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SERAP wants Govs, Wike to account for N5.9tr, $4.6bn loans

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a one week ultimatum to Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike to account for loan agreements and spending details of some N5.9 trillion and $4.6 billion loans obtained by their states and the FCT.
SERAP’s request also includes details and locations of projects executed with the loans.
SERAP also urged them to “promptly invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the spending of the domestic and external loans obtained by your state and the FCT.”
SERAP’s request followed the disclosure last week by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State that the immediate past administration of Nasir El-Rufai left $587m, N85bn debt and 115 contractual labilities, making it impossible for the state to pay salaries.
In the Freedom of Information requests dated 30 March 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “It is in the public interest to publish copies of the loan agreements and details of how the loans obtained are spent.”
SERAP said, “Nigerians have the right to know how their states are spending the domestic and external loans obtained by the governors.”
SERAP said, “Widely publishing copies of the loan agreements and spending details of the loans obtained would ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties in the management of public funds.”
The FoI requests, read in part: “We would 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 you and your state to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“SERAP is seriously concerned that many of the country’s 36 states and FCT are allegedly mismanaging public funds which may include domestic and external loans obtained from bilateral and multilateral institutions and agencies.”
“Transparency in the spending of the loans obtained by your state is fundamental to increase accountability, prevent corruption, and build trust in democratic institutions with the ultimate aim of strengthening the rule of law.”
“According to Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, the total public domestic debt portfolio for the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is N5.9 trillion. The total public external debt portfolio is $4.6 billion.”
“Many states and the FCT reportedly owe civil servants’ salaries and pensions. Several states are borrowing to pay salaries. Millions of Nigerians resident in your state and the FCT continue to be denied access to basic public goods and services such as quality education and healthcare.”
“Several states including your state are also reportedly spending public funds which may include the domestic and external loans to fund unnecessary travels, buy exotic and bulletproof cars and generally fund the lavish lifestyles of politicians.”
“SERAP is seriously concerned that the domestic and external loans obtained by your state and the FCT are vulnerable to corruption and mismanagement. Your government has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how any loans obtained by your state are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.”
“Publishing copies of the loan agreements obtained by your state and the FCT would allow Nigerians to scrutinise them, and promote transparency and accountability on the spending of public funds including the loans obtained.”
“SERAP believes that providing and widely publishing the details of the spending of the domestic and external loans obtained by your state and the FCT would enable Nigerians to effectively and meaningfully engage in the management of the loans.”
“SERAP believes that the constitutional principle of democracy also provides a foundation for Nigerians’ right to know the details of loan agreements and how the loans obtained are spent. Citizens’ right to know promotes openness, transparency, and accountability that is in turn crucial for the country’s democratic order.”
“The effective operation of representative democracy depends on the people being able to scrutinize, discuss and contribute to government decision making, including on the spending of loans obtained by your state and the FCT.”
“To do this, they need information to enable them to participate more effectively in the management of public funds by their state government and the FCT.”
“The public interest in obtaining information about expenditures relating to the loans obtained by your state outweighs any privacy or other interest. Moreover, the oversight afforded by public access to such details would serve as an important check on the activities of your state and help to prevent abuses of the public trust.”
“SERAP is concerned that there is a significant risk of mismanagement or diversion of funds linked to loans obtained by state governments including your state. The accounts of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT are generally not open to public scrutiny.”
“Your state has obligations under international anticorruption and human rights law, including a responsibility to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, prevent mismanagement or diversion of public funds, and redress any abuse of public trust.”
“The Nigerian Constitution, human rights and anticorruption treaties to which Nigeria is a state party also impose obligations on your state to prevent mismanagement or diversion of public funds including the loans obtained.”
“SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds including the loans obtained by states have contributed to widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services.”
“Opacity in the spending of loans obtained by states has continued to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.”
“Transparency would ensure that these loans are not diverted into private pockets, and increase public trust that these loans are used and any future loans would be used to benefit Nigerians resident in your state.
“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 about the loan agreements and how the loans obtained are spent.”
“Your state cannot hide under the excuse that the Freedom of Information Act is not applicable to your state to refuse to provide the details being sought, as your state also has clear legal obligations to provide the information as prescribed by provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and. Enforcement) Act.
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2025 Budget: N4.5trn additional revenue will support economic diversification – Minister

