Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Panel Clears Nigeria Customs of ₦62 Billion Non-Remittance Allegation
Upper chamber’s committee says audit query on missing funds was based on procedural misunderstanding, not actual revenue loss
Upper chamber’s committee says audit query on missing funds was based on procedural misunderstanding, not actual revenue loss
The Senate Public Accounts Committee has cleared the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over an audit query alleging non-remittance of ₦62 billion to the Federation Account. The panel’s decision was announced in Abuja on Tuesday, following a detailed review of the Auditor-General’s report and responses from Customs officials.
The committee, led by its chairman, conducted a session where representatives from the NCS presented documents and explanations addressing concerns raised by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation. The audit had flagged discrepancies in remittances between certain years, prompting scrutiny from lawmakers tasked with fiscal oversight.
This development comes as Nigeria continues to tighten its revenue monitoring processes amidst economic pressures and calls for greater transparency in public finance management. The allegations against Customs had raised public concern due to the large sum involved and the agency’s critical role in funding government operations through import duties and levies.
According to findings presented at the hearing, the Senate committee determined that the reported shortfall stemmed from a misunderstanding of accounting procedures rather than any actual diversion or loss of funds. “There is no evidence that ₦62 billion was withheld or diverted by Nigeria Customs,” a committee member stated during the session. Officials from NCS maintained they had complied with all statutory remittance requirements.
With this clearance, focus now shifts to other agencies under audit review, as lawmakers emphasise that strict compliance with financial regulations remains their priority. The Senate panel said it would continue to scrutinise reports from the Auditor-General and ensure any gaps in government revenue are properly addressed.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NHRC Reports 268,787 Human Rights Complaints in May, Flags Sharp Rise Across Nigeria
Commission warns of increasing abuses, urges urgent government action as cases surge to highest monthly total on record
Commission warns of increasing abuses, urges urgent government action as cases surge to highest monthly total on record
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that it received a total of 268,787 complaints regarding human rights violations across Nigeria in May, describing the month as particularly devastating for fundamental rights nationwide. The commission revealed the alarming figure on Tuesday, citing a marked escalation in reported abuses compared to previous months.
According to the NHRC, the surge in complaints was recorded through its various state offices and digital reporting channels, reflecting widespread concerns over issues such as unlawful detention, police brutality, discrimination, and violations linked to economic hardship. The commission noted that many cases originated from states in the North-East and South-South geopolitical zones but stressed that no region was exempt from rising infractions.
Human rights advocates have described the trend as deeply troubling for Nigeria’s democracy and social stability. The NHRC stated that persistent insecurity, economic pressure due to rising inflation, and a lack of accountability among some security agencies were key drivers behind the spike. The commission emphasised that citizens increasingly rely on its mechanisms due to eroded trust in other redress avenues.
In an official statement issued in Abuja, the NHRC urged federal and state authorities to take concrete steps towards protecting citizens’ rights. The commission called for improved oversight of law enforcement agencies and greater support for victims. “We are alarmed by the scale of complaints this month and urge government to act decisively,” the NHRC said. No immediate response was available from government spokespersons at press time.
The commission indicated it would present its full monthly report to the National Assembly and relevant ministries for urgent review. Stakeholders expect that concrete reforms will be proposed in coming weeks to address systemic human rights challenges exposed by May’s record figures.
Nigeria News (Standard)
South African Police Deploy Nationwide Ahead of June 30 Anti-Immigrant Protests
Government denies issuing deadline for foreigners as rights groups warn of potential xenophobic violence
Government denies issuing deadline for foreigners as rights groups warn of potential xenophobic violence
South African security agencies have started deploying personnel across major cities in anticipation of large-scale anti-immigration protests scheduled for June 30, as public anxiety grows over possible violence targeting foreign nationals. The move comes amid heightened tensions and viral claims that government has set a deadline for foreigners to leave the country—a claim officials have now dismissed.
In recent weeks, anti-immigration groups have intensified calls for demonstrations, rallying support on social media and demanding stricter enforcement against undocumented migrants. Organisers accuse foreign nationals of contributing to rising crime rates, unemployment, and pressure on social services. These campaigns have revived painful memories of past xenophobic attacks that left many migrants—especially from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Ethiopia—injured or displaced.
Authorities in Pretoria have responded by debunking reports of any official order mandating foreigners to depart by the end of June. The Department of Home Affairs described such notices as false and misleading. Despite these clarifications, the June 30 date has become a flashpoint for anti-immigrant sentiment, prompting widespread concern among rights groups and community leaders who fear a repeat of previous violence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressed the situation, urging citizens not to scapegoat migrants for South Africa’s economic challenges. Speaking at a press briefing in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa said only authorised officials are permitted to request immigration papers and warned that stoking anti-foreigner sentiment could undermine national unity. “Blaming foreign nationals for our difficulties is both unfair and dangerous,” the president stated.
The South African Police Service confirmed preparations are underway for public order deployments in key locations to forestall unrest. Meanwhile, human rights advocates have called on authorities to protect vulnerable communities and enforce law and order impartially. With just days to the planned protests, observers say the demonstrations could become one of South Africa’s most closely watched events in recent years, with implications for Nigeria and other African countries whose citizens live and work in the region.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Atiku Welcomes Appeal Court Stay on PDP Deregistration Ruling in Abuja
Former vice president hails decision, says move preserves party structure pending determination of appeal
Former vice president hails decision, says move preserves party structure pending determination of appeal
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the recent order by the Court of Appeal in Abuja staying the execution of a lower court judgement that had called for the deregistration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The court’s ruling, delivered on Tuesday in the Federal Capital Territory, effectively pauses any action against the PDP until an appeal is fully heard and determined.
The legal development came after a Federal High Court had earlier issued a judgement directing that the PDP be deregistered, sparking immediate reactions among party faithful and opposition figures. Following this, PDP officials filed an appeal and sought a stay of execution, arguing that enforcement would irreparably harm Nigeria’s main opposition party before its legal rights could be exhausted.
This case has attracted significant attention within Nigeria’s political landscape as it comes ahead of key off-cycle governorship elections and preparations for the 2027 general polls. Many observers said any move to deregister the PDP would have profound implications for multiparty democracy, especially as the party remains one of two dominant political platforms alongside the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the development, Atiku Abubakar said the Appeal Court’s decision was a relief for all who value democratic competition. “The preservation of our party structure is critical while we exhaust all legal remedies available,” he stated. Several PDP chieftains also expressed gratitude for what they called judicial intervention, while APC officials maintained that legal processes must run their course.
With this order in place, both parties are expected to continue their preparations for upcoming elections without immediate fear of regulatory action. Legal experts note that final resolution may take months as court proceedings continue.
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