The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced a huge leap in trading surplus of ₦141.96billion recorded in June 2021 compared to a deficit of ₦37.46Billion in May 2021.

This is contained in the June 2021 figures of the NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR).

A trading surplus or trading deficit is derived after deduction of the expenditure profile from the revenue for the period under review.

In June 2021, NNPC Group operating revenue as compared to May 2021, decreased by 9.07% or N89.27billion to stand at N894.64billion. Similarly, expenditure for the month decreased by 29.32% or N299.44billion to stand at N721.93billion.

Thus, in the period under review, expenditure as a proportion of revenue was 0.81%, compared to the figure in May which stood at 1.04%.

The report also noted that the increase in trading surplus was due mainly to the increased sales of crude oil and gas by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), an Upstream subsidiary of the NNPC, and the increased gas sales and depreciation postings by the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC).

The positive outlook was further bolstered by the performance of Duke Oil and the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC) which also added to the improved bottom line.

Trading surplus or trading deficit is derived after deduction of the expenditure profile from the revenue for the period under review.

According to the report, in plus or trading deficit is derived after deduction of the expenditure profile from the revenue for the period under review.

To ensure continuous supply and effective distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the country, a total of 1.63bn litres of PMS translating to 54.50mn liters/day were supplied in June 2021.

The report indicated that in June 2021, 47 pipeline points were vandalized representing 26.56% decrease from the 64 points recorded in May 2021. Port Harcourt Area accounted for 43%, while Mosimi and Kaduna Areas accounted for 51% and 6% respectively of the vandalized points.

In the gas sector, a total of 223.77billion cubic feet (bcf) of natural gas was produced in the month of June 2021 translating to an average daily production of 7,459.88million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd).

For the period of June 2020 to June 2021, a total of 2,890.11bcf of gas was produced representing an average daily production of 7,321.36mmscfd during the period.

Period-to-date production from Joint Ventures (JVs), Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and NPDC contributed 59.84%, 20.26% and 19.90% respectively to the total national gas production.

The 71st edition of the MFOR highlights NNPC’s activities for the period of June 2020 to June 2021.

In line with its commitment to transparency and accountability, NNPC has continued to sustain effective communication with stakeholders through this report via publications on its website, independent online news portals and in national dailies.

He is popularly called Cubana Chiefpriest. His name is Paschal Chibuike and he is an indigene of Orsu in Imo State. He is a celebrity barman with a huge presence and followership majorly on Instagram. He is an ambassador to multiple brands..

He is called Maazi 46 because as a young man who understands the place of the media in establishing a man who is in show business, the death of his former Boss’ Mum (Odozi) provided him an ample opportunity to steal the show and do that which hasn’t been regularly mentioned in the media space lately while showing gratitude for all the people’s Chairman has done for him over the tears. He went into the market, ordered 46 cows, paid in full (he didn’t have to rent money like that one in Lagos or even rent the cow sef) and brought them to Oba as his condolence gift for his former Boss, Obi Cubana in a trailer.

Prior to the exit of Chief Priest or CP or Maazi Iruefi 46 as Phyno aka PacMan calls him, his relationship with his former Boss was one that I admired so badly such that I wouldn’t have been surprised if it choked me, their love was pure and organic. Moreso, i loved the fact that his family bonded so well with that of his Boss while business thrived.

Unfortunately a few frictions happened which is characteristic of some business based relationships, the Orsu born promoter and the Oba born billionaire had to part ways. Folks like me wrote them a letter then seeking that they reconcile in the interest of most of us that admired them from a distance but that wasn’t to happen in a haste. I got so emotional the day Chief Priest the more younger man came on Instagram live and was crying out in pains for loosing his Boss. He made mention of the fact that a few friends would have sewn this seed of discord but he vowed that he would do everything he can to make sure that he and the people that believe in him are not put to shame in all these.

It is also worthy of note to know that as a way of sealing this bond for life, Chief Priest has the tattoo of Obi Cubana on a part of his body while also naming one of his two sons after the Cubana brand maverick, Obinna. This could be likened to his own way of saying, “thanks Don Pablo aka Okpataozueora” who is now Arthur Eze’s very close ally, for giving him a life he never knew was readily possible. As the son of a man who dealt on shoes in Aba, we must give CP the credit he deserves which anchors on the part that an opportunity was presented and he the young man made use of it greatly to build so much wealth and fortune. Not everybody uses such platforms well.

However, we must also not loose sight of the fact that De Angels whom Chief Priest married has been a well known Event Manager and Chef extraordinare in Owerri and its environs. She has been a very hardworking and smart Lady. So when friends give speculation that the clash of business interest could be fingered for being responsible for the clash, at a time, it looks or seem true but we would still get to know what really happened someday.

This friction in question birthed the “Club Shrine” brand which has on its logo as beads representing Eke, Orie, Afor, Nkwo. This first branch was built in Owerri within a very short space of time and opened with Davido performing at it’s opening on the 17th Of December, 2020 in Owerri. That event has remained memorable. Infact CP claims that there is a form of anointing or grace on OBO and that is why he would definitely have him repeat such feat in Asaba on the 20th of December, 2021.

Hate Chief Priest or like him, you cannot take away the quality of confidence he has in himself. Infact suffix it to say that his confidence level is as obese as his stature. He believes that he has got all it takes to do the unthinkable and more often than not, you see him go at tasks and smash same with excellence. I love that about him. He is loud mouthed but wholly result driven (e dey play e dey show).

Of striking significance is the skull logo in his Club Shrine brand and his never ending chant of “Egede”, their anchoring as Brothers (CP et Davido) and his consistent proclamation of how much of a strong man he is. He would always ask, imakwa onye anyi wu?. He is a show man who understands show business so well. He is a bit more of a rugged street brewed man who had the challenge at a time of being disowned by his Father while the mother who never gave up on him is six feet under the ground now and was never there to feast from the sweat if his son. He often laments the absence of his dear Mother at this time of his rain and abundance.

Furthermore, Club Shrine brand is gradually gaining traction and expanding with each new branch having so much innovations being made. Like Chief Priest once said that one of his sons would definitely follow him to sell these drinks he sales, he has never stopped thanking the Oraukwu Billionaire called Ejison who has the franchise for the importation of Bullet Energy and similar power energy. Omo, money dey this e m hustle if you understand the nitty gritty in it.

The truth is that I have followed this group of friends ( Cubana, CP, Jowizaza, Betro Furniture, Spelendid, Vintage Interior Decor etc) that I can write so much about them by heart without blinking. One of the Billionaire friends of Okpole Yankee, whose mother hails from Nnewi, is an Ekwulobia born Billionaire whom like Chief Priest is not upto forty in age. He is known as being the only son of a Billionaire father and firm adherent to the Catholic faith. If you followed the burial properly you would notice that The Bullet Brand of drinks were only served on Chief Priest’s table from the video made available while another brand was seen all over the place and for the sake of being more specific, The Powerhorse Brand. Chief Priest and the young man described here seems to not want each other in their individual spaces and have kept it at that.

Looking at the White Glass House being built by Chief Priest in Owerri at the same time that he is building his club house in Asaba and also three duplexes in his village, you cannot take away the fact that the big sized Exotic Drink Promoter has an insatiable appetite for excellence, damn! You need to see those structures and the amount of work he is putting into it. Unlike most celebrity influencers, he makes use of most of the things he promote from Geely Motors to Spelendid Furniture to Mikano Generators to Glemorangie and so many more. The doors are built by attitude, then his furniture are built by two major companies in Nigeria and many other highlights of the building. The quality of work going on there says so much about his quality as a person. Did I forget to mention that he tarred the road that leads to white house?

The most heartwarming part of the video he made on the 17th of December is when he reminded his room mate at Akwakuma where they shared a one bedroom space that they have indeed come a long way and that there is no stopping them. Winning with your team is very necessary, Brother.

Obi Cubana should be a proud father who raised a star, whose watchword in all things is excellence. When you feast at De Angels, from their signature dishes to their signature wares and sharp customer service, you would definitely have reasons to visit and revisit their facility. They sell very sumptuous and appetite wetting foods.

This is not a paid advert but its me sharing the little I have come to know about these men and his brand. There are times I criticised him like when he got in bed with Yahaya Bello and Hope Uzodinma. It really didn’t sit well with me and it is good they are addressed as my personal bias for the actors based on my political accessment of their performances in power.

To close it all, the glass house he is building in Owerri could be termed or called a mini white house as it is in Guzape Abuja owned by Obi Cubana. Chief Priest’s private cinema has among other things, a massaging seat to take of men of his stature while watching movies in there and the finishing of the house remains legendary or for the want of better word, a glory to behold. His security man would definitely have the challenge of discharging his gate man duty because the luxurious apartment that is being furnished for him may make the Security man a lazy one or may give him a false sense of arrival.

Indeed De Angels/ Club Chrine brand is another name for excellence. The Asaba club opens on the 20th of December 2021 with OBO in attendance.. I can only imagine how lit that would be. From Aba to the entire world!!

Iruefi 46 was born something in 1981 if I am not mistaking and within such a short time, he has accomplished all these. These are the kind of stories we love to hear as Igbo people. Did I forget to mention that he is a card carrying member of APC too.

Katchy just wrote all this from his head without making any research oo.. I have so much to write in this duo, I swear.

KaTcHmoney Inc.

Ahead of the anticipated 2022 rollout of Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has organised capacity building workshops for media executives in the northern and southern divides of the country, as part of efforts to support their continuous professional development critical stakeholders in the telecommunications industry.

The workshops, which took place in Kano and Lagos recently with the theme: “5G Deployment and the Next Level of Nigeria’s Development,’ provided an avenue for media stakeholders to have better knowledge and understanding of the potentials of the new technology.

These workshops, in turn, are expected to position the journalists to be able to accurately report issues around 5G, through explanatory, incisive, analytical, and evidence-based reportage, while also being able to clarify misconceptions and misinformation on the new technology.

Through the workshops, the Commission believes the journalists will be able to focus on how 5G will impact different sectors of the economy, including agriculture, e-commerce, e-banking, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), education, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, security, entertainment including the music and movie industries and other aspects of Digital Nigeria.

Speaking at the two workshops, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, in his opening address, said the theme of the workshops was most apt at a time when the Commission is on full throttle to drive the implementation of 5G deployment in the country, following the approval of the Federal Government on September 8, 2021.

Delivering his address at the Kano and Lagos workshops through the Director Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and the Head, Online Media, NCC, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan respectively, Danbatta, said the workshops were organised to equip the media stakeholders with greater insights and knowledge around 5G in order to improve their overall understanding of the new technology, its usage, opportunities and the benefits it offers for the overall development of Nigeria’s socio-economic life.

“As we progress in our journey of 5G deployment, the media has a critical role in the process by ensuring proper and adequate reportage of the programmes and activities of the Commission as it unfolds the 5G Deployment Plan of the Federal Government,” he said in his opening address.

The EVC said Nigeria’s promising 5G Plan has the objectives of ensuring efficient assignment of spectrum for 5G deployment, creating an enabling environment for investment in the telecom industry, ensuring effective deployment of 5G to cover major urban cities by 2025, among others.

“In line with the objectives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2025 for a Digital Nigeria, and the positioning of Nigeria as an early adopter of digital technology in the growing global digital economy, the successful and timely deployment of 5G is crucial and it is expected that the roll-out of the 5G will be carried out in phases beginning with major cities in the country, where there is need for high-quality broadband,” Danbatta said.

The Commission also made technical presentations to journalists at the workshops focusing on how the Commission is setting the stage for 5G journey, in terms of requirements, deployment, use cases, and possible challenges which it is working with relevant stakeholders to tackle for effective implementation of 5G Deployment Plan for Nigeria.

While NCC’s Director, Technical Standard and Network Integrity, Bako Wakil, made the technical presentation to media stakeholders at the Kano workshop, the NCC’s Head, Fixed Network and Converged Services, Tony Ikemefuna, handled the delivery of the presentation at the Lagos workshop.

During the technical sessions in Kano and Lagos, the media stakeholders were adequately informed on 5G characteristics such as enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low latency and speed, explaining to them that 5G will facilitate several emerging technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT), Machine-to-Machine communication, among others.  The media professionals also used the opportunity to ask various questions and clarify conflicting issues bordering on security and health implications of 5G deployment.

aking. They need to be innovative and create an enabling environment that includes infrastructure and de-risking to harness private sector investments in key growth sectors,” said African Development Bank President Akinwumi A. Adesina.

