Day: May 22, 2024

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) says it is partnering the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to develop a Roadmap for mainstreaming gender policy for the country.

Ms Inviolata Chinyangara, ILO Workers Specialist, said this at a two-day workshop on ‘Defining a Roadmap for Reviewing the NLC Gender Policy’ on Wednesday in Abuja.

The programme was organised by the ILO in collaboration with NLC and Fredrich Ebert Stiftung (FES).

Chinyangara said that the review of the gender policy was imperative as the existing policy was developed in 2003 and long overdue.

According to her, gender issues have evolved over time and it is becoming the heart of sustainable development globally all over the world.

‘We cannot do any programme or any activity or any developmental intervention without mainstreaming gender.

‘So, that is why the ILO and FES are collaborating with the NLC to see how we can develop a roadmap for updating the NLC gender policy,’she said.

According to her, our role is to provide the technical s
upport and the information about which standards are supposed to be mainstreamed.

‘We are also supporting them financially to ensure that what we discuss here can support the development of the gender policy that is being updated, ‘she said.

Chinyangara said that the ILO had congratulated the government of Nigeria and NLC for adopting gender conventions on equality, non-discrimination, and ending violence and harassment in the world of work.

According to her, what we now want to see is to ensure that these conventions are also cascaded and mainstreamed in the gender policy of the NLC.

‘The 2003 policy only talks about sexual harassment, but convention number 190, recommendation 206, has given us more information on how to integrate issues of gender-based violence.

‘This also includes the definitions and the scope of coverage,’ she added.

Mrs Salamata Aliu, Chairperson of the NLC Women Commission, noted that the review of the congress gender policy was long overdue.

According to her, the one we are loo
king at right now came about in 2003.

‘So, is a thing of joy that we have partners that believe in the same cause and that is to update the policy.

‘It is important for us to finalise the new document that the younger generation will be proud of as what we have now, is just 30 per cent gender parity and we have not even been able to achieve it.

‘Meanwhile, the world has gone to 50-50 representation. So it’s an issue that the congress should not look or sweep under the carpet anymore. We have had a lot of arguments on why it should not be.

‘But what is in vogue is that 50-50 representation and is what should be aimed at, so that the younger generation will have a foundation to build on,’she said.

Aliu said that if the policy was updated, it would afford women the opportunities for their voices to be heard.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has faulted the recent disciplinary measures meted out to three judges by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Odinkalu alleged that the NJC, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, ‘has destroyed its own credibility.’

He spoke in an interview on Channels TV programme: ‘Politics Today,’ monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

NAN reports that the NJC, at its 105th meeting dated May 16 but made available to newsmen on Monday, issued warning letters to three judges and barred two of them from elevation to higher bench for a period.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja was barred from being elevated to a higher Bench for a period of two years ‘for abuse of discretionary power of a judge by wrongly granting an ex-parte order in suit number: FHC/ABJ/C/626/2023 Juliet Ebere Nwadi Gbaka and 2 Ors V Seplat Energy Plc and 12 Ors.’

Justice G. B. Briki
ns-Okolosi of Delta State High Court was also barred from being elevated to a higher Bench for a period of three years ‘for failure to deliver judgement within stipulated period in Joseph Anene Okafor Vs Skye Bank, suit number: A/94/2010 after parties had filed and adopted their final written addresses.’

However, the NJC cautioned Justice Amina Shehu of Yobe State High Court for issuing writ of possession conferring title on the defendant in suit number: YBS/HC/NNR/1cv/2020 when there was no subsisting judgement of any court to enable His Lordship issue the writ.’

Reacting in the interview, Odinkalu said the measures had destroyed the system of discipline and accountability in the judiciary.

‘One of the so-called disciplinary measures announced by the NJC last Friday was against a judge of the Yobe State High Court who issued a warrant of possession without an underlined judgment.

‘That really is burglary; it is at the minimum, a theft. So a judge decides to issue a warrant to collect somebody else’s prop
erty with no judgment underlying it.

‘That is a crime! Do you know what the NJC did? They said ‘they are going to write a love letter to this woman to warn her not to do it again.’

‘If you did that kind of thing (pointing to the journalist), you will be in jail, either as a pretrial detainee or a convict,’ he said.

Odinkalu, who is also a lawyer, said even though the judge was found to have done this, the NJC resolved to write to caution her.

He described the NJC’s act as ‘a slap on the wrist.’

Citing another instance, he said: ‘Another of the cases they announced was a judge in Delta State who wasted seven years after address without issuing a judgment.

‘They also said they were going to issue a warning and he will not be promoted for another three years.’

According to Odinkalu, that is destroying the system of discipline and accountability in the judiciary.

