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Fuel Subsidy Removal Will Lead To Temporary Shocks, But Stability Will Follow – Bagudu
Fuel Subsidy Removal Will Lead To Temporary Shocks, But Stability Will Follow – Bagudu....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has said that the removal of fuel subsidy is essential for Nigeria’s growth.
Speaking via an article published in The Explainer, Volume 28, on Friday, 27th September 2024, Bagudu pointed out that discussions on fuel subsidies often neglect the fact that prices for diesel and kerosene have already been deregulated, while petrol remains relatively cheaper.
He noted that it is necessary to transition to Compressed Natural Gas as a more affordable energy source, especially for transportation.
“The President addressed the fuel subsidy issue and the debate surrounding CNG adoption. While this transition may cause temporary shocks, particularly for vulnerable groups, with the right measures in place, we can build a more competitive energy sector that will drive growth,” Bagudu stated.
He also highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is tackling these challenges through the Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes social intervention programmes aimed at easing the impact of the economic reforms.
Bagudu said the president’s strategy focuses on confronting difficult realities while establishing the foundation for long-term growth.
“Our economy is currently small. The federal budget is approximately $20 billion. When compared to countries with similar populations, such as Indonesia, with a federal budget of $213 billion, or Brazil, with $750 billion, it becomes evident that we cannot achieve our economic objectives if we continue on this path. Our revenue must be higher.
“The clearest sign of this is seen in the monthly federal allocation meetings, where we distribute less than $2 billion across the three tiers of government. Even with this, the total is only $24 billion annually, which is insufficient. State governments that depend heavily on this allocation are under severe strain,” Bagudu added.
He also highlighted Tinubu’s ambition to transform Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy, noting that achieving this requires making tough decisions.
Bagudu added, “A key focus area is managing our foreign exchange. We do not have enough foreign currency reserves, so it is essential for the Central Bank to operate independently.
“The President supports this, following the examples of other nations that have faced similar challenges. A market-based system, rather than one that selects winners and losers, will attract more revenue and help stabilise the exchange rate.”
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a historic breakthrough with the emergence of its first female pilot, Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun, who recently earned a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The achievement was celebrated by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, marking a significant step in the agency’s drive to strengthen its aviation capacity for surveillance, logistics, and anti-smuggling operations.
At a ceremony attended by senior officers, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, described the development as a landmark moment for the service.
He said Balogun’s transition from cabin crew to certified commercial pilot represents a major breakthrough for the Customs aviation unit and highlights the agency’s commitment to professional growth and inclusivity.
He added that the milestone reflects expanding opportunities within the Service as it continues to integrate air assets into its enforcement and border monitoring operations.
Balogun expressed gratitude for the support she received, noting that her journey required dedication and resilience, while pledging to apply her new skills in advancing the Customs mandate with professionalism and discipline.
The development has been widely described within the Service as an inspiration for greater female participation in technical and specialised roles.
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Osun 2026: APC Candidate Oyebamiji Pledges Inclusive Governance For Non-Indigenes, Interest Groups.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has pledged to ensure inclusive governance by integrating non-indigenes and various interest groups if elected in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said his administration would operate a structured system that promotes participation and representation of all segments of society in governance.
The pledge was conveyed by a former lawmaker and ex-Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, after he represented the candidate at an engagement with members of the Arewa community in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area.
Oyintiloye said the plan is aimed at strengthening the link between government and grassroots communities, ensuring public policies reflect citizens’ real needs.
He added that all groups would be actively involved in both policy formulation and implementation to drive development in the state.
Oyebamiji also promised continued engagement with farmers, traders, artisans, and non-indigene communities as key stakeholders in governance.
Responding, leaders of the Arewa community commended past inclusion efforts and pledged support for the APC candidate ahead of the election.
Barely a year after its inauguration in Akwa Ibom State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been plunged into a deep factional crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Multiple factions are now locked in a struggle for control of the party, leaving members uncertain about the legitimate leadership structure.
One faction is led by John Akpanudodehe, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another is headed by the embattled state chairman, Dick Duke.
Although the leader of a third faction could not be immediately confirmed, findings indicate that another group also exists within the party.
Sources further suggest that the Akpanudodehe-led faction is seeking to remove the current chairman through a recently held congress that has sparked controversy.
In response, Dick Duke convened a stakeholders’ meeting over the weekend, where he rejected the legitimacy of the said congress.
He said the party had formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to distance itself from the exercise, citing a subsisting court order.
According to him, his tenure as state chairman is still valid until May, and any congress conducted before then would be unlawful.
Duke added that the party would only proceed with proper congresses after the expiration of his tenure and the resolution of legal issues, in line with due process.
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