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Abuja Reports

Tackle Cash Scarcity, Embrace Financial Inclusion, Shettima Urges Banks

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By Alexis Uchendu

Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has issued a clarion call to Nigeria’s Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), to ensure the seamless availability of cash, emphasizing its critical role in advancing financial inclusion across the country.
Speaking on Friday at the 2024 Bankers’ Committee Retreat in Abuja, Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, highlighted the pressing need to address cash scarcity and exploitative practices by some Point of Sale (PoS), agents.
“Millions of Nigerians struggle to access even minimal cash for essential needs, a situation compounded by rogue PoS operators imposing arbitrary charges,” Shettima stated.
He urged banks to intensify efforts to clear these bottlenecks, which undermine the government’s push for economic inclusion.
The Vice-President also spotlighted the dominance of Nigerian banks in West Africa and beyond, lauding recent achievements such as the establishment of Nigerian bank branches in France.
He urged the banking sector to build on this success by embracing innovative capabilities and leveraging technology to enhance global competitiveness.
Amid discussions on cash shortages, Shettima commended the sector’s role in strengthening the economy, citing significant gains in non-oil exports.
He noted that Nigeria recorded a $4.5 billion trade surplus in the second quarter of 2024, driven by a weakened Naira spurring export growth.
“The economic impact of the currency unification policy is clear.
“Exports have surged, foreign education dependency is waning, and local institutions are witnessing unprecedented growth,” Shettima said.
He called on banks to embrace the rise of FINTECHs, Neobanks, and decentralized finance while developing robust strategies to remain at the forefront of risk management in the evolving financial landscape.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s banking industry to consolidate its leadership, not just locally but globally, while ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the journey toward financial inclusion,” Shettima concluded.

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Abuja Reports

Abuja Light Rail Favors the Elite, Residents Lament

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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.

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Abuja Reports

FCT Vigilantes Arrest Two Scavengers for Rape

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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.

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Abuja Reports

AIG Mohammed Gumel Takes Charge of Police Zone 7, Abuja

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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.

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