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FG pledges better funding, operational support for NHRC to enhance human rights work
The federal government has pledged to review upward, funds allocation to the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, to enable it continue its fight against human rights abuses and other related services to the nation.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja when the management team of NHRC paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN who led the management team for the visit, sought the support of the federal government to strengthen the Commission’s efforts in the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages Department of the NHRC, Agharese Arase, during the visit, Dr. Ojukwu provided a comprehensive overview of the NHRC’s history, mandate, functions, powers, organizational structure, and management since its inception. He discussed the Commission’s growth, the challenges it has faced, and its struggle for independence in recent years.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NHRC emphasized the Commission’s role in holding government accountable for policies and laws that promote human rights while mitigating human rights violations in the country. He highlighted several key issues in the Commission as follows:
Governing Council Appointments: The Human Rights Boss stressed the need for the appointment and removal of governing council members to be of paramount importance, with consideration given to the tenures of office of members of the Council.
Financial Constraints: Dr. Ojukwu lamented that the Commission faces significant financial constraints which can hinder its operational independence if not adequately addressed. “Lack of transportation for state offices to carry out investigations and inadequate equipment/infrastructure to work with, are few examples” he added.
Staffing Challenges: The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria expressed concerns about its 13 departments, 36 state offices, and a staff strength of 900 individuals. He recalled that a high weekly resignation of staff has posed a major challenge to the Commission, leading to a need to recruit more staff to strengthen the state offices.
Budgetary Allocations: According to the Executive Secretary, Commission’s limited budgetary allocations significantly impact its ability to handle a minimum of 2 million complaints per annum. He said the absence of a funded Human Rights fund by the federal, state, or local governments has been a long-standing concern since 2010.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Ojukwu also highlighted some significant achievements, including the thorough investigation and resolution of 1,640,018 complaints. Notable compensations include 350 million naira to the families of eight victims of the APO killings (Okada riders) by the Department of State Services in 2013 and 450 million naira in compensation paid to victims of the END SARS protests by the Commission.
Responding to these concerns, AGF Mr. Lateef Fagbemi assured that the present administration has prioritized the National Human Rights Commission as an institution that could ensure peace, stability and the respect for and human rights in the country.
The Minister acknowledged the financial hardships confronting the Commission urging for patience while the government addresses their needs, particularly with respect to acquiring vehicles.
The Hon.Minister expressed his satisfaction with the Commission’s independence and its commendable commitment to non-interference from the government and other bodies.
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Breaking: Elon Musk’s wealth surges back to trillion dollars
Elon Musk’s wealth has again topped US$1 trillion as stocks of his companies SpaceX and Tesla surged.
Forbes estimated the world’s richest man’s net worth at $1 trillion on Monday, an increase of $30.6 billion from Friday last week, the last stock market trading day.
The gain reinforces Musk’s position as the world’s wealthiest person, far ahead of Bezos, who ranks second with a fortune of $371.5 billion. Google co-founder Larry Page followed with $284.3 billion, while Dell Technologies chairman Michael Dell ranked fourth with $272.2 billion.
`Musk became the world’s first trillionaire in June as SpaceX shares soared following its record-breaking initial public offering, but soon lost that status when the stock fell amid concerns about the company’s lofty valuation, according to Bloomberg.
His fortune has approached the trillion-dollar threshold again in recent days as both companies’ shares rallied. Tesla’s third-quarter deliveries exceeded analysts’ expectations last week, helping increase Musk’s wealth by $61 billion on Friday alone.
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Dangote makes case for domestic production at Abuja trade fair
The Dangote Group has reaffirmed the critical role of domestic production in strengthening Nigeria’s economic resilience.
The Group stated this weekend through its Group General Manager, Mr. Abdullahi Bello Danmusa, who represented the Regional Director/Senior Adviser to the Dangote Group President/CE, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, at the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s Trade Fair, “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy,” Mr. Danmusa said taxation remains a fundamental component of national development, stressing that Dangote Group takes its tax obligations seriously and contributes substantial revenues to government annually, while also supporting employment, enterprise and value creation across its operations.
He said trade could achieve greater economic impact when it is supported by strong domestic productive capacity.
“Trade becomes more meaningful when it is supported by production. No country can build lasting resilience by depending excessively on imports that it has the capacity to produce competitively at home.
