Connect with us

Featured

2021 Dev Agenda’ll Address Citizens’ Needs, Economy, Infrastructure -Wike …Ban On Illegal Motor Parks, Street Trading, Illegal Mechanic Shops Takes Effect, Jan 4

Published

on

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has pledged the resolve of his administration to create a more robust business environment that will stimulate economic growth, empowerment and create tangible jobs for Rivers people in 2021.
In his New Year broadcast to Rivers people, yesterday, Wike said that having laid the development foundation for the state, efforts shall be concerted in 2021 in building Rivers State into the desired dream.
According to the governor, his administration’s agenda for the state has been clear from the beginning, with pragmatic approach adopted in addressing the critical concerns of the people.
Such concerns, he said, had included the sustenance of peace and security, education, affordable healthcare, fixing the infrastructural deficit and driving better economic growth, and social progress for the state.
“Today, we express our gratitude to God and our people not only for the opportunity to serve but also for the achievements we have recorded, which now forms the foundations for our drive towards greater levels of development, economic growth, better life and secured future for our people.
“But, we also concede to the fact that there’s much more to be done to realize the Rivers State of our dreams: a progressive state with fabulous infrastructures, quality education, affordable healthcare and boundless economic opportunities for all who live in it.
“We will, therefore, continue in 2021 to focus on the fundamental task of creating a new Rivers State through prudent, efficient and transparent management of available resources.
“Essentially, we shall continue to upgrade and expand educational infrastructure and services across all levels of the education system.
“There is no better guarantee for the future progress of our state and the nation than to ensure that every child has the realistic access to the transformational light of education and skills acquisition.
“We shall also continue to prioritize healthcare delivery and ensure that everyone has access to affordable primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services.”
The governor noted that 2020 was a challenging year, made worse by a mismanaged national economy in recession, corona virus pandemic, escalated insecurity, corruption and socio-political tensions.
He said these made life horrible for millions of struggling families and ordinary Nigerians in the face of dwindling revenues, rising inflation, poverty and unemployment.
Nevertheless, he said the state reasonably advanced her development agenda and efforts at building a financially responsible and socially equitable state.
“Accordingly, 2020 also proved to be a very busy and eventful year for our state, especially in project execution and delivery of social services to our people.
“As customary, we initiated and completed a record number of development projects with tremendous socio-economic impact while several others, including the multi-billion Naira flyovers, received reasonable funding and construction attention in 2020.”
Wike also announced the line up of some completed projects billed for inauguration beginning from the 4th of January, 2021, which include the Mother and Child Hospital and the Real Madrid Academy new buildings, as well as the Okoro-Nu-Odo flyover.
Others, according to him, are the Sakpenwa – Bori dual carriage way, the Abonnema Ring Road, the 10-kilometre Bolo internal roads, and the Eteo – Sime – Nowan – Kira road.
“We also wish to restate our commitment to recruit 5,000 youths into the state’s public service in 2021 to reduce the unemployment rate and give the beneficiaries a new ease of life.”
The governor noted that there was a second wave of the Coronavirus experienced in the state, and issued a warning to those who continue to disregard adherence to Covid-19 protocols of the danger they cause other law-abiding residents.
“It is necessary to remind everyone of our responsibility to adhere strictly to the existing protocols on compulsory wearing of face masks, maintenance of social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and the regular use of hand sanitizers so that we can reasonably prevent the rate of transmission and avoid needless deaths from the disease”.
The governor expressed government’s dismay with the continuing flouting of the ban on trading, the creation of illegal motor parks, taxi ranks and mechanic workplaces as well as the erection of illegal kiosks along the streets and other public spaces.
“Apart from constituting public nuisance, these activities and structures obstruct traffic flow and pose serious threats to public safety and security to the extent no responsible government can tolerate.
“With the grace period over therefore, we have no other option than to order immediate clampdown and put a final stop to these illegal operations from January 4, 2021”, Wike added.

Featured

Rivers A Strategic Hub for Nigeria’s Blue Economy -Ibas  …Calls For Innovation-Driven Solutions

Published

on

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has emphasized the need for innovation-driven strategies, strategic partnerships, and firm policy implementation to fully harness the vast potential of the blue economy.

