Nigeria

CNG Vehicles Will Fail Without Proper Infrastructure – Babachir
Infrastructure, Nigeria, Petroleum, Transportation

CNG Vehicles Will Fail Without Proper Infrastructure – Babachir

In a recent interview on Trust TV's Daily Politics, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr Babachir Lawal, expressed skepticism about the viability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles in Nigeria. Lawal argued that without the necessary infrastructure, the federal government's directive to convert petrol and diesel-powered vehicles and generators to CNG could be disastrous. "The government needs to put in place necessary infrastructure that will lubricate the effectiveness of the CNG vehicles, or else it will be catastrophic," Lawal stated emphatically. President Bola Tinubu has directed various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to commence the conversion to CNG as part of his strategy to ensure energy security, enhance utility, and reduce high fuel costs....
Renewed Hope Has Turned to Hopelessness – Prof Usman Yusuf
Cost of Living, Economy, News, Nigeria

Renewed Hope Has Turned to Hopelessness – Prof Usman Yusuf

In a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Professor Usman Yusuf, a prominent member of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has lambasted the Renewed Hope Agenda, labeling it as a source of increased hopelessness for Nigerians. During an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, which was monitored by DAILY POST, Yusuf expressed his disappointment, stating that the Tinubu-led federal government has failed to instill any sense of hope among the Nigerian populace over the past year. "People have lost hope. It pains me to see our people lining up to collect cups of palliatives. Renewed Hope has turned into hopelessness. People have lost hope," Yusuf remarked. He further critici...
Judiciary is the Biggest Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy – Obi
Elections, Judiciary, Justice, News, Nigeria

Judiciary is the Biggest Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy – Obi

Enugu, May 17, 2024 – Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has declared the judiciary as the foremost threat to Nigeria’s democracy, rather than the electoral umpire. Obi made these remarks during his keynote speech at the fifth memorial of late Justice Anthony Aniagolu at Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu. In a candid and critical address, the former governor of Anambra State lamented the current state of Nigeria's judicial system, which he described as being plagued by corruption and inefficiency. "Justice in Nigeria goes to the highest bidder and has become commodified," Obi stated emphatically. "While the judiciary, today, still boasts of a few outstanding judges, there is an undeniable decline in our judicial system. This decline p...
Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Showing Positive Results – Bagudu
Economy, News, Nigeria

Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Showing Positive Results – Bagudu

Abuja, May 17, 2024 – President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms have begun to bear fruit, according to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu. Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Bagudu highlighted the renewed faith in Nigeria's economy and the resurgence of foreign investor interest as key indicators of the reforms' success. In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Bola Adebiyi, Bagudu acknowledged the initial challenges posed by the removal of the petrol subsidy but emphasized the long-term benefits. "Although the removal of petrol subsidy caused some pain, the policy has increased the quantum of funds available to the three tiers of government to invest in critical infrastructure," Bagudu stated. He argued that these investments would...
Delisting of Naira from P2P Trading Platforms Underway
Economy, Finance, Information Technology, Nigeria

Delisting of Naira from P2P Trading Platforms Underway

In a supposed move to stabilize the Nigerian currency, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced yesterday that several cryptocurrency exchanges have begun the process of delisting the Naira from Peer-to-Peer (P2P) trading platforms. This action follows a directive issued last week by the SEC in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The directive mandates digital currency operators to remove the Naira as a fiat currency option on their platforms. This measure aims to protect the Nigerian currency from potential manipulations that could undermine its value. The SEC's recent checks confirmed that the KuCoin platform has already started implementing this change, adjusting its technology to accommodate the delisting of the Naira. See Also: Cr...
Reps Wants Nigerians Educated on the Cyber Crimes Levy
Finance, Legislature, News, Nigeria, Security

Reps Wants Nigerians Educated on the Cyber Crimes Levy

In a recent session, the House of Representatives took steps to address what it termed misconceptions surrounding the Cyber Crimes Act to ensure its effective implementation. The directive, aimed at the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), stressed the importance of public awareness and correct execution of the law. The motion, presented by the House Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, along with seven others, highlighted concerns regarding the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. The House emphasized the need to rectify misinterpretations of the law and dispel any erroneous perceptions of its enforcement. During the session, Chinda referenced a previous motion on May 9, 2024, which focused on the i...
Reactions as Minimum Wage Negotiations Hit a Snag
Economy, Employment, Labour, News, Nigeria

Reactions as Minimum Wage Negotiations Hit a Snag

Negotiations between the Nigerian government and organized labor have hit a roadblock, sparking concerns over fair wages and economic stability. The recent walkout by labor representatives before negotiations even began has drawn criticism and calls for reconsideration from various stakeholders. Speaking on behalf of the Organized Private Sector of Nigeria, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, expressed disappointment at the early walkout, emphasizing the importance of all parties presenting their opening positions before negotiations commence. He urged labor leaders to return to the negotiation table in the interest of national development. Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, a facilitator with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, criticized the government's stance, citing economic in...
Labour Rejects Government’s Minimum Wage Offer
Economy, Employment, Labour, News, Nigeria

Labour Rejects Government’s Minimum Wage Offer

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have walked out of the minimum wage negotiation with the Federal Government. The negotiation, fraught with tension, hit a standstill as the government's offer of N48,000 fell drastically short of the N615,000 demanded by the unions. This rejection marks the second deadlock in as many weeks, signaling the deep-rooted disagreement between labour and the government over what constitutes a fair national minimum wage. The impasse emerged during a session convened on Wednesday, where hopes for a breakthrough were dashed as both parties failed to bridge the considerable gap between their positions. The offer presented by the government, far below the unions' expectations, drew immediate condemnation from labour leaders who descri...
Emefiele Pleads Not Guilty to Allegations of Unlawful Naira Printing
Corruption, Economy, Judiciary, News, Nigeria

Emefiele Pleads Not Guilty to Allegations of Unlawful Naira Printing

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, found himself at the center of controversy as he appeared in court on Wednesday to face allegations of unlawfully printing Naira notes during his tenure. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Emefiele of printing N684 million Naira notes without authorization from former President Muhammadu Buhari, amounting to a total sum of N18.96 billion. Additionally, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele unlawfully approved the withdrawal of approximately N124.8 billion from the consolidated revenue fund. Emefiele, however, vehemently denied these accusations when the four-count charge was read to him before trial Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). His legal...
Nigerian Singer Portable Attempts Daring Escape from Police Over Unsettled Debt
Law Enforcement, News, Nigeria

Nigerian Singer Portable Attempts Daring Escape from Police Over Unsettled Debt

Nigerian entertainer, Habeeb Okikiola, better known by his stage name Portable, found himself in a precarious situation on Tuesday as he attempted to evade arrest by the operatives of the Lagos State Police Command. The incident unfolded when officers arrived to apprehend him following a complaint filed by a car dealer over an unsettled debt. Portable had engaged in the purchase of a N27 million G-Wagon from the dealer, making an initial payment and promising to clear the remaining amount at a later date. However, the transaction soured when Portable allegedly failed to fulfill his payment obligations. In a widely circulated video capturing the dramatic arrest, Portable, dressed in a white and black striped shirt, was seen engaging in a seemingly convivial conversation with the offic...