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CSO Raises Alarm As Akwa Ibom Debt Profile Hits N347.75bn
A civil society organisation in Akwa Ibom State, Tax Justice and Governance Platform Forum, has raised the alarm over a “surge in debt profile” of the state government.
Addressing a press conference in Uyo on Saturday, the chairman of the forum, Mr Harry Udoh, noted that data from the Debt Management Office reveals an alarming increase from N215.99 billion in 2019 to N347.75 billion in 2023, highlighting a 61.1 per cent rise in just four years.
He explained that the debt burden may spur aggressive tax policies which might disproportionately affect low income residents, exacerbate socioeconomic disparities as well as diminish funding for public service delivery in notable areas of education, health and others.
According to the statement, “In recent times, Akwa Ibom State has witnessed a concerning surge in it debt profile. Data from DMO reveals an alarming increase from N215.99bn in 2019 to N347.75bn in 2023, highlighting a 61.1% rise in just four years. This escalation prompts viral discussions regarding financial sustainability and responsible governance.
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“The burgeoning debt of Akwa Ibom State poses grave implications for tax justice, Heightened debt burden may spur regressive tax policies, disproportionately affecting low-income residents and exacerbating socioeconomic disparities. More over opacity in financial management jeopardizes public trust in Governance stewardship.
“The escalating debt has adverse ramifications for public service delivery, notably in education, health care, water sanitation, As debt servicing claims a larger share of the resources, funding for essential services diminishes, threatening the well being of vulnerable groups and hindering societal development.
“Furthermore, mounting debt hampers entrepreneurship and economic advancement. Prioritizing debt servicing over crucial investments stifles innovation and job creation, fostering economic stagnation and perpetuating circles of poverty.”
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To address the challenge, Udoh recommended to the government to broaden the tax base by encouraging voluntary compliance and reducing exemption, improve the efficiency of tax administration processes as well as engage in targeted spending such as prioritizing investment in education, health and entrepreneurship to help create sustainable long-term growth and foster inclusive development.
He said the recommendations align with the goals set forth in the Akwa Ibom State 2024 budget, which aims to achieve a GDP growth rate of 3.76 per cent and inflation of 21 per cent while focusing on partnerships with foreign investors, robust human development, and increased internal generation revenue.
News
Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court
The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.
Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.
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The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.
They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.
The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.
In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.
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The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.
The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.
According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.
However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.
News
Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru
Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.
Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.
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La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.
The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.
He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.
News
Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.
DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.
A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.
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“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.
“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.
“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.
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