Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has vowed to mobilize Nigerians to resist the current administration's harsh economic policies, claiming counter action is necessary to save citizens from further poverty and extinction. President Comrade Igho Akeregha warned the nation to review the state of the nation and the plight of citizens. Akeregha expressed dismay at President Bola Tinubu's harsh economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and taxes. He recalled that the government did not insulate citizens from the hardship triggered by the sudden increase in petrol pump prices. The CLO president criticized the government's palliative package, which turned out to be a poorly conceived scheme designed to enhance the comfort of the political class rather than cushioning the pains of the already impoverished citizens. He emphasized that Nigerians are used to tolerating suffering and that if they do not rise up and say enough, things will only get worse. Akeregha emphasized that the CLO has a duty to mobilize Nigerians to fight for their rights, stating that the right to life is inalienable and given by God. He criticized the N35 billion allocated to the National Judicial Council (NJC) in the post-subsidy palliative package, stating that it was meant to compromise the judiciary.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his commitment to work with the legislature and ensure the principle of separation of powers thrives among the three arms of government.

The Governor stated this during the inauguration and proclamation of the 10th House of Assembly where the incumbent Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa was re-elected Speaker of the House for the third consecutive term, In his speech, Sanwo-Olu described the legislative arm as an indispensable pillar of the country’s democracy and an embodiment of the hopes and aspirations of the people.

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, there are strong indications that President Bola Tinubu may have changed his mind over the choice of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Mr Tajudeen Abass as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively.

the President may also pick the next Speaker from the North-West and announce his choice on Thursday It was further gathered that Tinubu had sent emissaries to notable aspirants among the G-6 to placate them.

AHEAD of the inauguration of the National Assembly  June 13, strong Indications emerged yesterday that uneasy calm envelopes the entire process as President Bola Tinubu failed to unveil former Akwa Ibom Governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio and  Tajudeen Abass as the preferred candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC for the positions of the President of the Senate and Speaker, House of Representatives.

The expectations of law makers that  that President Tinubu would ice the cake was even  more misplaced.

Nigeria's oil producing states got a total of N653.70 billion from the Federation account as 13 percent derivation revenue in 2023, findings by New Telegrapgh has shown. An analysis of Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) communiques, as well as FAAC reports published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), indicate that the amount is N21.53 billion or 3.41 percent higher than the states recieved in 2022. The country's constitution stipulates payment of 13 percent of oil revenue from the Federation Account to oil producing States as derivation Fund that would be used for the exclusive benefit of their oil/gas producing communities which are usually negatively impacted by mineral exploration and production activities. Further analysis of FAAC communiques indicates that the highest amount recieved by oil producing states from the Federation account last year as 13 percent derivation revenue N84.97 billion in November while the lowest amount of N22.86 billion was received in May.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has condemned the killings of two individuals in the Kofar Gayan area of Zaria by suspected bandits. The attack occurred just over 24 hours after the collapse of parts of the Zaria Central Mosque. Abbas expressed concern over the recurring attacks in Zaria and its surroundings in the past few years. He called for a thorough investigation into the attack and the killings to unravel those behind the act. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and commiserated with the Kaduna State Government, the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and the people of Zaria.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has condemned the killings of two individuals in the Kofar Gayan area of Zaria by suspected bandits. The attack occurred just over 24 hours after the collapse of parts of the Zaria Central Mosque. Abbas expressed concern over the recurring attacks in Zaria and its surroundings in the past few years. He called for a thorough investigation into the attack and the killings to unravel those behind the act. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and commiserated with the Kaduna State Government, the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and the people of Zaria.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has condemned the killings of two individuals in the Kofar Gayan area of Zaria by suspected bandits. The attack occurred just over 24 hours after the collapse of parts of the Zaria Central Mosque. Abbas expressed concern over the recurring attacks in Zaria and its surroundings in the past few years. He called for a thorough investigation into the attack and the killings to unravel those behind the act. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and commiserated with the Kaduna State Government, the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and the people of Zaria.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has sought to deepen bilateral relations with British Government, particularly, in the area of security, agriculture and infrastructural development. SGF made the disclosure when he received in audience the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, when the later paid him a courtesy visit in his office. Having congratulated the British High Commissioner to Nigeria on his new posting, he called on the British Government to assist the Federal Government to curb Boko Haram insurgency, banditry and farmers-herders clashes as they did during Nigeria’s civil war.

Stakeholders in the ongoing fight against corruption have tasked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other realted Offences commision (ICPC), and other relevant agencies on the compelling need to enhance their scope of disseminating information on gains recorded. The charge was given yesterday by the MacArthur foundation, United Nations office on Drug and crime (UNODO) as well as Transparency International (TI) at an event organised by the center for media and accountability (CMPA). 

His words: Our work is focused on accountability and anti-corruption and that is why we are investing in this. This work about anti-corruption is about life and death we are trying to improve the quality of lives of our children. 

The South West Young Stakeholders Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider a list of promising young candidates from various states in the region for the vacant position of the Ministry of Youth Development.

The group in a statement said the vacancy in the Ministry of Youth Development should be allotted to one of them as a reward for their support for the President:
“Highlighting the distribution of ministerial portfolios in the Federal Executive Council, the forum pointed out that Ogun has three representatives, Lagos has two, and other states in the region – Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo – each have one representative. “As a result, the list of youth stalwarts presented to President Tinubu was carefully curated through extensive consultations. The lists of candidates are Makinde Araoye (MKD), Seun Olufemi-White, Ayodele Olawande, Bolaji Afeez Repete, Prince Oyekunle Oyewumi, Titilope Ayoka Gbadamosi, Ademola Adeyeye, Abdullahi Dayo Israel, Bayo Adenekan and Dr Seriki Muritala.”
They appealed to the President to consider appointing one of these young candidates as the Minister for Youth Development.

The Arewa Economic Forum (AEF) has called on Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate subsidy payments on Premium Motor Spirit, using extra funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). The AEF believes that Tinubu cannot find a way within his constitutional powers and political influence to make governors more accountable to the people. The AEF's Chairman, Mallam Ibrahim Shehu Dandaka, emphasized that the removal of fuel subsidies has caused a massive increase in funds shared at FAAC meetings, with little improvement in people's lives.

The Otu Oka-Iwu (Law Society) has commended Nigerians for peacefully celebrating the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra. The group expressed satisfaction that no breach of peace occurred during the celebrations, and commended pro-Biafra groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere. The association also commended the Federal Government and its agencies, particularly the police and Armed Forces, for ensuring no bloodbath during the events. However, the association called for the release of political prisoners and the demilitarization of the South East and South South zones of the country. The law society also urged the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (GCON), to take urgent steps to redress the injustice done to the South East zone by the removal of the former Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu.

The Otu Oka-Iwu (Law Society) has commended Nigerians for peacefully celebrating the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra. The group expressed satisfaction that no breach of peace occurred during the celebrations, and commended pro-Biafra groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere. The association also commended the Federal Government and its agencies, particularly the police and Armed Forces, for ensuring no bloodbath during the events. However, the association called for the release of political prisoners and the demilitarization of the South East and South South zones of the country. The law society also urged the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (GCON), to take urgent steps to redress the injustice done to the South East zone by the removal of the former Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu.

The Otu Oka-Iwu (Law Society) has commended Nigerians for peacefully celebrating the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra. The group expressed satisfaction that no breach of peace occurred during the celebrations, and commended pro-Biafra groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere. The association also commended the Federal Government and its agencies, particularly the police and Armed Forces, for ensuring no bloodbath during the events. However, the association called for the release of political prisoners and the demilitarization of the South East and South South zones of the country. The law society also urged the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (GCON), to take urgent steps to redress the injustice done to the South East zone by the removal of the former Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu.

The Otu Oka-Iwu (Law Society) has commended Nigerians for peacefully celebrating the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra. The group expressed satisfaction that no breach of peace occurred during the celebrations, and commended pro-Biafra groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere. The association also commended the Federal Government and its agencies, particularly the police and Armed Forces, for ensuring no bloodbath during the events. However, the association called for the release of political prisoners and the demilitarization of the South East and South South zones of the country. The law society also urged the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (GCON), to take urgent steps to redress the injustice done to the South East zone by the removal of the former Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu.

Rumors of a bomb scare at the Anambra headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria have been confirmed following the discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED). The Nigeria Police Force's anti-bomb squad combed the compound early on Monday morning, resulting in increased security measures. The resident electoral commissioner, Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, confirmed no bomb was detected but acknowledged that a substance was picked outside the compound and could have been dropped by anyone. State police public relations officer, Princess Nkeiruka Nwode, was not aware of the discovery.

The Nigerian Federal Government plans to raise N2.5 trillion in its second FGN bonds auction. In a circular issued on Wednesday, the Debt Management Office stated that the offerings consisted of N1.25 trillion with a maturity date of February 2031 and N1.25tn with a 10-year tenor. FGN savings bonds are part of the federal government's domestic borrowing plan. According to the recently signed N28.8 trillion 2024 national budget, the Federal Government has projected its new borrowings to hit N7.83 trillion. Recall that in December last year, President Bola Tinubu had sought approval from the National Assembly for about $8.69bn and N100m as part of the external borrowing plan for 2022 to 2024. The latest FG bonds have a face value of N1,000, with a minimum subscription requirement of N50,001,000 and subsequent increments in multiples of N1,000. Interest payments on FGN bonds are usually semi-annual. In January, the FG had offered a two-year FGN Savings bond due January 17, 2026, at 11.033 per cent per annum and another three-year FGN Savings Bond due January 17, 2027, at 12.033 per cent per annum.

One of the most important virtues of leadership is courage. this quality more than any other, will determine whether a leader succeeds or fails in his mission. 

the last eight years have been challenging both for the government and the people. 

President Tinubu stands at the intersection of history. what he does at this very moment will determine wether he annexes a place in the pantheon of revered Nigerian leaders or slides quietly into oblivion.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his assumption of office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Total Letters of Credit (LCs) payments, between January and December last year, amounted to $1.31 billion, latest data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has shown. The amount is N56.67 million or 4.15 per cent less than the N1.36 billion that went into LC payments in 2022, according to data released by the apex bank. A breakdown of data on international payments for last year released by the regulator over the weekend, indicates that LC payments amounted to $107.78 million in January 2023; $171.95 million in February; $269.49 million in March; $152.52 million in April; $60.29 million in May; $79.18 million in June; $71.14 million in July; $82.24 million in August; $71.69 million in September; $71.99 million in October; $49.17 million in November and $121.14 million in December. A Letter of Credit (LC), also known as a documentary credit, is a mode of payment used for the importation of visible goods. Typically, it is a letter from a bank guaranteeing that a buyer's(importer) payment to a seller (exporter) will be received on time and for the correct amount, upon presentation of stipulated documents that conform to the terms and conditions of the documentary credit. Analysts attribute the decline in LC payments in 2023, when compared with the amount recorded for the preceding year, to the significant drop in the country's external reserves last year.

President Bola Tinubu met with Northern Governors to discuss the situation in Niger, following the expiration of the one-week deadline given to the Niger Republic coupists by ECOWAS. The Northern Elites opposed the planned onslaught against the military junta, citing the potential consequences on Nigeria. Tinubu issued a seven-day ultimatum to restore democracy, leading to sanctions and border closures. The National Assembly had requested military personnel deployment, but the Senate declined, urging caution in addressing the political situation.

President Bola Tinubu has restated his resolve to reform the nation's security architecture, mandating the military to crush all the oil thieves. briefing newsmen after a meeting of the security chiefs with the president at the President Villa yesterday the National Securtiy Adviser(NSA) General Babagana Monguno said that the presdient has made it clear that he will not accept any situation in which our fortunes keep declining, the president has also said he will do whatever that is within his powers to enable him pop the operational elements but the intelligent agencies must also make their work easier by providing the type of intelligence they require to carry out thier assignments. Those present at the meeting with the president, were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Farouk Yahaya, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Oladayo Amoo, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo and the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba.       

The centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has charged the federal government to ensure a transparent and timely utilisation of the $800 million World Bank loan secured ahead of the removal of fuel subsidy and avoid frittering it away as handouts that would neither help the poor nor the economy.

Executive director of the centre, Faith Nwadishi, said the federal government must ensure that the funds are allocated and utilised effectively for high impact projects such as infrastructure development, job creation and economic diversification.  

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday morning slashed the exchange rate for computing Customs duties at the nation's seaports by 1.9 percent. The reduction in Customs FX duty rate is coming 24 hours after the apex bank raised the rate by 10.4 percent. Information obtained from the official trade portal of the Nigeria Customs Service revealed that the Customs FX duty rate was reviewed downward from N1, 662.35/$ to N1630.159/$ on Thursday, February 29, 2024. This represents a 1.9 percent reduction when compared to the old rate of N1, 662.35/$ used as of Wednesday, February 28, 2024, and a decrease of N32.191 on a dollar needed to clear goods from the port. Despite the slash, industry analysts believed, that the apex bank needs to address the bigger and more troubling issue of the current prohibitive cost of clearing goods at the ports which had risen by over 40 percent in the last two months. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, said the high exchange rate for import duty assessment is fueling the already high inflation, increasing production and operating costs for manufacturers and other businesses, worsening the cost-of-living crisis, and putting thousands of maritime sector jobs at risk.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has told the immediate past Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje not to honour the Public Complaints and Anti-Corrup- tion Commission (PCACC)’s invitation. The PCACC had summoned Ganduje for questioning over viral videos where seen allegedly receiving gratifications from contractors in dollars when he was governor. The anti-graft body’s Chairman Muhuyi Magaji- Rimingado had claimed that they had confirmed the authenticity of the videos. According to him, the videos were subjected to forensic analysis, which indicated that they were authentic.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disowned a police lawyer, Ibrahim Mohammed, who filed criminal charges against former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah. The agency told the Federal High Court Abuja that Mohammed, a Superintendent of Police, was not authorized to file any criminal charges against Oduah. EFCC's counsel Helen Okonofua stated that Mohammed was initially with EFCC but was de-seconded to police on November 4, 2022. The criminal charges filed on June 22 by Mohammed in the name of EFCC had no authority or approval from the agency. Justice Omotoso fixed October 4 for the EFCC to make the report available to the court.

EX-govs had all the aces in Tinubus' population in the world. kashim, shettima was born on september2, 1966, in maiduguri, borno to the family of shettima mustafa knittayibe. He attended lanmeila primary school in maiduguri from 1972 to1978, Government community secondary school. petiskum, where he completed his secondary education in 1983. He studied at the university of maiduguri obtained a degree  Bsc in Agricultural economics in 1989. He did his national youth service corps NYSC, at the defund bank calabar, cross river state between 1989 and1990. He obtained  a masters' degree msc in Agricultural Economics in 1991.

President of the Aviation Round Table (ART), a body of different professionals in Nigeria’s aviation sector, Dr. Gabriel Olowo has called on the Federal government to consider the barter arrangement option for settling the $812.2 million of the foreign airlines trapped in Nigeria. Olowo’s position is coming days after the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Willie Walsh declared Nigeria as the highest indebted country to foreign airlines.

The IATA DG revealed this at the ongoing 2023 Annual General Meeting of IATA in Istanbul, Turkey. According to IATA, Nigeria has on its neck a whopping accumulated debt of $812.2 million belonging to the over 30 foreign carriers operating in Nigeria which presently got trapped.

In his reaction, the ART President is, therefore, calling on the government to seek a barter arrangement option to settle the debts.

Super Falcons of Nigeria moved eight places to peak at 32nd in the latest FIFA rankings following an impressive outing at the just-concluded Women’s World Cup. Falcons were the least ranked in their group but shocked bookmakers after they finished second in a section that housed Olympics champions Canada and hosts Australia.

They also stretched European champions and eventual World Cup finalists England to a penalty shootout to determine who advanced to the quarterfinal. The Super Falcons have thus remained the leading team in Africa ahead of South Africa (45th), Cameroon (56th), Morocco (58th) and Ghana (59th). Randy Waldrum’s ladies were also rated the 10th best team of the tournament ahead of countries, including Germany and Italy.

Shareholders of Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria (TSAN) have urged former chairman Oba Otudeko not to take actions that would destroy the wealth of many Nigerian investors in FBN Holdings. TSAN Chairman Alhaji Muktar Muktar stated that a Federal High Court in Lagos had issued an ex parte order restraining FBN Holdings from holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for August 15, 2023. Muktar argued that AGM is a lawful meeting and no judge should stop it. However, other shareholders, including Mrs. Bisi Bakare of Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), argued that the court order was not a good move for the company and investors. The chairman of Ibadan Zone Shareholders Association, Mr. Eric Akinduro, also deemed the court order unsuitable.

The  Federal Government can save over $200 billion yearnvironmenty by blocking loopholes in oil revenues, the Human Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA resource centre, has said.it said the funds recovered through stringent anti-corruption measures in the oil gas sector will help Nigeria. HEDA expressed regret bthat out of some 36 oil terminals in Nigeria,only 16 are metered making it difficult to monitor oil  and gas production and distribution at local and international markets. it added in nigeria needs to work all stakeholders including security , media, coimmnity-based orgasnisations and anti -graft groups in order to bring the country back from the brink of economic downturn.According to him to him, the federal government is now at vantage position to prevent theft of oil and gas now better  prepared to put the country nbon the path  to full economic recovery.He said the acquisition of the anti-theft equipment was the first bin the country.

The federal government yesterday reiterated its commitment to harmonise investment treaties with the kingdom of Netherlands for mutual benefit of the two countries. The permanent secretary ministry of industry trade and investment Dr. Evelyn  Ngige said this at a round-table negotiation on investment promotion and protection agreement between Nigeria and the kingdom of Netherlands in Abuja.

Fidelity Bank Plc has announced its Board of Directors' decision to extend the employment contract of its GMD/CEO, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, from 2024 to 2026. The decision was taken at the Board meeting on February 12, 2024, according to a notice at the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). The extension is in furtherance of the Bank's strategic objectives and premised on Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe's sterling performance since assumption in offi­ce on January 1, 2021. Fidelity Bank grew its Net Loans and Advances by 46 percent in 2023 to N3.093trillion, from N2.115trillion in 2022, while its deposits almost doubled in 2023, reaching a new high of N4.049 trillion from N2.591 trillion in 2022, up by 56 percent. The Board is confident that Fidelity Bank's performance will continue its upward trajectory under Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe's leadership and looks forward to working closely with her and the Executive Management Team on the execution of various strategic initiatives including international expansion.

The senate yesterday rejected the controversial National Water resources bill 2023 after it was listed for concurence on the order paper for consideration and passage. the rejection put an end to controversy by governors and lawmakers, particularly those from the south. 

worried by the renewed killings and attacks of innocent people by suspended fulani militias in plateau and benue states, the middlebelt forum has called on president bola tinubu to put on hold all preparations geared towards the conduct of the proposed 2023 national population and housing census. They noted that Nigeria is still enmeshed in a war against terrorist elements bent on tearing it apart and called on the president to give priority to the resolution of the security challenges in order to avoid conducting another census may be marred by disputes

Ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, four members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have been named members of the Campaign Committee for the State governorship election.

The members of the Campaign Committee from Ondo State include Hon. Afolami Olabomi, Mrs Bosede Agbaje Salami, Hon.Yemi Eze, and Bamidele Ayodele.

According to the statement made available to New Telegraph, they are to serve in various committees of the Campaign. 

Olabomi, a former House of Representatives aspirant in Akoko Northeast/Northwest federal constituency, would serve as Deputy Chairman of the Directorate of Mobilisation while Salami, the Coordinator of Articulated Global Movement (AGM), would serve in the Directorate of Physical challenge persons.

Eze and Ayodele would serve in other Directorates of the Campaign Committee for the PDP governorship candidate in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye.

Speaking at the first anniversary of the AGM yesterday, the PDP leaders promised to work for the emergence of Melaye as the next governor of Kogi State.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday, empathised with Edo people in the wake of the rise in prices of goods and services and overall cost of living occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal, by announcing measures to ameliorate the sufferings currently faced by residents.

In a statement, Obaseki said the state has reduced the number of work days that civil and public servants will have to commute to their workplaces from five days a week to three days a week, among other measures.

Total power outage looms in Nigeria as National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) yesterday directed its members to withdraw their services nationwide over the Federal Government’s sudden removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol or fuel. President Bola Tinubu, in his inaugural speech, said that the petrol subsidy was gone. Miffed by the development, especially non-consultation, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a notice that its members and affiliates should embark on a nationwide strike from Wednesday, if the NNPCL refused to reverse the new price template.

A front-line airline operator, and the Chairman of United Nigeria Airline (UNA), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo has raised the alarm over the continued scarcity of foreign exchange and the worrisome devaluation of the naira, saying that 50 per cent of operators in the aviation industry may soon be grounded. Okonkwo said this in Abuja during the annual staff retreat organised for the staff members of United Nigeria Airlines. He noted that should the government not take any proactive measures towards addressing the continued devaluation of the naira and the rising demands for foreign exchange, about 50 per cent of aircraft may be out of service. Okonkwo stated that as an airline operator, he was concerned that the government had not responded to several calls for the stabilisation of naira, to ameliorate the economic challenges confronting the aviation industry and other sectors. On the staff retreat, he disclosed that the management of the airline has remained consistent in motivating its staff members and ensuring that the right attitude to work was maintained.

Former Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje and the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have criticized their political rival, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for his failed tenure as Minister of Defense. Ganduje criticized Kwankwaso's comeback and his lack of knowledge about defense. He also criticized the Kano Government for demolishing buildings and promoting ignorance of religion. Kwankwaso, however, criticized President Tinubu for his actions, claiming it forced him out of the Unity Government. The new imbroglio between Ganduje and Kwankwaso has sparked a heated debate among supporters, with supporters attacking each other in defense of their political godfathers' positions.

Speaker of the house of representative Femi Gbajabiamila yesterday, described Nigeria as an unfinished story. He made the declaration in his valedictory address to close the 9th assembly even as he hailed his colleagues commending the lawmakers for enacting historic laws and legislating on critical sectors to impact the lives of Nigerians.

Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma, and his Bayelsa state counterpart Diri Douye, were among the 51 candidates cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) To contest the November 11 governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.

INEC in the statement by Festus Okoye, Chairman, information and voter education committee, said 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi state, 17 in Imo state and 16 in Bayelsa state. The list also shows that two political parties are fielding female candidates in Bayelsa state, one in Kogi state and none in Imo state, Okoye further explained.  

The former Chairman of Sterling Bank and Nigerian Breweries, Barr. Asue Ighodalo on Thursday emerged winner of the PDP factional primary election held at the Tennis Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City Edo State, beating seven other aspirants. Ighodalo, who is the governor's anointed candidate scored 577 votes to beat Bar Anselm Ojezua, Arthur Esele, Osaro Onaiwu, Martins Uhomoibhi, Hadizat Umoru and Felix Akhabue, all scoring zero, while 6 votes were void out of 585 accredited delegates. He noted that Governor Obaseki has laid the foundation for him to build upon if eventually elected governor and promised to assemble young men and women for his government to turn the state around. Also, Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and Omosede Igbinedion withdrew from the race, while the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, scored one vote, though he held a factional congress, where he was declared the winner.

Noble Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, says restructuring has become inevitable for the nation to prevail over its challenges. Mr Soyinka spoke at the Punch Nigeria Ltd 50th Anniversary Lecture titled "Recovering the Narrative" at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Delivering a lecture on the theme, Soyinka said that Nigerians did not have to go through unending hardship to live better. Soyinka said those leading the country recognised the importance of restructuring and its inevitability, but were not adopting it, for whatever reason. According to him, restructuring is necessary in order to maximize development. Soyinka noted that provision of palliatives to the suffering masses was just a stop gap. Calling for genuine action on restructuring, Soyinka decried that many conferences on the subject had not yielded positive results. Soyinka said that government should restore dignity to citizens and guarantee three square meals a day for the people. On the media, Soyinka said that humanity could be transformed if language and media were positively used.