Sen Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has said the N4.5 trillion additional revenue in the 2025 budget would support the diversification programme of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The minister said this while speaking to State House Correspondents on Wednesday in Abuja.
Bagudu said the N4.5 trillion additional revenue would be used to strengthen the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry and support the diversification programme by putting more money in the solid minerals sector as well as infrastructure projects.
“You will recall Mr President submitted a N49 trillion budget to the National Assembly and legislative work commenced.
“The legislative work continued with interactions between the executive and the National Assembly, and the National Assembly and the Economic Management Team continued to interrogate all the figures.
“In that process, the Senate Committees on Appropriation, National Planning and Finance established that we can generate more revenue by tasking all the institutions to do more,” said the minister.
He said the Federal Inland Revenue Service confirmed that the government-owned enterprises as well as the Customs Service could contribute more revenue.
“So, additional revenue amounting to over N4.5 trillion was established, and this was taken to the President.
“He guided that this additional revenue be used to further strengthen the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, support the diversification programme by putting more money in the solid minerals sector as well as infrastructure projects,” said Bagudu.
On the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) adjustment, he said, even when the budget was submitted, the MTEF was amended.
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Tinubu directs security and intelligence agencies to harmonize operations to combat security challenges

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, Security and Intelligent Agencies to harmonize their operations and adopt a whole of society approach in combating evolving Security challenges.
Mr. President underscored the critical importance of joint security operational effectiveness in tackling Nigeria’s emerging security challenges.
President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar gave the charge at the opening session of the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference held at Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The President commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation. He noted that this year’s conference theme, “Enhancing Jointness across all Theatres of Operations,” aligns seamlessly with his administration’s strategic vision for a more secured Nigeria.
“This forum is expedient and timely especially at this time where the security landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving. Such a landscape undoubtedly requires us to harmonize our efforts and evolve proactive and innovative measures that can decisively address the security threats,“ he stated.
President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies, and other security organizations to maximize operational efficiency. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and all security agencies, and further highlighted the importance of continuous strategy re-evaluation, the integration of emerging technologies, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation.
“I therefore urge you to holistically explore,in detail,the concept of jointness, while harnessing the power of emerging technologies and innovation. I further implore you to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts as this will enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain an agile, adaptable and lethal force performing at its highest potential,“ he emphasized.
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and all officers and personnel of the Armed Forces for organizing the conference. He reiterated his administration’s full support for Nigeria’s security forces.
In conclusion, President Tinubu wished the participants fruitful deliberations, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the conference will significantly contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework.
News
Gov. Lawal mourns 17 students who died in Zamfara fire tragedy

Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed his condolences to the families of the 17 students who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Almajiri School in Zamfara State.
At least 17 students have tragically lost their lives due to a fire at an Almajiri school in Kaura-Namoda LGA of the state.
In a statement issued in Gusau on Wednesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the fire incident as highly unfortunate.
“I’m heartbroken by the tragic fire on Tuesday at Makarantar Mallam Ghali, an Almajiri School located in the Kauran Namoda local government area.
“On behalf of the Zamfara State Government, we extend our condolences to the families, the school, and the entire nation as we mourn the loss of these young souls.
“During this time of sorrow, may Almighty Allah provide strength and comfort to the grieving families as they navigate this difficult period. I extend my wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
“As a responsible government, we would examine the underlying causes of this fire and seek methods to prevent its recurrence in the future.
“We will provide all necessary support and assistance to the victims’ families.”
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