Military Airstrike Kills 20 Civilians, Vigilantes in Defence Minister’s Hometown
A Nigerian Air Force airstrike inadvertently killed at least 20 civilians, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard, in Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, the hometown of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The incident occurred on Saturday night, January 11, in Tungar Kara, where both the Air Force and local vigilantes were combating a terrorist attack. Read more
Athena Commentary: This incident underscores the critical need for improved intelligence and precision in military operations, particularly in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. While the Nigerian Air Force seeks to protect vulnerable communities, such tragic miscalculations erode public trust in the military and risk alienating local allies like vigilante groups who play key roles in grassroots security. As the Defence Ministry faces increasing scrutiny, leadership must prioritise accountability, community collaboration, and advanced technologies to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
FG, 21 States Target N2.5tn VAT Revenue in 2025 Amid Significant Increases
The federal government and 21 states in Nigeria aim to generate a combined N2.5 trillion in Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue in 2025, marking a 65.8% increase from the N1.53 trillion projected for 2024. This figure, based on reports from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and budget estimates, excludes potential additional revenue from proposed tax reforms. Notable projections include the federal government’s VAT share rising from N512.8 billion in 2024 to N972 billion in 2025. States such as Oyo, Osun, and Kebbi also forecast significant increases, with Oyo targeting N144 billion (up from N78.8 billion), Osun expecting N78.1 billion (from N45.3 billion), and Kebbi projecting N87.3 billion (from N41 billion). Read more
Athena Commentary: The ambitious VAT revenue targets of N2.5 trillion for 2025 highlight an aggressive fiscal approach by the federal government and 21 states. While the projections indicate optimism in tax collection efficiency, they raise concerns about Nigeria’s growing dependence on consumption taxes, which often disproportionately impact low-income earners. The exclusion of data from 14 states and the FCT also suggests gaps in fiscal transparency. As debates over tax reform bills continue, it remains crucial for governments to balance revenue generation with equitable tax practices.
WHO Recommends Routine HPV Vaccination to Combat Cervical Cancer
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) has emphasised the need to integrate Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination into national immunization programs. The HPV vaccination primarily targets girls aged 9–14 before sexual activity, with broader cohorts of girls aged 9–18 advised for faster population impact and herd immunity. HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers, while types 6 and 11 cause 90% of anogenital warts. These infections result in 528,000 cervical cancer cases and 266,000 deaths annually, with 85% occurring in less-developed regions. Read more
Athena Commentary: The WHO’s recommendation for routine HPV vaccination offers a crucial opportunity to reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, particularly in less-developed regions. The focus on vaccinating girls aged 9–14, alongside multiple-age cohorts, maximizes both direct protection and herd immunity. However, challenges such as vaccine misinformation and accessibility must be addressed. For Nigeria, where cervical cancer poses a significant health burden, implementing WHO guidelines effectively and increasing public awareness will be pivotal in saving lives and fostering a healthier future.
Ondo State Set for LG Elections, Assures Readiness
The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODSIEC) has confirmed its readiness for the local government elections scheduled for January 18, 2025. Dr. Joseph Aremo, ODSIEC Chairman, announced the distribution of non-sensitive materials to all 18 local government areas and the successful recruitment and training of ad-hoc staff for the polls. He emphasized the Commission’s collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety of election materials. Stakeholder meetings have been conducted to promote transparency and inclusivity. Read more
Athena Commentry: ODSIEC’s preparations for the January 2025 local government elections reflect a commendable commitment to credible democratic processes. The proactive distribution of materials, stakeholder engagements, and collaboration with security agencies demonstrate organizational readiness. However, ensuring voter turnout and adherence to election guidelines remains critical. Dr. Aremo’s emphasis on peaceful participation is timely, considering Nigeria’s history of electoral violence. Yet, the success of these measures depends on effective voter education and transparent communication with political parties.
INEC Seeks Additional FG Funding Ahead of 2027 General Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has requested additional funding from the Federal Government to prepare for the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, outlined the funding needs while presenting the commission’s 2025 budget proposal to the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly in Abuja. He said the requested funds would support areas such as the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, logistics for off-cycle elections, replacement of damaged election materials like Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS), Ballot Boxes, and Voting Cubicles, as well as the repair of INEC offices in various Local Government Areas. Read more
Athena Commentary: INEC’s request for additional funding emphasizes the financial strain of organizing credible elections in Nigeria. While the focus on areas like BVAS replacement and CVR expansion is commendable, it reflects ongoing challenges in maintaining robust electoral infrastructure. However, accountability in utilizing these funds will be critical, as previous financial mismanagement has marred similar efforts. The Federal Government must weigh INEC’s demands against broader fiscal pressures, ensuring that funding allocations are both adequate and transparent to foster improved democratic outcomes in the 2027 general elections.
Compiled by:
Aliyu Jalal
Kingsley Kosisochukwu