Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on Thursday, revealed the staggering extent of corruption in Nigeria, revealing that an estimated 87 million bribes, totaling N700 billion, were paid in 2023 alone.
This is similar to an earlier figure issued by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), that more than N700 billion was paid in cash as bribes by citizens to public officials in 2023.
The two agencies however, failed to reveal the sources of these figures, or how they arrived at them.
Addressing the International Law Conference at Ahmadu Bello University, Aliyu emphasized that corruption remains a significant obstacle to Nigeria’s development, eroding trust in public institutions, undermining the rule of law, and stifling economic growth.The ICPC chairman noted that corruption was not only a legal issue but also a social problem requiring a comprehensive approach. He cited a recent survey by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, which ranked corruption as the fourth most critical problem facing the country in 2023, after cost of living, insecurity, and unemployment.
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Aliyu highlighted the disparity in bribe payments between rural and urban areas, with rural areas experiencing a higher frequency of bribes. However, he acknowledged progress in the fight against corruption, citing an increase in citizens reporting bribe payments to authorities from 3.6% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2023.
“Despite these challenges, we are making progress. The rate of citizens reporting bribe payments to official authorities increased from 3.6 per cent in 2019 to 8.6 per cent in 2023.
“This is a testament to the growing awareness and willingness of Nigerians to fight corruption,” he further said.
The ICPC Chairman’s stance is in consonance with an earlier report issued by the NBS which said more than N700 billion was paid in cash as bribes by citizens to public officials in 2023.
In its report, titled, ‘NBS Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends’, the bureau said 70 percent of Nigerians declined to pay bribes at least once in 2023.
Released in Abuja last month, the report said about 76 percent of those who rejected bribes were in the north-west — the highest across the geo-political zones.
The post Like NBS, ICPC give alarming figure of corruption in Nigeria, says N700bn bribes paid in 2023 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Like NBS, ICPC give alarming figure of corruption in Nigeria, says N700bn bribes paid in 2023
Team Nigeria’s men disqualified from Olympics 4x400m relay
9th August 2024
Team Nigeria’s 4x100m men’s relay team
The quartet of Emmanuel Ojeli, Ezekiel Nathanial, Dubem Amene, and Chidi Okezie, have been disqualified from the men’s 4x400m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Friday.
Details later…
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NAPS condemns Osun ploy students’ rustication
The National Association of Polytechnic Students, on Thursday, condemned the recent rustication of 12 students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State.
The association also accused the Rector, Dr Sanni Yahaya, of tyranny and lack of commitment to the welfare and progress of the students, and demanded his sack.
NAPS’ Vice President on Special Duties, Kazeem Ajewole, according to a statement, made this call at a national meeting of the students’ body on Wednesday at Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State.
The students were said to have been recently dismissed for leading a protest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
NAPS has, however, described the act of the school management as unjust and a “miscarriage of justice” which must not be left unchallenged.
The statement partly read, “The leadership of NAPS strongly condemns the unjust rustication of the students by the Rector, most especially owing to the circumstances that surround their rustication.
“This act is a miscarriage of justice, inhuman and detrimental to the progress of the affected students, and a setback to education in our country at large.
“The Rector’s decision has not only affected the students’ morale but also weakened their focus on their academic careers.”
The students’ body added that the “rustication is a clear indication of the Rector’s disregard for due process and the welfare of students,” adding that it has “evidence of other inhumane policies implemented by the Rector, driven by personal aggrandisement agendas.”
NAPS, in its statement, demanded “the immediate sack of the Rector for his gross misconduct and inhumane treatment of students, immediate reversal of the rustication of the affected students, implementation of a fair and transparent disciplinary process as well as the establishment of a student welfare committee to ensure students’ rights are protected.
“If our demands are not met within two weeks, we will be forced to take drastic measures which include shutting down the institution, and organising a peaceful protest until our demands are met by the Federal Ministry of Education, FCT, Abuja among others.”
On Wednesday, the National Association of Nigerian Students, in a statement by its Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, condemned the students’ rustication, explaining that the affected students were unjustly punished for exercising their constitutional rights.
Expert calls for policies promoting benefits of physical exercise in Nigeria
A United States-based researcher in the department of Kinesiology and Integrative physiology, Michigan Technological University, USA, Oluwatosin Oyeniran has urged the Nigerian government to institute policies that will promote awareness on health benefits of physical activities and outdoor exercise.
In his paper entitled, “Exercise as a Novel form of Medicine”, Oyeniran noted that physical activity and exercise was one of the most effective forms of medicine in promoting good health, preventing diseases such as cardiovascular problems, Obesity and diabetes and bolstering the immune function of the people.
Oyeniran explained that physical activity does not have to be intensed or time-consuming to be beneficial, noting that even moderate activities like brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, can significantly improve health outcomes.
He regretted that despite the numerous benefits of physical activity and exercise, a greater number of Nigerians are not getting enough of it as most people engage in a sedentary lifestyle, with many adults spending long hours sitting at work or engaging in screen-based activities especially among city dwellers.
He said Nigeria has an alarming rate of 32.68% burden of physical inactivity prominently in the urban area, noting that such lifestyle had taken a toll on public health.
He, therefore, advocated for a change in the trend, especially in the present post-COVID era where a more active lifestyle is embraced for the benefit of the bodies, minds, and communities.
His words, “For Nigerians specifically, there’s a need for policies that promote awareness on the health benefits of physical activity and outdoor exercise. Studies have shown that active individuals have better heart rate recovery and blood pressure regulation after exercise compared to inactive individuals.
“Only 6.45% of Nigerian adults report engaging in outdoor leisure-time physical exercise at least once a week.
“Physical activity and exercise is one of the most effective forms of medicine to promote good health, prevent disease, and bolster immune function of Nigerians and Africans at large.
“Through this campaign, I hope to consolidate the gains already recorded by the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) Nigeria National Center which is currently hosted at the Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF).”
Oyeniran, who is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and other physiological Associations said his primary research interest centers on understanding the impact of physical activity and exercise on human health and general wellbeing, especially among young and older adults in Nigeria and the United States, using techniques such as lower body negative pressure, exercise, and simulated hemorrhage.
Speaking on how more Nigerians can be encouraged to engage in physical activity, Oyeniran suggested the need to raise awareness and educate more people about the health benefits of exercise and the risks of a sedentary lifestyle.
He said the government can also make it more accessible by creating more public spaces for physical activity, such as parks, walking trails, community sports facilities and the promotion of workplace wellness and community initiatives via organizing group activities like community walks or sports leagues to make exercise more social and enjoyable.
“Most importantly, he emphasized the need to start young by promoting physical education in schools and encouraging children to participate in sports and outdoor activities.
“Through this campaign, I hope to consolidate the gains already recorded by the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) Nigeria National Center which is currently hosted at the Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF),” he stated.
Expert calls for policies promoting benefits of physical exercise in Nigeria
Botswana declares holiday to honour Olympics gold medalist, Letsile Tebogo
Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, has declared an afternoon day-off today, August 9, 2024, to honour Letsile Tebogo, the country’s first-ever Olympics Gold medalist in the 200m.
This recognition celebrates Tebogo’s achievement as both the first Motswana and the first African to secure gold in this event.
The President’s proclamation reflects the nation’s respect for Tebogo’s success and is a tribute to his late mother, marking this occasion in Botswana’s sporting history.
A Friday statement from the president’s X account issued by his Permanent Secretary disclosed this.
The press release was from the office of the president, Republic of Botswana, Gaborone.
It read, “His Excellency, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, has announced an afternoon day-off for all Batswana and residents today, Friday, August 9, 2024, to honour Letsile Tebogo. Known as ‘Botswana’s Sensation,’ Tebogo made history as the first Motswana and African to win a gold medal in the 200m at the Olympics.
“President Masisi’s decision reflects the nation’s recognition of Tebogo’s remarkable achievement and the desire to celebrate this historic moment in Botswana’s history. The President’s announcement is a tribute to Tebogo’s outstanding performance and a mark of respect to his late mother.”
Masisi congratulated Tebogo and called for a celebration of his historic achievement.
It concluded, “President Masisi extends his heartfelt congratulations to Letsile Tebogo and encourages all citizens to celebrate this significant milestone with pride and joy.
“A pula e lo nele ka masubelele, Batswana!”
According Online reports that African nations are far behind on the Olympics 2024 medal table, with none ranking in the from first to 39th.
The closest the continent comes is 40th and 41st, having Kenya and South Africa boasting five and four medals, respectively.
Both nations have one gold and one silver each.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has yet to register its name on the medal table and ranks 80th alongside five other nations in the same position.
The Paris 2024 Olympics commenced on July 26 and will end on August 11, 2024.
Cross-dresser James Brown advises colleagues following murder of Abuja Area Mama
Following the gruesome murder of an Abuja-based cross-dresser who was popularly known as “Abuja Area Mama,” his senior colleague, James Brown has come out to advise those in the business to stop doing ‘runs’ when they become popular.
James Brown who gave the advice in a post on his X handle on Friday, insinuated that despite the deceased attaining some level of popularity in the FCT, he was still hanging out in streets at night, which could have led to his murder by unknown persons.
READ ALSO:Popular cross dresser James Brown speaks on battling depression
“All Cross-Dressers in Nigeria, stay safe out there. What happened to Area Mama is sad, she was supposed to reduce her night work now that she was popular,” he wrote.
“Me I don’t have the mind to wear my cross dressing outfits out in public and stand by the roadside.
“Mine is for Instagram content, movie and inside my house o, it’s very risky to be doing runs as a popular cross dresser”, he stated.
The post Cross-dresser James Brown advises colleagues following murder of Abuja Area Mama appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Israeli defence minister warns Lebanon amid tensions
Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, on Thursday issued a stern warning to neighbouring Lebanon, stating that if the Hezbollah militia continued its aggression, Israel will fight with all its might.
Israel was striving “for peace, prosperity and stability on both sides of the northern border,’’ Gallant said in an unusual message addressing the Lebanese population directly.
“We will not allow the Hezbollah militia to destabilise the border and the region,” Gallant said.
“If Hezbollah continues its aggression, Israel will fight it with all its might,’’ Gallant said,
“Those who play with fire must expect destruction,’’ he warned.
This is as a result of the killing in Tehran of Palestinian militant organisation Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh and Fuad Shukr, a top military commander with the Iranian-allied Hezbollah.
The danger of a major war in the Middle East has continued to grow.
Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas have threatened retaliation against Israel.
Hezbollah has traded near-daily fire with Israel in support of its ally Hamas since the Palestinian militant group’s Oct. 7; attack on Israel triggered the Gaza war.
Clashes have resulted in numerous civilian casualties in Lebanon and Israel.
More than 350 Hezbollah members as well as Israeli soldiers had been killed.
Tens of thousands of residents on both sides of the border have fled their homes.
(NAN)
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FG suspends registration for N40,000 rice
The Federal Government has withdrawn the circular directing civil servants to register for the purchase of N50kg bag of rice at a subsidised rate of N40,000.
The withdrawal of the circular was communicated in another circular by the Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Aderonke Jaiyesimi.
The internal circular, dated August 2, 2024 and sighted by our correspondent on Thursday, was addressed to all directors and heads of departments.
Jaiyesimi said, “I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry (Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs) of late August 2024 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the internal circular is hereby withdrawn. Further details will be communicated in due course.
“Please bring the contents of this internal circular to the attention of staff in your respective departments and units for their information and proper guidance.”
Earlier, the ministry had invited all civil servants interested in purchasing the Federal Government’s subsidised rice to register by completing a Google form on the OHCSF website and submit it to the director of human resources for endorsement.
It noted that payment for and the distribution of the rice would be coordinated by designated offices while the Chairman, Joint Union Council of the ministry, would serve as an observer for transparency in the course of the exercise.
The Federal Government had recently said it had created centres across the country where Nigerians could purchase 50kg bags of rice for N40,000.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, said the initiative was one of several initiatives by the Tinubu administration to ease living conditions for citizens.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
Israeli defence minister issues warning to Lebanon amid tensions
Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant on Thursday issued a stern warning to neighbouring Lebanon, stating that if the Hezbollah militia continued its aggression, Israel would fight with all its might.
Israel was striving “for peace, prosperity and stability on both sides of the northern border,’’ Gallant said in an unusual message addressing the Lebanese population directly.
“We will not allow the Hezbollah militia to destabilise the border and the region,” Gallant said.
“If Hezbollah continues its aggression, Israel will fight it with all its might,’’ Gallant said,
“Those who play with fire must expect destruction,’’ he warned.
This is due to the killing in Tehran of Palestinian militant organisation Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh and Fuad Shukr, a top military commander with the Iranian-allied Hezbollah.
The danger of a major war in the Middle East has continued to grow.
Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas have threatened retaliation against Israel.
Hezbollah has traded near-daily fire with Israel in support of its ally Hamas since the Palestinian militant group’s Oct. 7; attack on Israel triggered the Gaza war.
Clashes have resulted in numerous civilian casualties in Lebanon and Israel.
More than 350 Hezbollah members, as well as Israeli soldiers, had been killed.
Tens of thousands of residents on both sides of the border have fled their homes.
Israeli defence minister issues warning to Lebanon amid tensions
Dangote refinery designed to process Nigerian crude – CEO
The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has stated that his $20bn Dangote Petroleum Refinery was built to use Nigerian crude and add value to it within the country.
Dangote, who stated this in a statement issued by the refinery on Thursday, asked why should the plant deviate from this focus, as he admitted that the refinery had also been refining crude oil grades from Europe, the United States, and other countries.
Africa’s wealthiest man further noted that the domestic crude oil supply issues in Nigeria were being resolved by the parties involved.
The statement said the refinery has already affected crude flows, with dozens of Nigerian cargoes remaining in-country and US WTI Midland, a comparable light, sweet grade, being imported. It said the mega-refinery could therefore tighten the light, sweet crude market.
“Its diet is WTI and the lighter Nigerian (crudes) so if you were chasing those barrels you’d probably feel it quite keenly,” the statement stated that a West African crude trader told Commodity Insights.
It said WTI Midland crude initially emerged as the favoured feedstock to supplement Nigerian supply, with the refinery signing long-term supply contracts for the US grade and noting its competitive pricing.
It stated that crude flows in and out of the Dangote refinery have been felt in other markets, especially in Europe, the largest consumer of light, sweet Nigerian crude.
“The US grade has accounted for 30 per cent of crude delivered to Dangote, through 18 cargoes,” the multi-billion dollar company stated in the statement.
It said Dangote stated that the facility would broaden the refinery’s feedstock sources with Libyan, Angolan, and Brazilian crude.
“The refinery was built to use Nigerian crude and add value to it within Nigeria. Why should we deviate from that focus?” Dangote stated, adding that the crude supply issues were “getting resolved”, but that the refinery remained open to all opportunities “to supplement it”.
“Dangote refinery is designed to process a range of light and medium grades of crude oil, including Nigerian grades,” said Rasool Barouni, Associate Director and head of Refining at S&P Global Commodity Insights. “Other similar grades including other WAF grades could be an option.”
Nigeria is sub-Saharan Africa’s largest oil producer, pumping 1.5 million barrels per day in June, according to the Platts OPEC Survey from S&P Global Commodity Insights.
Until this year, all of its oil was exported due to the lack of refining capacity, with gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel imported for domestic use.
The statement also noted that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries said supplies from Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals would put pressure on the performance of Europe’s oil industry, especially the Northwest Europe gasoil.
It stated that OPEC in its monthly Oil Market Report for June 2024 listed Dangote refinery among the top diesel and jet fuel suppliers that would disrupt Europe’s oil and gas Industry, a development experts forecasted would positively impact the Nigerian economy.
Recall that Standard & Poor Global quoting trading and the ship tracking sources had earlier predicted that Nigeria’s $20bn Dangote refinery would shake up international crude flows when it reaches full capacity, having already made an impact since coming online in January, trading sources and ship tracking data show.
In another development, the Dangote refinery clarified its stand on crude supply to the plant.
“Our attention has been drawn to media reports alleging that the Dangote refinery has backtracked by acknowledging that NNPC supplied about 60 per cent of the 50 million barrels we lifted.
“To clarify, we have never accused NNPC of not supplying us with crude. Our concern has always been NUPRC’s reluctance to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation and ensure that we receive our full crude requirement from NNPC and the IOCs.
“For September, our requirement is 15 cargoes, of which NNPC allocated six. Despite appealing to NUPRC, we’ve been unable to secure the remaining cargoes. When we approached IOCs producing in Nigeria, they redirected us to their international trading arms or responded that their cargoes were committed.
“Consequently, we often purchase the same Nigerian crude from international traders at an additional $3-$4 premium per barrel which translates to $3-$4 million per cargo,” the refinery stated in a statement issued on Thursday.
It still insisted that “we are unable to secure our full crude requirement from domestic production and urge NUPRC (Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission) to fully enforce the domestic crude supply obligation as mandated by the PIA.”