Connect with us

News

Nigeria: DSS quizzes seven foreigners as protest loses steam

Published

on

Hunger protest loses steam as DSS grills seven foreigners

The hunger protests, which rocked the country, especially the northern part, from last Thursday, appears to have lost steam following the police crackdown on the organisers and protesters, many of whom had been detained.

Some of the #EndBadGovernance protest leaders have also gone underground and switched off their phones as the Department of State Services took custody of seven Polish nationals arrested for waving Russian flags during the demonstration in Kano on Tuesday.

DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, confirmed the arrests on Wednesday while explaining that the action was part of routine security enforcement rather than a targeted effort against Polish nationals.

The protest, which gained momentum in major cities such as Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja and other northern towns, were marked by escalating violence.

Advertisement

 In some instances, security officials’ actions were the catalyst for the violence, while in other cases, it was driven by overzealous protesters or counter-protesters.

 A few days ago, media reports and footage showed some #EndBadGovernance protesters carrying Russian flags.

In a national broadcast on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu pleaded with the organisers of the nationwide protest to suspend the action as it had gone violent in some states with the attendant loss of lives and destruction of property.

 However, the protests scheduled nationwide between August 1 and 10, 2024, seem to have faltered as the demonstration was not held in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Borno and other states on Wednesday.

The development followed the arrest of 873 protesters by the police, and detention of 30 others for waving the Russian flag during the protest in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Bauchi states.

Advertisement

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, had said the individuals waving the Russian flags committed treason and would therefore, be prosecuted.

The four political bigwigs, who hail from Katsina, Kaduna and Kano states, were being investigated for allegedly instigating the use of Russian flags by demonstrators in the north to orchestrate an unconstitutional regime change.

Confirming the probe of the seven Polish nationals, the DSS spokesman, Afunanya, explained that the action was in line with democratic principles and respect for human rights.

Afunanya addressed the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria during a briefing with the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja, on Wednesday.

“Seven persons were picked up from Kano because of where they were found during the protest and display of foreign flag in Kano two days ago.

Advertisement

“As a responsible security organisation, we owe it an obligation to do some verification and ascertain basic reasons and circumstances for some cases.

“They were picked by security enforcement because of where they were when the incident happened. It is not a targeted operation,” the spokesperson stated.

He also issued a plea for international cooperation in maintaining global stability, urging other nations not to allow their citizens to be used as instruments for undermining domestic peace in any country.

Afunanya added, “As the foremost domestic security organisation, we believe we have to work in sync with all of you who are men and county of goodwill.

“Our operations must be governed by democratic principles and protocol that emphasises freedom and human rights and of course intelligence and security governance. We obey all of these, whether we are dealing with Nigerians or foreigners.

Advertisement

 “But we have a plea. In the course of discharging of our duty, we also see that some Nigerians definitely would want to use foreign lands as a launch pad to attack domestic peace and stability.

“We plead that you do not offer your country to some persons who may be deviant or have a terrorist inclination in today’s global pursuit; if anything happens in a country, it affects the others. Nigeria is a country with a large population and I believe that the support other countries will give will help us.”

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Economic Community of West African States have called for dialogue to address the tension from the hunger protests.

This is as the international community expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, emphasising their importance for Nigeria’s future prosperity.

Diplomatic Corps

Advertisement

Speaking at a briefing of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, and his US counterpart, Amb Richard Mills, stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue and peace-building efforts to address the issues raised by the protesters.

 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the parley to brief the international community about the protests over the economic hardships in the country.

 The diplomats praised the Nigerian administration’s commitment to reform, while also urging continued dialogue to address the citizens’ concerns.

Montgomery commended the security agencies for their restraint in managing the protests, highlighting their avoidance of lethal force.

“I commend the synergy and policing agencies for avoiding lethal force. This is a big and complex situation, and we have noted very clearly the commitment to enabling a peaceful process and the commitment to policing proportionately.

Advertisement

“And I just wanted to put on record our appreciation of some of the handlings. We have a lot of empathy for people facing significant hardship. The level of inflation is significant, and I would endorse my colleagues’ question and interest in the dialogue and the peace-building that needs to continue in Nigeria given the hardship that people face.

“But I also want to put on record that we fully support the big and important economic reforms that are going on in Nigeria at the moment, which we see as essential for the future prosperity of the country, and indeed the economic relationships of many of us here with this major power,” Montgomery said.

Mills expressed his condolences for the losses caused by the recent events.

He reiterated the US support for the necessary reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration.

“I thank you for bringing us together for this useful and informative briefing. I also want to take this platform just to express my embassy’s condolences for the loss of life and suffering that Nigeria has seen over the past several days.

Advertisement

“And let me echo my British colleague’s comments that we understand the difficulty that the reforms President Tinubu and his administration have undertaken have imposed.

“We know that these reforms are necessary, and we have supported and worked with the administration as they have carried them out,” Mills stated.

Weighing in on the protest, the ECOWAS Commission expressed deep concern over the demonstration, lamenting the reports of violence, fatalities and property destruction.

In a statement on Tuesday, ECOWAS emphasised the right of citizens to peaceful protests, as enshrined in the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

“The ECOWAS Commission has been closely monitoring the ongoing protests by citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and deeply regrets reports of violence in the course of the protests and the unfortunate death of some protesters as well as alleged looting and destruction of public and private properties.

Advertisement

“The commission extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathises with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses.

“The ECOWAS Commission recognises the right of citizens to peaceful protests, as guaranteed by the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended,” the statement read in part.

The commission also welcomed the national broadcast by the President, urging the protesters and all stakeholders to heed Tinubu’s call for inclusive dialogue to address their grievances and ensure peace and security in Nigeria and the wider ECOWAS region.

“The commission welcomes the State of the Nation address of 4th August 2024 by H.E. President Bola Tinubu and urges the protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances and the preservation of peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large,” it added.

As the police and the DSS clamp down on protesters continued, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, says intelligence failure led to the attacks on public and private properties during the protest in the state.

Advertisement

Several public property and private businesses were attacked and looted by hoodlums, who hijacked the peaceful protest.

The Emir, who spoke when he paid an inspection visit to Kano Printing Press, the NCC Digital Industrial Park and Barakat Stores, on Wednesday, said the security agencies were notified of the plot to attack some public facilities in the state days before it occurred.

He said, “As we used to say, whoever had a hand in this is an enemy of Kano and he is an enemy of its people. What happened in Kano, whoever saw them, knew was planned. Kano was billed to be destroyed but we pray that God will not let them succeed. May God return all that was lost, we can only pray.

“Before this happened, the security operatives were notified in writing that it was going to happen but instead of preventing it, it was allowed to happen. Whoever did well knows, whoever did badly knows and they all will see their result. We pray that God gives the government the opportunity to return it.

“My grandfather had worked here (Kano Printing Press). It is sad that a place like this is destroyed by their grandchildren.

Advertisement

“We pray that God comes to the aid of these youth, and whoever is behind it God will deal with them. We pray that we may not witness anything like this in the future. I swear to Almighty God, those bent on destroying Kano will not succeed and God willing, the way they saw Kano they will leave it like that.”

The Commissioner, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Muhammad  Othman, said the state government had secured the approval of the minister to restore the looted facilities.

The monarch had expressed deep concern over the incident during a press conference held two days after the incident.

The Kano Printing Press was established in 1938 and has been serving the state ever since.

The NCC centre was billed for commissioning this week before it was vandalised and a section of the building set ablaze.

Advertisement

Curfew lifted

As the tension over the protest subsided, a curfew imposed by the authorities to control the situation has been partially lifted in some northern states.

Following the last Security Council meeting in Borno State, which saw the temporary lifting of the curfew, protesters have deserted the streets and returned to their daily engagements.

Although there is still heavy security presence in strategic locations in Maiduguri, the state capital, the Internal Security Commissioner, Prof Usman Tar, said the city would remain under watch by security operatives to prevent a further escalation of violence.

The commissioner explained that the lifting of the curfew was temporary until it was confirmed that there was total peace in Maiduguri and its environs.

Advertisement

However, a police source confirmed that the curfew had helped in dousing the protest in the city.

“After the lifting of the curfew last Saturday, till this moment, we have not witnessed or heard of any protest in Maiduguri,” the police officer said.

A Maiduguri resident, Jeremiah Blessing, confirmed that “Maiduguri is now peaceful with less tension” while appreciating the effort of the state government and security agencies in maintaining law and order in the state.

In Kaduna, the shooting of a boy raised tension in the metropolis, forcing the State Security Council to extend the 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna and Zaria towns, despite initial plans to relax it.

A security source revealed that the government hesitated due to the killing of a 16-year-old boy by a soldier in Zaria, fearing potential escalation.

Advertisement

The source stated that the government was satisfied with the situation in the southern part of the state, where residents did not participate in the protests or were peaceful during the protest.

However, the reported looting and destruction of property made the government cautious about reviewing the curfew.

“An investigation is ongoing, and authorities have identified individuals responsible for manufacturing and distributing foreign flags, with some allegedly using children for this purpose.

“The curfew remains in place as the government prioritizes maintaining security and order in the affected areas,” the source said.

Speaking on the waning protests, the Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, argued that the demonstration had not died down, adding that the issue was the government clampdown on activists and protesters.

Advertisement

 “The protest has not died down. We should be talking about how the government continually cracks down on free speech, making it unsafe for activists and citizens to express their human rights,” the activist stated.

Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

9 countries making relocation easier for Nigerians as US, UK tighten up

Published

on

For many Nigerians hoping to relocate abroad, 2026 has presented both new opportunities and tougher challenges.

Several traditional migration destinations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and parts of Europe, have tightened immigration policies through stricter visa rules, tougher residency requirements and increased scrutiny of foreign applicants.

These changes have made relocation more difficult for many prospective students, skilled workers and families.

However, not every country is moving in the same direction.

Driven by labour shortages, ageing populations, economic growth plans and regional integration efforts, a number of countries have introduced visa reforms, new work permit schemes, residency pathways and visa-free travel policies that could make it easier for Nigerians to live, work or travel abroad.

Here are 9 countries that have introduced measures in 2026 that could improve relocation opportunities for Nigerians.

Canada
Canada has introduced new permanent residency pathways specifically for internationally trained medical doctors, including Nigerians.
The initiative expands access to permanent residency through Express Entry and provincial or territorial immigration programmes. Qualified doctors can also begin working while their immigration applications are being processed, helping to address the country’s healthcare workforce shortage.

Russia
Russia launched a new Skilled Worker Visa programme to attract foreign professionals into sectors facing acute labour shortages.
The programme allows eligible applicants to obtain a three-year temporary residence permit or apply directly for permanent residency. It also removes the mandatory Russian language examination and aims to process applications within 30 days.

Ìreland
Ireland expanded its employment permit system by introducing 32 reforms aimed at filling vacancies across critical sectors.
The changes affect industries including healthcare, construction, agriculture, transport, food production and specialist services. More occupations have been added to the Critical Skills Employment Permit list, giving skilled Nigerian workers greater access to employment and long-term residency opportunities.

Lithuania
Lithuania overhauled its work permit system with a fully digital application platform to attract foreign talent.
The country also replaced sector-specific labour quotas with a unified national quota, simplifying recruitment for employers and creating new opportunities in more than 100 occupations experiencing worker shortages.

Greece
Greece revised its Digital Nomad Visa programme to provide a clearer pathway for remote workers.
Applicants must now obtain a 12-month Digital Nomad Visa before travelling, which can later be converted into a two-year residence permit. The reforms provide greater legal certainty for freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote employees seeking long-term residence.

Spain
Spain approved a large-scale regularisation programme aimed at granting legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants already living in the country.
Eligible applicants can obtain renewable work permits and legal residency, allowing them to work across sectors such as hospitality, tourism, agriculture and other service industries.

