Economy
Planned mass sack, layoffs, targeted at northerners, protest inevitable – Arewa Youth Assembly warns CBN Govenor

A popular northern group, Arewa Youth Assembly has threatened to protest against the planned mass sack of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN workers by the Governor of the apex Bank, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, saying he has agenda of cleansing northerners from the banking system, and that the exercise lacked an iota of sincerity.

In a statement on Sunday by the Speaker of the Youth Assembly, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, pointed out that workers of the northern extraction have within the time Cardoso assumed office as the Governor of CBN continue to face systemic marginalization and discrimination, a development, he said, would not be acceptable.

The statement read: “In recent weeks, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced sweeping plans for workforce reduction, with reports indicating that more than 1,000 employees have either resigned voluntarily or will be laid off. Arewa Youth Assembly vehemently rejects this course of action, deeming it a profound injustice against the Nigerian people, particularly those from the Northern region.
“At a time when our nation is grappling with severe economic challenges, the decision to let go of workers not only exacerbates the existing hardships but also reveals a disturbing disregard for the welfare of the citizens.
“Firstly, the context in which these layoffs are proposed must be considered. Nigeria has been facing significant economic distress, a situation exacerbated by various factors, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuating oil prices, and ongoing security challenges. This backdrop makes the timing of the CBN’s decision not only imprudent but also what we might chose to call “satanic”.
“It is unfathomable that an institution that is supposed to safeguard the financial health of the nation would engage in mass layoffs, thereby further destabilising the economy and increasing poverty levels.
“The impact of unemployment extends beyond mere numbers; it has profound psychological and social implications. Layoffs can lead to increased rates of mental health issues and can exacerbate criminal activities as individuals struggle to provide for their families. With poverty directly linked to a host of societal vices—including crime, domestic violence, and child neglect—CBN’s actions could indirectly lead to heightened insecurity in Nigeria. Therefore, it is not merely an economic issue but one of moral and civic responsibility.
“Furthermore, the assertions made by CBN regarding the voluntary nature of these resignations raise serious ethical questions. To claim that over 1,000 employees voluntarily chose to leave their jobs in such a precarious economic climate is an untenable position.
“The language used in the official statements drips with insidious undertones, implying that employees were subjected to pressure and intimidation to make these resignations appear voluntary. Such an approach is not only grossly unethical but sets a dangerous precedent where employees are coerced into making decisions that affect their livelihoods and futures.
“This alleged coercion, we believe particularly targets staff from the Northern region, which has historically faced systemic marginalisation and discrimination. The Arewa Youth Alliance believes that this constitutes a deliberate strategy to infiltrate vacancies with individuals from regions already favoured in Nigeria’s socio-political arena.
“We call upon the CBN to demonstrate transparency by publishing the list of affected employees, broken down by state. This demand is rooted not in mere curiosity but in a need to hold the institution accountable to the public. Should it be the case that these layoffs are indeed targeted, it would contradict the principles of fairness and equity that ought to govern employment practices in Nigeria.
“Moreover, we insist that these layoffs, akin to recruitment processes, must comply with the Federal Character Principles intended to ensure equitable representation across geographical lines. The Federal Character Commission of Nigeria is designed to promote unity and fairness in the country, and any departure from this will be met with vehement resistance from us.
“The implications of the CBN’s decisions extend beyond economic concerns. There exists a growing sentiment that the ongoing systemic disenfranchisement of the Northern regions is orchestrated to keep power and resources concentrated in the hands of a few. This sense of alienation breeds discontent, and we must not overlook the potential for increased societal divides and political unrest if these grievances are left unaddressed. Many Northern youths, faced with bleak employment prospects and reduced opportunities, could shift their loyalties towards extremist ideologies which exploit these vacuums of dissatisfaction and idleness.
“Instead of stringent measures that deepen economic despair, CBN should consider alternatives aimed at supporting employees and the economy at large. A comprehensive strategy focusing on retraining and reskilling workers for new opportunities in emerging sectors could alleviate the immediate pressures of unemployment while also contributing to long-term economic growth.
“In conclusion, The Arewa Youth Assembly stands firmly against the job cuts proposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The timing of these layoffs amidst economic distress, allegations of coercion in the resignation process, a lack of transparency, and political implications necessitate a thorough reevaluation of the proposed actions.
“We urge CBN to reconsider its decision. Rather than becoming an institution marked by oppressive measures and disregard for the welfare of its citizens, it should embody principles of integrity, equity, and accountability. The road to a prosperous Nigeria can only be paved if we are committed to the principles of fairness and economic inclusiveness”, the statement concluded.

Economy
Newly appointed Accountant-General, Ogunjimi assumes office, pledges fairness to staff

The Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week has assumed office on Monday.

In a brief ceremony marking his assumption at the Treasury Office in Abuja, he promised to be fair to staff of the office which he said, they would not be intimidated or victimized during his tenure of office.

