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Kaduna Assembly Probes Loans Obtained by El-Rufai Administration

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By Lubem Myaornyi

Kaduna State House of Assembly yesterday set up a 13-man committee to probe financial dealings, loans, grants and other project implementations from 2015-2023 under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai administration.

The House also mandated the committee to invite notable personalities that served during the period, including contractors to show how the loans and grants received during the period under review were spent.

The constitution of the adhoc committee followed a motion by member representing Kaura Constituency, Hon.

Yusuf Mugu.

Mugu said it was a matter of public importance that the loans borrowed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai be investigated arguing that there is a need for the people of the state to know what the loans were used for.

He said, “There have been uncomplimentary comments and assassination of character on the leadership of the state, which the assembly cannot sit and watch.

“That is why I came up with this motion that the Speaker constitute a committee to investigate the allegations and negative comments on them.

“This is the only way the state can rekindle its confidence in its development partners, collaborators, and also those who give us loans and grants. Failure to do this will push the indicators of the state to a situation whereby nobody will want to do business with us.”

Speaking on the matter, former Speaker Yusuf Zailani noted that he denied approval of some of the loans but the governor still found his way.

Zailani who represents Igabi West constituency said, “I suffered a lot in order not to give approval for the loan to be collected.

“Even the then Deputy Speaker, Isaac Auta Zankhai was against me because I disagreed with the loan to be collected. I told the former governor to look at the number of loans we had on hand and he didn’t listen to me.”

Samuel Kambai and Henry Marah representing Zangon Kataf and Jaba constituencies respectively explained that the duty of the legislators is to give approval before the governor goes ahead to collect loans but in Kaduna the case was different.

Speaker Yusuf Dahiru Liman, who presided over the plenary session, urged the ad hoc committee to invite the Speakers of the 8th and 9th assemblies and all other relevant stakeholders and agencies for investigation.

He assured the House that the matter will be properly looked into, saying they will give everyone the liberty to speak the truth.

He said, “We just want to analyze the last administration’s spendings so that we can stand with our shoulders high by the time we finish from the Assembly.

“We do not want anyone to call us rubber stamp legislators. We’re not going to do this investigation to ridicule anybody but we’ll do the right thing.”

The House however unanimously requested to hand over notes given to incumbent Governor Uba Sani by the previous administration so that it would guide the committee.

The 13-man committee includes: Aminu Anti, representing Doka Gabasawa as Chairman; Yusuf Mugu Kaura as Deputy Chairman; Munira Tanimu; Shehu Yunusa as members and nine others.

The panel was mandated to investigate El-Rufai’s top associate and senior counsellor on investment, Jimi Lawal.

The Assembly also mandated the committee to invite notable personalities, including the former speakers of the 8th and 9th Assembly, commissioners of finance, former managing directors of Kaduna markets, and commissioners of budget and planning, among others.

Governor Sani, during a town hall meeting with stakeholders said the huge debts he inherited from El-Rufai were making it difficult for him to pay salaries as well as carry out projects.

Sani said his administration inherited a huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from his predecessor.

This revelation generated cracks in the Kaduna chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor lamented that the state was left with N3 billion, an amount he said was not enough to pay salaries, as the state’s monthly salary bill stood at N5.2 billion.El-Rufai’s son accused the governor of incompetence but the former governor refrained from public comment.

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United Capital Reports N11.9bn Profit, Declares N5.4bn Interim Dividend

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United Capital Plc has reported a profit after tax of N11.9 billion for the first half of 2025.This represents a 54 percent increase from N7.74 billion profit recorded for the first half of 2024.The company announced this in a corporate disclosure on Monday through the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.

