This NBS report shows that more people were kidnapped in Nigeria (2.2 million) in the past year than the populations of:
Lesotho – 2,120,000
Slovenia – 2,118,697
Latvia- 1,871,871
Equatorial Guinea – 1,669,000
Guinea-Bissau – 1,663,000
Estonia- 1,360,546
Cyprus -1,358,282
Mauritius – 1,235,000
Djibouti- 1,052,000
Comoros – 860,600
Cape Verde- 491,100
Sao Tome and Principe- 228,300
Seychelles- 105,000
Luxembourg -673,036
Malta- 539,607
The report also shows that more Nigerians (614,937) were killed than in the Russia-Ukraine war (67,000). This casualty figure in Nigeria is nearly 10 times higher than the casualty figures in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Read also: Debunking insurgency assertion: Is Nigeria winning the war on insurgency and kidnapping?
A worrisome development.
Kidnapping cases estimated at 2.2 million — NBS.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) estimates the incidence of kidnapping in the country at 2,235,954 between May 2023 and April 2024.
The NBS revealed this in its Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024, which was released in Abuja on Tuesday, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.
The CESPS is a household survey that offers a detailed insight into crime in Nigeria. Its target population includes household members aged 15 years and older.
The NBS stated that the survey was conducted to generate national and zonal estimates for both urban and rural areas over a twelve-month reference period (May 2023 to April 2024).
The report stated that 65.0 per cent of households that experienced kidnapping incidents paid a ransom.
It said the average amount paid as ransom for kidnapping was N2.7 million per incident, with an estimated total ransom of N2.2 trillion paid within the reference period.
“The North-West reported the highest ransom paid with N1.2 trillion, while the South-East was the least with N85.4 billion”.
The report showed that rural areas recorded more kidnappings, with 1,668,104 reported cases, than urban areas, with 567,850.
Analysis by zones revealed that the North-West recorded the highest number of cases, with 1,420,307, followed by the North-Central with 317,837, while the South-East recorded the least, with 110,432.
It was found that nationally, an estimated 51,887,032 crime incidents occurred in households in Nigeria.
It said the North-West reported the highest incidence of household crime, totalling 14,402,254, followed by the North-Central with 8,771,400.
2. Signing tax laws is a “courageous and necessary step”
This is a good one. The signing into law of the four new tax reform bills by President Tinubu today represents a bold and visionary move by the government, marking a significant turning point for Nigerians. This move directly addresses the realities faced by ordinary citizens and the business community.
For too long, our ancient tax system has been fragmented, burdensome, and misunderstood by most Nigerians. Simply put, it did not serve us.
Finally, with these reforms, there’s a sense of clarity, fairness, and forward thinking that gives me confidence and real hope.
President Tinubu deserves commendation, as do all those involved in driving this change. The exemption of low-income earners and small businesses from tax obligations reflects a deep understanding of the challenges many Nigerians face daily. It acknowledges the struggles of the informal sector and lifts a significant burden off the backs of the hardworking men and women who form the backbone of our economy. The removal of VAT on essentials such as food, education, health, rent, and transport will bring genuine relief to families across the country, allowing them to focus more on living and less on merely surviving.
For business owners like me, this reform brings welcome news. Lower corporate tax rates, simpler processes, and a unified tax framework will not only improve ease of doing business but also encourage investment and growth. The establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service and the Joint Revenue Board promises better coordination, accountability, and a more respectful engagement between tax authorities and citizens.
This is a courageous and necessary step. I wholeheartedly congratulate the government for taking it.
-Aderemi Ogunpitan on Facebook
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