 

 

 

Speaking during a courtesy visit by participants of Study Group 7 of the Executive Course 47 from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday, Ibas highlighted the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy beyond oil by leveraging maritime resources to create jobs, enhance food security, strengthen climate resilience, and generate sustainable revenue.

 

 

 

The Administrator, according to a statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, noted that with coordinated efforts and innovative solutions, the blue economy could serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth, economic stability, and long-term environmental sustainability.

 

 

 

“It is estimated that a fully developed blue economy could generate over $296 million annually for Nigeria, spanning fisheries, shipping and logistics, marine tourism, offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, biotechnology, and coastal infrastructure,” he stated.

 

 

 

“We must transition from extractive practices to regenerative, inclusive, and innovation-driven solutions. This requires political cohesion, intergovernmental collaboration, robust infrastructure, and institutional capacity—all of which must be pursued with urgency and intentionality,” he added.

 

 

 

Ibas urged sub-national governments, particularly coastal states, to domesticate the national blue economy framework and develop tailored strategies that reflect their comparative advantages.

 

 

 

He stressed that such efforts must be guided by disciplined planning, regulation, and investment to maximize the sector’s potential.

 

 

 

Highlighting Rivers State’s pivotal role, the Administrator outlined its strategic advantages as follows:

 

 

 

•Nearly 30% of Nigeria’s total coastline (approximately 853km)

 

 

 

•Over 40% of Nigeria’s crude oil and gas output

 

 

 

•More than 33% of the country’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings

 

 

 

•416 of Nigeria’s 1,201 oil wells, many located in marine environments

 

 

 

•Two of Nigeria’s largest seaports, two oil refineries, and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) terminal in Bonny Island—one of Africa’s most advanced gas facilities

 

 

 

Despite these opportunities, Ibas acknowledged challenges such as pollution, coastal erosion, illegal oil refining, unregulated fishing, inadequate infrastructure, and maritime insecurity.

 

 

 

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutional reforms, coastal zone management, and inter-agency collaboration to build a governance structure that supports a sustainable blue economy.

 

 

 

“Sustainability must be embedded in our development models from the outset, not as an afterthought. We are actively exploring partnerships in maritime education, aquaculture development, port modernization, and renewable ocean energy. We welcome knowledge-sharing engagements like this to refine our strategies and enhance implementation,” he said.

 

 

 

He urged the NIPSS delegation to ensure their findings translate into actionable recommendations that address the sector’s challenges.

 

 

 

Leader of the delegation, Vice Admiral A.A. Mustapha, explained that the visit aligns with their strategic institutional tour mandate on the 2025 theme: “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

 

 

 

The group is engaging stakeholders to deepen understanding of policy efforts and institutional roles in advancing sustainable development through the blue economy.

 

 

Continue Reading

Featured

INEC To Unveil New Party Registration Portal As Applications Hit 129

Published

on

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has now received a total of 129 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.

The update was provided during the commission’s regular weekly meeting held in Abuja, yesterday.

According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, seven new applications were submitted within the past week, adding to the previous number.

“At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the commission received a further update on additional requests from associations seeking registration as political parties.

“Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed,” the commission stated.

The commission revealed the introduction of a new digital platform for political party registration. The platform is part of the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System and aims to streamline the registration process.

Olumekun disclosed that final testing of the portal would be completed within the next week.

“INEC also plans to release comprehensive guidelines to help associations file their applications using the new system.

“Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the Commission is introducing a political party registration portal, which is a module in our Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System.

“This will make the process faster and seamless. In the next week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.

“Thereafter, the next step for associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage will be announced. The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS,” the statement added.

In the meantime, the list of new associations that have submitted applications has been made available to the public on INEC’s website and other official platforms.

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Featured

Tinubu Signs Four Tax Reform Bills Into Law …Says Nigeria Open For Business 

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.

The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.

The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.

The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.

The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.

“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.

Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.

Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”

Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”

He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.

“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.

According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”

He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.

The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.

However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.

At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.

They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.

After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.

By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.

In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.

“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.

“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.

He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.

The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.

“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending