Category: Nigeria - Page 6 - African News Today

Nigeria to Become Africa’s Solar Panel and EV Battery Manufacturing Hub

11May

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Nigeria to Become Africa’s Solar Panel and EV Battery Manufacturing Hub

Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, unveiled ambitious plans for the local production of solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) batteries, positioning the nation as a manufacturing powerhouse within Africa. The declaration, made during the inauguration of Nigeria's largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, marked a significant milestone in the country's quest for energy independence and economic growth. Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), underscored the importance of this development, citing it as a testament to Nigeria's attractiveness for foreign investment. "This inauguration signifies Nigeria's appeal for foreign investment and its commitment to becoming a key player in the renewable energy sector," Ngelale stated. Presi...

Rivers Assembly Relocated to Government House Amidst Political Turmoil

11May

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Elections, Legislature, News, Nigeria

Rivers Assembly Relocated to Government House Amidst Political Turmoil

In a move that has further intensified the political crisis in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued Executive Order 001, dated October 30, 2023, mandating the temporary relocation of the state House of Assembly's proceedings to the Government House Auditorium. The decision comes in the wake of a fire incident on October 29, 2023, which severely damaged the hallowed chambers of the Assembly, rendering it unsafe for legislative activities. The governor's gazette cited the need for urgent repairs, renovations, and reconstruction of the damaged chambers as the primary reason for the relocation. The relocation order has sparked controversy, especially considering the ongoing political rift between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territo...

House of Representatives Probes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Contract, Afenifere Demands Project Review

10May

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Corruption, Infrastructure, News, Nigeria

House of Representatives Probes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Contract, Afenifere Demands Project Review

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The probe focuses on the procurement process and contract award, which are suspected to violate existing infrastructure regulations. Additionally, the prominent Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has urged the federal government to cease the project, advocating for a critical review of its economic and environmental implications. Alleged Procurement Violations The House of Representatives initiated the investigation upon a motion presented by Hon. Dr. Austin Achado. He alleges that the Federal Ministry of Works, led by Minister Dave Umahi, awarded the 700km highway and rail project to Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Limited throug...

10May

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Breaking News, News, Nigeria, Sports

Ibrahim Babangida Dies in Car Crash

Tragic news struck the football community today with the passing of Ibrahim Babangida, a former Super Eagles player, in a fatal accident on the Zaira road. The accident also involved his brother, Tijani, who serves as the president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), along with his wife, son, and maid. A somber statement from Emmanuel Babayaro, the General Secretary of PFAN, confirmed Ibrahim's untimely demise in the accident. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Tijani and the rest of his family are reportedly receiving medical attention and are said to be responding positively to treatment. The Nation

APC Calls for Impeachment of Rivers Governor Amid Political Turmoil

8May

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Elections, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

APC Calls for Impeachment of Rivers Governor Amid Political Turmoil

The caretaker committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has urged the state's House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This call comes after a previous notice of impeachment was withdrawn in December following intervention by President Bola Tinubu in a dispute between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The ongoing feud between Fubara and Wike revolves around control of Rivers' political structure. Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Tony Okocha, the APC state chairman, accused Governor Fubara of disrespecting President Tinubu. Okocha emphasized the party's refusal to tolerate such behavior, stating that it would be "foolhardy" to allow someone to insult the President in their presence. S...

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project Followed Due Process – Umahi

8May

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Infrastructure, Lagos News, News, Nigeria

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project Followed Due Process – Umahi

The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project against accusations of nepotism in its procurement process. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar raised concerns over the contract awarded to HiTech Construction without public bidding, alleging favoritism due to the president's personal ties with the company's chairman. Umahi dismissed these allegations, stating that the project strictly adhered to the Procurement Act's guidelines. See Also: David Hundeyin: Coastal Road Project Awarded to Company Tied to Convicted Criminal According to Umahi, the project followed the EPC+F procurement process, wherein the investor provides designs, financing, and construction services, while the government pays counterpart funds. The bid for the project went...

Binance CEO Faults Arrest of its Execs in Nigeria

8May

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Economy, Finance, News, Nigeria

Binance CEO Faults Arrest of its Execs in Nigeria

The CEO of Binance, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has condemned Nigeria's recent arrest of its executives, labeling them as a dangerous precedent. This outcry comes after two of Binance's executives who were invited by the government ended up being detained. The Nigerian took this action as part of a crackdown on crypto-related activities. Richard Teng, the CEO, expressed his dismay at the detention of Tigran Gambaryan, Binance's head of financial crime compliance and a U.S. citizen. He also highlighted the case of Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan regional manager for Africa, who fled Nigeria in March. According to Teng, the ordeal began with meetings between Binance representatives and Nigerian authorities in January. However, matters escalated during a su...

President Tinubu to Returns to Nigeria Tomorrow

7May

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News, Nigeria, Press Statement

President Tinubu to Returns to Nigeria Tomorrow

President Bola Tinubu, along with his aides, is set to return to Nigeria on Wednesday the 8th of May after concluding his visit to Europe. The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to the president, in a post on his social media handle. Tinubu embarked on his journey on April 22 from Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, heading to The Netherlands for an official visit. The visit was at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Following his engagements in The Netherlands, the President proceeded to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in a special World Economic Forum meeting held between April 28 and 29. See Also: President Tinubu Returns to France for Treatment While it was anticipated that President Tinubu would return after the fo...

Nigeria CBN Introduces Cybersecurity Levy on Transactions

7May

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Economy, Finance, Nigeria, Security

Nigeria CBN Introduces Cybersecurity Levy on Transactions

The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a directive requiring banks to impose a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on transactions. This directive, conveyed through a circular released on Monday, is set to take effect within two weeks from its announcement. The circular, directed to all categories of banks including commercial, merchant, non-interest, and payment service banks, underscores the intention to combat cybercrimes in line with existing legislative frameworks like the Cybercrimes Act of 2015. This directive follows up on previous communications dated June 25, 2018, and October 5, 2018, signaling the CBN's sustained efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures within the financial sector. The decision to implement this levy is reportedly rooted in the Cybercrime Act of 2024, which mand...

Breaking: FG Reduces ElectricityTariff for Band A

6May

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Infrastructure, News, Nigeria, Power

Breaking: FG Reduces ElectricityTariff for Band A

The Federal Government has approved a reduction in electricity tariffs for Band A customers to N206.80/kWh, down from N225/kWh in Nigeria. Band A customers are defined as electricity consumers receiving a minimum of 20 hours of power supply daily. See Also: Power Tariff Hike: FG Discontinues Electricity Subsidy In a notice issued to its customers on Monday, Ikeja Electric announced the tariff adjustment, stating: "Please be informed of the downward tariff review of our Band A feeders from N225/kWh to N206.80/kWh effective May 6, 2024, with guaranteed availability of 20-24hrs supply daily. The tariff for Bands B, C, D, and E remains unchanged." Further details on this development are forthcoming.