🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Saraki asserts he never rubber-stamped foreign loans as Senate President
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, stated that he championed fiscal accountability and reforms during his tenure as head of the National Assembly, emphasizing that Nigeria's low tax-to-GDP ratio is a major impediment to sustainable development. Speaking at the Global Strategic Advisory Group meeting in Italy, Saraki reflected on his years as Senate President from 2015 to 2019, noting the Eighth National Assembly's focus on fiscal oversight through open budget hearings, scrutiny of government revenues, and petroleum sector reforms. He recalled challenging the executive on foreign loan requests, stressing the National Assembly's responsibility to scrutinize the purpose and impact of every borrowing proposal. Saraki highlighted Nigeria's tax-to-GDP ratio of approximately six percent as one of the lowest globally for an economy of its size, arguing that continued reliance on foreign aid and external borrowing undermines economic sovereignty. He urged African countries to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and build stronger institutions, advocating for a shift from donor dependency to genuine partnerships anchored on trade, industrialization, value addition, and institutional development. Saraki also called for transparent budgeting, legislative oversight, judicial independence, credible elections, and accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Governor Peter Mbah outlined Enugu State's strategy to expand its economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years, aiming for a 27% compound annual growth rate. This plan is anchored on strategic investments in security, education, healthcare, tourism, aviation, and infrastructure, with a focus on private-sector-driven growth enabled by government initiatives. A key challenge addressed was the "sit-at-home" security issue, which the administration tackled by investing heavily in technology and working with security agencies to create a safe environment for investors. The state is also developing four major tourism sites, including Africa's longest zipline and a 5.6km cable car, to attract 3 million visitors. To support this, Enugu is involved in upgrading the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and has established its own airline to increase flight accessibility. The governor emphasized the role of technology in security, utilizing AI-enabled cameras and a Distress Response Squad to monitor the state and respond swiftly to incidents. In education, 33% of the budget has been allocated to projects, including 267 smart schools. The state is also bridging the teacher-digital literacy gap through a Center for Experiential Learning and Innovation, promoting practical and problem-solving approaches to education. Governor Mbah noted that President Tinubu's policies have significantly freed up resources, enabling Enugu to undertake these large-scale projects and strengthen t
Must ReadA six-year investigation by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa ORFA revealed that 79,323 people were killed and 34,773 civilians abducted in Nigeria due to terrorism-related violence between 2020 and 2025. The report, titled “Four Times Boko Haram? How the World Misreads Nigeria’s Violence,” was released in Jos, Plateau State. It indicates an average of seven attacks and 36 deaths per day, with over 42,000 of the fatalities being innocent civilians. The investigation challenges the perception that Boko Haram and ISWAP are the primary perpetrators, stating that these groups combined were responsible for 12% of civilian killings. In contrast, militias categorized as 'Fulani Terror Groups' killed 44% of all civilians, which is four times the number attributed to Boko Haram and ISWAP combined. ORFA emphasized the distinction between armed Fulani terror groups and the Fulani people as a whole. The report also highlighted a religious dimension, noting that 28,551 Christians and 13,224 Muslims were killed, with Christians facing higher rates of abduction, ransoms, and violence. Senior Research Analyst Mr. Frans Vierhout stated that the data points to violence linked to Fulani militias as the dominant force behind Nigeria’s death toll, suggesting that the Western focus on Boko Haram is misleading. The report calls for a broader understanding of the religious dimensions of the violence to find effective solutions.
Must ReadThe Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has initiated an investigation into claims that recently recruited soldiers invaded student hostels at Osun State University. This directive follows a protest led by the university's vice-chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, management, and students, who blocked the Osogbo/Ikirun Road. Students allege that soldiers from the Army Depot stormed off-campus hostels, assaulted residents, vandalized property, and confiscated over 60 mobile phones and other electronic devices. Female students reported being stripped and sexually assaulted, while male students and others wearing military camouflage colors were reportedly beaten. Professor Adebooye described the incident as "barbaric" and confirmed reporting it to army authorities. The university's Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, stated that over 20 students have been identified as victims, with two hospitalized. Three alleged perpetrators were identified and brought to campus. The protest demanded identification and prosecution of those responsible. The Depot Nigerian Army, in a statement by Public Relations Officer Major Yahaya Ibrahim, affirmed its commitment to protecting citizens and stated that the commandant ordered a full investigation to ascertain facts and bring perpetrators to justice.