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How Men In Foreign Military Uniforms Invaded State Secretariat Ibadan – Nigeria Army

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Odua Nation Agitator in Oyo State house Assembly

By Adesina Soyooye

As Nigerians continue to express shock and surprise over how a group of Yoruba Nation adherents effortlessly invaded the State Secretariat Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, on Saturday, April 13,  the Nigeria Army has admitted that the invaders wore foreign Military uniforms and berets.

Not a few Nigerians wondered how the invaders who carried dangerous weapons, succeeded in taking down Nigeria’s flag, and hoisted that of the Yoruba Nation, carried out their plans without any detection by Nigeria’s Security and Intelligence Community.

The admission by the Army that they wore foreign Military Uniforms has put more fear into a number of Nigerians who are now asking “how come?” They are also asking Security Agencies to get to the root of the scary incident and arrest and prosecute those behind what they say is the equivalent of an “attempted coup” against the Government of Oyo State and by implication, the South West Governments.

But in a statement it issued, signed on its behalf by  Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, the Nigeria Army said it is on top of the situation.

The statement explained that the invaders met superior firepower which led to the arrest of nine of them, and the recovery of some arms and ammunition. It said the others escaped but emphasized the escapees will be tracked down and arrested.

The statement reads in full:

SITUATION REPORT ON INVASION OF OYO STATE SECRETARIAT AGODI

“This is to notify the general public that today, Saturday, 13 April 2024, sequel to the report of an attack on the State Secretariat Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State, troops promptly responded to the incident and had contact with adherents of the Yoruba Nation dressed in foreign military camouflage with berets and armed with dangerous weapons in buses and motorbikes.

“Upon encountering own troops, the Yoruba nation adherents engaged the troops in a shootout. Troops, utilizing superior firepower, successfully subdued the attackers, who subsequently retreated in disarray. As a result of this engagement, nine members of the irredentist group were apprehended, while one Semi Automatic Pump Action rifle and ammunition were recovered.

“Currently, troops are on the track of the fleeing adherents, and the situation is under control.

“We assure members of the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the general area.

“We urge the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate security agencies. The safety and security of the citizenry remain a priority, as we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region.

“ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Major General
Director Army Public Relations
13 April 2024”

Kano APC Working Committee, Annuls Ganduje’s Suspension, Reprimands Ward’s Exco

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Abdullahi Ganduje

By Ayodele Oni

In an affirmation of supremacy, Kano State Working Committee, (SWC) of  the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the suspension of the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, by his ward executives.

The SWC in a reaction upheld the suspension of some party leaders in Ganduje Ward of Dawakin Tofa local government by the local chapter, who earlier announced the suspension of the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, from the party.

The APC at Ganduje Ward in Dawakin Tofa local government area had earlier on Monday suspended the party’s national chairman over allegation of bribery against him by the Kano State Government.

The party’s leadership at the local government office, reacted that the suspension was nullified and those behind it have been sacked.

The APC chairman in Dawakin Tofa local government area, Inusa Suleiman Dawanau, told journalists in Kano on Monday that those behind the suspension of the APC National Chairman were caught in anti-party activities with records of their meetings with the ruling party in the State exposed.

He stated that in addition to the suspension, the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party has also sanctioned the Ganduje Ward party leaders for six months.

A special investigation panel has also been set up to verify several allegations against them.

The Kano State APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, confirmed that the state level, has since adopted the decisions of the party at the local government level, and already investigating the alleged anti-party activities of the culprits.

“We have evidence of meetings between the state government officials and those that suspended the National Chairman.

“SWC has agreed to sanction them for six months and they now stand suspended.”

The SWC also declared that the suspension of the National Chairman by the Ganduje Ward party chieftains was invalid and remains null and void.

Bode George Advocates For State Police, Says Its Absence  Cause Of Invasion Of Oyo State House, Secretariat

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Deputy Chairman of opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, has faulted the invasion of Oyo Government House by O’odua Nation agitators on the failure of having State Police.

The PDP Chieftain said that he has always been a supporter and advocate of having State Police, stressing that if such had been implemented and put in place, there wouldn’t have been such attack.

He added that the failure of intelligence by the country’s security agencies also led to this.

