The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has clarified his recent statements after reports emerged suggesting that the committee was considering recruiting “area boys” for tax enforcement. Oyedele debunked the claims, stating that he was quoted out of context. In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Oyedele was initially quoted as suggesting the training and payment of “area boys” for tax collection, creating confusion and controversy. However, in a statement on his official social media account on Saturday, Oyedele set the record straight, emphasizing that he did not propose the recruitment of…
Author: Editor Francis
Mattini Airline Services Limited is under scrutiny as the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), initiates an investigation into a recent occurrence involving the airline’s non-commercial flight, authorized by a valid Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF). Adhering to statutory provisions, the NSIB is delving into the incident to ensure safety compliance. Simultaneously, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has commenced an economic inquiry into the aircraft’s operation, scrutinizing its adherence to the terms and conditions outlined in the PNCF’s Annexure. As the NSIB focuses on safety aspects, the NCAA’s economic inquiry aims to assess the aircraft’s operations within the framework of…
Italy’s right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is set to reset relations with Africa through the unveiling of the Mattei Plan. Named after Enrico Mattei, the founder of Italian energy giant Eni, the plan is poised to redefine Italy’s engagement with the continent and address concerns related to immigration. More than 20 African heads of state and government are expected to attend the summit in Rome, commencing with a dinner on Sunday and the official summit on Monday. Meloni aims to position Italy as a crucial bridge between Africa and Europe. While the specific details of the Mattei…
The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested 52 commercial tricycle operators, commonly known as Yan Adaidaita Sahu The apprehension was carried out by Hisbah Command operatives across various areas in Kano city. The arrests were made based on allegations of “immoral haircuts,” involvement in the sale of illegal drugs, and the practice of mixing genders in their tricycles. The Hisbah Command initiated the operation, named “Operation Kau da Badala” (Operation Fight against immorality), with the aim of purging the state of activities deemed immoral, including prostitution, drug abuse, and the sale and consumption of alcohol. Addressing the detained tricycle…
In a Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, two residents of Osogbo, Akinniyi Temitope (41) and Abiodun Oluwakemi (31), appeared on Thursday to face charges related to human trafficking. The defendants were brought before the court by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The charges against the two women revealed that they conspired and facilitated the movement of a 20-year-old resident of Osogbo, Kehinde Opeyemi, to Libya for exploitative labour. The alleged offences took place within the Osogbo metropolis in November 2023. The charge sheet, signed by prosecuting counsel Jude Ajaegbu and Umar Hammanjuda on…
The National Assembly has granted complete financial and administrative autonomy to all 774 local council authorities in Nigeria by amending section 124 of the nation’s constitution. This significant decision aims to establish local councils as a full third-tier government with minimal interference from state governments. The amendment, one of 22 others approved by the House of Representatives last week, received ratification by the Senate on Tuesday. Following a conference committee’s harmonisation of versions from both chambers last month, the National Assembly has now officially ratified all 23 clauses and sections that were amended. The revised document will be forwarded to…
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, declared a $1.5 million investment by the United States government, facilitated through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to bolster Sierra Leone’s Agreement for National Unity and advance its electoral reform processes. Addressing the media in Freetown, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the fundamental role of democracy in fostering a free, fair, and prosperous society. She commended the collaborative efforts of the Government of Sierra Leone and opposition leaders in upholding and expanding democracy, particularly through the historic Agreement for National Unity. The agreement serves as a crucial framework for electoral…
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken marked a significant milestone in the global American Spaces initiative by inaugurating the American Corner Lekki in Lagos, Nigeria. The ceremony, featuring a ribbon-cutting, signifies the continuous expansion of the American Spaces network, a key component of the United States’ people-to-people engagement strategy spanning over 140 countries. American Corner Lekki, the latest addition to the network, epitomizes the future of American Spaces, providing local communities with convenient access to diverse programming and resources. These include offerings on U.S. culture, English-language learning opportunities, internet services, as well as advisory services for those interested in…
In an exclusive interview with Channels TV, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed various aspects of the U.S.-Nigeria relationship, emphasizing the commitment to strengthen diplomatic ties, address security challenges, and collaborate on trade and development initiatives. Secretary Blinken began the conversation by sharing his excitement about attending the Cup of Nations football match in Ivory Coast, highlighting the power of sports in connecting people across borders. U.S. Commitment to Africa Addressing concerns about the frequency of U.S. officials’ visits to Africa, Secretary Blinken clarified that these visits underscore the United States’ commitment to the continent. He emphasized President Biden’s…
In an emergency meeting held on Friday, January 26, at the Minister of Solid Minerals Development’s office in Abuja, Oladele Alake called upon manufacturers of mine explosives to address alleged leakages from their factories by enhancing security and logistics in their operations. Expressing concern over the widespread access of unauthorized individuals to explosives and their indiscriminate storage across the country, Alake emphasized the need for manufacturers to take immediate action. The minister revealed these issues during a statement issued by his special assistant on media, Segun Tomori. Highlighting the government’s ongoing review of the system for tracking explosive movement from…
In an exclusive interview conducted by Julian Pecquet of Jeune Afrique, U.S. Secretary of States, Antony J. Blinken, shared insights into the Biden administration’s approach to critical issues in Africa during his visit to Lagos, Nigeria. Addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, Secretary Blinken emphasized a comprehensive partnership, including intelligence support, equipment, and training to strengthen the country’s capacity. He highlighted the importance of a community-centric approach to build positive relationships between security forces and communities, emphasizing the need to address root causes that lead to extremism and crime through economic investments and infrastructure development. On the political landscape in the Sahel…
In a definitive ruling, the Supreme Court has affirmed the five-year prison sentence handed down to former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan. The lead judgment, delivered by Justice Tijani Abubakar on Friday, dismissed Lawan’s appeal challenging the February 2022 decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The Court of Appeal had previously reduced the sentence imposed by a high court from seven years to five. Lawan, former Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime, faced charges stemming from a 2013 case. He was accused of soliciting a $3 million bribe from billionaire…