The president candidate of the peoples Democratic party PDP in last general election Atiku Abubakar, has prayed  the presidential Election petition Tribunal to summon enough courage to do substantial justice to his petition   seeking the nullification of Bola Tinubu as winner of the feburary 25 election . Atiku in his finaladdress submitted that ciontrary to threat of Tinubu is sacked by the tribunal as Nigeria president on the account of massive electoral fraud that brought him to the office.Atiku ask Tribunal to invoke the courage displayed in the past supreme judgement to settle his petition against Tinubu by disregarding the threat of monumental chaos issued by Tinubu to shield himself from justice.

To address poverty in Nigeria, the World Bank recommends creating wage jobs through macroeconomic stability, growth, and private sector development. Over the next 10 years, about 12 million people are expected to enter the labor market, making job creation crucial. The Bank also suggests policies to improve productivity in farm and non-farm enterprises, which would offer short-term relief. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s monetary policy must remain tight until inflation is controlled, while reforms in fuel pricing and exchange rates are steps toward macroeconomic stability. These reforms, though challenging in the short term, aim to restore Nigeria’s economic potential.

Former head of state and special envoy of the Economic Community of West African States to Niger Republic, General Abdulsalami Abubakar(rtd.) has assured that the political crisis would be resolved diplomatically, but the African Union suspended the country yesterday. He gave this assurance yesterday while interacting with newsmen at the state house meeting  with President Bola Tinubu, who doubles as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS. Responding to question on possibility of military action in Niger, he said “hopefully diplomacy will see the better of this. Nobody wants to go war, it doesn’t pay anybody but, then again, our leaders have said if all fails… and I don’t think all will fail, we’ll get somewhere; we’ll get out of this mess.”
Abubakar, who had last weekend held a meeting with the ousted President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, and the leaders of the junta in the country, said he had delivered the terms of the Abdouramane Tchiani-led junta to ECOWAS. According to him, correspondences had opend between the West African regional bloc and the military in Niger, noting that the line of contact opened by ECOWAS through his appointment as envoy has been very fruitful, expressing hope that something concrete would soon come out of it.
Hisv wods: “As you are aware, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have made me an Envoy to Niger Republic and we were there over the weekend to see the military people and discussed to find a way out of the lacuna we find ourselves.

The Nigerian Economic summit group (NESG) has urged the federal government of Nigeria led by president Bola Tinubu to implement various social intervention programs to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

Government should also engage in targeted cash transfer programmes that will provide financial assistance directly to low income households or individuals affected by the removal of fuel subsidies. these cash transfers can help alleviate the increased transportation costs and basic necessities. 

Amid prevailing economic challenges and poverty in the country, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) last night approved N1.14 trillion ( N1,149, 816) for January allocation to the three tires of government- federal, states and 774 local government councils. Approval for sharing was conveyed at February FAAC session chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, according to statement by Mallam Bawa Mokwa, Director of Information at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF). The three tires of government have been receiving trillion mark threshold revenue from the federation purse since the removal of fuel subsidy. The amount shared comprised distributable statutory revenue of N463.079 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N391.787 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N15.922 billion and Exchange Difference revenue of N279.028 billion.

Hearing in the petition of thye presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar against the election of president Bola Tinubu, was stalled yesterday at the presidential election tribunal over alleged refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) to make some critical electoral materials available to him.

The court however adjourned further hearing in the petition till tomorrow, pending the time thr electoral body is expected to have responded to the request of Atiku and the People's Democratic Party PDP for release of documents.  

Fuel scarcity became worse in many parts of Nigeria yesterday. New Telegraph observed that many filling stations, especially those owned by both major and independent marketers, were not dispensing petrol in Lagos. Reports across the country also confirmed the same situation. It was learnt that marketers hiked fares as much as 50 per cent and above. It was, however, observed that in Lagos, towards evening, some fuel stations owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) got stocks and dispensed to buyers. The development caused long queues as anxious buyers struggled to fill the tanks of their vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles as well as their kegs. The National Public Relations Officers of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr. Chinedu Ukadike, said the scarcity was caused by the strike of the truck drivers, which has been called off. He stated that the Federal Government, through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, had promised to pay over N50 billion of the reconciled outstanding Petroleum Equalisation Fund to marketers and that the government will engage in more reconciliation.

Following hunger and starvation in Kano as a result of high prices of essential commodities, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has said he will pay a personal Visit to President Bola Tinubu to report the situation in the city. The governor stated this during a meeting with the business community and other stakeholders, at the Government House, Kano, on Monday. He said the rate at which the cost of foodstuff and other daily needs is rising was alarming, hence the urgent need to put heads together with a view to finding lasting solution to the menace .

Pastor Tunde Bakare, overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address corruption in Nigeria's fuel subsidy regime rather than implementing "anti-people" economic policies. Bakare highlighted the suffering and hardship faced by Nigerians since fuel subsidy removal and urged the president to tackle corrupt practices in government instead of imposing hardship on Nigerians. He also condemned the idea of going to war with the Niger Republic and called for good leadership in Nigeria. Bakare also criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its popularity among Nigerians, stating that the 2023 general elections revealed that Nigerians are tired of the ruling party. Bakare argued that the party has deviated from its principles and has become a platform for politicians with no ideology. He argued that the party's standing for progressivism has changed over time, as the current economic hardship is a result of "anti-people policies" of the government.

There seems to be respite in sight in the camp of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) over who emerges as the senate president and speaker of the House of Representatives as President Bola Tinubu got the real picture of how to resolve the lingering crisis last night. 

The source said things are begining to unfold gradually but unfortunately it appears things are getting altered to contain because even the meeting that the president held with the senate president and the speaker was an eye opener for Mr President. 

Speaking further the source said he has flown another flier to test the waters so that the President will be boxed into another corner.

Apparently irked by this development, the source said lawan reportedly: said it is either APC loses the speakership to the opposition PDP if two APC aspirants run for speakership or the North corners both the speakership and senate presidency. So all indication point to the fact that the issue of the leadership scout for 10th assembly was largely mismanaged.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has stated that the National Assembly’s oversight of holding the other arms of the government accountable is critical to Nigeria’s democracy. 

He made this known on Tuesday at a one-day workshop on ‘Assessment of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy of Nigeria and the Role of Legislature’ organised by the Directorate of Planning and Legislative Budget of the National Assembly.

He assured that the 10th Assembly would also be accountable to the public. According to Abbas, who was represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Budget, Hon. Mohammed Omar Bio, it was in line with the agenda of the 10th Assembly to ensure, through oversight, that “our commonwealth is properly managed for the benefit of all Nigerians.”  He said through oversight, the Legislature, as the representatives of the people, ensures that the government remains accountable to citizens on the utilisation of public funds, as well as in the implementation of policies and laws.

The national leader of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the uncivil manner the National Chairman of the party Julius Abure, was arrested in Benin City on Wednesday by men of the Nigeria Police Force. Although the Chairman was finally released 24 hours later, the party's 2023 presidential candidate on his X (Twitter) handle, said the demeaning and intolerable manner Abure was subjected to during his arrest, did not speak well of the image of the country. It was learnt that the party chairman was released around 3.05 am yesterday. The AIG on Wednesday night disclosed that the LP National Chairman, the Edo State Chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi, and three others, were arrested for conspiracy, brutal assault, attempted murder, armed robbery, grievous harm and conduct likely to cause breach of peace. Speaking to some of his supporters, who were at the AIG Zone 5 headquarters, shortly after his release, Abure said that what he suffered is peculiar to what other freedom fighters suffer all over the world.

The Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah has met with President Bola Tinubu behind closed doors at the presidential villa where he requested for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. He briefed state house correspondents after the meeting, said that Kanu's release would be interpreted as the extension of the President's hands of fellowship to the Ndigbo. he requested for more security presence in his state following the announcement of his government banning Monday sit-at-home order. he also disclosed that he requested that the federal government collaborate with his state to exploit the mineral resources to unlock potentials and expand the economy 

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has said military action alone cannot end banditry and terrorism in frontline states in the Northwest and Niger State in the Northcentral.

The governor said this yesterday at a high-level town hall meeting on: Promoting Peace and Security in Northwest Nigeria, in Kaduna.

He noted that what would enable the government and the residents to overcome the security challenges is the understanding of the crisis and close collaboration among the frontline states, various stakeholders and security agencies. The Kukah Centre, in partnership with Global Rights, with the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) organised the one-day event as a part of a project in Kaduna and Sokoto states towrads Building Community Resilience Against Insecurity and Violent Extremism and To Achieve Better Inclusion for Women in Peace-Building Efforts.

The Federal Government may soon begin investigating the MT PRAISEL, a multi-million naira oil-laden vessel intercepted by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. The vessel, which received approval from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and clearance from the Nigeria Navy, was diverted off Escravos before its arrest. Tantita Security, a leading campaign against oil theft, insisted that the intercepted vessel was on illegal operations and changed its approved destination when operatives anchored it off the Escravos River. The private security firm claimed that the vessel was on illegal operations and that the arrest took place in the presence of the Tantita inspection crew. The company claimed that the vessel was sailing to Bonny, but the Master of the vessel indicated Koko as its port of discharge for storage only. Tantita Security had to escalate the issue to higher authorities, which mandated the vessel be anchored off the Escravos River for further investigation. The company was shocked when the Naval Headquarters' press statement appeared to indicate that the NMDPRA gave approval to the MT PRAISEL to proceed to Bonny for crude discharge the following day.

The Nigerian Dental Association has congratulated president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory at the polls and his swearing-in as the 16th President of the Federal republic of Nigeria.

The president of the NDA Dr Adeyemi Tope, stated that his victiry at the polls and the swearing-in as the nations president and commander in chief of the armed forces is a testament of his hard work, due diligence, patriotism, compassion, strong and proven favourable disposition to work with all true progressives within and outside Nigeria for a properous and united country.

NDA  serves its members and the public by managing key oral health issues on their behalf and by coordinating denatl health awareness programmes across the nation. 

A counter-terrorism expert in the United Kingdom, Dr Joseph Sunny Ifedimma has advised the Federal Government to set up a third force and establish a counter-terrorism agency to effectively tackle the growing insurgency and other criminalities including banditry and kidnapping. Ifedimma, who was a one-time private adviser to the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Late Gen. Andrew Azazi gave the advice in an interview with New Telegraph in Abuja on Monday. He also insisted that there was the need for a special adviser on counter-terrorism to the president, saying, “As counter-terrorism operations are becoming too costly, deadly and endless, we need to reactivate and bring back the dormant office of the Special Adviser to the President on Counter terrorism to the frontline. “Suffice me to say that this office was originally planned to be our counter-terrorism policy focal point, the audacious voice of the President, the government, and the foreign face of Nigeria abroad on counter-terrorism and allied critical crime matters.

The Banker Magazine has released its latest ranking of top 1000 world banks, which shows that Nigerian banks had a mixed year in 2022 as the country’s two largest, “Zenith Bank and Access Bank, both saw their Tier 1 capital positions drop by around eight percent and their pre-tax profits in dollar terms fall 9.2 percent and 13.8 percent respectively.

Fourth-placed United Bank for Africa was the best performer of the country’s largest banks in this year’s rankings, recording a 13.4 percent rise in Tier 1 capital and a 17.3 percent rise in pre-tax profits.” The rankings, published in the July 2023 edition of The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group, United Kingdom, were based on the 2022 year-end Tier-1 capital of banks globally.

According to The Banker, “Africa’s biggest winner in this year’s ranking is development finance lender Afreximbank, whose Tier 1 capital base grew by 26.9 percent in 2022, seeing it rise 78 positions to 297th place in the overall rankings. The Cairo-based bank announced a capital raising program in late 2021, which had generated $1.3bn of new capital by the end of 2022.”

The Banker Magazine has released its latest ranking of top 1000 world banks, which shows that Nigerian banks had a mixed year in 2022 as the country’s two largest, “Zenith Bank and Access Bank, both saw their Tier 1 capital positions drop by around eight percent and their pre-tax profits in dollar terms fall 9.2 percent and 13.8 percent respectively.

Fourth-placed United Bank for Africa was the best performer of the country’s largest banks in this year’s rankings, recording a 13.4 percent rise in Tier 1 capital and a 17.3 percent rise in pre-tax profits.” The rankings, published in the July 2023 edition of The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group, United Kingdom, were based on the 2022 year-end Tier-1 capital of banks globally.

According to The Banker, “Africa’s biggest winner in this year’s ranking is development finance lender Afreximbank, whose Tier 1 capital base grew by 26.9 percent in 2022, seeing it rise 78 positions to 297th place in the overall rankings. The Cairo-based bank announced a capital raising program in late 2021, which had generated $1.3bn of new capital by the end of 2022.”

Nigeria has improved its global rating by fully complying with the Cape Town Convention on aircraft dry leasing, moving its score from 70.5 to 75.5 points. This compliance led the Aviation Working Group, co-chaired by Boeing and Airbus, to remove Nigeria from its watchlist. As a result, Nigerian airlines can now more easily access aircraft leasing and financing globally. The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, highlighted that this achievement opens up significant opportunities for Nigeria's aviation sector, making it more attractive to global financiers and lessors. The government remains committed to supporting private investors and improving aviation policies for further growth.

Reality of the nation's negative economic curve dawned yesterday as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a 0.36 per cent drop in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to 2.74 per cent in 2023 from 3.10 per cent in 2022. Disclosing this in its GDP fourth quarter 2023 report, NBS said in terms of share of the GDP, Industry, and the Services sectors contributed more to the aggregate GDP in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. The Services sector recorded 3.98 per cent growth, contributing 56.55 per cent to the aggregate GDP while the Industry sector contributed 3.86 per cent. Year on year, according to NBS, the GDP grew by 3.46 per cent (year-on-year) in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2023, a figure lower than the 3.52 per cent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022 and higher than the third quarter of 2023 growth of 2.54 per cent. The performance of the GDP in the fourth quarter of 2023 was driven mainly by the Services sector, which recorded a growth of 3.98 per cent and contributed 56.55 per cent to the aggregate GDP.The Agriculture sector grew by 2.10 per cent, from the growth of 2.05 per cent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022. The growth of the industry sector was 3.86 per cent, an improvement from -0.94 per cent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and the Association Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) have given the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) a 14-day ultimatum to pay outstanding 45-month arrears of minimum wage consiquential adjustment which they said has remained unpaid since 2022. The unions in a letter to the Director-General of NiMet, dated January 29, 2024, and jointly signed by NUATE General Secretary, Ocheme Aba, AUPCTRE General Secretary, Sikiru Waheed, and ANAP General Secretary, Abdul Rasaq Saidu, stated that the arrears were consequesnce of Minimum Wage Act of April 2019, which is even now being reviewed, showing how stale the matter has become. They noted that having labored for years before the consiquential adjustment was obtained in 2022, and having labored in vein thus far for its implementation since 2022, they are left with no option than to express "our frustration" through withdrawal of the sevices of the workers of NiMet. Many of the workers want many of the appointments done in 2018 to be probed, noting that many of the people appointed are redundant and have not resumed duties till today while many of them earn salaries and allowances without reporting for work and asking for allowances which former DG, Prof. Mansur Matazu, refused to pay.

The National Industrial Court on Monday granted an interim order restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and Trade Union Congress (TUC) from embarking on strike on Wednesday.

 Following its suspended strike action as a result of the ongoing negotiations and in respect to a court order against its planned nationwide protest, the National Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the National Industrial Court (NIC) of favouring the federal government not minding its implication on the masses and workers. 

The Nigerian Union of Journalists(NUJ), Ebonyi state council has commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for appointments made so far since assumption of office on May 29, 2023. This is as the chapel said ovr 80 percent of youth in the state had been appointed by the governor into various positions, which according to NUJ has effectively integrated the youth into governance in the state. They congratulated the governor on his victory at the polls and subsequent successful swearing-in as the 4th executive governor of the state. The chapel assured him of its avowed cooperation and partnership in disseminating the policies and programmes of his administration  

The marketers, who pledged their support after a meeting with the President at the State House on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, also committed themselves to contribute to the government's palliative measures by making available between 50 and 100 mass transit busses.