George made this assertions while speaking on Arise TV on Monday. He said that the agitators carried out the planned invasion without the security agencies knowing, and insisted the incident pushes the urgent need for the establishment of state police.

His words, “ What surprises me is that it didn’t leak to the intelligence department of this nation. They carried their weapons and were there in military uniforms, and nobody stopped them on the road.

“This calls for the urgent need for state police because they couldn’t have been meeting somewhere if we were well organized. After all, the state police and the SSS would have been there and come to terms to prevent it. Now, they’ve carried out their mission.

“Also, what happened is a confirmation that, in terms of policing, intelligence gathering is in short supply. What is the total population of the Nigerian police and intelligence departments at the national and state levels? Every political discussion is local, and we need to establish very urgently state police because state police will be people drawn from the area; they know the culture, norms, dos and don’ts, and information gathering will be much faster.”

The elder statesman went further by calling on the  Federal Government to revisit the country’s educational curriculum.

“When we were in primary school, there was the teaching of civics, your responsibilities to your nation, and the responsibilities of the nations to yourself and the general area. I’m not sure if they teach civics or history anymore.

“How will these young men be able to handle this discussion? Something is missing; we need to revisit ourselves as a nation. If they had been taught history, they would have known the consequences. I want to advise the president to wake up and add it as part of the curriculum for education.

It would be recalled that last weekend, some suspected Yoruba nation agitators dressed in military camouflage and armed with weapons occupied and attempted to overwhelm security operatives at the Oyo StateAssembly complex and hoisted their own flag within the Assembly premises.

But, the swift intervention of the Police and other Security Agencies led to the arrest of some of the agitators.

“Our Elders Not In Tune With Current Reality”, Says Arewa Progressives Forum, Urges NEF To Face Infighting Among Northern Politicians

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The political structure of the North seems divided over President Bola Tinubu’s administration as Arewa Progressive Forum (APFO) upbraided the elite Northern Elders’ Forum, (NEF) on its position on the administration.

APFO declared that it maintains its distance from the recent views of the Northern Elders Forum against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential approach to security in the region.

The NEF had claimed to have regretted its decision to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections, with a threat that the North had learnt its lesson over heightened security challenges under the Tinubu-led administration.

The minister of defence, Bello Matawalle had earlier carpeted the northern elders on their position, describing them as politically irrelevant.

The National Secretary of Arewa Progressives Forum, Magaji Abbas Danbatta in a statement on Monday in Kaduna, regretted that the recent outbursts of the Elders forum did not represent the Northern agenda for peace and national unity of the country which is not negotiable.

“To Dambatta, it was an error for any group or political association to come out openly and announce their regret over majority decisions, warning that northern elders are derailing from their counseling and advisory role to the government on national issues as it affects the region.

“The group further supported Minister of State Defense, Bello Mohammed Matawalle over his mature response to the NEF outbursts against President Tinubu, saying, the people behind the claim were more interested in personal gains than the unity and survival of Nigeria.

“We wholeheartedly endorsed the reactions of Minister of State Defense, Bello Mohammed Matawalle to some members of this group. They are not in tune with the current reality in the North.

“Northern elders should be seen as mediators or opinion shapers on national unity, cohesion, and progress without regional bias. This is key because Nigeria’s unity can’t be negotiated on the page of newspapers.

“The same elders that ignored and failed to unite some of our political gladiators that are fighting one another in Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna States are talking about the region being abandoned to its plights.

“Where were they when Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal was attacking his predecessor Bello Mohammed Matawalle over issues that could have been amicably resolved?

“The same with Umar Ganduje and Rabi’u Kwankwaso or Aliyu Wamakko and Bafarawa before going into a fight with Aminu Waziri Tambuwal?

“In Kaduna, there is brewing misunderstanding between Governor Uba Sani and his predecessor Nasir El-Rufai. All the Northern elders cared about was President Tinubu.

“We are concerned that, the northern elders have one of their members as an adviser on political matters to the Vice President, the person of Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed who could have facilitated a meeting with who and who in the seat of power to discuss issues affecting the region or the country in general rather than rushing to the press.”

The Forum however noted and commended the joint and unrelenting efforts of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of State (Defence), Bello Muhammad Matawalle whose proactive measures have helped improve security in the Northern region.

“We are of the view that President Tinubu’s approach to the issues of security in the North so far, especially Northwest is one of the best compared to his immediate predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari’s approach.”

Alleged Corruption: APC National Chairman, Ganduje Suspended By Ward

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

By Ayodele Oni

Another political logjam is looming as the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward in Ganduje, Dawakin Tofa Local Government, Area of Kano State has suspended the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The announcement was made by the ward’s Legal Adviser, Halliru Gwanzo, who addressed Journalists in Kano on Monday.

Gwanzo cited allegations of bribery against Ganduje leveled by the Kano State Government as the reason for the suspension.

“We decided to suspend Dr. Ganduje from the party due to the seriousness of the allegations against him,” Gwanzo stated.

The suspension, effective immediately, throws the leadership of the APC into question and could have wider implications for Nigerian politics in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

Dr. Ganduje has not yet commented on the suspension.

The NNDP controlled government of Kano state had set up a panel to probe the immediate past administration of Ganduje, who is being accused of various illegalities.

OPINION: Air Peace: Nigerian Firms Need Govt Support To Compete On Global Scale

By
James Orji
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Dakuku Peterside

By Dakuku Peterside

Nigerian corporate influence and that of the West continue to collide. The rationale is straightforward: whereas corporate activity in Europe and America is part of their larger local and foreign policy engagement, privately owned enterprises in Nigeria  or commercial interests are not part of Nigeria’s foreign policy ecosystem, neither is there a strong culture of government support for privately owned enterprises’ expansion locally and internationally.

Nigerian firms’ competitiveness on a global scale can only be enhanced by the support of the Nigerian government.  It is evident that relationship between Nigerian businesses  and foreign policy is important to the national interest. When backing domestic Nigerian companies to compete on a worldwide scale, the government should see it as a lever to drive foreign policy, national strategic interest, promote trade, enhance national security considerations, minimise distortion in the domestic market as the foreign airlines were doing, boost GDP, create employment opportunities, and optimise corporate returns for the firms. For example, the South Korean mega conglomerates within the chaebols corporate structure, such as Samsung, Daewoo, SK Group, LG, and others, have become globally recognisable brands thanks to the backing of the South Korean government. For Chaebol to succeed, strong collaboration with the government has been essential. Also, in telecommunications, Huawei would only be such a well-known brand worldwide with the backing of the Chinese government. The opposite is the case with Nigeria.

Admitted nations do not always interfere directly in their companies’ business and commercial dealings, and there are always exceptions. I can cite two areas of exception: military sales by companies because of their strategic implications and are, therefore, part of foreign and diplomatic policy and processes. The second is where the products or routes of a company have implications for foreign policy. Air Peace falls into the second category in the Lagos – London route.

Two events demonstrate an emerging trend that, if not checked, will disincentivise Nigerian firms from competing in the global marketplace. There are other notable examples, but I am using these two examples because they are very recent and ongoing, and they are typological representations of the need for Nigerian government backing and support for local companies that are playing  in a very competitive international  market dominated by big foreign companies whose governments are using all forms of foreign policies and diplomacy to support and sustain.

The first is Air Peace. It is the only Nigerian-owned aviation company playing globally and checkmating the dominance of foreign airlines. The most recent advance is the commencement of flights on the Lagos – London route. In Nigeria, foreign airlines are well-established and accustomed to a lack of rivalry, yet a free-market economy depends on the existence of competition. Nigeria has significantly larger airline profits per passenger than other comparable African nations. Insufficient competition has resulted in high ticket costs and poor service quality. It is precisely this jinx that Air Peace is attempting to break.

On 30 March, Air Peace reciprocated the lopsided Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom when the local airline began direct flight operations from Lagos to Gatwick Airport in London. This elicited several reactions from foreign airlines backed by their various sovereigns because of their strategic interest. A critical response is the commencement of a price war. Before the Air Peace entry, the price of international flight tickets on the Lagos-London route had soared to as much as N3.5 million for the  economy ticket. However, after Air Peace introduced a return economy class ticket priced at N1.2 million, foreign carriers like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Qatar Airways reduced their fares significantly to remain competitive.