Ghana
Ghana introduced visa-free entry for all African citizens from May 25, 2026.
Under the new policy, Nigerians can travel to Ghana without obtaining a traditional visa, instead using a free electronic travel authorisation. The initiative is expected to boost tourism, trade, business and regional integration across Africa.

Togo
Togo removed visa requirements for all African passport holders.
Nigerians and other African travellers can now enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, provided they meet applicable immigration, health and security requirements. The move is expected to encourage tourism, business travel and regional commerce.

Republic of the Congo
The Republic of the Congo has announced plans to introduce visa-free entry for all African nationals from January 2027.
Although the policy has not yet taken effect, it signals the country’s commitment to improving intra-African mobility and regional integration. Once implemented, Nigerians will be able to visit without undergoing traditional visa application procedures.
Growing opportunities despite tougher migration rules.

While many popular destinations continue to tighten immigration policies, several countries are opening new pathways for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, remote workers and African travellers.

For Nigerians planning to relocate, these reforms offer alternative destinations with improved access to employment, residency and cross-border mobility, although applicants should always review each country’s official immigration requirements before making relocation plans.

Continue Reading

News

27-year-old girl recounts losing leg, fiancé after tragic bus accident in Anambra

Published

on

A 27-year-old hairstylist from Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, Loveth Sunday, has narrated how a tragic road accident changed the course of her life, leaving her with an amputated leg and ending her relationship just weeks after her introduction ceremony.

Speaking about her ordeal, Loveth said she was knocked down by a commercial bus that reportedly suffered brake failure on April 12, 2019, in front of the Oraifite Police Station while waiting by the roadside to travel to Onitsha.

According to her, the bus veered off the road and hit three people. Two victims died instantly, while she survived with severe injuries.

She said sympathisers rushed her to several hospitals, but she was allegedly turned away by five medical facilities before she was finally admitted to a sixth hospital, where she remained unconscious for five days.

After regaining consciousness, Loveth said doctors informed her that her left leg had been badly damaged and would have to be amputated to save her life after the tissue had become infected.

She was later transferred to Uzondu Orthopaedic Hospital in Ojoto, where doctors insisted that delaying the procedure could allow the infection to spread to her heart and become fatal.

Although her parents initially opposed the amputation, fearing they would lose their daughter, Loveth said she eventually consented to the procedure after doctors explained the risks.

She disclosed that her family spent about ₦2.5 million on medical treatment after initially being asked to deposit ₦350,000.

Loveth also revealed that the accident occurred barely three weeks after her introduction ceremony with her fiancé, held on March 23, 2019.

She said her fiancé visited her in the hospital shortly after the accident but later stopped communicating with her and eventually informed her that he was no longer interested in continuing the relationship.

“I expected him to encourage me, but instead he ended the relationship while I was still in the hospital,” she said.

Beyond losing her fiancé, Loveth said the experience also exposed those who truly cared about her, noting that while some friends stood by her, others—including her best friend—never visited or contacted her after the accident.

She currently relies on crutches after her prosthetic limb became damaged. According to her, a basic prosthesis costs about ₦850,000, while more advanced versions range from ₦1.5 million to ₦2.5 million.

Loveth appealed for financial assistance to enable her acquire a new prosthetic limb and expand her small perfume business, which she says provides the income she uses for medical check-ups and daily living expenses.

She also expressed disappointment that the driver responsible for the accident allegedly paid only ₦50,000 through his relatives, despite the family’s medical expenses running into millions of naira.

According to Loveth, the driver’s relatives claimed they had exhausted their resources after selling land to bury the two other victims who died in the crash.

Despite the challenges, she said she remains grateful to be alive and continues to draw strength from her faith while hoping for a better future.

