News
Water Resources Bill Will Generate More Income For Government, Says Ale
. calls for non politicization of bill
A Sustainable Development Expert (SDG) and Founder, CEO of Global Initiative for Nigeria Development (GIND) Development, Engr Michael Ale has called on Nigerians to shun the call for the withdrawal of the Water Resources bill by various political and sociolo cultural groups as many are just reacting without critical understanding of the content of the proposed Water bill currently at the National Assembly.
Engr Ale made this call while featuring on an Ibadan based radio station programme on Thursday.
He explained that Nigerians should not put political reason why the water bill should not be passed adding that each state can come up with their bill just like the recently launched Operation Amotekun in the south west.
The Sustainable Development Expert said if the bill is to be amended, some portion of the bill that has been greeeted with controversy should be expunged, then a replica of the bill should be enacted at the state level by the state assemblies with the establishment of a regulatory commission at their level.
“if anyone want to abstract the water should get a permit this is non sacrosanct.
Why should just some part of a bill which has been greeted with controversy because of the political marauding now makes the whole document invaluable. It’s like throwing away the baby with bath water.
In line with the International best practices, water law is important for protection of our water resources, just like we have laws governing airspace and land activities in the International best practices.
The former world bank consultant on water to the World Bank further explained that the current practice along the water sector is the Integrated Water Resources Management Commission which requires that the water Resources must be Governed and Managed well for the sake of sustainable and equitable use of common Resources by all, irrespective of political affiliations, race, gender and sociology cultural belief and interpretations.
He stated that current political atmosphere and the bad naming of the bill is creating unnecessary apprehension in the political terrains leading to misconceptions and distortions of the process that has gone through a legislative proceedings.”
“If the portion of the bill can be amended not all the content of the bill, it isn’t perfect as far as am concern because it has been trailed with controversy, if it has not been trailed with controversy and not misinterpreted then it is a perfect deal, but federal government can come from everywhere all over Nigeria and take over the land”
“When many are asking for the drop of the proposed bill, then they can also ask for federal government to stay away from their developmental project like water, roads, markets and other projects being executed by Government. Those interpreting the bill don’t even have the authority to do so.”
It is a pity this bill is coming at a later time because of the denigrate effect of the water and the consequences of our economic mistrust.
Imagine if petroleum regulatory bill is coming at this time, am so sure it will not pass. What is not regulated cannot be termed to be economically important. Water is both social and economic goods, it’s a human right and must be protected.
“Water Resources is causing war in some countries now, imagine the flooding we experience yearly and nothing has been done on curbing it, this bill gives direction on who takes responsibility and how things are done in the properly.
Let’s take the critical look at the petroleum industry.”
“For example, federal government control who establishes petrol stations and state government is still part of that activities that has to do with establishment of petrol station, do we have any controversy over that? There could be synergy between federal and state government on this.”
“Recently, just about two weeks ago, on the main road, somebody was drilling on the main street of Sabo in Oyo State causing vehicular gridlock preventing Nigerians from their means of livelihood, when there is no law, what do you expect? imaging that most of these bottling industries have been abstracting the common Resources which belongs to you and I free without any guideline on replenishment or guiding principle to give back to the operating community thus making billions of dollars yearly without any recourse to the source for its protection.
Engr Ale said the state government and federal government should can come with permit, licensing fees, water use charges and the rest, and no need for people to attribute to Ruga, adding that Ruga is not coming through back door as many Nigerians believed.
He further disclosed that the benefit of the bill is that most practitioners would be supported by financial institutions, and it should not be all comers affair especially by foreigners who takes no interest on what happened in the enviroment as their only interest is to make dollars and send back to their countries.
“The merit is that business would grow, water quality would be protected and it prevents any earth tremor because people can control any activities they are doing and by the time they get license, governm ent are getting taxes to take care of you and I.”
“This could be an additional means where government can get money, not from the poor but for the rich that has taken advantage of activities. Let us open our eyes and read the bill very well. A lot of people that are commenting on the bill has not read the bill, they want to put political attributes to it, let’s expunged that part and let us see the activities.”
He said that the demerit is all about how the bill has been presented adding that Nigeria as a nation must allow regulations in its developmental efforts in order for it to move forward.
The Minister-designate for Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has firmly clarified that he never promised to fix Nigeria’s national electricity grid within three months, describing such claims circulating in sections of the media as a misrepresentation of his Senate screening remarks.
A statement issued after his appearance before the Senate stressed that Tegbe was deliberate and cautious in his presentation, avoiding unrealistic timelines while outlining a structured reform pathway for the power sector.
According to the clarification, Tegbe explained that while Nigerians can expect early signs of progress, particularly in grid stabilisation within his first 100 days in office, comprehensive reforms will be guided strictly by technical assessments, stakeholder consultations, and sector realities.
He noted that critical challenges such as gas supply constraints, metering gaps, infrastructure decay, and commercial inefficiencies require coordinated interventions that cannot be resolved through arbitrary timelines.
“My commitment to this distinguished chamber and to Nigerians is clear: we will deliver visible and measurable improvement in the power sector,” Tegbe stated during the screening.
He assured that his focus would include stabilising the national grid, modernising transmission and distribution infrastructure, strengthening commercial frameworks, and enforcing accountability across the electricity value chain.
On tariff policy, the minister-designate reaffirmed that reforms would be carefully designed to balance sustainability with social protection, ensuring that vulnerable households are shielded while also restoring investor confidence in the sector.
The statement further emphasised that Tegbe’s approach reflects discipline, technical understanding, and a reform-minded agenda aimed at delivering lasting solutions rather than short-term political promises.
It added that he remains open to responsible media engagement and constructive clarification where necessary, noting that accurate reporting is essential to public understanding of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s power sector.
Tegbe reaffirmed his readiness to lead a transparent, results-driven reform process anchored on accountability, realism, and measurable progress.
A grand cultural renaissance celebrating the enduring legacy of legendary Yoruba war hero and statesman, Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, will take centre stage as the 2026 edition of Ogedengbe Fiesta holds from July 29 to 31 across Osun State and Ekiti State.
The three-day heritage festival, unveiled by organisers on Wednesday, is themed, “Ogedengbe Agbogungboro Legacy: Leadership, Security, and Statecraft for Modern Governance in Nigeria.”
The event is designed to preserve Yoruba cultural heritage, deepen historical consciousness, promote tourism and stimulate national conversations on leadership, peacebuilding and governance.
According to the organisers, the fiesta will commence with traditional homage at Atorin and heritage excursions to notable Kiriji War historical sites in Imesi-Ile, where participants will relive significant moments in Yoruba military and political history.
The programme will also feature guided visits to the historic Ogedengbe Cave, Ibu Latoosa Site and the Yoruba Peace Treaty Grove, all regarded as symbolic monuments of Yoruba resilience, diplomacy and unity.
As part of activities lined up for the celebration, participants will tour the gardens of renowned legal icon and elder statesman, Afe Babalola, in Okemesi-Ekiti.
The organisers further disclosed that a Legacy Awards and Hall of Fame Investiture ceremony would hold in Ilesa to honour individuals who have contributed immensely to the promotion of Yoruba culture, leadership and community development.
A distinguished personality lecture in honour of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, and Arole Fabunmi of Okemesi-Ekiti is also expected to headline the event, with scholars, traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts and public intellectuals billed to discuss pathways to strengthening governance and security through indigenous values and historical lessons.
The organisers noted that all activities would commence daily by 11am, adding that the festival would serve as a rallying point for lovers of Yoruba culture, history and tourism across Nigeria and beyond.
They described the fiesta as not only a celebration of the heroic exploits of Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, but also a strategic platform to inspire a new generation of leaders through the ideals of courage, unity, patriotism and visionary leadership.
The Federal Government on Tuesday ruled out any plan to reinstate fuel subsidy despite worsening economic hardship and mounting public pressure.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, stated this in Paris, France, during a meeting with global investors alongside President Bola Tinubu.
Oyedele said the government would also not introduce price controls, stressing that market forces remain the preferred mechanism for determining petrol prices.
“We will not bring back fuel subsidy because it creates distortions for the economy, and we won’t introduce price control because we believe in the market,” he said.
The minister argued that the subsidy regime had long undermined economic efficiency, adding that emerging global energy shifts, including developments in Iran, present fresh investment opportunities for Nigeria.
The removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023 triggered a steep rise in inflation, worsening the country’s cost-of-living crisis.
Nigeria’s headline inflation climbed from 22.41 per cent in May 2023 to 34.19 per cent by June 2024 — its highest level in nearly two decades — driven by surging fuel, food, and transportation costs.
Food inflation further accelerated, exceeding 39 per cent by October 2024, while transport fares soared by nearly 300 per cent, compounded by currency devaluation.
Despite the economic strain, Tinubu defended the policy, saying it had stabilised the foreign exchange market.
“Subsidy that was a burden to the entire country was removed, and ever since we have achieved FX stability,” the President said, according to his Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.
In a related statement, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the administration’s reforms were aimed at eliminating structural distortions, strengthening macroeconomic stability, and laying the foundation for inclusive growth.
He added that the government remained committed to fiscal discipline and transparency.
Highlighting economic progress, Oyedele disclosed that Nigeria recorded an 11.2 per cent growth in Gross Domestic Product in dollar terms in 2025, describing it as a major step towards the country’s ambition of building a $1tn economy by 2030.
He also pledged that the government would begin publishing quarterly financial reports to enhance accountability and public trust.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha, assured investors of Nigeria’s commitment to prudent borrowing and sustainable debt management.
The Federal Government has continued to defend its reform agenda despite growing public discontent, insisting that the long-term gains will outweigh the current economic pains.
-
Politics22 hours ago2027: APC Perfects Consensus Strategy for Oyo
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Oyo APC Set for Credible Direct Primaries, Says Alake Adeyemo
-
News1 week agoTCN plans power outage in Ibadan over substation maintenance
-
News6 days agoTegbe clarifies: No 3-month promise on power grid, outlines realistic reform timeline