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Move To End Fuel Subsidy Scam: Shettima
In a pivotal moment at the 16th Annual Banking and Finance Conference organized in Abuja by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Vice President Kashim Shettima made a resounding declaration that those profiting from the petrol subsidy scam are determined to undermine the policies of the Tinubu administration.
This revelation sheds light on a significant challenge facing Nigeria’s economic growth.
Shettima minced no words in addressing the saboteurs of this scam, asserting that the removal of the fuel subsidy is non-negotiable.
He emphasized the enormity of the fuel scam industry, acknowledging the challenges ahead but maintaining a steadfast commitment to its eradication.
The Vice President’s unwavering stance against the subsidy scam sets the tone for a resolute transformation.
Shettima went on to highlight the tangible results arising from the policies of the Tinubu administration.
Both State and Federal governments are now benefiting from more substantial allocations.
These newfound funds promise a direct and positive impact on the lives of Nigerian citizens.
The removal of serially unaccounted fuel subsidies allows redirected savings towards more deserving causes.
The vision that emerges is one where Nigerian leaders can no longer resort to the tired excuse of “scarcity of funds” to evade project completion or delay salary payments.
Nigeria is crafting a story where the welfare of its people takes precedence, and financial accountability reigns supreme.
This commitment signals a new era of responsible governance.
Shettima stressed the importance of forging stronger partnerships with experts in the Banking and Finance industry to expedite the economy’s turnaround.
In his address titled ‘Our Priorities in a Post-Pandemic World,’ he challenged the notion that pessimists may regard as impossible: turning the economy around in record time.
He called upon the industry to be a crucial partner in achieving this ambitious goal.
The Vice President urged stakeholders to support Tinubu’s administration in serving the nation.
Key promises, such as repositioning consumer finance and incentivizing value-addition to agriculture and other products, depend on the support of the industry.
Nigeria’s future prosperity hinges on bridging the balance of payments gap and embracing innovations, like blockchain technology, to boost financial inclusion.
Shettima elaborated on the ‘Eight-Point Agenda’ of the Tinubu Administration, highlighting priorities that include food security, poverty alleviation, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, and improved security.
He also underscored the importance of enforcing the rule of law and combating corruption.
These agendas require collaboration with the Banking and Finance sector for successful implementation.
The President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Mr. Ken Opara, celebrated the conference as the largest gathering of banking and finance professionals in Africa.
He recognized its significance in driving conversations on critical issues for Nigeria’s economic growth.
Opara commended President Bola Tinubu’s reform initiatives, believing they could unlock the nation’s untapped economic potential.
In attendance were distinguished figures such as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen.
Abubakar Bagudu, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, Sen. Osita Izunaso.
Also present were the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, and the World Bank Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Shubam Chaudhuri.
Zamfara State elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have lauded the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for his generosity in distributing over 100 cows to party members in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The distribution took place in Gusau, with APC State Chairman Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani represented by the party’s Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima, overseeing the process.
In a statement, the convener of the Zamfara APC Elders Forum, Dr. Mua’zu Haruna Gummi, praised Matawalle’s act, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the party and the people of Zamfara State.
“This gesture is not just about charity; it is a testament to Dr. Matawalle’s leadership, his concern for the well-being of our people, and his deep understanding of the values that bind us together as a community,” Gummi stated.
“At a time when unity and solidarity are crucial, he has stepped forward to remind us that true leadership is about service, about giving back, and about ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Gummi further described Matawalle as not only a political leader but also a father figure who prioritizes the needs of his people.
He called on party members to rally behind leaders like Matawalle, who are dedicated to the growth of the party and the development of Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, the Minister also urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s security forces as they intensify operations against armed groups, achieving notable successes.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Saturday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government following the brutal mob attack that led to the killing of innocent Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims were reportedly returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir with their families when they were attacked.
NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement, condemned the killings as “barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly,” calling for urgent action to address the situation.
He said: “The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end.
“The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people. Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government.
“The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths. The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers.”
The forum also demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.
He add, “The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths. An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.
“An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people. The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.
“The NEF demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.
“The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.”
The NEF urged Northern communities to remain calm and patient while it pursues the matter through the appropriate government agencies.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday stated that troops of Operation Delta Safe have sustained their operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta, recording significant successes in their efforts to curb illicit activities in the region.
A statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that troops recovered a substantial quantity of stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, and PMS, totalling 392,174 litres, 138,757 litres, and 830 litres, respectively.
He stated that the troops also discovered and destroyed 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 48 boats, 21 storage tanks, 18 drums, and 16 illegal refining sites.
Additionally, they recovered various items, including pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and four vehicles.
The operation, according to General Kangye, resulted in the arrest of 11 oil thieves and other criminals, with assorted arms and ammunition, as well as dynamites, also being recovered.
In related developments, troops conducted successful offensive operations, arresting six criminals, including a suspected kidnapping kingpin, and recovering a locally made pistol and live cartridges.
The Director also stressed that troops rescued two kidnapped hostages and recovered a vehicle during counter-kidnapping and anti-criminality operations in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State.
These successes, he said, demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Delta Safe in combating crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka foiled planned kidnapping and terrorism attacks in Anambra, Imo, and Abia states, arresting several suspects and rescuing kidnapped victims.
According to Kangye, “On 20 and 21 March 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Igbariam Local Government Area of Anambra State and Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State, resulting in the arrest of three suspected terrorists/kidnappers and the rescue of four attempted kidnapped victims.”
He stated that troops also recovered arms and ammunition, including several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and live cartridges, as well as a vehicle and tricycle.
He said that troops arrested many extremists in Imo and Enugu states, recovering one pump-action gun, live cartridges, and some quantities of illicit drugs.
Additionally, troops rescued a kidnapped victim in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, arresting the suspects and recovering a locally made pistol and a tricycle.
Also, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant successes against ISWAP/JAS terrorists in the North-east region.
Kangye said that between 21 and 26 March 2025, scores of terrorists, including adult males, females, and children, surrendered to troops following intense military operations.
He revealed that troops also conducted offensive operations in various locations, including Konduga, Gwoza, and Bama, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists, the apprehension of others, and the rescue of kidnapped hostages.