Abuja Reports

Creditors Demand ₦12B Salary Deductions from FG

Published

2 months ago

December 2, 2024

By Alexis Uchendu

The Humanity Development and Empowerment Organisation (HDEO), a coalition of money lenders, has urged the Federal Government to remit ₦12 billion in loans deducted from civil servants’ salaries but not credited to creditors.

Speaking at a leadership handover ceremony in Abuja, outgoing National President Osita Nebolisa decried the situation, noting that while the funds were deducted through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), they remain unremitted.

He called on the new executives, led by National President Dele Apanisile, to address the issue with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

“The non-remittance of these deductions has caused severe economic hardship for both lenders and workers.

“It is crucial for the incoming leadership to recover these funds and rectify the flaws in the IPPIS deduction system,” Nebolisa said.

Highlighting his tenure’s achievements from 2022 to 2024, Nebolisa cited the issuance of over ₦6.2 billion in loans to more than 2,400 federal civil servants and the signing of a Service Level Agreement with the Accountant General’s Office to ensure equitable access to credit.

The newly inaugurated executives vowed to prioritize the ₦12 billion remittance challenge while building on HDEO’s efforts to promote fair lending practices and financial inclusion.

HDEO includes commercial banks, microfinance banks, and other financial institutions, working collaboratively to support Nigerian workers and enhance the country’s credit ecosystem.

Abuja Reports

Abuja Light Rail Favors the Elite, Residents Lament

Published

4 hours ago

February 12, 2025

ADMIN

By Emmanuel Ogbodo

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory argue that the Abuja Light Rail primarily serves the wealthy while neglecting ordinary commuters.

They urge the FCT Administration to learn from Lagos’ rail system.

Commissioned on May 29, 2024, with a six-month free ride, the rail currently runs only from the airport to the Central Business District, bypassing satellite towns where most workers reside.

Critics, including public affairs analyst Toyin Ajayi, question its design, stating it benefits only the affluent.

Civil servant Tajudeen Jimoh called for better planning, citing Lagos’ efficient rail and bus services.

The FCT Administration acknowledges the need for expansion but cites financial constraints.

Abuja Reports

FCT Vigilantes Arrest Two Scavengers for Rape

Published

9 hours ago

February 12, 2025

ADMIN

By Our Correspondent

Two scavengers, Mas’ud Bala and Ibrahim Musa, have been apprehended by vigilantes for allegedly gang-raping a 17-year-old girl in the Tipper Garage area of Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The incident occurred on Monday around 11:23 AM when the victim, who sells soya bean cake, went to collect a debt from the suspects.

One of the men reportedly lured her into their wooden apartment, where both assaulted her.

According to vigilante member Usman Kabiru, screams from the girl alerted neighbors, who intervened and immediately notified the vigilantes.

One suspect was arrested at the scene, while the second was captured the following day at Unguwar Abattoir.

The victim’s parents were informed and took her to the hospital, where medical staff confirmed the assault.

Local police have acknowledged the incident but have referred inquiries to their headquarters for further details.

As of the report’s filing, FCT police spokeswoman SP Josephine Adeh had not yet commented on the case.

Abuja Reports

AIG Mohammed Gumel Takes Charge of Police Zone 7, Abuja

Published

9 hours ago

February 12, 2025

ADMIN

By Jesusemen Oratokhai

In a strategic leadership reshuffle, AIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel has officially assumed office as the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja.

Gumel, known for his expertise in peacekeeping, community policing, and crime rehabilitation, previously served as AIG in the Force’s Training and Development Department and as Commissioner of Police in Sokoto and Kano States.

With a strong track record in security operations, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing post-election tensions in The Gambia and significantly reducing crime rates in Kano and Sokoto through innovative policing strategies.

His appointment signals a renewed focus on security and law enforcement effectiveness in Zone 7, which covers the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, and Niger States.