Despite the naira scarcity that hit Nigeria in the latter part of 2022, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and its subsidiary spent N74.84 billion to manufacture and circulate currencies, including new Naira notes during the year. This marked a significant increase of 40.42% from the N53.29 billion spent in the previous year for currency rollout. The CBN’s recently published financial statements reveal that in 2022, N29.65 billion was allocated to currency issue expenses, reflecting a substantial 94.66% rise compared to the N15.23 billion spent in 2021. According to the CBN, currency issue expenses encompass costs tied to printing, processing,…
Author: Editor Francis
In response to the Economic Community of West Africa’s (ECOWAS), potential armed intervention aimed at reinstating democracy in the Niger Republic, both Burkina Faso and Mali have dispatched warplanes to Niger’s borders. A Nigerien television station reported on Friday that Burkina Faso and Mali had translated their pledges of support into concrete measures by deploying warplanes, specifically Super Tucano fighter jets, to stand by and respond to any perceived threats against Niger. These actions come following ECOWAS’ pursuit of diplomatic solutions to the ongoing crisis in Niger, while simultaneously keeping the option of armed intervention on the table. The turmoil…
A delegation representing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), engaged in talks with the deposed President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, and held discussions with junta leader, General Abdourahmane Tiani in Niamey, the capital city. This meeting comes as part of ECOWAS’ diplomatic efforts to reverse the coup that took place on July 26. The junta leaders’ willingness to accept the delegation’s mission could indicate a new openness to negotiation, following ECOWAS’ recent reaffirmation of its potential use of force as a last resort to reinstate democracy. The bloc had also mentioned that a specific “D-Day” had been agreed…
A culinary competition to determine the best Jollof rice in West Africa has added a new twist to the ongoing debate on the dish’s origin. Traditionally, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal have engaged in friendly disputes over who can claim the title of being the true creator of the flavorful West African rice delicacy. However, this year’s West Africa Food Festival (Waffest), saw Gambian chefs clinching the top spot, potentially altering the narrative Organised by the Association of Chefs in West Africa, Waffest celebrates the diverse culinary heritage of the region through indigenous culinary displays, tours, master lectures, contests, and cultural…
The festival that led to barbs within the people of Kwara state that traditional religion practitioners were stopped from celebration in the state after an Islamic group clam sacred ownership of the state has gotten a green light in Lagos, not excluding Oyo State respectively. The Lagos state government has declared Monday a work Free for all Lagos resident The government declared Monday, August 21 a work-free day to commemorate the Isese Day celebration. The State’s head of service Hakeem Muri-okunla issued a circular that was announced on X by Jibril Gawat, senior special assistant to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of…
The political landscape of Ondo State witnesses a war of words between the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The APC, led by its chairman Mr. Ade Adetimehin, said that the opposition party is diminishing in the state, with numerous PDP leaders switching allegiance to the APC. However, the PDP, represented by the state Publicity Secretary Mr. Kennedy Peretei, responds with a statement that their lack of concern over the defections of former party members. Adetimehin said, “Of all the political parties in Ondo State, APC is the only united party in Ondo State. There is…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), have pledged to join forces in tackling illegal mining activities in Ekiti, Oyo and Osun States. EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja. The statement said that the two agencies made the commitment in Ibadan, when the Acting Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Ibadan, ACE I Halima Rufa’u, paid a courtesy etc. are being mismanaged by unscrupulous individuals for their personal gains. “But the EFCC is undeterred by the antics of corrupt individuals who are benefiting from the illegal mining operations…
Days that US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announce of detecting another variant of covid-19, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has officially verified the presence of the BA.2.86 variant of COVID-19 within the country. This announcement was made through an update on the UKHSA’s official website on Friday. According to the UKHSA, this case involves an individual who has not recently traveled, suggesting that the variant might be spreading within local communities. The BA.2.86 variant, marked by a substantial number of mutations, has been found to be genetically distinct from both its likely precursor, BA.2, and…
An international peace-oriented organisation, the Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide, has bestowed the honour of “peace icons” upon several prominent African figures for their significant contributions to fostering peace and stability in the region. Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, stand among the esteemed group of individuals recognized for their efforts. The list also includes notable leaders such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Distinguished individuals from various sectors and countries have also been acknowledged for their roles in promoting peaceful coexistence. Among these figures are Kenyan President William…
High-ranking defence officials from West African nations are currently engaged in a second day of discussions in Ghana, focusing on potential armed intervention to reinstate civil governance in the Niger Republic if diplomatic efforts fail to reverse a recent coup. As reported by Al Jazeera, the discussions among defence chiefs aim to formulate a cohesive strategy and response. The outcome of these talks is expected to be revealed during a closing ceremony later in the day. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced earlier that its member countries’ troops are prepared to participate in a standby force to…
In the latest development surrounding the ongoing Ukraine crisis, the United States has strongly condemned Russia’s narrative shift and actions, terming them hypocritical and far-fetched. The U.S. representative, Ambassador Robert Wood called out Russia’s claims that its efforts to defend against an alleged illegal invasion by Ukraine are the very actions contributing to the crisis. Wood described this narrative as preposterous and counterfactual, asserting that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine’s sovereign territory remains the core issue driving the crisis. “Russia continues to falsely allege that it is in fact the unified support of Ukraine’s defense by over 50 nations that is…
The purported relief aid extended by the federal government to states as a response to the impact of petrol subsidy removal has now been unveiled as a loan. The earlier announcement had outlined a N5 billion relief package for each state within the federation, inclusive of the federal capital territory (FCT). Following the conclusion of the national economic council (NEC), meeting, which was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum disclosed that the primary intent behind the palliative was to facilitate the procurement of essential resources. These resources encompassed 100,000 bags of rice, 40,000 bags of…