Continue Reading

News

Doctor Collapses, Dies Shortly After Arriving Hospital To See Patients

Published

on

A senior consultant physician in Kano State has died after collapsing barely 15 minutes after arriving at a private hospital where he was scheduled to attend to patients.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday at Arewa Surgery Hospital, Hotoro, Kano, where the doctor, identified simply as Dr. Ibrahim, had reportedly agreed to replace another consultant who was unavailable for an evening clinic, according to Daily Trust.
The account was shared by Suleiman Harbo, an aide to the Jigawa State Governor, who said he witnessed the incident while accompanying his elderly mother to the hospital for a medical appointment.
Harbo said he arrived at the hospital around 5 p.m. with his mother, only to be informed that the consultant originally scheduled to see patients would not be available. Hospital staff then advised the waiting patients to see Dr. Ibrahim instead.
According to him, about six patients, most of them over 80 years old, waited for the physician’s arrival. Concerned about the delay, Harbo contacted the hospital reception, which reached the doctor by telephone.
Dr. Ibrahim reportedly informed the receptionist that he would come after observing the Maghrib prayer.
Shortly after arriving at the hospital, the physician allegedly became dizzy immediately after stepping out of his vehicle and collapsed.
He was rushed to the hospital’s emergency unit, where fellow consultants made frantic efforts to revive him. However, he was pronounced dead about 15 minutes later.
“The painful irony was this: all the patients waiting to see him were above 80 years of age, while about five senior consultant doctors fought to save him, yet all of them broke down in tears,” Harbo wrote.
He said his mother was initially unaware of what had happened and asked whether the doctor had arrived. Before he could respond, another patient informed her that the physician they had all been waiting to see had died.
According to Harbo, his mother responded by offering prayers for the deceased, saying: “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. So that was the doctor they rushed inside? May Allah have mercy on him. Let us just go home. I am already healed.”
Harbo also disclosed that those who were with Dr. Ibrahim during his final moments said his last audible words were, “La ilaha illallah,” the Islamic declaration of faith.
The cause of the doctor’s sudden collapse has not yet been disclosed.

Continue Reading

News

US Withdraws Most Troops from Nigeria, Retains Intelligence Support

Published

on

The United States has withdrawn most of its military personnel deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism mission in the Lake Chad Basin, while maintaining intelligence-sharing and other security cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

The Commander of the US Air Forces in Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, announced the development during a virtual press briefing on the outcome of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.

Anderson said the partnership between Washington and Abuja remains strong, particularly in intelligence operations targeting the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh).

According to him, the specific mission that required the deployment of US troops has been successfully completed, leading to the withdrawal of most of the personnel. He, however, stressed that the United States would continue providing intelligence support at the request of the Nigerian government.

“And so that operation in the Lake Chad Basin of Nigeria not only helped the countries in that immediate region; it also helps countries globally as it disrupts the ISIS network,” Anderson said.

“And so we have withdrawn much of our forces that were there specifically for that operation, but we are continuing the partnership that Nigeria has asked for to support intelligence sharing and provide the understanding necessary to prosecute these difficult tasks.”

The US Air Force commander described Nigeria as a key regional partner with a capable military, noting that cooperation between both countries has yielded significant gains in the fight against ISIS.

He credited intelligence collaboration between the two nations with enabling the operation that eliminated Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the second-highest-ranking leader of ISIS, who was responsible for much of the group’s global operations, media activities and recruitment.

“I think the partnership we’ve shown recently with Nigeria demonstrates what can be achieved. Nigeria is a capable country with a strong economy, a large, educated population and a professional military,” Anderson said.

“There are things we have learned over years of counterterrorism operations that we were able to integrate with Nigeria’s efforts. By combining intelligence sharing with unique US capabilities, we were able to support a cooperative operation that eliminated the number two leader of ISIS.”

According to Anderson, the operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence collaboration rather than prolonged foreign troop deployments.

“As we move forward, this is the model we want to pursue—bringing unique US capabilities that enable our partners to be more effective in confronting terrorist threats,” he added.

The US commander also called for stronger intelligence cooperation among African countries to combat terrorism, drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

He cited a recent multinational operation that intercepted a record 31-ton shipment of cocaine originating from South America and transiting through the West African coastline. According to him, intelligence sharing among partner nations made the seizure possible.

“I coordinated through our interagency partners in the United States, through AFRICOM, and informed regional partners. Eventually, it was a Spanish naval vessel that intercepted the ship carrying 31 tons of cocaine—the largest drug seizure at sea on record,” Anderson said.

He stressed that sustained collaboration among African governments, international partners and the private sector would be essential to addressing security challenges, promoting economic growth and attracting investment across the continent.

The United States deployed about 200 military personnel to Nigeria in February 2026 to support intelligence, surveillance and counterterrorism operations in the Lake Chad Basin as both countries expanded cooperation against ISIS and other extremist groups operating in the region.

The deployment followed US President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and his pledge to strengthen American support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

On December 25, 2025, US forces carried out airstrikes on two terrorist camps in the Bauni Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The security partnership recorded a major breakthrough in May 2026 when a joint US-Nigerian operation killed Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the second-in-command of ISIS, during a raid on his hideout in Borno State.

Continue Reading

News

Every Naira stolen robs Enugu of development’ — Gov. Mbah charges Public Officers on Accountability

Published

on

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has urged public office holders to embrace the three pillars of his administration, namely, transparency, accountability and traceability, noting that every naira lost to corruption, financial misconduct and non-compliance ultimately deprives the people of the state of quality social services and critical infrastructure.

Mbah gave the charge on Thursday when he declared open a two-day training programme, Compliance with Anti-Corruption Policies and Financial Regulations Frameworks, organised by his administration for the state’s political appointees and civil servants.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, spoke on the theme, “Enhancing Governance through Compliance: Navigating Anti-Corruption Policies, Financial Regulations and Emerging Taxation Frameworks.”

He said the training, facilitated by Xavine Consulting Limited, was designed to strengthen compliance with anti-corruption laws, financial regulations and emerging tax policies as well as equip participants with the knowledge required to uphold ethical standards and improve public sector governance.

He described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to development because resources are diverted through fraudulent practices, thus directly reducing government’s capability to provide essential social services.

“Therefore, Enugu State, under our leadership, set out three governance principles that would serve as a guide for our governance thinking and delivery strategy —Transparency, Traceability and Accountability. These three pillars have informed a lot of our procurement and systems-thinking model, our e-governance initiatives and our financial management across the state.

“This is because every naira lost to corruption, financial irregularities and non-compliance means fewer resources for smart schools, primary healthcare centres, roads and other critical infrastructure. Our governance is built on transparency, traceability and accountability, and compliance begins with knowledge,” Mbah said.

He urged public servants to stay abreast of emerging taxation and regulatory frameworks, stressing that ignorance of the law would no longer be an excuse for non-compliance. He also tasked participants to cascade the knowledge acquired to their colleagues in their various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and assured that government would continue to monitor compliance across the public service.

Speaking at the event, the consultant, Justin Kuatsea, noted that corruption had become deeply entrenched and could only be overcome through collective action and exemplary leadership.

Kuatsea, a certified management trainer and retired Deputy Director, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), maintained that the anti-corruption fight must begin with individuals in their homes, workplaces and communities, while political leaders must lead by example by demonstrating integrity and accountability.

Kuatsea identified employment irregularities, recruitment abuses, concealment of official files, irregular promotions, contract inflation, payments for unexecuted contracts and other financial misconduct as common corruption indicators in the public service.

“That was why I said that the fight against corruption must start with individuals, but political leaders must lead by example,” he said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Xavine Consulting Limited, Catherine Kadiri, said the training was designed to ensure that civil servants fully understand anti-corruption policies, financial regulatory frameworks and emerging taxation laws.

Kadiri said the programme would significantly tackle ignorance of ethical and operational standards in the public service, noting that participants would gain practical knowledge applicable to their respective roles.

She disclosed that 16 resource persons, including experts from the ICPC and Nigeria’s financial regulatory sector, were engaged to facilitate the sessions and expose participants to global best practices in governance and compliance.

According to her, the programme underscored the Mbah administration’s understanding that it could not build its envisioned $30 billion economy without a solid, committed, ethical, accountable, and highly responsible public service.

“There should be no excuse for non-compliance. This programme is designed to ensure public officers understand the dos and don’ts of governance, financial regulations and anti-corruption frameworks.

“We are also adding integrity to the core pillars so participants leave with the right values to drive good governance,” Kadiri concluded.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending