Lawmakers probe ₦2.23tn ransom economy, review ₦144.77bn Safe Schools Plan
Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Wednesday debated motions spanning security, education, agriculture and infrastructure, adopting resolutions aimed at addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges.
During plenary, lawmakers raised alarm over Nigeria’s estimated ₦2.23 trillion ransom economy, with ransom payments reportedly made between 2021 and mid-2025.
Leading the debate, Hon. Ademorin Ali Kuye warned that “kidnapping has become a parallel economy sustained by ransom payments” and urged President Bola Tinubu to establish a coordinated framework to disrupt the flow of illicit funds. The House resolved to strengthen oversight of Bureau de Change operators, scrutinise suspicious Point-of-Sale (POS) transactions and investigate recovered ransom proceeds.
Education also came under scrutiny. Hon. Olusoji Abidemi Adetunji expressed concern that despite the ₦144.77 billion Safe Schools Plan (2023–2026), many schools remain vulnerable to attacks.
The House mandated its relevant committees to assess the implementation of the programme and recommend stronger security measures, including perimeter fencing, surveillance systems and rapid-response mechanisms.
In the agriculture sector, Hon. Abubakar Sarki Dahiru highlighted the plight of yam farmers in Nasarawa State, noting that inadequate storage facilities cause post-harvest losses of up to 50 per cent annually. He urged the Federal Government to include the construction of a modern tuber storage facility in Agyaragu in the 2027 budget.
Lawmakers also turned their attention to infrastructure, as Hon. Onuh Onyeche Blessing called for the rehabilitation of the long-abandoned Ohimini airstrip in Benue State. She argued that restoring the facility would improve agricultural logistics, facilitate economic activities and strengthen security operations in the region.
Why It Matters
The resolutions underscore the House’s focus on tackling insecurity, improving school safety, boosting food security and revitalising critical infrastructure.
While the motions reflect lawmakers’ commitment to addressing these national concerns, their impact will ultimately depend on timely implementation by the executive arm of government.
Kehinde Adegoke is an award-winning investigative journalist with more than 15 years of distinguished experience uncovering stories that shape public discourse. With three industry nominations across diverse beats, he has earned recognition for fearless reporting, incisive analysis, and a commitment to accountability. As Managing Editor and CEO of TheDiggerNews.com, Adegoke leads a pioneering newsroom dedicated to exposing hidden truths, amplifying marginalised voices, and setting new standards in investigative journalism.
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