‘You cannot tell me and you cannot tell any reasonable Nigerian that a judge who abuses their power for the purpose of stealing other people’s p
roperty under colouration of the rule of law, manifestly, should be written and be cautioned.

‘The person does not have any business being a judge, but because this chief justice has wasted the authority of the judiciary, he cannot run a disciplinary system that works. That is the problem.

‘So all of those announcements on discipline they made last Friday, absolutely made my point that this current chief justice lacks the authority to say anything credible on discipline and accountability in the judiciary,’ he concluded.

The human rights activist, who condemned the recommendation of Ariwoola’s family members as judges in the latest list of 86 judicial officers, advised President Bola Tinubu not to single out judges for salary increase.

He said increasing the salaries of judges without commensurate increase in the judiciary workers’ salaries would be counter-productive because the output of judges depends on the wellbeing of the judiciary staff members.

‘You cannot just single out judges because they are
not the only people in the system.

‘By singling out judges will ensure that this will not be sustainable,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday, decried the continued infrastructural decay, poor funding and proliferation of universities in Nigeria.

Prof. Monday Igbafen, Zonal Coordinator, Benin Zone of ASUU, expressed the union’s stand at a news conference organised over the unresolved issues between ASUU and government held at Delta State University, Abraka.

Igbafen said the Zone comprises, University of Benin; Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University; Akungba Akoko and Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa

According to him, others are Delta State University, Abraka; Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun and University of Delta, Agbor.

He said that the briefing had become necessary to alert critical stakeholders and the general public to yet another avoidable impending paralysis in Nigeria’s public universities due to actions and inactions of the government.

He said that the proliferation of universities was one
of the issues that precipitated the 2022 prolonged industrial action by the union.

Igbafen noted that in 2020, the ASUU-FGN Memorandum of Action stressed the need to review the Nigeria University Commission (NUC) Act to empower it to arrest he reckless proliferation of universities by Federal and States governments without adequate budgetary provision to fund them.

According to him, the reckless establishment of universities by politicians, most of which are seen as constituency projects, has put much pressure on the intervention funds provided by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund).

He said that certain state universities were established without serious consideration for their adequate funding.

He urged the governments to halt the proliferation of universities and fund the existing ones to enable them compete with Ivory Towers in other parts of the world.

According to Igbafen, the debilitating and suffocating impact of neo-liberal policies of government at both the Federal and State levels had u
ndoubtedly undermined public good and other good things of life in the country;

‘These include the welfare of academics. As a result, not only is education in the doldrums, academics in Nigeria have become the endangered species in Nigeria existential space.

‘Recall that our union has been confronting the Federal Government on a number of issues which include stalled renegotiation of 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, the absence of governing councils in federal and states universities.

‘Also, the Earned Academic Allowance, the withheld salaries and promotion arrears and third party deductions, illegal recruitment, proliferation of public universities, abuse of the universities’ rules and processes and TSA/ News IPPIs.’

Igbafen noted that the issues highlighted had had been on for a decade, adding that the failure of government to address the myriad challenges and worsening living and working conditions in Nigeria public universities is a direct invitation to crisis.

‘The crisis is eminent if this and other unreso
lved Sundry issues are not urgently and reasonably addressed by government,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Paul Opone of Department of History and International Studies was elected Chairman, Delta State University, Abraka Chapter of ASUU to led the union for the next two years.

Opone took over from Prof. Godwin Demaki of Department of Business Administration of the university in a keenly but peaceful contested elections.

In his acceptance speech, Opone pledged to pursue all issues that were inherited from the previous administration to ensure the attainment of members welfare.

According to him, issues of over N150 million promotion arrears owed its members will be pursued to a logical conclusion among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng).

Tagged ASUU decries infrastructural decay, poor funding, proliferation of universities in Nigeria

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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These are just some examples of the unsolicited text messages inundating Nigerians mobile phone spaces daily.

Many Nigerians continue to voice the excruciating pain and frustration associated with repayment plans for loans obtained from microfinance banks (MFBs) or institutes (MFIs) and sometimes, from faceless groups now popularly known as loan sharks.

Loans sharks because of the aggressive manner they execute their d
ebt recovery processes.

Such loan subscribers, mainly petty traders, civil servants and local artisans, the primary borrowers, often endure significant stress as they struggle to meet their weekly installment payments.

The fear of defaulting leads to palpitations and anxiety among borrowers, who face harsh consequences if they fail to make payments on time.

Defaulters are frequently subjected to humiliating punishments, such as being confined in toilets or publicly paraded to beg for alms, further exacerbating their plight.

But why this surge lately?

Industry experts say several factors contribute to the rise in unsolicited loan offers via text messages.

First, the accessibility of mobile technology has facilitated direct outlet by financial institutions and lenders to potential borrowers.

