Top 5 News in Nageria Today..

1. UNGA: Nigeria Ready To Tackle And Reverse Biodiversity Loss – Buari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday declared that Federal Government has initiated some specific actions to tackle and reverse the severe trend of biodiversity loss which affects the whole world.

Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

The President spoke in a video message to the hybrid High-Level event tagged “Transformative Actions for Nature and People” on the margins of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 76).

Buhari stated that Nigeria will champion regional and inter-regional cooperation towards addressing the scourge.

2. Open Grazing Ban: There’s No Wisdom In What You Said – Akeredolu Fires Back At El-Rufai

The Ondo State Governor and Chairman of the South West Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu has hit hard at his Kaduna State counterpart, Nasir El-Rufai over his position on the move against the open grazing of animals.

While maintaining that the anti-open grazing law has come to stay in the south, Akeredolu lambasted Governor El-Rufai saying no sane leader should adopt the view of the Kaduna State governor.

Naija News recalls El-Rufai on Tuesday said the open grazing ban policy adopted by the southern governors is not only unrealistic but also financially reckless.

He accused the southern governors of politicizing the issue and passing the anti-open grazing bill into law without due objectivity.

But Akeredolu in a response on Wednesday as contained in a statement issued by Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo said El-Rufai’s attack on his southern colleagues was totally unnecessary and mischievous.

He accused El-Rufai of attempting to play down the harm and crises including the destruction of lives and properties caused by the Fulani herdsmen as a result of the frequent attacks on farmers in the southern region.

3. Senate Okays N13.98tr 2022 Budget Figure As It Passes 2022-2024 MTEF/FSP

The federal government Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) has been approved on Wednesday by the Senate.

In approving the framework, the lawmakers assumed an international oil price of $57 per barrel and daily crude oil production of 1.88 million barrels.

Other parameters assumed by the legislators in passing the fiscal framework include an exchange rate of N410 to a dollar and an inflation rate of 13%.

Naija News reports the assumptions will form the basis for the N13.98 trillion 2022 budget figures to be prepared and submitted for approval by the executive arm of the federal government.

The N13.98 trillion estimate is made up of total recurrent (non-debt) of N6.21 trillion; Personnel Costs (MDAs) of N3.47 trillion; Capital expenditure (exclusive of transfers) N3.26 trillion; Special Intervention (recurrent) amounting to N350 billion; and Special intervention (Capital) of N10billion.

The Senate approval follows the presentation of a report of the finance committee headed by Senator Solomon Olamilekan during Wednesday’s plenary.

4. FG Set To Recover £200m Looted Fund Stashed In UK

The Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has disclosed that it is planning to recover looted 200 million pounds stashed in the United Kingdom.

Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, made this known on Wednesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

According to the minister, the Federal Government is embarking on a massive recovery of assets belonging to the country, adding that it is employing a strategy to recover the looted funds.

Malami explained that the government’s fight against corruption and illicit financial flow in the country is already yielding positive results.

He added that the government is fully committed to its anti-corruption fight and by extension spreading its dragnet to those who are in the custody of laundered or stolen funds.

The minister stated that he would not like to further disclose the strategy the federal government will use in making the recovery,

5. Kumuyi Tells FG What’s More Important Than Punishing Repentant Boko Haram Terrorists

The General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, Wednesday, urged the Federal Government to use the stick-and-carrot formula for Boko Haram members that surrender.

Naija News reports that he stated that having the reign of peace in Nigeria is more important than punishing repentant terrorists hence the government should use more of the carrot approach in dealing with terrorists.

Speaking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon arrival for a five-day crusade in Abuja, Kumuyi said Nigeria will experience real independence from attacks, oppression and torture as she celebrates Independence Day on October 1.