Nation

THE STATES

Published

13 years ago

December 23, 2013

Bauchi

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has pre

sented an Appropriation Bill of N133.7 billion for the 2014 fiscal year to the House of Assembly.

Presenting the budget at the floor of the house in Bauchi, Yuguda said that N65 billion would be spent on recurrent and 68 billion on capital expenditures.

He explained that the budget was based on the predication of oil production of 2.5 million barrels per day at a bench mark of 75 dollars per barrel and a “robust and efficient system of internally generated revenue collection”.

He said the revenue profile consists of Statutory Allocation, N67.7 billion; Value Added Tax, N10 billion; Internally- Generated Revenue, N9.4 and Capital Receipts, N7.2 billion.

Borno

The President of Nigeria Union of Journalists

(NUJ), Mohammed Garba, has cautioned INEC against taking hasty decision on 2015 elections in states affected by emergency rule.

Garba said this during a courtesy call on Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State at the Government House, Maiduguri.

He said rather than conclude on postponing elections in the states, INEC should conduct research to find out the true situations in the states.

“My plea to INEC is that we hope this is not a ploy to truncate democracy.

“INEC should find out the true situation in the state by seeing things for itself before taking a decision on the issue,’’ Garba said

Ekiti

The Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Security

and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned against sale and purchase of “toy guns” during the yuletide season.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Command, Mr. Afolabi Tolulope told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, that the command had observed that, possession of “toy guns” either in the open or secretly, could cause apprehension in the minds of the people, considering the state of security challenges in the country.

He assured that the command, in pursuit of its constitutional role, would also guide against attempts on public properties by any individual or group, under whatever guise.

FCT

The Zimbabwean Government has given foreign in

vestors in the country up to January 1 to comply with its indigenisation policy.

The Zimbabwean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Mabed Ngulani, told newsmen in Abuja that the government had not gone back on its decision to ensure that investors comply with the directive.

Ngulani, however, denied media reports that government had given a quit notice to foreign investors in the country.

“Let me make a clarification, Zimbabwe has not given an ultimatum to anybody, Zimbabwe has not given an ultimatum to Nigerians and to the Chinese, the story came in the media.

Gombe

Gombe State Government said it had begun the reg

istration of miners in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Science and Mineral Development, Alhaji Babagoro Abdulkadir, told newsmen in Gombe, that the exercise would generate data base of miners for socio-economic development of the state.

He said that the registration would show the specific activities of the miners, considering the vast nature of the sector.

Kaduna

Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State has called for

the support and cooperation of the northern elders to ensure the growth, unity and development of the nation.

Yero made the call in Kaduna at a book presentation/fund raising on MD Yusuf, “Nagarta Cikin Aminci,” written by Abubakar Maijinyawa.

The governor also called on the people in the region to be united and speak with one voice, rather than allow ethno-religious differences to divide them.

He urged the younger generation to emulate the good virtues of the elders for the growth of the nation.

Kebbi

The Kebbi State Agricultural and Rural Development

Agency, said it registered104, 525 farmers under the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES).

A Director in the agency, Alhaji Abubakar Lolo, told newsmen in Birnin-Kebbi that the figure was a quantum leap from the 65,000 that were registered before now.

He said the registered farmers would be provided fertilisers for the dry and wet season farming periods.

According to him, the increase in the number of registered farmers is sequel to the discovery by the federal authorities that the state has performed well in the scheme.

Kogi

Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has presented a N128.7

billion Appropriation Bill for consideration by the state House of Assembly for the 2014 fiscal year.

Presenting the bill on the floor of the House in Lokoja, Wada said the amount was N3.9 billion or 2.98 per cent lower than the N132. 67 billion appropriated for 2013 fiscal year.

He said that over N58.7 billion was for recurrent expenditure, while N70.02 billion would be expended on capital projects.

Wada said that N79.6 billion would be generated from recurrent sources, while N49.1billion was expected from capital receipts.

Lagos

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has called

for effective survey of building projects for structural stability.

Fashola made the call in Lagos at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Lagos Branch of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS).

Fashola, represented by Mr Babatunde Hunpe, his Special Adviser on Rural Development, also enjoined surveyors to adhere to the ethics of their profession and also ensure standards.

According to him, provision of efficient services by surveyors will assist in preventing structural defects in buildings.