In a price war, there is little the government can do. In an open-market competitive situation such as this, our government must not act in a manner that suggests it is antagonistic to foreign players and competitors. There must be an appearance of a level playing field. However, the government owes Air Peace protection against foreign competitors backed by their home governments. This is in the overall interest of the Nigerian consumer of goods and services. Competition history in the airspace works where the Consumer Protection Authority in the host country is active.

This is almost absent in Nigeria and it is a reason why foreign airlines have been arbitrary in pricing their tickets. Nigerian consumers are often at the mercy of these foreign firms who lack any vista of patriotism and are more inclined to protect the national interest of their governments and countries.

It would not be too much to expect Nigerian companies playing globally to benefit from the protection of the Nigerian government to limit influence peddling by foreign-owned companies. The success of Air Peace should enable a more competitive and sustainable market, allowing domestic players to grow their network and propel Nigeria to the forefront of international aviation.

The second is Proforce, a Nigerian-owned military hardware manufacturing firm active in Rwanda, Chad, Mali, Ghana, Niger, Burkina Faso, and South Sudan. Despite the growing capacity of Proforce in military hardware manufacturing, Nigeria entered two lopsided arrangements with two UAE firms to supply military equipment worth billions of dollars, respectively. Both deals are backed by the UAE government but executed by UAE firms. These deals on a more extensive web are not unconnected with UAE’s national strategic interest. In pursuit of its strategic national interest, India is pushing Indian firms to supply military equipment to Nigeria.

The Nigerian defence equipment market has seen weaker indigenous competitors driven out due to the combination of local manufacturers’ lack of competitive capacity and government patronage of Asian, European, and US firms in the defence equipment manufacturing sector. This is a misnomer and needs to be corrected. Not only should our government be the primary customer of this firm if its products meet international standards, but it should also support and protect it from the harsh competitive realities of a challenging but strategic market directly linked to our national military procurement ecosystem. The ability to produce military hardware locally is significant to our defence strategy. This firm and similar companies playing in this strategic defence area must be considered strategic and have a considerable place in Nigeria’s foreign policy calculations. Protecting Nigeria’s interests is the primary reason for our engagement in global diplomacy. The government must deliberately balance national interest with capacity and competence in military hardware purchases. It will not be too much to ask these foreign firms to partner with local companies so we can embed the technology transfer advantages.

Increasingly, other companies, especially in the banking and fintech sectors, are making giant strides in global competitiveness. Our government must create an environment that enables our local companies to compete globally and ply their trades in various countries. It should be part of the government’s overall economic, strategic growth agenda to identify areas or sectors in which Nigerian companies have a competitive advantage, especially in the sub-region and across Africa and support the companies in these sectors to advance and grow to dominate in  the African region with a view to competing globally. Government support in the form of incentives such as competitive grants ,tax credit for consumers, low-interest capital, patronage, G2G business, operational support, and diplomatic lobbying, amongst others, will alter the competitive landscape. Governments  and key government agencies in the west retain the services of lobbying firms in pursuit of its strategic interest.

Nigerian firms’ competitiveness on a global scale can only be enhanced by the support of the Nigerian government. Foreign policy interests should be a key driver of Nigerian trade agreements. How does the Nigerian government support private companies to grow and compete globally? Is it intentionally mapping out growth areas and creating opportunities for Nigerian firms to maximise their potential? Is the government at the domestic level removing bottlenecks and impediments to private company growth, allowing a level playing field for these companies to compete with international companies? Why is the government patronising foreign firms against local firms if their products are of similar value? What was the rationale for flight tickets from Lagos to London costing N3.5 million for the economy class just a few weeks ago only to come down to N1.3 million with the entrance of Air Peace to the market? Why are Nigerian consumers left to the hands of international  companies in some sectors without the government actively supporting the growth of local firms to compete in those sectors?

These questions merit honest answers. Nigerian national interest must be the driving factor for our foreign policies, which must cover the private sector, just as is the case with most developed countries. The new global capitalism is not a product of accident or chance; the government has choreographed and shaped it by using foreign policies to support and protect local firms competing globally. Nigeria must learn to do the same to build a strong economy with more jobs.

Peterside, a former DG of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safe Agency, NIMASA is a Public Sector Analyst

“Why I Secured Release of Suspected Drone, AK-47 Manufacturers”- Nwoko

By
James Orji
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0

Ned Nwoko, the Senator from Delta state has secured the release of four suspects who manufactured drones and AK-47 in Delta state.

