The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasized that a multi-dimensional strategy, beyond military intervention, is essential to addressing the insecurity plaguing the Sahel region.

Speaking at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Inaugural Annual International Lecture in Abuja, Musa highlighted the growing instability in the Sahel, describing it as a significant threat to Nigeria due to the nation’s strategic role in the region.

“Insecurity did not emerge in a vacuum,” he stated, attributing its rise to a combination of local and global factors such as poor governance, economic marginalization, climate change, and ethnic tensions. He also pointed to the collapse of the Libyan state in 2011, which led to an influx of weapons and fighters, further fueling the rise of insurgent groups.

Musa noted that the insurgency in Nigeria’s North East, led by Boko Haram since 2009, has stretched military resources, displaced millions, and hindered economic development. He warned that the porous borders between Nigeria and Sahelian countries enable transnational criminal activities, including arms smuggling and human trafficking.

“Nigeria, as a critical player in the region, has borne a significant share of the fallout from this instability,” he said.

The CDS urged all stakeholders—government, civil society, international partners, and the private sector—to collaborate in addressing these challenges. “Let us always remember that Nigeria’s security and that of the entire Sahel region depend on our ability to find lasting solutions that promote peace, stability, and prosperity for all,” Musa concluded.

The lecture, themed “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts, and Options,” was organized by NAN as part of efforts to address the region’s security concerns.

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has emphasised the importance of accountability and transparency in the nation’s energy sector.

Its Executive Secretary, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said this at the Association of Energy Correspondents Annual Strategic International Conference on Thursday in Lagos.

The theme of the 2024 conference is “Gas As Energy Transition Fuel : “Navigating Nigeria’s Trilemma of Finance, Energy Security, and International Politics””.

Orji, who was represented by Mr Taiwo Olasupo, South West Zonal Representative, NEITI Board, said that these principles were essential for attracting long-term investments necessary to harness Nigeria’s vast energy resources.

“Without these pillars, no serious investor will commit significant capital to our sector,” he stated, reinforcing the link between transparency and investor confidence, ” he said.

Orji, who shared key findings from NEITI’s recently released 2022/2023 Oil and Gas Industry Reports, revealed that as of June, over $6.071 billion and N66.4 billion in outstanding revenues were owed to the Federal Government.

He noted that unpaid royalties and gas flare penalties accounted for $6.049 billion and N65.9 billion due to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

“Additionally, outstanding taxes, including petroleum profit taxes, company income taxes, and VAT, totaled approximately $21.926 million and N492.8 million owed to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS),” Orji added.

He said that the NEITI report also provided insights into fuel importation and subsidy claims, noting that 23.54 billion liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were imported in 2022, dropping to 20.28 billion litres.

Orji added, “In 2023, an overall 14 per cent decline was attributed to the removal of fuel subsidies.

“Over the period from 2006 to 2023, claims of under-recovery and price differentials reached an eye-watering N15.87 trillion, with N4.714 trillion claimed in 2022 alone.

“On crude oil production, the figures reflect a mixed bag: in 2022, production stood at 490.945 million barrels, marking an 11 per cent decrease from 2021.”

He, however, noted that 2023 saw a rebound with production rising to 537.571 million barrels, an increase of 9.5 per cent.

“Crude lifting mirrored this upward trend, reaching 534.159 million barrels in 2023, an 11 per cent increase from the previous year,” the executive secretary said.

Orji also said that the report highlighted significant progress in combating oil theft, with losses dropping dramatically from 36.69 million barrels in 2022 to just 7.68 million barrels in 2023, a 79 per cent reduction.

The NEITI boss said that revenue generation figures also showed a positive trajectory, adding that in 2022, material companies generated $15.549 billion.

This, he said, increased to $21.415 billion in 2023, accounting for 96 per cent and 95 per cent of total industry revenues, respectively.

Orji made clear that NEITI’s commitment to fighting corruption and building public trust is vital for the sector’s future.

He said that the organiaation’s regular audits and independent reports aim to ensure that revenue from the oil, gas, and solid minerals sectors benefits all Nigerians.

In an appeal to the media, Orji stressed the crucial role journalists play in promoting transparency and holding power accountable.

“Your stories and investigations can expose corruption and drive reform,” he stated, inviting energy correspondents and stakeholders to partner with NEITI in this vital mission.

MTN Nigeria has unveiled plans to market Nigeria’s tourism assets to the world through a newly established platform, known as “See Naija”.

Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations Officer and Ag. Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

Nwoye said that the platform was a digital tourism initiative aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s vibrant culture, iconic landscapes and creative talents.

She said the initiative would seek to reshape the misconceptions and negative stereotypes often associated with Nigeria.

“The See Naija platform is a curated online destination that allows individuals to discover beautiful spots and unique insights about Nigeria’s diverse culture, from its stunning natural landscapes to its colourful festivals and traditional lifestyle.

“In collaboration with some content creators, the platform will explore captivating visuals.

“It will capture stories about the Great Oyo Empire, Gashaka Gumti Park in Taraba state, Gurara Waterfalls in Niger state, Mount Patti in Lokoja, Agbokim Waterfall, Osun Sacred Grove and a host of others.”

Nwoye said that the ‘See Naija’ competition had also been established, which invited participants to rediscover the beautiful sights and sounds that highlight Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

She said using the hashtag, #SeeNaijawithMTN, the creative challenge encouraged individuals including content creators, photographers and videographers to share their unique perspectives on Nigeria.

Nwoye said it would be done through photos or videos that best represent the heart and soul of Nigeria, either through its people, landscapes, culture, or traditions.

“To enter the competition, interested participants can visit the See Naija website – mtn.ng/see-naija/.

“Submit a one to two-minute video entry of fascinating locations in your city, and upload your video on social media – Instagram, X, TikTok, Facebook or YouTube.

“Use the hashtag #SeeNaijawithMTN,  Tag @mtnng and tag your location.”

She said the campaign started on Sept.17, which was World Tourism Day, and would run for three months.

Nwoye said with the unveiling of the initiative, MTN Nigeria has demonstrated its commitment to empowering Nigerians, promoting local talent, and driving socio-economic growth.

“At MTN, we believe in the beauty of diversity and inclusion. These two sit at the heart of our identity and organisational culture.

“Nigeria is a bigger picture of our culture. The nation is one of the most culturally varied countries, home to over 500 languages and over 300 ethnic groups.

“Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, encompassing art, crafts, and traditions from the Nok civilisation to the Benin Empire, has formed the country’s identity.

“To change the narrative about our country and showcase its beauty to the world, we, as indigenes, must play our part. This is why we have unveiled the competition inviting Nigerians to participate in rewriting history.

“Let us tell and share our stories about the lively markets in Lagos, the beautiful scenery in Calabar, or the customary celebrations in Kano.

“From our cuisine to our craft, to the diverse languages we speak, there is so much about our culture that we are yet to uncover. Let’s see Naija for the beauty that it truly is.”