraints as regards running costs of the headquarters; budgetary constraints as regards running costs of the zonal offices (vehicle maintenance, fuelling, communication, water and other bills, among others) and the need for continuous capacity building of staff are major challenges,” he said.

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PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

6 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor