Author: Editor Francis

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a cautionary statement directed at Governor Charles Soludo, urging him to cease playing politics with security matters in Anambra State. In their statement released on Wednesday, IPOB accused Governor Soludo of being driven by a desire for a second term and succumbing to pressure from what they term the ‘Fulani hegemony’. Expressing concern over the alleged nefarious activities of Fulani terrorists operating under the guise of herdsmen, particularly in Dunukofia, Awka North, Awka South, Orumba North, and Orumba South Local Government Areas of Anambra State, IPOB called upon residents to take a…

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The Organised Labour in Nigeria has set a deadline for the Federal Government to finalize the implementation of the new national minimum wage by the end of May. Speaking at the 2024 International Workers Day celebration in Abuja, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Joe Ajaero, emphasised the urgency of concluding negotiations, warning of potential disruptions to industrial peace if the process remains unresolved. Under the theme “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate,” this year’s event underscored the importance of addressing workers’ welfare amidst evolving environmental challenges. Ajaero highlighted ongoing negotiations for a…

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During the May Day celebration at the Eagle Square in Abuja, the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, reassured Nigerian workers that despite ongoing discussions by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, they would not incur any loss. Onyejeocha affirmed that the new minimum wage, yet to be finalized by the committee, is set to take effect from May 1, 2024. Addressing the gathering, Onyejeocha acknowledged that while the details of the new national minimum wage were not available before May 1, extensive consultations were underway to ensure the timely release of the document. This announcement comes…

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During an interview on Channels Television, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, asserted that the living wage for workers should be set at N615,000. Ajaero’s statement came in response to reports GOVIMA that the Federal Government had approved a salary increase ranging from 25% to 35% for civil servants across various salary structures. Expressing skepticism about the timing of the government’s announcement, Ajaero criticized the 35% pay rise for federal government civil servants, labeling it as mischievous. He highlighted that the previous minimum wage of N30,000 had expired on April 18, stressing the urgency for concluding…

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The Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will host a Justice Reform Summit with the theme: “Enhancing The Administration of Justice For Economic Growth, Investment Protection And Security in Lagos State,” on May 27 and 28. This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Titilayo ShittaBey-Jeje, Solicitor, General/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, on Wednesday. ShittaBey-Jeje said that Sanwo-Olu would be the Chief Host at the summit which would take place at Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos. She said the Chief Justice of Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola would be the Chairman, while the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister…

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The Naira closed the month of April on a positive trajectory, marking a significant gain of N28.15 against the dollar in the official market. Trading at N1,390.96 to the dollar, the local currency experienced a notable appreciation of 1.98%, according to data from the FMDQ Exchange, overseeing the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM). This gain comes after a period of approximately two weeks of steady decline, during which the Naira exchanged at N1,419 to a dollar. The increase in value also reflected in the volume of currency traded, with the total daily turnover reaching $225.36 million on Tuesday, compared…

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on May 15 in a Federal Capital Territory court. Emefiele faces a three-count amended charge related to his implementation of the naira swap policy during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The EFCC alleges that Emefiele disobeyed the law and unlawfully approved the withdrawal of N124.8 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. The arraignment was initially scheduled before Justice Maryan Anenih, but was postponed due to Emefiele’s trial in another court in Lagos. Emefiele is…

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The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) Plc revealed its ambitious digital transformation strategy during its annual general meeting held in Lagos. The plan aims to revolutionize the capital market by introducing a digital platform for companies and governments to issue offers, allowing investors worldwide to participate conveniently. Shareholders endorsed injecting an additional N10 billion into the company through a rights issue, empowering the board to increase the share capital accordingly. Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director of NGX Group, emphasized the pivotal role of technology in driving the future of the capital markets. He outlined the benefits of the proposed online…

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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to upholding international human rights standards during the opening of the Lagos office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Commending the Bola Tinubu administration for safeguarding the commission’s independence, Fagbemi emphasized the government’s non-interference in the commission’s operations, particularly during the recent dissolution of parastatal boards. Highlighting the administration’s determination to create an enabling environment for the NHRC to protect the rights of Nigerians, Fagbemi described the inauguration of the Lagos office as a significant step towards strengthening the commission’s independence. He underscored the importance…

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The Federal Government has announced the resumption of operations on the Port-Harcourt-Aba railway, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing rehabilitation of the 1443km Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri narrow gauge rail project. This move underscores the government’s commitment to fostering trade, improving mobility, and ensuring connectivity between the southern and northeastern regions of Nigeria. In an inaugural ceremony on Tuesday, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, declared the commencement of operations along the rehabilitated 62km rail corridor. Sen. Alkali revealed ongoing discussions with an investor regarding the conversion of locomotives from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), a step aimed at reducing…

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Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to Fully Commission Dangote Petroleum Refinery Soon During the “Stakeholders’ Consultation Forum on Midstream and Petroleum Host Community Development Trust Regulations” held in Abuja, NMDPRA’s Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, announced plans to commission the 650,000b/d Dangote Petroleum Refinery in the near future. Ahmed, represented by Executive Director Ogbugo Ukoha, also confirmed the imminent issuance of a licence to the refinery for full operation. Highlighting the regulatory landscape, Ahmed mentioned that currently, only three refineries possess valid licenses in the country, with Dangote Refinery soon to join their ranks. He revealed that 15…

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In a statement issued by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the federal government, Wednesday, May 1st, has been declared a public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day celebration. Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the government’s commitment to excellence, efficiency, and equity across all labor sectors. He reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to fostering innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in workplaces nationwide. Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work amidst a changing climate, Dr. Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the government’s determination to prioritize the well-being of all citizens.…

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