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FG suspends N-Power, to investigate past administration’s social interventions

Harrison EDEH
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FG suspends N-Power, to investigate past administration’s social interventions

FOLLOWING the suspension of the N-Power programme, the federal government says it will open an investigation into the operations of the social intervention initiative’s past administrators.

In a statement issued on October 8,2023 by the humanitarian ministry, the government said the action was to give room for a detailed investigation into the operations of the programme in the last twelve months.

“It is imperative to inform Nigerians, particularly beneficiaries of the N-Power programme across the country, of the temporary suspension of the programme.

“This action has become necessary to give room for a detailed investigation into the operations of the N-Power in the last twelve months. The total number of persons enrolled on NPOWER since inception to date is 960,000 people. Most of them have exited from NPower 1.0 and NPower 2.0 batch A and B.”

There has been concerns about the social safety register for Nigeria’s intervention programmes, with lots of eyebrow raised on how the registration is conducted across different geopolitical zones in the country.

On assumption of office in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari established the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) to address the immediate and long-term socio-economic imbalance, alleviate poverty and act as a stimulant to further economic growth.

The NSIP includes a range of programmes like the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP loans – MarketMoni, FarmerMoni and TraderMoni), N-Power, National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), and Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT).

The former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba, revealed that the Buhari administration had invested a sum of N500 billion annually since 2016 in its NSIP.

The N-Power initiative is Nigeria’s work-for-cash social assistance programme. It was launched in 2016 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, and has thousands of direct beneficiaries working in the programme’s primary target industries: agriculture, health, education, and tax.

The ministry said it found instances whereby participants of the programme whose enrollment has lapsed since 2022, but who have stayed in the programme and are still expecting payments from the government.

It also said its findings revealed that some consultants are holding on to beneficiaries’ funds disbursed to them long ago.

“There is a need to audit the number of people in the programme, those who have exited the program, those who are being owed, whether the reported to work or not and how funds have been utilised over this period of time.

“Recently, we discovered instances of programme beneficiaries whose participation has lapsed since 2022 but have remained on and continue to expect payments from the government. In addition, some beneficiaries must honour their obligation to the programme: They do not report to their places of primary assignments as required but still receive monthly payments. Some have other jobs and have left this bracket but are still benefiting from the payments, while those who truly worked are not paid.

“These instances have made the need for a thorough audit imperative, as we also look into claims of those being owed for up to eight to nine months’ stipends to ascertain the veracity of their claims. The graduates & non-graduate volunteers Batch C1 & C2 are in this category. We want to establish the exact number of people owed and the total amounts, thereby eliminating ghost beneficiaries.

“Preliminary findings of our audit have shown that some consultants are holding on to beneficiaries’ funds disbursed to them long ago, even when their contract ended in March 2023 without any renewal. We condemn this practice and will not tolerate it going forward. Work is ongoing to identify those involved, understand why the payments didn’t get to the final beneficiaries, and recall the funds to pay those owed.”

The federal government, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to support the suspension of the programme, saying it was in effort to restore the nation’s confidence in the programme.

“We appeal to Nigerians to understand the rationale behind the temporary suspension and investigation of the programme as we work to restore the nation’s confidence in the programme and for the new N-Power to serve Nigerians better. Things have to be properly done for us to move forward.

“This restructuring and transformation will also birth an expanded programme to reach beneficiaries aged 18-40 (the previous age limit was 35). We are targeting 5 million beneficiaries in 5 years at a pace of 1 million per year under the graduate and non-graduate stream.

“In addition, the restructuring will accommodate some new programmes, in Education, Health, Works, Agriculture, Technology, fashion, entertainment, and other relevant areas of skill acquisition and employability.

“To earn the confidence of Nigerians in the expanded programme, transparency and accountability will be the benchmark. It shall no longer be business as usual as we make concerted efforts to put the nation on the right footing, ensuring that no one directly or indirectly unleashes suffering on Nigerians.

The government assured all beneficiaries with genuine claims that it will resolve their cases once the verification exercise, stressing that nobody will be owed.

FRSC denies seeking FG’s permission to bear arms

Ehime ALEX
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FRSC denies seeking FG’s permission to bear arms

THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has denied seeking permission from the Federal Government for its officers to bear arms.

The commission dismissed this in a statement, Re – Insecurity: FRSC Seeks FG’s Permission to Bear Arms’ on Sunday, October 8, issued by its Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem.

Kazeem, an assistant corps marshal, urged the public to disregard the earlier report as it did not reflect the current position of the FRSC.

Several media platforms had randomly reported that the FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, demanded that its personnel bear firearms in discharging their duties, considering the level of security challenges across the country.

Biu was reported to have made the demand on Saturday, October 7, while inaugurating 1,762 corps personnel who had concluded their four-month introductory course at the Nigerian Army Training Centre,  Kontagora, Niger State.

Represented by Deputy Corps Marshal Shehu Zaki, he was quoted as saying, “It is left to the political leaders to arm the FRSC, but what we do know is that the issue of the FRSC bearing arms has been on our status since 1992.

“What we are still waiting for is for us to be given the go-ahead to start using arms. Right now, looking at the level of insecurity in the country, it is not out of place for the FRSC to start using arms to enable us to protect ourselves when the need arises.”

However, in the statement Kazeem sent to The ICIR on Sunday, FRSC distanced itself from the comment.

He said, “The attention of the FRSC has just been drawn to a report that the Corps Marshal is seeking the permission of the Federal Government for the personnel of the Corps to bear arms.

“The said erroneous statement credited to the representative of the Corps Marshal at the Passing Out Parade of Cadets at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kotangora, Niger State, does not reflect the current position of the Corps Marshal and the management team.”

Members of the public should, therefore, take note, Kazeem added.

Railway Corporation suspends nine workers over ticket racketeering

Harrison EDEH
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Railway Corporation suspends nine workers over ticket racketeering

THE management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has responded to ticket racketeering allegations in its rail operations, saying it has suspended nine workers found culpable.

The Management said it will enforce online ticketing from October 26,2023 to forestall incidences of racketeering from its staff.

This comes after some staff members of the NRC were alleged to be involved in fraudulent dealings, collecting cash from passengers which they do not remit to the government as well as ticket racketeering.

Speaking to journalists at the Obafemi Awolowo Station in Ibadan on October 7,2023, the Managing Director of the NRC, Fidet Okhiria, said nine members of staff involved in the fraudulent practice had been suspended.

“It’s an offence to carry an intending passenger to enter the train without having a ticket,” Okhiria said.

“We have made that arrangement and we have staff members to check the tickets before they get to the departure hall and also check the tickets before they can get to the platforms to board the train.”

The NRC boss stated that adequate steps had been taken to prevent such people without tickets from being allowed to pass into the departure hall and onto the platform to board the train.

“I just came here to remind them that anybody caught will not be spared and to ensure that we do the right thing at the right time,” he added.

The ICIR has also reported revenue drop in NRC operations occasioned largely by terrorism attacks on the train and subsequent suspension and reopening by the Nigerian government.

The management said, the enforcement of online ticketing from October 26,2023 would help curb incidences of ticket racketeering and also intensify security in its operations.

‘Let the poor breathe’, other slangs rocking Nigeria in 2023

Itoro ETUKUDO
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‘Let the poor breathe’, other slangs rocking Nigeria in 2023

SLANG, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is an informal, nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech.

Over the years, slang has consistently played a prominent role as a street language in Nigeria and has also featured prominently in the social media space. What is notable is the continuous emergence of a new set of slang yearly. Some of them come from celebrities, influential people’s gaffes or even some innocuous event.

Social media have played a significant role in popularising them, making Nigerians incorporate them usually into informal communication and sometimes have found themselves in formal settings for instance, when the senate president Godswill Akpabio used, “l]Let the poor breathe’ during a plenary session.

In this report, The ICIR compiled some slang used by Nigerians in 2023 and what they mean.

Idan

  • Idan: Idan is a Yoruba word which loosely translates to magic. As a street slang, it can have many meanings. The connotation can be inferred from how it’s used in a sentence. For instance, it can mean someone has done something outstanding. For example, “Idan doesn’t break, she breaks record” this was used to refer to Hilda Baci’s Guinness world record feat in cooking.

It can mean someone is connected: “Idan will not go for orientation camp or service year but will get NYSC certificate.”

Or that someone is influential: “Idan does not go to the bank; bank comes to Idan.”

Let the poor breathe

  • Let the poor breathe: (sometimes stylised as ‘let the poor breeve’.) This became popular after President Bola Tinubu used the phrase during the electioneering period. It’s an appeal for the government, influential or powerful people or bodies to spare a thought for the downtrodden (poor, masses) when making decisions. It also used to mean to allow the poor/masses to also enjoy luxurious things. For example: “Since the removal of fuel subsidy, the cost of transportation has risen to the extent that people now go out only on special occasions. The government should let the poor breathe and not suffocate them”.

It is also used by people who want to do something that will be considered luxurious and extravagant – basically a treat. For instance, a student who has worked tirelessly on a class project and used his last card to splurge on ice cream. “I used my last 1k to buy ice cream. Please Let the poor breathe.”

Dey Play

  • Dey play:  This actually trended in 2022 but still found its way into 2023 trends. Denotatively it means to continue being foolish or wasting time. But when used, it. For instance, if someone says, “I’ve never seen a lady gambling”. Another person can reply with a proof of a lady gambling and say “Dey play”. Or someone says “I did not know people earn N1miillon monthly salary in Nigeria” and someone responds with “Dey play”.

On colos

  • On Colos: This implies asking if someone is in his/her right senses. For example, “Are you on colos?” when someone has done something dumbfounding.

No evidence

  • No evidence: The was first used by a Nigerian singer, Burna Boy, where he said, “You go explain tire, no evidence”. It simply means if you have no proof to back up whatever you’re saying, your explanation will be invalid. It also used to say when you have not done the leg work, you will reap no reward. For example, “You did not read for exams, and you want to pass? You’ll explain but no evidence”.

Flood looms in Benue, Kogi, other states as Cameroon releases Lagdo dam water – NEMA

Ehime ALEX
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Flood looms in Benue, Kogi, other states as Cameroon releases Lagdo dam water – NEMA

THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned of a flooding disaster eminent in Benue, Kogi, and six other states following the recent release of water from the Cameroon Lagdo Dam.

Other states to be affected are Taraba, Nasarawa, Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa, with Adamawa already affected; the Director General of NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed, raised the alarm on Saturday, October 7, during an emergency meeting with stakeholders in Abuja.

The Cameroonian government has in August written to NEMA on the country’s plans to open the Lagdo Dam floodgate, advising NEMA to take proactive steps to mitigate damages, The ICIR reported.

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It urged NEMA to specifically sensitise Nigerians living around the region who might be affected by the released water.

“The authorities of the Ladgo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria,” Cameroon stated the letter to NEMA.

Speaking at the emergency meeting on Saturday in reaction to the flood disaster that affected Adamawa State from October 4, Ahmed said NEMA was alerted to the suddenly increased inundation of riparian communities and farmlands along the banks of River Niger in Adamawa, Taraba, and Benue states in the past 48 hours.

“Situation reports from Adamawa State confirm the upsurge of floodwaters along the flood plains of River Benue. The situation is expected to be replicated in the downstream states of Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa Kogi, Anambra, and Edo. Delta and Bayelsa as the River Benue joins River Niger and flows to the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta,” he said.

He said the sudden situation was attributed to the rapid release of waters from Lagdo Dam in the Republic of Cameroon, adding that it had displaced residents of the affected communities.

He stressed that croplands and valuable infrastructure were at risk of getting washed away by flood waters.

“As a result of the unfolding situation, I want to use this opportunity to alert authorities of state and local governments along rivers Niger and Benue basin areas to immediately activate their emergency response plans to avert potential damage and losses that will arise due to inundation of communities by flood waters.

“Furthermore, we are expecting to receive updates from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) NIMET, NEMA Operations Office in Yola Adamawa state and from State Emergency Agencies of the frontline states to keep on updating you on the situation as it unfolds,” Ahmed said.

He added that the Agency’s dashboard indicated that this year’s flood scenario had affected 159,157 persons, resulting in the loss of 28 persons and the displacement of 48,168 individuals across 13 states.

In September 2022, excessive water released from the Lagda dam, alongside continuous heavy rainfall, displaced 1.4 million Nigerians from their homes, and about N700 billion in agricultural investments were lost, The ICIR reported.

The federal government had recently disclosed that 32 states, 178 local government areas (LGAs) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were at risk of heavy flooding in 2023.

In several flood series reports, The ICIR had captured some states’ supposed preparations and mitigation plans towards the 2023 prediction.

IPOB seeks dialogue with FG through UN-supervised referendum

Ehime ALEX
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IPOB seeks dialogue with FG through UN-supervised referendum

THE Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says it is ready to negotiate with the Federal Government on a peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria.

The secessionist agitators want the dialogue to come through a United Nations-supervised referendum.

In a statement on Saturday, October 7, by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the pro-Biafran group claimed that IPOB had lost over 5,000 members and properties worth over $1 billion due to the extreme use of force by the Nigerian security forces.

“We, the global family and movement of IPOB, wish to reiterate once again that IPOB remains peaceful and open for negotiations and dialogue on the peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria through a UN supervised Referendum.

“IPOB’s peaceful agitation for Biafra Independence started in 2012. Never has IPOB been associated with violence or criminality in all our years of rallies and protests,” the group stated.

The pro-Biafran group stated further that the cardinal rule under which IPOB was formed was to lead the way to a peaceful separation of Biafra from Nigeria.

“IPOB stands for peace. We stand for dialogue, and we stand for discussions,” it stated.

IPOB noted that the events from 1948 to 2023 have shown that it is practically impossible for Biafra and Nigeria to coexist as one nation.

“We have always maintained that self-determination is our inalienable right according to the UN laws,” the group added while reiterating its commitment to pursuing its self-determination peacefully according to international laws and regulations.

The group was declared a terrorist group by a Federal High Court in Abuja in September 2017.

Meanwhile, there has been ongoing enforcement of sit-at-home orders in the southeast by the secessionist agitators, leading to the loss of lives and property and adversely impacting the region.

One of the reports by The ICIR revealed that the region loses at least N4.6 trillion naira annually to the monday-sit-at-home orders.

Amnesty International condemns NBC’s final warning to Arise TV on broadcasting codes violation

Ehime ALEX
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Amnesty International condemns NBC’s final warning to Arise TV on broadcasting codes violation

AMNESTY International has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission’s  (NBC) final warning to Arise Television station on alleged violation of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, urging the Nigerian authorities to stop its “unrelenting quest to silence media organisations.”

The International non-governmental organisation headquartered in the United Kingdom criticised NBC for its warning in a statement on Saturday, October 7, shared on its X handle.

It said censoring the media for doing their work sends the wrong message that the Nigerian authorities must prepare to be held accountable.

“Amnesty International condemns the ‘final warning’ issued to @ARISEtv by the FG through National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Targeting Arise TV simply for doing their work sends the wrong message that; Nigerian authorities are not prepared to be held accountable,” Amnesty International stated.

It urged the Nigerian authorities to stop the “unrelenting quest to silence media organisations which are crucial to ensuring independent and diverse media space in the country and fulfilling people’s right to information.

“Using regulations as a way to silence independent journalism is completely unacceptable. The media in Nigeria should be free to exercise their right to freedom of expression as protected by international law,” it added.

Reactions also trailed NBC’s final warning to Arise Television, an indigenous broadcasting station.

On his X handle, Peter Obi, Grassroots Mobilization, tweeted, “They have commenced their attack on media houses, just as we revealed few days ago.”

Arise TV co-host of the ‘Morning Show,’ Rufai Useni, also on his X handle, tweeted “, The National broadcaster aired an acceptance speech by a Gubernatorial candidate even when the election wasn’t concluded, and INEC had to step in and save the elections in Adamawa, till today no penalty by the media regulators in Nigeria.”

In another tweet, he said, “The same media regulator that fined three TV stations for showing real footage of ENDSARS that was verified true.”

Multiple media platforms reported that the Director-General of NBC, Balarabe Shehu llelah, gave the warning in a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Arise Global Limited.

llelah said the Commission is issuing Arise TV the final warning for flagging derogatory and incendiary remarks on the station’s programmes. ⁣

He also accused Arise TV of defaulting on its responsibility while airing its Newsday programme, which featured the Spokesperson of the Labour Party, Kenneth Okonkwo, who, it said, used derogatory remarks on air.

The ICIR reports that the warning comes eight months after the Commission fined Arise TV N2 million for breaching Nigeria’s broadcasting codes. ⁣

llelah said Arise TV must install a delay mechanism to avoid unwanted content.⁣

The letter is titled, ‘Preponderance of derogatory and incendiary remarks: final warning,’ the Punch reported.

It read, “The NBC has observed with concern preponderance of incendiary remarks allowed on Arise news. This letter seeks to underscore the tremendous responsibility put on the broadcaster to manage the array of guests that may feature on the station from time to time.⁣

“The Commission listed the station’s morning show programme on October 5 anchored by Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni and Ayo Maio-Ese, which featured Oladokun Hassan and Dele Farotimi as guests. ⁣

“The programme contained unguarded incendiary remarks by Dele Farotimi against the Legislature and the Executive, the Judiciary and Mr. President.”

In the letter, the NBS drew the attention of the broadcast station to broadcast rule and code 1.10.3, 3.3.1(a), 3.3.3(c), 3.3.1 (e), 5.3.3(b) and 5.5.6.⁣

The NBS further cited cases claiming the Arise TV station had gone against the broadcasting codes.

It added, “On January 26, 2023, at 9 40 a.m., during the programme Morning Show, a guest, Na’jaatu Muhammed described the Presidential Candidate of APC, Bola Tinubu, as mentally deranged without caution from the anchor. The guest had a field day with vituperations against the presidential candidate of the APC.⁣

“On January 31, 2023, at 3:30 pm, during the broadcast of the PDP presidential rally in Sokoto State, Dino Melaye referred to the Vice-Presidential candidate of APC, Kashim Shettima as GCOB, meaning Grand Commander of Bandits.”

Only 5 states contributed to Nigeria’s $1.03bn capital importation

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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Only 5 states contributed to Nigeria’s $1.03bn capital importation

LATEST data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), showed that only five states generated $1.03 billion as capital importation for Nigeria in the second quarter of 2023. 

Compared with the first quarter of $1.13 billion, the amount decreased by 9.04 per cent. It is also 32.9 per cent lower than the $1.53 billion generated in Q2 2022.

Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Akwa-Ibom, Ekiti, Lagos and Ogun state are the five states. For the record, 32 states did not generate capital importation between April and June 2023. 

Lagos State remained the top destination in Q2 2023 with $778.06 million, accounting for 75.52 per cent of total capital, followed by Abuja (FCT), with $194.28 million (18.86 per cent).

Akwa-Ibom State had $33.86 million (3.29 per cent), Ogun State $24.00 million (2.33 per cent) and Ekiti State $0.01 million.

The ICIR reported that 28 states had no capital importation in the first quarter of 2023. 

Capital importation is the influx of external resources into the local capital resources for investment, trade and business production.

The NBS divides capital importation into three main investment types: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Portfolio Investment and Other Investments, each comprising various sub-categories.

According to the report, Other Investment ranked top, accounting for 81.28 per cent ($837.34 million) of total capital importation in Q2 2023, followed by Portfolio Investment with 10.37 per cent ($106.85 million) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) with 8.35 per cent ($86.03 million).

Meanwhile, by sector, the production sector recorded the highest inflow with $605.04 million (58.73 per cent), followed by the banking sector, valued at $194.58 million (18.89 per cent), and Shares with $68.63 million (6.66 per cent).

By country, the capital importation originated mainly from the United States with $271.92 million, followed by Singapore and the Republic of South Africa with $177.44 million and US$136.95 million, respectively.

Also by the banking sector, First Bank of Nigeria Limited received the highest capital into Nigeria in Q2 2023 with $323.13 million (18.23 per cent), followed by Citibank Nigeria Limited with$187.77 million (12.23 per cent) and Rand Merchant Bank with $126.03 (6.47 per cent).

ICIR journalist wins PwC media excellence award, speaks on experience

Itoro ETUKUDO
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ICIR journalist wins PwC media excellence award, speaks on experience

A JOURNALIST with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (The ICIR), Nurudeen Akewushola has emerged as the winner of the 2023 PwC Media Excellence Award for Tax Reporting.

The PwC Media Excellence Awards celebrates and rewards excellence in business reporting, with the 2023 edition also marking its 8th year.

Nurudeen claimed victory in the Tax & Fiscal Policy Reporting category with his two-part investigative series titled “Maritime ‘Bandits“, surpassing Tunde Ajaja from The Punch and Chima Titus Nwokoji from Nigerian Tribune, who secured the first and second runner-up positions in the same category.

Maritime Bandits exposed paths through Nigeria’s largest seaport, Apapa in Lagos, have become notorious for fleecing importers and exporters and examines the scale and implications on truck drivers, the government and the economy.

Using undercover means and secret intelligence techniques, the report unveiled 36 illegal checkpoints where corrupt security personnel, touts, and criminals extort truck drivers conducting lawful activities.

It delved into the dangers this posed to truckers and the maritime sector’s business environment and as well probed the impact of this illegality on the Electronic Call-Up system, a digital solution meant to ease port operation.

Akewushola expressed excitement receiving the award, noting that the award serves as a recognition of the outstanding public interest journalism practised at  The ICIR.

“The problem has been lingering for so long, and the primary objective of the story was to call the attention of the authorities to it”, he said.

Speaking on the challenges he faced while putting up the report, Nurudeen said writing the story was the most demanding part.

“The most demanding aspect of this project was narrating the story itself. When I returned from the field, I had gathered a lot of information, enough to create a four-part story, all thanks to the trust placed in us by our sources.

“But by employing data visualisation and video storytelling techniques, I managed to convey the story with fewer words, and I am delighted with the outcome”, he stated.

Nurudeen expressed gratitude to The ICIR for their crucial financial and mentorship support, particularly thanking the Executive Director for mentorship and the Editor for meticulous editing that ensured the story’s accuracy and credibility.

“The fact is, the story wouldn’t have stood out if not for the support of our experts at The ICIR who assisted me. I appreciate the efforts of our data team, video Unit, social media and all the ICIR staff. Like I said earlier, the award is for all of us,” he added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Osimhen in, Oshoala out of 2023 World best award race

Dotun OMISAKIN
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Osimhen in, Oshoala out of 2023 World best award race

NIGERIA’S striker, Victor Osimhen has made the list for the last twelve  players shortlisted for the male category of the 2023 Best FIFA Football Award.

In the first shortlisted players for the award released last month, September 7th, The ICIR reported that both Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala were nominated.

However, the female Nigeria  striker, Oshoala who was the only African player that made the first list was dropped out in the last 12 players shortlisted for the female category of Best FIFA Football Award (2023).

Meanwhile, Oshimen, who remains as the only African player to be on the list, was listed alongside eleven other top stars.

Although, he has been in the eye of the storm, facing reversal of fortune from being an hero to a victim of mockery meted on him by club- Napoli, Oshimen’s contribution to the club’s success cannot be swept under the carpet.

He helped the club win the Italian Serie A Sccudetto netting 26 goals last season and in total he scored 31 goals in all competitions.

Recently at the completion of the African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles striker emerged as the highest goal scorer with  10 goals.

FIFA listed the final twelve (12) nominees for the Best FIFA Men’s Player Award (2023) as:

Julian Alvarez Man City & Argentina Marcelo Brozovic – Al Nassr and Croatia

Kevin De Bruyne – Man City & Belgium

Ilkay Gundogan – Man City & Germany

Erling Braut Haaland – Man City & Norway

Rodrigo Hernández Cascante – Man City & Spain

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – SSC Napoli & Georgia

Kylian Mbappe – PSG & France

Andres Lionel Messi – Inter Miami

Victor Osimhen SSC Napoli & Nigeria Declan Rice – Arsenal & England

Bernardo Silva – Man City & Portugal

The final twelve (12) nominees for the Best FIFA Women’s Player Award (2023) are:

Aitana Bonmati, Linda Caicedo, Rachel Daly, Kadidiatou Diani, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Alex Greenwood, Jennifer Hermoso, Lindsey Horan, Amanda Ilestedt, Lauren James, Sam Kerr, Mapi Leon, Hinata Miyazawa, Salma Paralluelo, Keira WaIsh.

The football governing body, organizers of the annual event, notes that the final three nominees in each category will be announced at a later date, whilst the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 will be presented at a ceremony in Paris on February 27, 2024

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