Recall that the four suspects who are members of the same family were arrested by the Nigerian Army during an operation in the state.

They reportedly have the ability to build drones, and modify Ak-47 rifle designed to hold 30 rounds to 60 rounds.

This innate ability, the senator said attracted him to secure their release.

It’s against the law to fabricate some high caliber weapons in the country, but recent reports indicate that some individuals have been manufacture weapons secretly which sometimes fall into the hands of criminal elements.

Explaining while he secured the release of the suspects from the military, Senator Nwoko stated that you cannot thrown the baby away with the bath water.

According to him, in a statement he signed, he alongside the military are working together than the law take its cause concerning the suspects, but that the four fabricators can also be put to good use to the benefit of the country.

The senator said the talents of the suspects must not be allowed to waste, adding that plans are in the offing to promote a bill in the National Assembly to encourage that such talents are well harnessed.

The statement said: “ Following my recent visit to Headquarters,  63 Brigade, Asaba, and productive discussions with the Brigade Commander, I am pleased to announce progress in addressing the situation regarding the illegal arms factory discovered in Onicha-Olona community, Delta State.

“Efforts have been made to ensure fair treatment for those involved, balancing justice with the opportunity for rehabilitation and contribution to society.

“I am pleased to reveal that through collaborative efforts, I have successfully secured the release of four family members implicated in the illegal activity.

“However, our commitment to upholding the law remains unwavering, and endeavours continue for fair judgment and potential pardon for the remaining four individuals.

“Moreover, the underlying issue highlighted by this discovery remains of paramount importance.

“We must seize the opportunity to redirect the talents demonstrated by those involved towards lawful and productive endeavours,” Nwoko stated.

The Nigerian government has been trying to discourage the spread  of dangerous arms and ammunitions, particularly at a time when terrorists and seccessionist groups are up in arms against the country.

Gov Sanwo-Olu Rallies APC South West Leaders Ahead Of Ondo Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The inaugural meeting of leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and stakeholders in the South West has been held with the newly appointed  Zonal Coordinator of the party, Governor Sanwo Olu of Lagos state.

The meeting, which attracted notable chieftains of the party in the region was held in Lagos with the south west Vice Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke leading them.

Kekemeke is one of the governorship aspirants of APC in Ondo primary election billed to hold this week.

A communique, made available to newsmen in Akure by the zonal vice chairman, indicated that the issue of the governorship election in Ondo and others were stop of discussions.

The communique reads “We have identified the places we need to work, and the work is continuous. We are working in Oyo State. We will continue to work in Osun State. We will continue to work in Ondo State. Ondo State has a unique issue because we have an election coming up, that affects all parties.

“There are candidates that have been thrown out; there are people who have aspired to be aspirants and will turn out to be candidates after the primary elections.

“We are all brothers and sisters; we will resolve all our issues in-house, and I want to assure you that APC will continue to remain the party of choice in Ondo State.

“We have decided to ensure harmonisation and reconciliation in all the states in the South-West, particularly in Oyo, Osun, and Ondo State, where the party will participate in a governorship election later this year.”

He said they also resolved to prioritize empowerment and engagement with students, youths, women, and persons with disabilities, amongst other initiatives.

“After discussing the challenges facing the party in the South-West zone, the meeting resolved to immediately set up a zonal office of the party in Ibadan and also to immediately set up a liaison and operational office in Lagos since the zonal coordinator is the Governor of Lagos.

“The meeting also resolved, as part of engagement with the leadership, formal and informal, of the party, to convene a South-West Assembly of the All Progressives Congress in early June this year.

“The meeting also resolved that, under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu, this forum will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, to ensure their empowerment and productive engagement by the government of the federation and various governments in the South-West.”

Speaking after the inaugural meeting, the national and zonal officers of APC in the South-West passed a vote of confidence in Governor Sanwo-Olu, saying the appointment of the Governor as zonal coordinator by the national leadership of the party is well deserved.

The APC national and zonal officers from the South-West, while presenting a congratulatory letter to Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged their support and loyalty to the Zonal Coordinator as he leads the South-West of the party to strengthen and reposition it for the future.

a liaison and operational office in Lagos since the zonal coordinator is the Governor of Lagos.

