In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Monday 07 October, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.
How multi-billion naira illicit arms entered Nigeria 23 times in 7 years – Daily Trust
Findings by our reporter revealed that illicit weapons worth billions of naira found their way into the country 23 times within seven years, with whereabouts of many of them unknown.
Data compiled and analysed by Daily Trust showed that those arms and ammunition entered the country through Tin Can Island and Apapa ports, both in Lagos State; Enugu and Cross River land borders; Bukoro axis of Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, Igboora axis of Oyo State; Idiroko in Ogun State, among others.
We call on the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to strengthen border security, enhance surveillance at key entry points, and implement stringent measures to prevent the illegal flow of arms into the country.
Rivers violent FG polls: Gunshots, bombings, protests as Fubara, Wike power struggle escalates – Vanguard
Despite all odds, Rivers State local government elections took place, yesterday, amid gunshots, bomb explosions and protests in some parts of the state. The development, which did not fall short of pre-election predictions, left many residents worried, especially as a result of minimal presence of the police across all polling areas.
The recent violence, bomb explosions, and lack of adequate police presence during the local government elections have heightened fear and instability among residents.
We call on the state government to strengthen security measures, hold accountable those responsible for the violence, and work towards restoring trust between the people and law enforcement to prevent further chaos and protect the lives and livelihoods of all Rivers State citizens.
Nigeria’s debt servicing soars to N6trn, says CBN report – Punch
Nigeria’s debt servicing expenses reached N6.04tn in the first half of 2024, marking a sharp increase of 68.8 per cent from the N3.58tn recorded during the same period in 2023, the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed.
This implies that the amount spent by the Federal Government in servicing debt during the review period is about three times what it spent on personnel costs.
The sharp rise in Nigeria’s debt servicing to N6.04 trillion in the first half of 2024, nearly triple the nation’s personnel costs, signals an urgent need for the Tinubu administration to prioritise fiscal discipline and implement sustainable debt management strategies.
Immediate steps must be taken to reduce reliance on borrowing, restructure existing debt, and focus on generating non-oil revenue. This is critical to avoid further economic strain and ensure that future budgets can prioritise development, infrastructure, and public welfare over debt obligations.