Additionally, they say that the growing demand for quick cash and credit, especially during economic uncertainty and hardship, provides fertile ground for such offers.

Another factor is the cumbersome nature of proc
essing loans in conventional banks coupled with their astronomically high interest rates, which sometimes hovers between 23 to 27 percent inclusive of ‘hidden charges’.

Moreover, the lack of robust regulatory frameworks in some regions may embolden lenders to employ aggressive marketing tactics.

Financial experts say though mouthwatering, unsolicited loan offers require thorough consideration before entering into debt agreements.

They advise Nigerians to approach debt clickbaits critically and verify information before making financial decisions.

Nigeria, like many countries, has a diverse range of perspectives on debt, influenced by culture, economic, and individual factors.

According to the World Bank, financial inclusion refers to ensuring that individuals and businesses have access to affordable financial products and services tailored to their needs.

These includes transactions, payments, savings, credit, and insurance, in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Financial inclusion is recognised as
a catalyst for achieving seven of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The G20, a group of 19 countries and EU as well as African Union, has pledged to promote financial inclusion globally and has reiterated its dedication to implementing the G20 High-Level Principles for Digital Financial Inclusion.

The World Bank Group views financial inclusion as a critical driver in reducing extreme poverty and fostering shared prosperity.

The proliferation of fintech startups across Africa has expanded access to financial services, but has also exacerbated the issue of predatory lending, trapping borrowers in cycles of debt.

Some fintech companies lure potential borrowers through unsolicited text messages and calls, offering loans with steep interest rates.

In spite of the modest loan amounts, borrowers can swiftly accumulate substantial debt through mobile loans, often facing late fees, harassment from lenders, and escalating interest rates.

When borrowers struggle to repay, creditors often resort to intrusive me
asures, such as contacting the borrower’s family and friends to coerce repayment.

Exposure to loan sharks also exposes the beneficiary to financial security hazards such as identity theft such as BVN.

In recent times, Nigeria is abuzz with conversations surrounding the alarming increase in fraudsters exploiting the Bank Verification Number (BVN) for loan frauds.

Initially introduced to identify individuals in the banking sector, the BVN has now become available across various financial and non-financial institutions, serving as a crucial tool for identity verification.

However, alongside its utility, the BVN has also become a target for cybercriminals seeking to perpetrate fraudulent activities.

In response to this growing threat, a recent webinar titled ‘Fighting BVN and Loan Fraud’ gathered industry experts to discuss strategies for protecting individuals’ financial security and combating the pandemic of BVN-related fraud.

Leading the discussions were Ayomide Oso, co-founder of Dojah, Gbenga Omolokun,
Managing Director of VFD Microfinance Bank, and Razaq Ahmed, CEO of Cowrywise.

Omolokun shed light on the various methods fraudsters employ to obtain BVNs through registration agents creating ‘ghost BVNs,’ devoid of any biometric data, making them untraceable.

According to him, this can be done by exploitation of less privileged individuals in villages and IDP camps, where fraudsters input their own phone numbers during BVN registration for those unaware of the significance of safeguarding their BVNs.

He said it could even be done through the utilisation of stolen or lost SIM cards to dial the 5650# USSD code and retrieve BVNs attached to those phone numbers.

‘Once in possession of legitimate BVNs, bad actors exploit them for various fraudulent schemes, with loan fraud being particularly prevalent.

‘In this type of fraud, perpetrators use victims’ identities to secure loans and default on payments, leaving victims to bear the financial burden’.

Mr Razaq Ahmed, CEO of Cowrywise, recommends several strate
gies that fintech providers can adopt to prevent BVN fraud by ensuring data privacy and security to safeguard customers’ data.

From a user perspective, Ahmed offered practical fraud prevention strategies to include the need to exercise caution when sharing BVN and personal details with applications.

He said there was the need to conduct thorough research to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate businesses.

He added that contacting financial institutions directly to confirm the authenticity of any strange or urgent requests is crucial.

It is worth mentioning that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced plans to block loan apps that harass customers.

Acting Chairman of FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, stated in a recent interview that these loan platforms, often known as loan sharks, will soon be history in the country.

According to Abdullahi, these loan apps provide quick money to Nigerians for urgent needs but resort to sending unpleasant messages and pictures t
o all contacts of those who fail to repay on time.

This harassment has caused significant issues in Nigeria, including job losses due to embarrassment and disgrace.

While the FCCPC does not directly handle these harassment issues, they do not condone such practices.

To tackle the problem, the FCCPC has involved the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Human Rights Commission to form a committee.

‘Given that these loan companies operate online without physical offices or managing directors, the FCCPC has approached Google and Apple to remove their apps from their stores.

‘Additionally, the FCCPC has coordinated with the CBN to block all accounts associated with these loan companies’.