“This is why Dangote Group continues to invest in manufacturing and industrial capacity across cement, sugar, salt and seasoning, packaging, fertiliser, petrochemicals and petroleum refining.
“The theme of this year’s Trade Fair, ‘Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy,’ speaks directly to the realities of our time.
“Nigeria’s economic resilience will ultimately depend on a fundamental choice: to continue to import what we can produce, or build the capacity to produce, compete and export.”
Danmusa noted that strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity would help deepen economic activity, create jobs, support local enterprises and reduce excessive dependence on imported products.
He added that the Group’s investments across various sectors reflect its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation and contributing to the development of a more productive and resilient economy.
Also speaking at the Dangote Special Day, the First Deputy President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Prof. Adebisi Adesugba, commended Dangote Industries for its contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.
Adesugba, who represented the President of ACCI, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, said the longstanding partnership between Dangote and the Chamber demonstrates the important
He noted that Dangote’s strategic investments in sectors including cement, fertiliser, agriculture, refining and petrochemicals have contributed to strengthening domestic productive capacity, creating employment opportunities, reducing dependence on imports and supporting foreign exchange generation.
“ACCI recognises Dangote not only as an exhibitor and sponsor, but also as a strategic partner.”
He said the partnership between ACCI and Dangote has contributed to creating opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs while supporting trade, investment and sustainable economic development.
Adesugba further expressed the Chamber’s appreciation for Dangote’s longstanding relationship and partnership with ACCI, describing the collaboration as an important platform for strengthening the business community and advancing economic opportunities.
The Dangote Special Day brought together business leaders, government representatives, investors, exhibitors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders as part of activities at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair.
Also speaking at the Dangote Special Day, the First Deputy President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Prof. Adebisi Adesugba, commended Dangote Industries for its contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.
Adesugba, who represented the President of ACCI, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, said the longstanding partnership between Dangote and the Chamber demonstrates the important role of responsible corporate participation in promoting commerce, investment and entrepreneurship in Nigeria and across the African sub-region.
He noted that Dangote’s strategic investments in sectors including cement, fertiliser, agriculture, refining and petrochemicals have contributed to strengthening domestic productive capacity, creating employment opportunities, reducing dependence on imports and supporting foreign exchange generation.
“ACCI recognises Dangote not only as an exhibitor and sponsor, but also as a strategic partner.”
He said the partnership between ACCI and Dangote has contributed to creating opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs while supporting trade, investment and sustainable economic development.
Adesugba further expressed the Chamber’s appreciation for Dangote’s longstanding relationship and partnership with ACCI, describing the collaboration as an important platform for strengthening the business community and advancing economic opportunities.
The Dangote Special Day brought together business leaders, government representatives, investors, exhibitors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders as part of activities at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair.
The event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to engage on issues around taxation, trade, industrialisation, investment, domestic production and the broader prospects for Nigeria’s economic development.
News
Police high command mobilise to rescue 20 NYSC members abducted in Imo
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to provide operational leadership and strengthen ongoing efforts to rescue the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road at Umunoha on October 1, 2026.
Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed in a statement on Friday that DIG Nadada arrived Imo State alongside two Commissioners of Police and immediately carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation and the search-and-rescue operations being coordinated by the Imo State Police Command.
During the visit, the DIG reviewed operational strategies, personnel deployments, and the utilization of security assets. He also issued fresh directives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the coordinated rescue mission.
The assessment was conducted in the company of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, CP Nendel Joseph Gomwalk; other service commanders; and members of the Imo State Police Command management team.
According to Iniedu, the police have intensified the search operation, deploying additional tactical teams and operational resources to identified locations.
He said the operation was being reinforced through intelligence-led efforts to track the abductors, alongside coordinated operations with other security agencies.
Nadada, according to the statement, assured members of the public that the police would continue working to secure the safe release of those abducted.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to securing the safe rescue of the 20 abducted persons and will sustain the operation until the mission is successfully concluded,” Iniedu quoted Nadada as saying.
The DIG appealed to members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, while urging anyone with credible information that could assist the rescue operation to report to the police or the nearest security formation.
“All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality,” he said.
The police said further information on the rescue operation would be made available as developments unfold.
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