Ogun

The Police in Ogun State have arraigned two men,

Wasiu Bakare, 26; and Fatai Arowoseleaye, 21, before a Magistrates’ Court in Ota over alleged threat to life.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp Olajide Michael, told the court that the accused and others at large committed the offence on December 10 at about 3.00 a.m.at Olukotun Street, Ota.

Michael said that the accused and others at large stole N75,000 belonging to one Adeyemi Ayinde and threatened to kill him with a cutlass.

He said that the offences contravened sections 86, 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Revised Law of Ogun, 2006.

Oyo

A 43-year old security guard, Sunday Eje, was

dragged before an Ibadan Chief Magistrate’s Court at Iyaganku for alleged stealing from a warehouse he was employed to guard.

The accused person was docked over a two-count charge of alleged breaking-in and stealing.

The Prosecutor, Insp Samad Aliu, said Eje, who was employed to guard a warehouse, allegedly broke into and entered the warehouse, property of one Hachem Safieddine.

Aliu alleged that Eje stole the sum of N4 million property of his employer, Safieddine.

He said the offence was committed on December 3, at 10: 00 p.m . at Adegoke Area, Ibadan.

Zamfara

The British American Tobacco Nigeria Founda

tion, an NGO, last Wednesday donated a solar-powered borehole to Sungawa community in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara.

Presenting the certificate of the facility to the Commissioner of Water Resources in the state, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Mr Oluwasoromi George, said that the effort was aimed at saving the community from water borne diseases, especially cholera.

The executive director, who was represented by the General Manager, Mrs Abimbola Okoya, said that the project costs the foundation over N5.7 million.

Okoya urged members of the community to ensure its protection against misuse and vandals.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (left), presenting 2014 Budget to the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs Monsurat Sunmonu, in Ibadan last Thursday.

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

4 weeks ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) says it has strengthened collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enhance quality control and enforcement frameworks.

Mr Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, the Head of Communications, REAN, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the collaboration would also involve stakeholder engagement on testing, certification and capacity building in Nigeria.

He said the synergy would strengthen quality control and enforcement frameworks, promote policy alignment, and ensure stronger regulation across the renewable energy value chain.

“REAN reaffirms its commitment to standardisation and quality assurance; tighter collaboration with SON is critical to eliminating fake and substandard renewable energy products from the Nigerian market.

“Enforcement and gaps in existing standards have continued to allow inferior products to circulate, undermining consumer confidence and slowing sector growth.”

Lloyd-Dietake said that at high-level discussions, REAN also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory coordination to address emerging challenges in the renewable energy space.

According to him, the issues include inconsistencies in standards, affordability issues linked to certification processes; and the increasing presence of substandard solar and renewable energy equipment in the country.

“The association further raised concerns about delays in product testing and approval, calling for the establishment of more testing laboratories and certification facilities to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the system,’’ he said.

Lloyd-Dietake urged closer collaboration among key regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Rural Electrification Agency.

He said such team work would ensure harmonised standards and more effective enforcement against fake renewable energy products in the Nigerian market.

In response, SON acknowledged the important role REAN continued to play in supporting standardisation within Nigeria’s renewable energy industry and reaffirmed its willingness to deepen collaboration with the association.

SON further confirmed that REAN would be actively involved in future standard review processes and upcoming stakeholder engagements related to renewable energy and electric mobility standards development.

Lloyd-Dietake said REAN affirmed its willingness to formalise the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He said the MoU is aimed at deepening cooperation, promoting quality assurance, and accelerating Nigeria’s transition towards reliable and standardised renewable energy solutions.

Nation

Self Help Africa programme expands water access for 320,000 Nigerians

Published

4 weeks ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) Programme, implemented by Self Help Africa, has expanded access to safe water and sanitation services for more than 320,000 people in Kano and Cross River States.

The organisation disclosed this on Tuesday at the WS4H National Results and Learning Workshop in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed achievements and lessons from the intervention.

Speaking at the event, Self Help Africa Country Director, Joy Aderele, said the programme demonstrated that sustainable WASH improvements require strong institutions, effective governance, adequate financing and collaboration.

Aderele said the UK-funded programme was designed to strengthen systems that support sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

According to her, the intervention focused on improving governance, planning, financing, accountability and sector coordination to ensure resilient service delivery.

“More than 320,000 people now have improved or restored access to water services through programme-supported interventions,” she said.

She added that more than 5,520 household toilets were constructed in Yala and Makoda Local Government Areas, boosting sanitation, public health and efforts to end open defecation.

Aderele said the programme also strengthened public investment in WASH, with Cross River increasing its sector budget by 211 per cent in 2026 and Kano by 169.07 per cent.

She added that dedicated WASH budget lines had been established across 40 Ministries, Departments and Agencies in both states, strengthening accountability and institutional commitment.

According to her, both states reviewed and adopted updated WASH policies, while key planning documents were developed to guide future investments and service delivery.

She said Cross River also recorded a major legislative milestone through the passage of the Water Law and Open Defecation Prohibition Bill.

Aderele added that lessons from interventions in Yala LGA were already informing expansion efforts in Obubra Local Government Area.

While commending the achievements, she noted that capacity gaps, resource constraints and climate-related pressures remained challenges to sustainable WASH services.

“The sustainability of these gains will depend on continued government leadership, adequate financing, strong partnerships and investment in institutional capacity,” she said.

Also speaking, the Programme Manager of WS4H, Mr Timothy Ibeawuchi, said the intervention focused on strengthening systems needed to sustain gains and attract future investments.

According to him, the programme engages stakeholders in developing strategies that preserve achievements and support long-term service delivery.

“System strengthening work takes time because it addresses the fundamental issues responsible for sustainable and resilient service delivery,” he said.

Ibeawuchi said the programme strengthened policy development, planning, financing, monitoring and evaluation systems across the WASH sector.

He said two pilot local government areas were supported to develop WASH strategic plans outlining sector goals, targets and activities between 2026 and 2030.

According to him, the plans will guide future interventions and improve service delivery in the affected councils.

Earlier, the representative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Chidera Chukwu, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s development efforts in spite of the programme nearing completion.

Chukwu commended the Self Help Africa-led consortium for delivering the programme with professionalism and a strong focus on systems strengthening.

He said the consortium contributed greatly to strengthening Nigeria’s WASH sector through policy reforms, improved coordination and enhanced accountability.

“Together, we have advanced key policy and legislative reforms, including open defecation-free laws and strengthened state WASH frameworks,” he said.

According to him, the reforms represent enduring system-level changes that will continue delivering benefits beyond the programme’s lifespan.

In his remarks, Mr Jamilu Habu, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended the programme’s achievements.

Habu, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said the intervention strengthened governance, coordination, evidence-based planning and institutional capacity in the WASH sector.

He described the workshop as an opportunity to review achievements, share lessons and identify pathways for sustaining and scaling successful interventions.

According to him, the programme’s innovations and best practices will guide future policies and investments aimed at expanding access to safe WASH services.

Habu stressed the need for continued collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.

He said stronger partnerships remained essential to achieving universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services and meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Nation

Lagos Residents Stranded As Floods Cut Off Ajah, Mafoluku Communities

Published

4 weeks ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have recounted how Thursday’s torrential rainfall left them stranded, submerged homes and cut off access to major roads.

The residents, who spoke with Tide source, on Friday called for urgent government intervention to tackle the recurring flooding blamed on poor drainage infrastructure.

Along Mobil Road in Ajah, Mrs Rukayat said floodwaters submerged about 200 metres of the road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water.

“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.

According to her, many motorists turned back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot.

“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she said.

Rukayat said some youths assisted stranded tricycle operators by pushing their vehicles through flooded sections for a fee.

She said residents had repeatedly alerted authorities to the flooding but little had changed.

“We reported this when the rains started, but apparently nothing has been done about the problem,” she said.

She attributed the flooding to poor drainage and possible blockage of a major canal serving the area.

“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said.

According to her, overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might have obstructed the canal, reducing its capacity to discharge stormwater.

She added that although floodwaters usually receded after a few hours, sections of the road remained waterlogged.

In Mafoluku, residents said several streets, homes and access roads were submerged, leaving many unable to return home after going about their daily activities.

Mrs Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, a resident of Agboola Street, said what began as a short trip to buy household items became an hours-long ordeal.

“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street.

“I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.

Another resident, Mr Mukaila Idris, described the flooding as both dangerous and distressing.

“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.

According to him, only physically fit residents could navigate the floodwaters safely, while many others waited several hours for the water level to subside.

Mr Williams Ekpo, who lives in the Eyinogun area, said the flood extended beyond the roads and entered residential compounds.

“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items.

“This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he said.

The residents urged the relevant authorities to investigate the persistent flooding and improve drainage infrastructure to prevent a recurrence during the rainy season.