FCT News
Experts Condemn 21 Governors’ Bid to Abolish National Lottery Commission
The International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration, has condemned the efforts of 21 state governors seeking the dissolution of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF). These governors have taken the matter to the Supreme Court, challenging the Federal Government’s management of the gaming and betting industry.
Executive Vice President for Africa Affairs at the Institute, Professor Tunji John Asaolu while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, criticized the governors for attempting to undermine a crucial federal revenue stream, noting that the lottery sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. He emphasized that the revenues generated by these agencies are shared across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on a monthly basis, benefitting the entire nation.
In contrast, 16 states have expressed their support for the federal government to continue collecting and distributing these funds.
“These federal agencies employ over 20,000 people and play a critical role in regulating the gaming industry,” Asaolu stated. “The National Assembly empowered the NLRC to ensure compliance in the sector, while the NLTF collects and allocates revenue for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
Asaolu further revealed that some lottery operators, many of whom are foreign-owned, have deliberately avoided paying their full dues to the government.
This he said prompted the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to introduce reforms aimed at automating the lottery revenue system to boost transparency and increase national income.
“Operators like BetNaija, owned by Russian entities, Ghana Games, and Baba Ijebu, owned by Australian interests, have failed to fully remit their revenues to the government,” Asaolu noted.
“The President’s push for automation will help curb these abuses and ensure that the sector contributes its fair share to the economy.”
Asaolu also raised concerns about reports that lottery operators have amassed 200 billion naira, allegedly stationed in Rwanda, in an attempt to influence the upcoming Supreme Court judgment.
However, he expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to resist any corrupt influence.
“The Supreme Court justices are people of high integrity who will not bow to any illicit pressure,” Asaolu said.
“We also recognize that these lottery operators are behind the 21 states’ legal action because they fear greater federal oversight and increased scrutiny from agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”
In addition to the push to scrap the lottery agencies, Asaolu pointed out that Kogi State and other states are also advocating for the dissolution of the EFCC, which has played a pivotal role in recovering billions of naira for the government.
He affirmed the institute’s trust in the Nigerian judiciary to rule fairly and in the public’s best interest.
“Just like oil revenues and VAT, lottery revenues should continue to be managed at the federal level for the benefit of all states,”
Asaolu concluded, while praising President Tinubu for his efforts in fighting corruption in the lottery sector through automation. “We stand firmly behind the President’s initiatives and are committed to supporting his administration to achieve the desired results for the nation.”
FCT News
Timi Frank tells Tinubu to halt Wike’s demolition of FCT residents’ homes
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Timi Frank, has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately intervene and stop the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from demolishing the homes of economically vulnerable residents in Abuja.
In a statement from Abuja, Frank accused Wike of using demolitions as a ploy for land grabbing, alleging that Wike allocates revoked plots to his associates and personally benefits from this practice.
Frank expressed concern that the minister’s actions damage the reputation of Tinubu’s administration, branding Wike’s demolitions as “ill-timed” and self-serving.
Frank further alleged that Wike has taken more aggressive action than any past FCT minister, reportedly revoking land to distribute it to close allies and influential figures.
He claimed Wike advised affected residents to pursue legal action, while allegedly having influence over the judiciary.
Additionally, Frank asserted that Wike is using land sales to fund political conflicts outside the FCT, including with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
Frank warned Tinubu that failure to address Wike’s actions could damage the administration’s credibility and urged the President to act decisively by relieving Wike of his role.
He noted that Wike’s methods, similar to those used in Rivers State, are unwelcome in the FCT and called for swift action to prevent further harm to the government’s image and FCT residents.
FCT News
FCT Minister describes NYSC scheme as cornerstone to national integration
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as a cornerstone of national integration and development since its inception in 1973.
Mahmoud spoke during the NYSC pre-mobilization workshop held in the nation’s capital, Abuja, stressing that the programme was designed to foster unity among young Nigerians.
Special Advisa on Media the Minister, Austine Elemue in a statement on Tuesday quoted the minister, who was the Chief Host of the event to have noted that the theme of the workshop, “Strengthening the NYSC mobilization process for effective service delivery” resonates deeply with the aspirations of the national vision.
Mahmoud charged stakeholders to play critical role in shaping the experiences of young Nigerian graduates, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to contribute positively to the society.
“We are in a dynamic world where the needs of our communities are evolving rapidly.
“Therefore, our prospective corps members must be prepared to meet these challenges with creativity, resilience, and spirit of innovation.
“This workshop is an opportunity to share best practices, explore new ideas, and collaborate on strategies that will enhance the effectiveness of the NYSC programme”.
The minister used the occasion to commend the leadership of the NYSC for their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of service rendered by corps members.
“Your dedication to training and preparing our youth for the responsibilities they will undertake is commendable. By investing in their development, we are investing in the future of Nigeria,” she stressed.
While welcoming participants to the occasion, the NYSC Director General, Brig Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, noted that over the years, the NYSC programme has been the vanguard of nation building, fostering unity among the different nationalities as well as playing critical role in national development.
According to him, “the imprints of the scheme is all over the landscape of our nation from the mega cities to the very rural communities of Nigeria.”
Ahmed emphasised that the mobilization process is a very critical component of the service year that deserved all seriousness, adding that the place of effective service delivery in a successful mobilization process cannot be overemphasized.
The Director General, pledged that the management remains committed in ensuring that the right things are done at all times from the beginning to the end of the mobilization process
.
FCT News
Police Uncover Car Theft Ring in Abuja
***Apprehend Key Suspect in Stolen vehicle Syndicate
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully cracked down on a notorious car theft syndicate involved in receiving, rebranding, and reselling stolen vehicles.
The operation culminated in the arrest of a primary suspect following a meticulously coordinated investigation that traced a stolen Honda Accord to a mechanic’s workshop in Plateau State.
In a statement released on Sunday, the FCT Police Command shared that the case originated on October 10, 2024, when Mr. Philemon Olaoluwa reported the theft of his 2006 Honda Accord (registration number RBC 40 NW) to the Central Police Divisional Headquarters. Olaoluwa’s car had developed mechanical issues, and a friend recommended a mechanic from Apo Mechanic Village in Abuja, identified as Abdulhamid Saidu, who is now on the run.
Olaoluwa, unaware of the mechanic’s intentions, entrusted his vehicle and its documents to Saidu for repairs. Instead of repairing the car, Saidu vanished with it, prompting an extensive investigation.
Using advanced tracking technology, police operatives traced the vehicle to Rayfield in Jos, Plateau State, where it was found in the possession of Steven Abang. Known for his role in receiving, rebranding, and distributing stolen vehicles, Abang was taken into custody. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to acquiring the Honda Accord from Saidu, confirming his role as a receiver for stolen cars.
Upon searching Abang’s workshop, authorities discovered two additional vehicles — a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208 — suspected to be stolen, as they were in the process of being rebranded. Abang admitted to having a network of ready buyers and disclosed that over the past four years, he had rebranded and sold more than 16 stolen vehicles.
The suspect remains in police custody, with charges expected to follow as the investigation unfolds.
This bust is part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies across the country to dismantle car theft syndicates. Earlier this year, in June, the Lagos State Police Command arrested another suspect, Kazeem Ahmed, who specialized in using fabricated master keys to steal vehicles, later selling them to auto parts dealers in Lagos.
The FCT Police Command has assured residents of its ongoing commitment to eliminating vehicle theft and safeguarding property across the region.
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