The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Adamu Aliyu SAN, has pointed to corruption as the primary cause of Nigeria’s current economic challenges. This was revealed during a courtesy visit by members of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) to the ICPC Headquarters. Represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, Dr. Aliyu highlighted how corruption has severely impeded the nation’s development, urging Nigerians to remain patient while contributing to ongoing reform efforts. He stressed the importance of public enlightenment in combating corruption, emphasizing the role of institutions like CJID…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
In a recent meeting at the State House, President Bola Tinubu urged senior civil servants to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians, emphasizing the need for swift action on matters affecting citizens’ lives. He mandated monthly Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports from the Head of Service and directed quarterly interactive sessions with the Body of Permanent Secretaries. President Tinubu stressed the role of public servants in shaping national history, urging them to work with a generational understanding of their impact. He emphasized the urgency of alleviating the challenges faced by Nigerians and vowed to closely monitor progress towards realizing his administration’s…
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced plans to establish an electricity regulatory agency. This agency will be tasked with regulating the activities of the Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) operating within the state. During the Thursday media chat, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the need for effective regulation in the electricity sector, emphasizing that the new agency would be modeled after the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). “We have two distribution companies that are not entangled with any other state,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated. “We realize that we need to collaborate with them for us to have a lasting solution.”…
The Federal Government has revealed plans for the Port-Harcourt refinery to commence operations, producing two million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily, alongside 2.2 million litres of diesel. This announcement follows after an inspection tour of the facility, conducted jointly with organized labor leadership, where it was disclosed that the refinery is currently 80% completed. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, shared insights into the refinery’s operational capacity. She stated that the existing plant will initiate operations with 54,000 barrels per day, while the new plant, undergoing final phases of completion, will also commence production before…
Amidst escalating political tensions between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has imposed a ‘No-Fly Zone’ following the recent ban on Nigerian flights by Niger’s government. The rift between the neighboring nations deepened when Niger Republic’s government issued a circular, NR 16/A/24GO, dated February 6th, 2024, exclusively banning all flights to and from Nigeria. This move comes as a direct response to Nigeria’s earlier ban on flights from Niger, initiated after the overthrow of Niger’s civilian government by a military junta. Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) reiterated the flight ban, exempting only…
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced some of the plans put in place to mitigate the economic hardships affecting residents of the state. During a live media chat ‘Sanwo Speaks’ held on Thursday, the governor spoke about the implementation of a revised work schedule for civil servants. Employees ranging from levels 1 to 14 will now operate on a three-day work week, offering them increased flexibility while potentially reducing transportation expenses. However, teachers will maintain their conventional five-day work schedule, with promised additional transportation assistance to facilitate their daily commute. In response to concerns regarding access to essential commodities,…
The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has been released on bail by the Nigeria Police Force Zone 5 following his arrest on charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and related offenses. Abure, along with four others, was released on Thursday around 2 am, according to police spokesman Tijani Momoh. The police had initially arrested him in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Wednesday, leading to viral videos showing Abure being manhandled by law enforcement officers while LP supporters attempted to prevent his arrest. While the police had accused Abure of attempted murder and illegal…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning, forecasting a depreciation of the Nigerian Naira by approximately 35% to N2,081 against the US dollar in the official market. In its February 2024 Post–Financing Assessment and Staff Report, the IMF highlighted concerns regarding Nigeria’s monetary policy, citing its current inadequacy to curtail inflation, which could soar to 44%. The report attributes this potential inflationary surge to persistent pressure on the Naira and the absence of robust local production amidst the liberalization of commodity imports. The IMF attributed the recent economic strain to adverse climate conditions, noting, “Nigeria had been hit…
In order to tackle the rising insecurity in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has ordered chairmen of local governments and local council development areas to convene monthly security council meetings. This order was given during a security meeting held with all council chairmen and heads of security agencies in the state. During the meeting, Governor Oyebanji emphasized the importance of collaboration and intelligence sharing among local government chairmen to combat security challenges effectively. He expressed concern over the lack of coordination among neighboring local governments and highlighted the need for joint efforts in sharing intelligence and allocating responsibilities to avoid…
Former Nigerian Head of State, also one of the founding leaders of ECOWAS , General Dr. Yakubu Gowon GCFR, has made a fervent plea to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lift all sanctions imposed on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in the wake of recent political upheavals. In an open letter addressed to Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Gowon stressed the significance of restoring peace, stability, and prosperity to the sub-region. He urged all ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, including leaders of the affected countries, to set aside their differences and…
Raphael Igbokwe, a renowned Middleweight boxing champion known as “Trouble,” has returned to Nigeria after 12 successful years in the United States, expressing his immense joy and pride in his Nigerian heritage. During a courtesy visit to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in Abuja, Igbokwe enthusiastically shared his sentiments. “This is the best time I have had in my life. I am super excited to be back home in Nigeria. I love Nigeria,” exclaimed Igbokwe, radiating happiness as he spoke about his return. The boxer, whose record boasts 18 wins, 3 losses, and…
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has appealed to the Nigerian to exercise patience and grant President Bola Tinubu more time to deliver on the promises of democracy. In a meeting with journalists at the State House, Abuja, Gowon emphasized the efforts of the relatively new administration in tackling the nation’s challenges. Gowon, who met with President Tinubu for the first time since his inauguration on May 29, 2023, urged citizens not to be overly critical of the government’s policies. Drawing from his own experiences, particularly during the Nigerian Civil War era, Gowon highlighted how leaders often…