President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the need for improved welfare, better wages, and enhanced working conditions for Nigerian workers, recognizing them as the driving force of the nation. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday with leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), President Tinubu called for realistic expectations regarding wage adjustments. During his meeting with Comrade Joe Ajaero of the NLC and Comrade Festus Osifo of the TUC, President Tinubu expressed his concern for the welfare of Nigerian workers, highlighting his administration’s commitment to prioritizing their needs. He stated, “A happy worker…
Author: Editor Francis
Mali’s transitional military government said on Thursday that it would allow political parties to resume operations after a three-month suspension. The government, spearheaded by Interim President Assimi Goïta, suspended political parties’ activities in April after a coalition of parties and civil society organisations called for democratic elections and threatened legal action. Mr Goïta’s military administration seized power in a coup d’état in 2021. It postponed a presidential election that was scheduled for February for technical reasons without setting a new date. Since the coup, the Malian army has systematically distanced itself from European partners such as its former coloniser France,…
The Federal Government, on Wednesday, declared that with the strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices nationwide, prices of the items would crash in the next 180 days (January 2025). It said the measures which include the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders, as well as the importation of 500,000 metric tonnes of wheat and maize, would tackle the rise in food prices. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who disclosed this on his official X handle on Wednesday, explained that the imported…
In a landmark decision on Thursday, the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled in favor of granting autonomy to local governments, effectively ending decades of state control over local government funds. The apex court ordered state governors to cease interfering with funds allocated to the 774 local government areas across the country, declaring such control unconstitutional. The ruling has been hailed as a significant victory for local governance. Former Kaduna lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, praised the decision, stating, “The Supreme Court has freed the local governments from over two decades of captivity and systemic plunder by the states.” This judgement is…
The Nigerian Federal Government is awaiting the report of the industry ombudsman following a complaint it lodged against Daily Trust newspaper’s coverage of the Samoa Agreement signed by Nigeria. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja. Idris stated that the government considers the Daily Trust report “misleading, false, and designed to create confusion.” While emphasizing the administration’s commitment to press freedom, Idris said the government believes the report has misinformed Nigerians and damaged public perception. The government has requested that Daily Trust “come clean” and apologize to the…
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice has ruled that the Nigerian government violated the rights of #EndSARS protesters during the October 2020 incident at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos. In a landmark verdict delivered on Wednesday, Justice Koroma Mohamed Sengu, the Judge Rapporteur, criticized the government’s “disproportionate use of force” against unarmed protesters. The court found that live rounds were fired into the crowd, breaching several international human rights standards. Key findings of the court include: 1. Violations of Articles 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja today, which included the swearing-in of eight newly appointed Federal Permanent Secretaries. The meeting, as announced by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, was divided into two segments: the swearing-in ceremony and the council meeting. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, introduced the new Permanent Secretaries and read their citations before President Tinubu administered the oath of office. The appointees are: 1. Dr. Emanso Umobong Okop (Akwa-Ibom) 2. Obi Emeka Vitalis (Anambra)…
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund announced on Wednesday that 12 additional state government-owned tertiary institutions have been added to the student loan application pool. This brings the total number of participating state institutions to 48, up from the 36 previously reported. Nasir Ayitogo, Head of Media and Public Relations for the Fund, stated that the new additions were made following successful submission and verification of data completeness. However, student data from 121 institutions is still outstanding. The Fund urged remaining institutions to submit their students’ data to the Student Verification Portal promptly. This step is crucial for enabling their…
In a dramatic courtroom revelation yesterday, an Ikeja Special Offences Court heard testimony alleging that former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele transferred millions of naira to his wife, Margaret, and several companies while in office. Mrs. Ifeoma Ogbonnaya, an assistant bank manager and former business relationship manager, testified that she managed accounts through which substantial funds from the CBN were channeled. “The companies sent transfer instructions to my email and Margaret Emefiele is the beneficiary and owner of the money,” Ogbonnaya stated. Emefiele, along with co-defendant Henry Omoile, faces charges of abuse of office and alleged fraud…
The Nigerian government is reportedly planning to secure an additional $2 billion in crude oil-backed loans from international creditors, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move comes as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) faces financial challenges, including a $6 billion backlog in payments to international oil traders. Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, confirmed to Reuters that the national oil company is in discussions with international creditors to raise an oil-backed credit facility. Kyari stated that the funds would be used for various business activities, including supporting production growth in the oil and gas sector.…
President Bola Tinubu announced on Tuesday the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The President did not disclose the name of the Minister for the new ministry. It is anticipated that the name will be forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation if it is a new nominee. The inauguration was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and…
Three notorious Nigerian internet fraudsters, known for their significant social media and political influence, are currently serving out their sentences at the Fort Dix low-security prison near Joint Base McGuire in Burlington County, New Jersey. Among them is Bidemi Rufai, set to be released on Valentine’s Day in 2025, as reported by Peoples Gazette. The trio includes Ray ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas, 41, Jacob Olalekan Ponle, also known as Mr. Woodberry, 33, and Mr. Rufai, 46. They are all being held at Fort Dix, where they will presumably serve the remainder of their jail terms. Bidemi Rufai, an ally of Ogun State…