In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Wednesday 30 October, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.
Gunmen sack 23 communities in Niger – Daily Trust
At least, 23 communities in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State have been reportedly sacked by bandits. The affected communities were said to be within the military training ground in Kontagora LGA.
The persistent attacks by bandits, displacing 23 communities in Niger’s Kontagora LGA, demand immediate intervention from federal and state governments. We call on the government to prioritise the safety of these communities by deploying additional security forces, strengthening intelligence operations, and providing essential relief to affected residents.
Petrol price up third time in 60 days as crude price drops – Vanguard
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, yesterday, adjusted the price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, to N1,025 per litre, from N998 per litre, in Lagos and environs. Similarly, in Abuja, the price of the product rose to N1,060 from N1,030, in what has become the third increase in the price of the product in two months.
President Tinubu, the recent hike in petrol prices poses a severe economic burden on everyday Nigerians who are already grappling with high inflation and diminishing purchasing power. As fuel prices rise for the third time in two months, ordinary citizens face escalated costs of transportation, food, and essential goods, which deepens financial strain across households. We urge you to implement immediate relief measures and explore alternative, long-term strategies to stabilise fuel prices, protect livelihoods, and foster economic resilience for Nigerians who are struggling to make ends meet.
32 states got 55% of revenue from FAAC – Report – Punch
A new report by civic-tech organisation, BudgIT, has revealed that 32 out of Nigeria’s 36 states relied on allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee for at least 55 per cent of their total revenue in 2023. The report highlights the over-dependence of many states on federal transfers, which makes them vulnerable to external shocks, particularly those linked to oil revenue and federal disbursements.
We call on state governments to urgently diversify their revenue sources to reduce reliance on the FAAC allocations, which account for over 55 percent of total revenue in 32 states, as highlighted by BudgIT’s recent report. States should explore sustainable sources like agriculture, tourism, and technology to build resilient economies that can thrive independently of federal support.