Road Accidents Claim 31 In One Week

By
James Orji
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0
Oyo-Ogbomoso Road Accident

No fewer than 19 persons have died as a result of road traffic crash along the Ogbomoso road in Oyo state.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NANS, which quoted the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, said the accident happened on Sunday along the very busy road.

According to Jonas Agwu, Corps Public Education Officer, an Assistant Corps Marshal , in a statement he signed in Abuja, the nation’s capital, the crash involved two vehicles, a Toyota Hiace bus registered as NTT52ZY, loaded from Ibadan en route to Sokoto, and a Toyota Corolla saloon car.

The Corps spokesman said the crash which occurred at about 07:45 a.m. was caused by one way violation by one of the vehicles.

He explained that one passenger survived the crash while 19 lost their lives.

Agwu said: “Of this number, 19 persons were killed , while the only surviving victim was rescued by FRSC operatives with injuries.

“FRSC rescue team that conducted the rescue operations have taken the injured victim to Opabode hospital in Oyo, for emergency medical attention.

“The dead bodies have been deposited at Oyo General Hospital morgue.”

Recall that two passengers lost their lives on the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge during the Eid -el-Fitri celebration, after an 18-passenger bus collided with the railing on the bridge, while 10 persons also died in Ogun state on the same day, according to checks from the FRSC.

SERAP Urges President Tinubu To Publish Loan Agreements Of Previous Administration

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Tinubu has been urged by Rights Group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, to direct appropriate Ministries, Departments, agencies and MDAs, to provide the organization with copies of the loan agreements and spending of such loans with the interests and other payments so far made on the loans obtained by the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.

SERAP said Nigerians should be in the know and are entitled to information about what their government is doing in their name, prompting it to urge President Tinubu to establish an independent audit on the spending of the loans obtained by the governments of the former presidents, and to make public the findings of any such audit.

The Group also said in the Freedom of Information request dated 13 April 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Publishing copies of the agreements would prevent and combat waste, corruption, mismanagement, and abuse in the spending of public funds”.

It also added that no one should be able to pull curtains of secrecy around decisions on the spending of public funds which can be revealed without injury to the public interest. Democracy requires accountability and accountability requires transparency.

“ The FoI request, read in part: “Nigerians’ right to a democratic governance allows them to appreciably influence the direction of government, and have an opportunity to assess progress and assign blame.

“The accountability of government to the general public is a hallmark of democratic governance, which Nigeria seeks to achieve.

“Your government should make it possible for citizens to have access to the agreements and spending details to judge whether their government is working for them or not.

“ Publishing the agreements would demonstrate your oft-expressed commitment to openness in government and to promote accountability. It would also improve public accountability in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

“ Publishing the agreements and spending details would allow the public to see how and on what these governments spent the loans and foster transparency and accountability.”

The information may help to explain why, despite several billions of dollars in loans obtained by successive governments, millions of Nigerians continue to face extreme poverty and lack access to basic public goods and services.

“Providing us with copies of the loan agreements signed by the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, and widely publishing the agreements would allow Nigerians to scrutinise it and to demand accountability for the spending of the loans.

“We would therefore be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act, and the UN Convention against Corruption, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to Nigeria is a state party.

“ According to Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, the total public domestic debt portfolio for the country’s is N97.3 trillion ($108 billion). The Federal Government’s debt is N87.3 trillion ($97 billion).

“Nigeria paid $6.2 billion in 2019 as interest on loans while the country paid $6.5 as interest in 2018. Nigeria also paid $5 billion as interest on loans in 2017 while the country paid $4.4 billion as interest in 2016. For 2015, the interest paid on loans was $5.5 billion.

“SERAP is seriously concerned that substantial parts of the loans obtained by successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999 may have been mismanaged, diverted or stolen, and in any case remain unaccounted for.

“Publishing copies of the agreements would also ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties including the management of the loans obtained between May 1999 and May 2023.

“Your government has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how any loans obtained by the Federal Government are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.

The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including to copies of the loan agreements obtained by successive governments since 1999.

“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, there are transparency obligations imposed on your government to widely publish the agreements and details of the projects on which the loans were spent.

“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”

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