This was disclosed by the association's Chairperson, Dame Winifred Akpani while speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with Tinubu.

Oil prices rose for the seventh consecutive week, the longest streak since 2022, due to the International Energy Agency's forecast of record global demand and tightening supplies. Brent crude futures rose 41 cents to settle at $86.81 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 37 cents to settle at $83.19. The IEA estimated that global oil demand reached a record 103 million barrels per day in June and could scale another peak this month. OPEC expects global oil demand to rise by 2.44 million barrels per day this year, with healthy prospects for the second half of the year. US economic data also lifted market sentiment, fueling speculation that the Federal Reserve is nearing the end of aggressive rate hikes.

Former two-time Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has joined the recently launched social media network known as “Threads.” New Telegraph reports that Thread which is owned by Mark Zuckerberg was launched on Thursday and the immediate former Chief Whip of the Senate has joined with his verified personal handle “oukgram”.

Following the development, Kalu become the first among the members of the 10th National Assembly to join the newly launched social media application. Making his presence known on the platform, the Forbes-rated billionaire entrepreneur cum politician wrote” Humbly signing in here as the first Among the 10th NASS to “Thread”… More room for legislative engagements … #OUK #OrjiUzorKalu”.

A 32 year old ex-convict Gafar Oyewole has been arrested by operatives of Osun Amotekun Corps for allegedly stealing a ring moulding. The suspect was said to have perpetrated the act at ifelodun community, Agunbelewo area, Osogbo, Osun state. The suspect who is an ex-convict admitted to being in the act for a very long time and he had been to a correctional center for the same act. The Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi asserted that the suspect was arrested at the scene after a distressed call by the Amotekun was received and they proceed into action. During cross-examination,the suspect confessed to perpetrating the act and pleaded for mercy. The suspect will be handed over to the police for subsequent interrogation and prosecution 

A 32 year old ex-convict Gafar Oyewole has been arrested by operatives of Osun Amotekun Corps for allegedly stealing a ring moulding. The suspect was said to have perpetrated the act at ifelodun community, Agunbelewo area, Osogbo, Osun state. The suspect who is an ex-convict admitted to being in the act for a very long time and he had been to a correctional center for the same act. The Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi asserted that the suspect was arrested at the scene after a distressed call by the Amotekun was received and they proceed into action. During cross-examination,the suspect confessed to perpetrating the act and pleaded for mercy. The suspect will be handed over to the police for subsequent interrogation and prosecution 

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has urged against the imposition of candidates at the People's Democratic Party's national convention on December 9. Dickson, who was the former chairman of the PDP reconciliation committee, emphasised the importance of unity and transparency in the party. He called for a level-playing field for all aspirants and urged party leaders and delegates to make sacrifices for unity. Dickson emphasised that Nigerians see the convention as an opportunity to usher in a rebranded and united PDP, which they will embrace in 2019. He expressed optimism that if the PDP gets its national convention right, it is likely to hold a successful presidential primary in 2018.

Candidate of the people Democratic party PDP in the last presidential election, Alhaji Atiku, - ideas may reconsider peace corps, EFCC, 42 others bills.  prediction of  the  economic imtelligence unit EIU, that the court wii not  upturn president bola  Tinubu's election, is an embarrasment to the think tank body. Atiku in a statement by his media adviser, paul lbe, sad it was evident that the prediction was purchased by the ruling . All progressives congress APC to confuse  Nigerians. He noted that withstanding the preponderance of  salient uses raised the credilibility  of the election by local and  foreign observers is disappointing that the considered to ballot.

Members of the organised private sector (OPS) have lauded president Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Inauguration speech on his intention to stop fuel subsidy payment on PMS, tackle insecurity, review naira design policy, job creation and others in order to reflate the ailing economy. 

while speaking on the subsidy President Tinubu said: we commend the decision of the outgoing administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy regime, which has increasing favoured the rich more than the poor. 

this will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy. 

The Nigerian Presidency has debunked a report claiming President Bola Tinubu approved a salary increase for political office holders and judicial officers. The Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy to the President, Dele Alake, stated that President Tinubu has not approved any salary increase and no such proposal has been brought before him for consideration. The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is responsible for proposing and fixing salaries and allowances of political office holders and judicial officers, but such cannot come to effect until it has been equally considered and approved by the President. The RMAFC has responded to the fake story and set the record straight. Senior adviser Sebastine Hon has filed a suit against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), National Judicial Council (NJC), and National Assembly (NASS) over poor wages being paid to judges.

The Nigerian Presidency has debunked a report claiming President Bola Tinubu approved a salary increase for political office holders and judicial officers. The Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy to the President, Dele Alake, stated that President Tinubu has not approved any salary increase and no such proposal has been brought before him for consideration. The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is responsible for proposing and fixing salaries and allowances of political office holders and judicial officers, but such cannot come to effect until it has been equally considered and approved by the President. The RMAFC has responded to the fake story and set the record straight. Senior adviser Sebastine Hon has filed a suit against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), National Judicial Council (NJC), and National Assembly (NASS) over poor wages being paid to judges.

Following a summons that was issued on him, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), Prof. Yakubu sent a senior official of the Commission, Mrs Moronkeji Tairu to testify in the petition filed by the presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party(PDP), Atiku Abubakar against President Bola Tinubu. As part of his evidence, the INEC boss produced before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal(PEPT)sitting in Abuja, a document that contained Tinubu's age. On its part, INEC through its lead counsel, Abubakar Mahmood(SAN) said though it was not opposed to the admissibility of the documents which it described as irrelevant to the case before the court, it however contended that the petitioners did not pay the neccesary fees. 

The independent national electoral commision (INEC) president Bola Tinubu and the all progressive congress (APC) yesterday jointly opposed the five ad hoc staff of the INEC subpoenaed by the presidential candidate of the PDP from testifying before the presidential electoral petition court.

Suspended Governor of the central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Mr .Godwin Emefile, resigned from his position in August, Reuters reported reported over the weekend , citing'government' sources. According to the news agency, Emefile tendered his resignation letter to president Bola Tinubu. The report follows friday annoucement by the presidency that Bola Tinubu had norminated a former  head of citi bank in central bank in nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso,'' normination to the senate for confirmation alongside four new deputy governors of the apex bank. Analysts note that Emefile's reported resignation may have laid to rest legal concerns regarding the normination of cardoso as the new Governor of CBN. Cardoso was part of the team that had been working on an economic blueprint for the new government. he was a former commissioner for Economic planning and Budget in Lagos state when Tinubu was governor between 1999 and 2007.    

 

The house of Representatives committee on aviation yesterday declared the launch of Nigeria Air by the immediate past administration as a fraud. Chairman of the committee, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, made the declaration at a meeting with officials of the ministry of aviation and the interim management of the national carrier and the heads of the avaition agencies at the National Assembly.

Acareful review of the process indicates the exercise to be highly opaque, shrouded in secrecy, shoddy and capable of rediculing and tarnishing the image of Nigeria before inter5national community, He said.  

With the removal of the oil subsidy, the House of Representatives has asked the auditor general of the federation to immmediately carry out a forensic audit of the N413 billion borrowed from the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the federal government for subsidy payments.

The house also advised that with the subsidy removal, the federal government should fortwith suspend all direct sales direct purchase (DSDP) contracts.

other recommendations made by the house include that the federal government should immediately design measures and paliatives to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal for Nigerians effective from this year 2023 through provision and procurement of CNG buses as an alternative transport sytem with cheaper fuel consumption.

that given the contriants of the committee and overlapping events, the National assembly (HR) standing on Ad-Hoc committees be saddled with such responsibility to conduct full-scale investigation on the defaulting oil companies and MDAs that have not met the expectations of the committee to ascertain their level of involvement or otherwise and further protect the commonwealth of the country. 

The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zachaeus Adedeji, on Wednesday in Abuja, faulted the three-year-old N2.59trillion Tax Credit Scheme introduced by former President Muhammadu Buhari administration for road construction across the country. This is as one of the critical executors of the Tax Credit Scheme, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, cleared the air on $3.3billion loan facility secured for the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN for stabilization of Naira in the foreign exchange market. Indifference of the FIRS chairman to N2.59trillion Tax Credit Scheme introduced through Executive Order 7 of 2021 by the Buhari-led government, came to the fore during his appearance before the Senate Committee on Finance along with the Chief Financial Officer of NNPCL, Umoru Ajiya. The Senator Sani Musa-led Committee had invited the duo, to shed light on implementation of the scheme vis-a-vis the poor state of federal roads across the country. While the NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, raised the hopes of the committee members that the scheme is helping for re-fixing of dilapidated roads across the six geopolitical zones in the country with N664billion spent so far, the FIRS boss said the scheme was unlawful and should be discontinued.

President Tinubu's letter, although lacking specific names, outlined his intention to establish a team of 20 special advisers. The contents of the letter were disclosed during the session, capturing the attention of the senators.

The Senate, on Thursday, directed the Police Service Commission (PSC), in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force, to recruit a minimum of ten candidates from each of the 774 Local Government Councils in Nigeria. The Senate also directed its Committee on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance, to ensure compliance with the recruitment directive. The apex legislative Assembly took these decisions following its consideration of a motion titled: "Need for the Police Service Commission and the Nigerian Police Force to adhere to the federal character principle in the recruitment of constable into the Nigerian Police". The motion was sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende, representing Benue North East on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He also noted that the current government under President Bola Tinubu was in continuation of the policy of recruiting 10,000 Police constables. According to him, the recruitment is supposed to be conducted based on the equality of Local Governments in view of the fact that it was for community policing. However, addressing journalists on the motion, Udende kicked against the establishment of State Police, explaining that the crazy mentality of some Nigerian politicians, especially the Governors, remained the reason he was opposed to the creation of state police.

The Senate, on Wednesday, resolved to concur with the House of Representatives on the passage of a bill for an Act to establish the South East Development Commission. This was as the Red Chamber succumbed to the pressure by Senators from the Southwest and North Central to pass for second reading Bills to establish South West and North Central development commissions. Leading the debate on the establishment of the commissions, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele noted that the establishment of the development commissions underscored the importance of the zonal development commissions and called on the Senate to begin to think of amending the Constitution to give legal status to the Six Geo-Political zones. Supporting the bill on the establishment of the South East Development Commission, Senator Victor Umeh, (Labour Party, Anambra Central) explained that the establishment of the Commission would aid infrastructure development in the region since the end of the Civil War in Nigeria. The clamour for a Southeast Development Commission has lingered long in the National Assembly but has failed at every attempt since the 8th Assembly.

It will be recalled that Akpabio, a former Minority Leader of the Senate and immediate past minister of Niger Delta Affairs in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari resigned his portfolio following the provision of section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act of 2022 to contest the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

The Senate has mandated the Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to investigate a multi-billion shoreline contract awarded in 2006 to address the sea incursions affecting the Ayetoro Community in Ondo State. The committees will work with relevant ministries to find an alternative solution to the dangerous slide. The Upper Chamber has also requested Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, and other oil companies to help save lives and improve the community through their corporate social responsibility (CRS). The Ayetoro community accounts for 5.4% of Nigeria's crude oil production output and has been affected by sea incursions for over two decades. The NDDC attempted to stem the slide by awarding a shoreline protective wall to Gallet Nigeria Limited in 2004, but the contract was revoked in 2009 due to capacity issues. The senator is concerned that Ayetoro is on the verge of being completely lost to the sea if nothing is done urgently.

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has announced on Wednesday that the Senate has rescheduled its valedictory session to Saturday.

The Senate has said that it would probe the concession of Mallam Aminu International Airport, Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The probe, the upper chamber said would commence when the Committee on Aviation is constituted. The Senate’s resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Sen. Kawu Sumaila (NNPP-Kano) during Thursday’s plenary.

The motion was tagged “Urgent Need to Reverse the Concession of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano”. Other resolutions by the upper chamber included urging the Federal Government to, if need be, review the entire exercise and give a level playing field to all stakeholders. It also condemned in strong terms, the concession of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja as it was not done in public interest.

Nigerians are protesting the recent increase in fuel pump prices, causing panic buying and long queues. The removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu has led to a nationwide ban on fuel sales between N480 and N570 per litre. This has led to stranded individuals in Abuja being unable to access their work places. Nigerians have criticized the Federal Government for being insensitive to their struggles and blaming the government for not being more concerned about the masses. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) President Chinedu Okoronkwo attributed the increase to the cost of dollars, stating that petroleum products are imported to Nigeria using dollars. IPMAN National Operations Controller Mike Osatuyi has previously projected that pump prices would increase when new fuel imports come into the country in July 2023.

One hundred and six out of 143 from North west and North Central law-makers-elect are backing Tajudeen Abbas to succeed Femi gbajabiamila as the House of Representatives speaker and Benjamin Kalu his deputy.

seventy-two out of 92 the North West legislators elect and 32 out of 51 North Central colleagues declared thier support for the duo at the zonal caucus meetings in Abuja.

They appreciated Abbas and Kalu's unrelenting engagement with law makers with opposing views that they reached out, and extending hands of fellowship is something worthy of commendation.  

California startup Conception is developing in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) technology to create human eggs and sperm in a lab. The process involves reprograming adult cells to become sperm and egg cells. The technology has great therapeutic potential but raises legal and ethical concerns. It could potentially enable people struggling with infertility to have their own biological children, but also raises ethical concerns as it could lead to the creation of offspring with certain traits using gene editing tools. The technology is expected to be approved by the FDA and potentially be widely used.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended leaders in Nigeria for sustaining democracy pointing out that it was not easy to manage the system condering happenings around the country. The president, who lamented that the level of improvishment in the country was unacceptable, said this yesterday while responding to the governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria governors forum (NGF) chaired the kwara state governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman expressed their support to him on government decision to remove the fuel subsidy.

Labour party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi yesterday said he would have adopted a dentist appraoch in tackling the issue of removal of subsidy from petroleum products. 

He said "it is not the same thing as pulling the tooth forcefully, the pain you feel will be different. For me, i will go with the approach of the dentist while supporting the removal of the tooth because i wouldn't want to go through the pain of the forceful removal.

The federal government through the Nigerian Commuinication Commission (NCC) has generated a sum of N5.9 Billion naira from licences issued to the new 25 companies to provide telecom services as mobile virtual network operators (MNVOs).

Mr Dele Alake, Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy to the President, has clarified that only his boss, Bola Tinubu, has the final say on those that would be appointed his ministers. Alake made this clarification yesterday while responding to questions on insinuations making rounds concerning those purportedly pencilled down for ministerial slots. Alake said: “But the simple truth is that this is an executive Presidency, we’re not running a parliamentary system. So, the President, the buck stops on his table, and he decides when it’s fit and proper for him to make his cabinet list.

President Bola Tinubu and world leaders met in Paris to discuss redesigning global financial architecture for poverty reduction, debt restructuring, and vulnerable countries affected by climate change and COVID-19. The summit aimed to scale up finances and support developing countries for energy transition and poverty reduction, while respecting national sovereignty.

President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, 15 February, depart Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU). The theme of this year's summit is "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa". The president will join other African leaders in high-level meetings on institutional reforms of the African Union; peace and security; specific thematic issues such as climate change, as well as modalities of participation and priorities of the continental body in the G20. On the margins of the summit, President Tinubu will also attend an extraordinary summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in his capacity as the Chairman of the regional body. President Tinubu will be accompanied on the trip by some ministers and other top government officials, and he is expected to return to Abuja following the conclusion of the summit.

President Bola Tinubu yesterday met with PDP group of five at the presidential villa, Abuja. Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde who led the group said the visit was to get Tinubu to join them on the route for fairness, justice and equity he said we are going forward Mr. President you know coming with us on the route for fairness for justice and for equity in Nigeria, He was surrounded by the former governors of abia state, Okezie Ikpeazu, Rivers state Nyesom Wike, Benue state Samuel Ortom and enugu state Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, they also demanded for the presidential ticket to be zoned to the south   

President Bola Tinubu yesterday in Abuja pledges that his administration would commit more resources to the education sector to ensure that every Nigerian child regardless of their background has access to quality education. He made this pledge when he received the leadership of the National Association Nigerian Students(NANS). He said education is the greatest weapon against poverty then we have to invest in it. he also promise to consider the requests of the NANS leaders, urged the students' body to ensure unity among its members across the country to achieve more. He made his expression of appreciation for the students' support of the removal of subsidy on petrol explaining the reasons behind the decision and the need to curb smuggling.   

President Bola Tinubu has called on the European Union to assist Nigeria and Africa in strengthening security and economic development to alleviate poverty in the continent. The President spoke during a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Mr. Charles Michel.

The President spoke during a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Mr. Charles Michel. The European Council is the EU institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union.

According to President Tinubu, Nigeria and the whole of Africa would require the help and partnership of her friends and development partners like the EU to address the excruciating poverty in the continent.

President Bola Tinubu has called on the European Union to assist Nigeria and Africa in strengthening security and economic development to alleviate poverty in the continent. The President spoke during a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Mr. Charles Michel.

The President spoke during a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Mr. Charles Michel. The European Council is the EU institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union.

According to President Tinubu, Nigeria and the whole of Africa would require the help and partnership of her friends and development partners like the EU to address the excruciating poverty in the continent.

President Bola Tinubu has established an inter-agency committee to resolve the ongoing dispute between Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). The committee aims to reconcile the controversies surrounding the Federal Government's debt of N4.2 trillion to NNPC Limited and the N2.1 trillion NNPC Limited has failed to remit to the Federation Account. The committee is expected to begin sitting today at the Ministry of Finance.

In order to address the concerns of stakeholders on multilateral taxes by the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, President Bola Tinubu has signed four new Executive Orders (EOs) to suspend the implementation of some tax policies. This was disclosed by presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, in an interaction with State House Correspondents yesterday morning. According to him, the action was a direct response to the need for clarity and adequate notice for tax adjustments as specified in the 2017 National Tax Policy. He disclosed that the first Executive Order signed by the President was the Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order, 2023.

In addition to these suspensions, the President has also ordered the halting of the newly introduced Green Tax, an Excise Tax on Single-Use Plastics, including plastic containers and bottles. Alake said the Import Tax Adjustment levy on certain vehicles has been suspended.

In exercising the powers vested in him under the 1999 constitution as amended, President Bola Tinubu yesterday at the state house assented to a fresh amendment of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He signed into law the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 presented by the outgoing 9th National Assembly. With the signing of the constitutional amendment bill, retirement age and pension rights of judicial officers have been effectively brought into uniformity. He also pledge his administration's dedication to strengthening the judiciary, ensuring the rule of law and empowerment of judicial officers to execute their responsibilities 

President Bola Tinubu yesterday inaugurated the immediate past minister of special duties and inter-governmental affairs, George Akume, as the 21st secretary to the givernment of the federation (SGF) 

The president has last friday named Akume as the SGF. He also appointed the outgoing speaker of the house of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. as his new Chief of Staff while the former deputy governor of Jigawa state, Sen Ibrahim Hadejia, was appointed as deputy Chief of Staff.

President Bola Tinubu has charged the National Population Commission (NPC) to be prudent and produce credible and reliable data for national development. The President also urged the Commission to take advantage of the delay in conducting the census in the past years to leverage on the current electronic and digital age. The President, who ex- pressed his unwavering support to the Commission, gave these charges yesterday at the Presidential Villa while receiving its management led by its Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra. While expressing concerns over the delay in conducting another enumeration in the country since the last exercise done in 2006, the President said: “It is disappointing that up until now we have not been able to conduct another enumeration of our people. 

According to him, the NPC requested the release of the allocated N31 billion capital al- locations, in the 2023 budget, for preparatory activities, while putting the total cost of the census, after a methodology review, at N546.72 billion. Kwarra also requested the President’s approval for an additional N225.2 billion to cover training and fieldwork allowances, retraining of trainers, and the conduct of a sec- ond-class Trial Census.

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kyari, yesterday said the administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conclude plans for one of the four refineries to be repaired to operate at an optimal level before the end of 2023.

He stated that there was an ongoing process of rehabilitation to ensure that one of the four refineries will begin operations before the end of the year. 

President Bola Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives, seeking the confirmation of the newly appointed service chiefs. Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter dated July 5 and addressed to the Speaker of the House, Taju- deen Abbas. The service chiefs to be confirmed are: Maj. Gen. C.G. Musa, Chief of Defense Staff; Maj. T. A. Lag- baja, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admirral E. A. Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff and AVM H.B. Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff.

Nigeria’s effort to expand her non-oil commodities export got a boost on Tuesday with the United Kingdom (UK), slashing export tariffs on 3,000 products exported from Nigeria under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTC).

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Richard Montgomery broke the news in Abuja at the sensitisation workshop on the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme organised in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Represented by the Deputy British high commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Gill Atkinson, said the decision was taken to depend on the trade relationship between UK and Nigeria. 

“The Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) benefits 46 counties, 31 of which are African countries, one of the most important of course is Nigeria. This new trading scheme, which came into force on 19 June and offers fast-growing economies one of the most generous sets of trading preferences of any country in the world and demonstrates the UK’s commitment to building a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with Nigeria.

“Nigeria stands to benefit more than any country from the changes introduced by the DCTS it will see tariff reductions on over 3000 products meaning that 99% of existing Nigerian exports to the UK by value will be duty-free Tariffs which promote value addition in important non-al export sectors such as cocoa butter and paste, sesame oil among others.

“The DCTS benefits the UK as well – it reduces import costs by over £750 million per year, helping to reduce prices and increase choice for UK consumers and businesses as well,” she explained.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has promised that the State will be among the top ten in the ranking of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) before the expiration of his first tenure as Governor.

The Governor stressed that the State will deploy all legal academic means that will return the past glory of the State in external examinations and produce sound minds as future leaders of the State. 

It is the opening of a three-day education summit and major stakeholders in the sector which include parents, teachers, guardians, artisans, market women and men, proprietors of schools, members of old students’ associations, referred members of the board of governors in schools, royal fathers among others are gathered in Osogbo.

Speaking further at the official opening of the three days Education Summit which is aimed at revamping and repositioning the State education sector for better results, the who was represented by Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi said the State will implement the outcomes of the summit to the letter.

He said the present administration has identified education as the common heritage that good governance could bestow on its teaming citizenry, hence the resolve of the present government to get it right.  Chairman of the summit planning Committee, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu while speaking expressed confidence that the summit will definitely yield the expected result at the end of the day.

Governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Douye Diri, has hinted that members of other political parties might be in the new cabinet to be unveiled soon. Governor Diri stated this Thursday shortly after the weekly five-kilometre Prosperity Walk, which terminated at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa. Diri alongside his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 11, 2023 governorship poll and were sworn in for a second term on February 14, 2024. The governor said he would consult widely and ensure he picks his cabinet members from across political parties in the state in order to form an inclusive government. He said: "l want to assure you that we will not take long in bringing our cabinet back because we are not going to create human beings from heaven. It is still the same Bayelsa people that will form my cabinet and we know ourselves".

The World Bank has predicted a 2.8% slow economic growth for Nigeria in 2023 ahead of a new government. The global bank in its latest Africa report published on Wednesday stressed that Nigeria’s economy will underperform due to weaker local currency, foreign exchange scarcity, and rising inflation.

 

The World Bank has predicted a 2.8% slow economic growth for Nigeria in 2023 ahead of a new government. The global bank in its latest Africa report published on Wednesday stressed that Nigeria’s economy will underperform due to weaker local currency, foreign exchange scarcity, and rising inflation.

 

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on tuesday distributed 312 tractors and 600,000 bags of fertilizer to farmer in the 27 local government areas to boost food security and production, during the distribution of items at the Farm Centre, Maiduguri he said every council would be given five tractors. The fertilizer will be sold to farmer at 25 percent while those to be given tractors on loan will pay 50 percent of the cost. The Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Bulama Gana said the state government provided over 1000 tractors