Given that tech-enabled enterprises cut across all the economic growth sectors, the program’s focus on the digital sector will deepen Nigeria’s job creation efforts

The investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Program will also support the leaders through enterprise support organizations – groups that support, train, and sometimes fund entrepreneurs – including innovation hubs, accelerators, venture capital and private equity firms. Bank financing of i-DICE will help the Government initiative further consolidate Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading start-up investment destination and as a youth entrepreneurship hub.

“This program is among the latest series of our operations meant to bolster the implementation of the Bank’s Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy. Given that tech-enabled enterprises cut across all the economic growth sectors, the program’s focus on the digital sector will deepen Nigeria’s job creation efforts,” said Beth Dunford, Bank Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development.

The initiative will stimulate investments in 226 technology and creative start-ups and provide non-financial services to 451 digital technology and small and medium enterprises. The program is expected to create 6.1 million direct and indirect jobs, of which the Bank’s financing will support the creation of about 850,000 jobs. The value added to the Nigerian economy connected to the program is estimated at $6.4 billion.

The program will boost Nigeria’s venture capital market through independently managed funds focusing on digital and creative enterprise. These funds aim to attract an initial capitalization of $433 million in private and public sector financing.

“This program will generate significant economic benefits to Nigeria,” said Lamin Barrow, Director General of the Bank’s Nigeria Country Department. “The program interventions will help respond to the challenges of youth employment in Nigeria, which could intensify without scalable interventions. I want to recognize the strong country ownership, under the leadership of Vice President Osinbajo,” he added.

The African Development Bank’s active portfolio in Nigeria comprises 57 operations across 30 public and 27 private sector operations, valued at about $4.61 billion. The i-DICE Program aligns well with the Bank’s strategic priority areas, better known as the High 5s – specifically, “Industrialize Africa,” “Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa,” and “Feed Africa.”

The attention of the Ministry of Interior has been drawn to news making the rounds on social media claiming that the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has declared all Marriages conducted by Ikoyi marriage registry to be illegal and invalid.
We would like to state that this statement is false, misleading and a deliberate distortion of the decision of the Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/816/18 between Eti-Osa Local Government Council & 3 others v. Honourable Minister of Interior and 2 others, where the Honourable Court held that only the Local Government councils can conduct valid marriages in Nigeria.

It is noteworthy that, the same Federal High Court situated in Ikoyi, Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/870/2002 between Prince Haastrup and Eti Osa Local Government held that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Interior is constitutionally empowered to conduct marriages in Nigeria and held that the Local Governments were delegated by the Federal Government to conduct marriages, by virtue of Legal Notices issued pursuant to the Marriage Act.

In that case, the learned trial judge held that nothing in the role of local governments, as defined in the Constitution, suggests that local governments can conduct or contract marriages as alleged in their pleadings. The Court affirmed that powers of the local governments to contract statutory marriages is derived from the Legal Notices issued by the President. The Court also confirmed that the role of local governments, as enshrined in the Constitution is limited to registration of all forms of marriages (including Islamic and customary marriages).

Rather than appeal this decision, the same claimants instituted another action in 2016 Suit no. FHC/L/CS/1760/16 Egor Local Government, Eti- Osa Local Government and 2 others V Hon, Minister of Interior and 2 Others. The Court held that the Suit was an abuse of court process, as it could not be invited to make another pronouncement on the same point of law, which would lead to conflicting decisions coming from the same court and therefore struck out the case.

The same issue was adjudicated in the case of Olumide Babalola vs Ikeja Local Government and the Registered Trustees of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Suit No. LD/1343/GCM/2016 delivered on 15th May, 2017. The Court held that while registration of marriages are regulated by local governments, being under the concurrent list, formation of marriage is under the Exclusive Legislative List, within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, regulated by the Ministry of Interior.

It is further worthy of note that the issue of formation, annulment and other matrimonial causes are by virtue of item 61 of the 1st Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria exclusively reserved for the Federal Government.

The General Public is invited to note that these judgments are all still subsisting, competent and have not been appealed against till date.

Further to the above, the current decision of the Federal High Court delivered by Hon. Justice D. E. Osiagor of Court 6, cannot set aside a previous decision of the same Court, which is of coordinate jurisdiction, as that would amount to the court sitting on appeal over its own judgment.

In the circumstances, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, has applied for a certified true copy of the judgement and will take appropriate further action including but not limited to filing of an appeal in respect of this conflicting and confusing decision, in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

We would like to appeal to the general public, the international community, to couples who had hitherto had their marriages solemnized at Federal Marriage Registries by duly licensed places of worship and to all intending couples to be calm and continue transacting their normal businesses at all Federal Marriage Registries subsisting throughout the federation in line with statutory and constitutional provisions.

The general public is to please note the foregoing and maintain status quo ante.

More than 10,000 households at risk; Internally Displaced Persons forced to return home despite attacks by armed groups; At least 6 killed and 14 injured during attacks at resettled camps. 

Amnesty International is deeply concerned about the safety of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno state, who are at risk of forced resettlement as the Borno state governor moves to close all IDP camps within Maiduguri by 31 December 2021, despite continued attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP and human rights violations by the military. 

In a public statement released today, which is based on 38 interviews with former IDP returnees and individuals currently living in IDP camps within Maiduguri, survivors informed Amnesty International that they fear for their lives as they are being forced to leave the IDP camps with short notice and many are coerced to remain in resettled areas despite escalating attacks. 

“The conflict that made us flee our homes out of fear, is what the government is forcing us to go back and face. We fear the attacks may happen again. I am so scared of going back home after what I faced at the hands of Boko Haram and while in detention in Giwa Barracks. I was arrested by the military for not escaping from our village on time; what if it happens a second time?” – 28-year-old housewife formerly living in Bakassi IDP camp. 

“Returning displaced persons forcibly to villages that are not safe would be in violation of the Nigerian government’s responsibility of protecting the right to life of civilians. Most displaced persons barely escaped from Boko Haram’s campaign of killings, abductions, looting and torture, or from the attacks, extrajudicial killings or torture in unlawful detention by the Nigerian military. They have endured years of gross human rights violations and abuses, including war crimes by the military and armed groups.” – Osai Ojigho, Country Director, Amnesty International Nigeria. 

At least 6 people were killed and 14 injured in Agiri, Mafa Local Government Area on 30 August 2021, one month after they were resettled. Returnees in New Marte, Agiri and Shuwari have experienced multiple attacks by Boko Haram since their resettlement. 

“It is absolutely shocking that people who already suffered so much in the conflict between Boko Haram and the Nigerian military would further be exposed to horrendous possible violations and abuses, instead of receiving protection from the authorities,” says Osai Ojigho, Country Director, Amnesty International Nigeria. 

Most of the resettled IDPs that Amnesty spoke to, have little or no access to essential services like drinking water, healthcare, sanitation and live in extreme poverty. Inadequate housing and lack of job opportunities in resettled villages have further compounded their sufferings. At least 41 people died in early October 2021 during a cholera outbreak in the resettled camp in Shuwari, Jere local government area while 20 older people and 21 children were killed by the disease. 

More than 10,000 households still living in Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camps within Maiduguri are at risk of forced resettlement by 31 December 2021 as the Borno state government plans to continue their resettlement programme at all cost.  

Amnesty International is calling on the Borno state government to abide by their obligations to IDPs under international law, and ensure all resettled individuals and people living in IDP camps have access to adequate housing, food, water, sanitation and healthcare. The government should also ensure that all children are able to continue their education. 

Multiple attacks at resettled camps 

A woman whose 12-year-old daughter was shot when the armed group Boko Haram attacked their resettled shelter in Agiri, Mafa LGA informed Amnesty International that: “Four days after we arrived Agirimafa, we were attacked by Boko Haram. The military ran away during the attack and our husbands and other men also ran. Boko Haram announced during the attack that we should stay here that they would not touch us but after one month, they came again around 12am in the night. They opened fire on us. My daughter was shot on her leg three times. After the attack, we had to wait till morning before we took her to the hospital. We stayed in the hospital for 80 days and they conducted several surgeries on her but at the end she became paralyzed.” 

Former IDP’s resettled in New Marte in January 2021 have also witnessed multiple attacks. Witnesses told Amnesty International that they spent two days trekking to Dikwa after they were attacked few weeks after their return. 

“Few weeks after we arrived, Boko Haram attacked Marte and the military ran and left us. The attack lasted till the next day but they said they won’t disturb us and that we can stay to continue with our farming. After they left, I told my husband that we need to leave here. You can’t trust an insurgent even though they said they were not going to touch us. An insurgent would always change his mind.” – 30-year-old woman and mother of six children from New Marte, Marte LGA. 

After the attack, all the returnees left New Marte to Maiduguri, leaving behind two older people who were too ill and old to travel with them. During the journey, 4 older people died of thirst and fatigue but on getting to Dikwa, they were refused passage to Maiduguri by the military officers in charge. The military made them stay in Dikwa for 25 days before taking them back to New Marte. 

Forced resettlement amid short notice 

All resettled IDPs interviewed in Agiri and Shuwari villages informed Amnesty International that they were forced to leave the camp on short notice. People were not allowed to share their concerns with the governor or government officials who came to tell them about the resettlement plan.  

“A ward head argued that the authorities must give the IDPs time to consult among themselves, but he was asked to keep quiet and obey the instructions given to him.” – A 55-year-old woman and mother of six children. 

According to a 30-year-old farmer resettled at Agiri, Mafa LGA: “The Chairman of Mafa LGA gathered us and said we are being given three days’ notice to vacate the IDP camp. He said that on Monday and Tuesday, people in Agiri will be returned, while others in surrounding villages will be returned on Wednesday. He said we must prepare ourselves and return to our villages. Everyone was confused with the three days’ notice and we were returned to Agiri on the expiration of the short notice.” 

A 55-year-old woman and mother of six who was forced to resettle at Agiri, Mafa LGA, after living in Muna IDP camp for the past 6 years informed Amnesty International that they had no clue that government planned to resettle them as there was no prior information. 

“When I heard we will be going back, I was so scared. I didn’t want to go because I knew the place was not safe. We have been hearing about the attacks, but they forced us to return.” 

“Taking people back in a rush is not good. People should be consulted and those who are happy to go and start farming should be allowed to go. Others who are not willing should not be forced. Forcing people to leave is a risk. My son was shot in the leg during the second attack because of this,” said a 36-year-old man and father of six whose 4-year-old son was shot on 30 August 2021. 

Returning displaced persons forcibly to villages that are not safe would be in violation of the Nigerian government’s responsibility of protecting the right to life of civilians

“Boko Haram did so many bad things to us, but I would never forget how I felt the day government officials came to the IDP camp on a Wednesday and informed us that by Friday at 4pm, they don’t want to see anyone in the IDP camp. We were given two days’ notice and I didn’t know where to go with my seven kids,” says 28-year-old father of seven now living in Shewari camp, Jere LGA. 

Inadequate housing  

Inadequate housing and lack of job opportunities have further compounded the sufferings of the returnees. Thousands are facing secondary displacements without humanitarian aid. The housing provided by government is grossly inadequate and not distributed fairly: “When we got to Shuwari, I was surprised to find out that there were no houses for us in spite of the governor’s promises. From the 10,000 naira left out of the 20,000 naira the governor gave us, I bought wood and constructed a makeshift homefor my family,” says a 28-year-old father of 7 formerly living in Farm Center IDP camp but resettled at Shewari, Jere LGA. 

The two-bedroom housing built by the government was given to the resettled original inhabitants of the villages whose houses were affected by the insurgency while returnees from other villages face secondary displacement as they are forced to stay in tents or build thatch houses. 

A 40-year-old woman with seven children who lived in Farm center IDP camp for 7 years before being forcibly resettled at Shuwari, Jere LGA informed Amnesty International: “When we arrived at Shuwari they left us by the side of the road. We slept there and, in the morning, we cooked the little food we had with us. Some government officials now came and asked us to go to the back of the village and that the government got a space for us where we could build our tents.”  

Access to water, sanitation and healthcare 

Resettled IDPs told Amnesty International that they have little access to essential services such as drinking water, sanitation and healthcare. In Agiri, Mafa LGA, IDPs told Amnesty International that there are no operational healthcare services. 

A woman whose 4-year-old son was shot when Boko Haram attacked the resettled shelter informed Amnesty International that: “They built a hospital, but it has not started operating. If someone falls sick in Agiri, we take them to Mafa LGA. It is a 9km, 30 minutes’ drive from Agiri to Mafa, but cars are not always available. There are always cars in the morning before 2:00pm, but after 2:00pm you won’t get a car to Mafa.” 

People also have to travel long distances or wait for hours before they can get clean water which they have to pay for. People resettled in Agiri and Mafa depend on one borehole per village for water. 

“Water is the most difficult thing for us as we have only one borehole. If you go to fetch water, you will find over four or five hundred women at the borehole. If we want to perform other domestic chores like washing, we have to go to the river for that. But the water at the river is now dried because of the season. If you go to get water early in the morning, you will only come back after 2 or 3pm because of the crowd. Some people even go as far as Mafa LGA to get water,” said a 55-year-old woman and mother of six. 

In Shuwari, Jere LGA, many children and older people who were forcibly resettled suffered during the cholera outbreak in early October. At least 20 older persons and 21 children died during the cholera outbreak.  

“They built 12 temporary toilet structures for us, but we are more than a thousand people. When the rain came, water flushed the toilets away,” said a 42-year-old woman and mother of four. 

Food shortage  

Returned IDP’s in Agiri and Shuwari face acute food shortages after being cut off from humanitarian aid for more than 4 months after their forced resettlement. Before leaving the IDP camps, government promised to give each head of households N100,000 (242 USD) for foodstuff once they are resettled. Each man and woman head of household received N20,000 (48 USD) at the camps with the understanding that the balance will be given to them once they resettled: “We are suffering, especially the older people in our midst. You can literally see the pains and hunger in them, but there is nothing you can do. In Shuwari, the older people are really suffering. While the governor promised to give us the remaining N80,000 (194 USD) once we arrived in the resettled area, we are yet to receive anything from him.” 

A 55-year-old widow and mother of six in Agiri, Mafa LGA informed Amnesty International that the last support they got was 4 months ago: “Four days after Boko Haram attacked us and many people were contemplating going back to the IDP camps, they brought food for us in order to placate us. This was ten days after arriving Agiri.”  

On 6 December, the Borno state governor banned all humanitarian organizations from distributing food and non-food items to newly resettled communities across the state, but he has failed to adequately provide the needed support to the people. 

Most of the people resettled in host communities don’t have farms and have to beg the original inhabitants of the villages for portions of lands to farm. The returnees face food shortage which may last for months if help is not provided before the next farming season July next year. 

“Where we are resettled is different from our village. They brought us to a place where we don’t have farms. You have to go farm for somebody before you are able to feed your family. You can’t even do business; we are always idle.” – A 35-year-old former trader at Muna IDP camp. 

Amnesty International found that majority of people whose homes were in other villages and are now resettled in Agiri and Shuwari are in urgent need of food support. Several of them in resettled villages complained of not having access to farms. Resettled and registered residents living in the 2-bedroom housing built by the government have been provided with monthly food support since their resettlement in July 2021 but others who were not originally from the Agiri and Shuwari are denied access to this support.

“We call on the Borno state governor to immediately meet the urgent needs of resettled individuals in Agiri, Shuwari and other resettled communities. The authorities must do more to ensure that the human rights of those displaced are met.” – Osai Ojigho, Country Director Amnesty International Nigeria. 

Under international humanitarian law, Nigerian authorities can only order the displacement of a civilian population if the security of the civilians involved or imperative military reasons so demand.  

As civilians’ lives are being put at greater risk by the displacement of IDPs in Borno state from IDP camps to their ancestral homes, these forced displacements likely constitute war crimes, and may constitute the crime against humanity of forcible transfer.  

The 2012 national policy on IDPs in Nigeria recognizes the IDPs’ right ‘to be protected against forcible return to or resettlement in any place where their life, safety, liberty and/or health would be at risk.’ They also have a right to ‘decide if they want to return to their homes or places of habitual residence.’ 

In August 2021, the federal government approved a new national policy for IDPs in Nigeria. The new policy is aimed at strengthening the institutional mechanism and frameworks for the realization of the rights, dignity and wellbeing of IDPs. The new policy has however not positively impacted on the lived realities of IDPs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.