In his maiden address to the entire staff of the Office of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, he called for unity, professionalism and commitment in order to achieve the objectives of the office.
He recalled how he suffered victimisaton in hands of previous Chief Executives where he worked, he promised that it would not be the case as he was elevated as the Accountant General of the Federation.
He said: “It is good to be back, this is our home, nobody will drive us out. I want everybody to have the spirit of togetherness.
“I am not in any group, I am not going to polarize the house.
“If I fail, everyone here has failed. I am ready to commit myself to the service of the public.”
The Accountant General called on staff to let the past go and forge a new spirit in order to move the office forward for the good of the nation and the current administration.
“During my interview for this job, when I was asked what I would do differently to change the image of the Treasury House, I wanted to put the question back to you.
“What will you do differently to correct the image of the OAGF? The question is to all staff members.
“Everyone of us must work to change the perception of the country’s treasury.
“I have been a victim of the chief executive officer firing directors he or she doesn’t like.
He assured the staff of the Treasury House of cooperation they haven’t seen in their lifetime professional career, saying, ‘I don’t like him. Please remove him’, I am not going to be that leader,” he said.
CAPITAL POST recalled that President Bola Tinubu last week approved the appointment of had last week approved the appointment of Mr Babatunde Ogunjimi as the country’s new Accountant General thereby putting to rest the guesswork of who should be the next occupier of the Treasury House.

Economy
NASENI embarks on nationwide campaign to promote Made-in-Nigeria products

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced plans to launch a nationwide sensitization campaign to promote the adoption of Made-in-Nigeria products, highlighting the transformative impact of locally engineered innovations on the nation’s economy.

As part of the initiative, the agency is organizing strategic focus group meetings across the six geopolitical zones of the country to galvanize support for indigenous products.

Speaking at the North Central zonal meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the Coordinator, Implementation and Management Office (IMO) of NASENI, Yusuf Kasheem, emphasized the importance of supporting local products to drive economic growth.
“When Nigerians embrace the initiative, we do more than purchase goods—we invest in our future. We create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce our reliance on imported alternatives,” Kasheem said.
He further highlighted that the widespread adoption of locally made products is a step toward a stronger, more self-sufficient Nigeria.
Kasheem reiterated NASENI’s dedication to leveraging technology and innovation to boost national prosperity.
“In just over a year, through strategic partnerships both locally and internationally, NASENI has introduced 35 commercially viable Made-in-Nigeria products. These innovations span critical sectors and reflect our commitment to excellence and self-reliance, he said”
Among the highlighted products are Solar Irrigation Systems, Home Solar Systems, Lithium Batteries, Electric Vehicles, Laptops, Smartphones, Animal Feed Mill Machines, and Energy-Efficient Street Lamps—each designed to improve various aspects of the economy and daily life.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of Business Development at NEXIM Bank, Hon. Stella Okotete, described the promotion of Made-in-Nigeria products as a national imperative.
“By increasing the quality, branding, and competitiveness of our products, we enhance our foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and strengthen the value chain across key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals, and services,” Okotete stated.
To support the initiative, Okotete disclosed that NEXIM Bank had introduced targeted interventions such as single-digit interest loans for export manufacturing and value addition, along with export credit facilities to improve financing access for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The campaign aims to foster a culture of pride and reliance on locally made products, positioning Nigeria as a hub for technological innovation and economic self-sufficiency.

Economy
FAAC: N1.703 trillion revenue shared among FG, states, LGCs for January

A total sum of N1.703 trillion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) was shared among the Federal, States and Local Government Councils as the January 2025 Federation Account Revenue.

This was disclosed at the FAAC meeting held in Abuja on Friday.

The N1.703 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N749.727 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N718.781 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N20.548 billion and Augmentation of N214 billion.
A communiqué issued by FAAC stated that total gross revenue of N2.641 trillion was available in the month of January 2025.
The total deduction for the cost of collection was N107.786 billion, while total transfers, interventions, refunds, and savings were N830.663 billion.
According to the communiqué, gross statutory revenue of N1.848 trillion was received for the month of January 2025. This was higher than the sum of N1.226 trillion received in the month of December 2024 by N622.125 billion.
Gross revenue of N771.886 billion was available from VAT in January 2025. This was higher than the N649.561 billion available in the month of December 2024 by N122.325 billion.
The communiqué stated that from the N1.703 trillion total distributable revenue, the federal government received a total sum of N552.591 billion, and the State Governments received a total sum of N590.614 billion.
The Local Government Councils received a total sum of N434.567 billion, and a total sum of N125.284 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
On the N749.727 billion distributable statutory revenue, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N343.612 billion, and the State Governments received N174.285 billion.
The Local Government Councils received N134.366 billion, and the sum of N97.464 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
From the N718.781 billion distributable VAT revenue, the Federal Government received N107.817 billion, the State Governments received N359.391 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N251.573 billion.
A total sum of N3.082 billion was received by the federal government from the N20.548 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL). The State Governments received N7.192 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N10.274 billion.
From the N214 billion Augmentation, the Federal Government received N98.080 billion, and the State Governments received N49.747 billion.
The Local Government Councils received N38.353 billion, and a total sum of N27.820 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
In January 2025, VAT, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Excise Duty, Import Duty and CET Levies increased significantly while Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and Oil and Gas Royalty decreased considerably.

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