In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Thursday 12 December, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.
Reps probe customs over smuggling, brutality at borders – Daily Trust
The House of Representatives on Wednesday mandated its Committees on Customs and Excise, alongside Defence, to jointly investigate the operations and activities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) across the nation’s borders over alleged complicity in aiding smuggling and involvement in brutality against Nigerians.
We urge the reps committees to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the NCS to address allegations of smuggling complicity and brutality at the borders, holding those responsible accountable.
N2.7tn debt: Nigerians face blackout as gas producers cut supply to Gencos – Punch
Wholesale gas-producing companies have abruptly stopped the supply of natural gas to power generation companies for electricity production over the non-payment of debts accrued from previous supplies, fresh findings by The PUNCH have shown.
We call on the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu to urgently mediate between gas producers and power generation companies to resolve the N2.7 trillion debt impasse, ensuring that payments are made promptly to restore gas supply and prevent a nationwide blackout.
Food security: Experts worry over 40% post-harvest losses – The Guardian
As Nigeria struggles with food insecurity, stakeholders in the agricultural sector have expressed concerns about the large scale of post-harvest losses by farmers in the country. The experts, who noted that about 30-40 percent of agricultural produce is lost in the food supply chain annually, also called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the Agricultural Extension Service Bill, 2024.
To address the alarming rate of post-harvest losses contributing to food insecurity in Nigeria, urgent action is needed to enhance agricultural practices and infrastructure. We call on the National Assembly to expedite the passage and implementation of the Agricultural Extension Service Bill, 2024, to provide farmers with the necessary technical support, storage facilities, and access to innovative solutions.
Blackout as national grid collapses 11th time in 2024 – Vanguard
Nigeria’s national power grid managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, collapsed yesterday, the 11th time in 2024, leaving the country in complete blackout.
The persistent collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid underscores the urgent need for a transformative approach to addressing the nation’s power challenges. We call on the Minister of Power to prioritise decentralizing electricity generation and distribution to reduce the over-reliance on a centralised grid, ensure more stable and localised electricity supply, and drive sustainable development across the country.