The profit before tax also grew by 52 per cent, from N9.
06 billion in 2024 to N13.79 billion while the gross earnings rose by 57 per cent, from N15.
15 billion to N23.76 billion.The net operating income climbed to N21.32 billion compared to N12.76 billion in 2024, a 67 per cent year-on-year growth.Operating expenses witnessed a 49 percent increase to N10.61 billion from N7.12 billion of 2024.Commenting on the group’s performance, the bank’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ashade, said, “I am pleased to inform all stakeholders that United Capital Plc ended the first half of the year on a strong and positive note.
“This is continuing our track record of excellence and strong financial performance, as demonstrated by our remarkable earnings growth and robust performance across key financial metrics, despite the prevailing macroeconomic challenges and market volatility.“During the period under review, we recorded significant financial growth, with gross earnings increasing by 57 per cent year-on-year to N23.76 billion.“Profit before tax grew by 52 per cent year-on-year to N13.79 billion, profit after tax rose by 54 per cent year-on-year to N11.89 billion, while Shareholders’ Funds grew by 25 per cent year-to-date to N166.91 billion.“This is a testament to the strength of our capital base and the confidence reposed in us by our investors,” he said.Ashade noted that “these results reflect the resilience of the company’s business model, the dedication of people, and the effective execution of our strategy across our business lines.“As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we remain focused and firmly committed to sustaining this strong performance.“With a solid foundation, a clear strategic direction and our retail and Pan-African play in full-force.“United Capital is well-positioned to continue delivering superior returns to shareholders and providing best-in-class solutions to all our stakeholders.“Finally, to reward our esteemed shareholders, we are excited to announce the payment of an interim dividend of 30 kobo per share for 50 kobo ordinary shares of the company.“This represents a payout of N5.4 billion. We have obtained the approval of the board and details will be shared with our shareholders,” he added. (NAN)

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Tinubu Confers National Honour on Triumphant Super Falcons

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By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has bestowed the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, on the Super Falcons and the entire technical crew.Tinubu also allocated three-bedroom apartments in Abuja to each of the players and the technical crew at the Renewed Hope Estate.

The President also directed the cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 each of the 24 players and $50,000 to each of the 11-man technical crew.
This came during a reception in honour of the players and the coaching crew at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.He said, “I hereby conferred on the players, the 11-man technical team, with national honours of the Officer of the Order of the Niger.
“Additionally, I have directed the allocation of three-bedroom apartments in the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.“Then there is the cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 US dollars each 24 players and the naira equivalent of $50,000 to the 11-man technical crew.”“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.“You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you.”The President recounted the emotional moments of the final match, noting how the team’s performance lifted the nation’s spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline and consistency.“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.“But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.“But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.”She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country,” he said.The President assured the team of his administration’s continued support and commitment to sports development, pledging that the government would invest further in women’s football and youth talent development across the country.“Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream.”In a further show of appreciation, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also announced a donation of N10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors.The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as role models and shining examples of courage and excellence.She congratulated the team for their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit, describing their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination.”“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over.“The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.”The First Lady prayed for the team’s continued success and shared an earlier conversation with President Tinubu about the team’s bright future as world champions.“I told Mr. President this morning that you are going to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible,” he said.Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said the victory was for the team and for every Nigerian girl who dreams of achieving greatness.“Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation,” she said.“On behalf of my teammates, coaches, and technical staff, I express our heartfelt gratitude for this warm reception and the unwavering belief you have shown in us.”Emphasising the significance of their 10th WAFCON title, the team captain said, “This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream… This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams of being on this stage someday.”Ajibade called for continued support from the government and stakeholders to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football.Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the team’s victory as a symbol of national unity, inspiration, and the triumph of belief, courage, and excellence.Dikko credited President Tinubu’s administration with investing in sports development and women’s empowerment.“The Super Falcons’ triumph is a fruit of your unwavering support for sports and women. You have always believed that sports can unite us, heal us, and uplift our spirits as one of the major drivers of the economy. And today, we have seen it happen,” he stated.He commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her “constant support for our women in sports.”“This win goes beyond sports. It is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion. In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere from the north, south, east and west held their breath, prayed together, cheered the team, and finally celebrated together.”That is the power of sports, and indeed the power of our women in sports,” he said.

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NCS Strengths Ties with China Customs

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By Tony Obiechina Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deepened its strategic engagement with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) through a high-level meeting held in Beijing on July 25.According to NCS Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada in a statement on Sunday, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, the meeting aimed to explore bilateral knowledge exchange and capacity development in customs administration.

The NCS delegation, led by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebakin, discussed customs training methodologies, modernization models, and technology-driven solutions with GACC officials.
The Chinese Customs authorities shared their structured training system, which incorporates virtual reality, 5G-enabled systems, and blended e-learning approaches.
The meeting highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in China-led customs development initiatives, with over 200 African customs officers trained since 2023. The Chinese Customs officials commended Nigeria’s growing leadership in international customs platforms and appreciated the election of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.Both parties expressed mutual interest in exploring technical exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and officer exchange schemes. The NCS aims to strengthen its human capital, advance intergovernmental partnerships, and modernize customs operations in accordance with global standards.The engagement aligns with promoting knowledge sharing, harmonizing customs procedures, and building an integrated trade infrastructure for sustainable development, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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