Experts say the surge in BVN exploitation underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and individuals to combat fraud effectively.

They say by implementing robust sec
urity measures and fostering greater awareness among users, Nigeria can mitigate the risks associated with BVN-related fraud and safeguard the integrity of its financial ecosystem.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Dr Alim Abubakre, British Nigerian founder of TEXEM UK, the United Kingdom leadership development organisation, has praised Nigerian lady, Abigail Katung as the first person of African descent to be appointed Lord Mayor of Leeds.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website, www.texem.co.uk, Abubakre said the monumental achievement is a testament to Katung’s dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to public service.

He said it also marks a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, symbolising a beacon of hope and opportunity for the Nigerian diaspora and the broader African community.

‘Abigail’s journey from growing up in Nigeria to becoming a distinguished leader in one of the UK’s major cities is nothing short of inspirational.

‘Her election as Lord Mayor is not only a personal triumph but also a collective victory for all Nigerians and Africans who aspire to make meaningful contributions on the global stage.

‘Her role as a councillor for the Labour and C
o-operative Party and her previous service as Chair of the Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment, and Inclusive Growth) underscore her commitment to tackling injustices, inequalities and promoting a fairer, more prosperous society,’ Abubakre said.

The TEXEM founder also extended deepest gratitude to Senator Sunday Katung, Abigail’s husband representing Kaduna South Senatorial District whose steadfast support has been instrumental in Abigail’s journey.

‘This shared success underscores the vital role that family and community support play in achieving remarkable accomplishments.

‘Senator Katung’s contributions to public service, along with his unwavering support for Abigail, are commendable and reflect the strength and unity of their partnership.

‘We also recognise the Nigerian Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Governor of Kaduna State for their recognition and support of Abigail’s achievements,’ Abubakre said.

He acknowledged that Hon. Abike Dabiri’s relentless efforts in ch
ampioning diaspora affairs have paved the way for countless Nigerians abroad to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their host countries and homeland.

Abubakre added that Dabiri’s advocacy has been pivotal in creating a supportive environment for the diaspora, enabling success stories like Abigail’s to flourish.

He said that by celebrating and supporting diaspora achievements, Nigeria can attract significant investments and foster initiatives that benefit Nigeria and the entire African continent.

Abubakre said that India has leveraged the strength of its diaspora to unlock value in international relations, talent acquisition, volunteer programs, and foreign direct investment.

‘Just like India, Nigeria can harness more of the potential of its global citizens to achieve similar success,’ he said.

The TEXEM founder said that Abigail’s appointment is a moment of national pride to President Bola Tinubu and the good people of Nigeria.

‘It reflects the rich potential of Nigerian citizens to excel and lead in
various fields globally.

‘Her achievement can serve as a powerful catalyst to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the UK, enhancing diplomatic relations and fostering greater collaboration.

‘Abigail Katung’s appointment as Lord Mayor of Leeds presents a unique opportunity to enhance Nigeria’s and Africa’s brand equity and soft power,’ he said.

Abubakre said Katung’s new role is a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of community, and the boundless potential of the Nigerian diaspora.

‘Her leadership will undoubtedly inspire many and serve as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and a commitment to service.

‘We congratulate Abigail and her family on this remarkable achievement and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of her leadership in Leeds and beyond,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, wooed investors from Sweden and Rwanda, to invest in the territory’s tourism sector and environmental management.

Wike expressed the FCT Administration’s readiness for the partnership when the Swedish Ambassador and Rwandan High Commissioner visited him in Abuja.

The minister said that the FCTA was open to partner with Swedish investors to develop tourism centres in the FCT.

‘Tourism is one key area that people would like to see developed in Abuja.

‘We will be happy if we partner together and develop some tourist centres with companies who have the capacity and the capabilities,’ he said.

The minister added that Sweden was known for its advancement in technology and agriculture.

‘So, we will be willing to partner with some of your companies who are interested in investing in FCT.

‘Our responsibility is to make sure the environment is very convenient and conducive for everybody to carry out their daily activities,’ he added
.

The minister also pledged to collaborate with Rwandan investors in environmental management, towards building a cleaner and environmentally friendly city.

Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo with Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, during a visit to the minister in Abuja on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hahn-Englund, said that Sweden has a strength in infrastructural development, including public transportation.

Earlier, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hahn-Englund, said that Sweden has a strength in infrastructural development, including public transportation.

She particularly said that the Swedish Red Fund was currently doing a feasibility study in Lagos on energy and biofuel for public transportation.

‘It would be of interest also to look into something similar here in Abuja.

‘So, infrastructure, transportation and other areas where we are very strong are energy, telecommunications just to mention a few, with companies like Ericsson,’ she said.

Similarly, th
e Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, said that some investors from Rwanda were already showing interest in the FCT environmental sector.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria