Tag: Nigeria

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...
Wike Left Huge Debts for Rivers State – Fubara
Economy, Finance, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Wike Left Huge Debts for Rivers State – Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, revealed that his administration inherited substantial debt from the previous government led by Nyesom Wike. The disclosure, made on Tuesday, highlighted the challenges faced by Fubara’s administration in settling outstanding payments to contractors who executed projects under Wike’s tenure. According to Governor Fubara, numerous contractors engaged by the previous administration have been demanding their balance payments, amounting to billions of naira. This revelation has intensified the ongoing feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, adding another layer to their already strained relationship. During his tenure, Nyesom Wike, often referred to as "Mr. Projects," undertook a plethora of developmental initiatives, including the ...
Former Aviation Minister and Brother Face Fresh Charges: Abuse of Office Allegations Mount”
Aviation, Corruption, Finance, Judiciary, Nigeria, Transportation

Former Aviation Minister and Brother Face Fresh Charges: Abuse of Office Allegations Mount”

In the latest twist of events, former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, finds himself embroiled in yet another legal battle, this time alongside his brother Ahmad Abubakar. The duo is set to be arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of abuse of office related to the awarding of contracts within the aviation ministry. The EFCC's decision to arraign Mr. Sirika comes shortly after he, along with his daughter Fatima and her husband, faced similar charges last week. This time, the allegations revolve around fraudulent awards of contracts amounting to billions of naira. Mr. Sirika, who served as the aviation minister throughout President Muhammadu Buhari's two terms, is accused of leveraging his position to improperly award contracts to a company with ...
Agbakoba, Others Head to Court Despite FG’s Suspension of Cybersecurity Levy
Finance, Judiciary, Justice, News, Nigeria

Agbakoba, Others Head to Court Despite FG’s Suspension of Cybersecurity Levy

The Federal Government has quietly withdrawn the controversial 0.5% cybersecurity levy, despite the resentment it generated. Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume praised President Bola Tinubu for listening to the people, ordering a review of the levy, and suspending its implementation. However, the withdrawal has not appeased all critics. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), BudgIT, and 136 concerned Nigerians have sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the Federal High Court in Lagos over its failure to withdraw the circular directing banks to deduct the levy from customers' accounts. Similarly, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olisa Agbakoba said he would challenge the implementation of the levy in court. Last week, the CBN relied on the Cybercrime Act 2015 (as amended) to...
3 Police Officers and an FRSC Officer Killed by Gunmen in Enugu
Law Enforcement, News, Nigeria, Security

3 Police Officers and an FRSC Officer Killed by Gunmen in Enugu

Gunmen have killed three policemen and a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) official in Enugu State, Nigeria. The attack occurred on Monday morning along the Obeagu-Amechi Road in Enugu South Local Government Area of the state. According to the report, the gunmen ambushed the police officers and the FRSC official while they were on duty. The assailants opened fire on them, leading to their deaths. See Also: Three Police Officers killed by Suspected Gunmen in Enugu The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and uncover their motive. This is the second attack on security personnel in Enugu State within a week. On May 8, 2023, gunmen killed two police officers in the Nkanu West Local Government ...
Wike was instrumental in Obi’s PDP Exit – Paul Ibe
Elections, News, Nigeria

Wike was instrumental in Obi’s PDP Exit – Paul Ibe

Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has pointed fingers at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of frustrating the Southeastern presidential zoning within the party, rather than Atiku. Speaking on Seun Okinbaloye’s Mic On podcast, Ibe clarified that Atiku had advocated for the PDP to allocate the 2023 presidential ticket to the Southeast region. However, he alleged that Wike played a pivotal role in thwarting this effort. The backdrop of this accusation stems from the departure of Peter Obi, the former vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 elections, who shifted allegiance to the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2023 presidential elec...