Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

The factional Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Edision Ehie has resigned his position as the Speaker and member of the Assembly representing Ahaoda East Constituency 2. Ehie in his letter of resignation dated December 29, 2023 and addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not state the reason for his resignation but thanked his colleagues in the Assembly for good working relationship and his constituency for supporting him throughout his stay in the Assembly. Ehie was the majority leader of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly until he was suspended by the House following…

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has urged major labour and civil society organisations in Nigeria, specifically the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and others, to advocate for significant improvements in social welfare services. His proposal includes the provision of free healthcare and education, affordable housing and transportation, an increase in the national minimum wage in line with inflation rates, and strengthened physical security. Falana, the Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), elaborated on these points in a personal statement released on Sunday. He emphasised the need for these measures as crucial steps…

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has bought 14 gunboats for security agents to tackle sea piracy in the state. Speaking during the inauguration of the patrol gunboats at the Nigerian Naval Ship Base in Ikot Abasi on Friday, he said the provision of the facility was part of his efforts to boost maritime security in the coastlines and protect some critical economic assets of the state. He said, “With the 14 gunboats, this programme will also mitigate the activities of pirates and other criminal elements within the coastal communities. “This, no doubt will boost our blue economy, water…

Nigerian oil producers will be required to supply 483,000 barrels per day (bpd) to local refineries in the first six months of 2024, new regulations showed on Friday, as Africa’s largest oil exporter seeks to guarantee supplies for local refining. According to Reuters, Dangote oil refinery and at least three government-run refineries are among local refineries that are expected to begin operations in 2024. The 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote refinery will receive the biggest volume of 325,000 bpd, according to newly published Domestic Crude Supply Obligation guidelines from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). NUPRC data showed that six refineries were…

Nigeria’s Super Eagles Head Coach Jose Peseiro has picked a team of 25 players for their onslaught for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title. The list is filled with usual suspects as the gaffer has selected three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders and eight forwards to do the job come January. South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili is picked alongside Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo. 2009 U17 World Cup star Kenneth Omeruo leads the defence line alongside William Troost-Ekong, as well as Olaoluwa Aina, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi. Wilfred Ndidi is…

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Friday signed into law the ₦199.8 billion state’s budget for the 2024 fiscal year. Sule, while assenting to the 2024 budget tagged ”Budget of Renewed Commitment,” appreciated the Speaker and members of the state Assembly for ensuring due diligence in the passage of the budget. The governor assured the people of the state that he would continue to implement the budget within the economic threshold, adding that the government would adhere strictly to the budgetary provision. He urged the members of the state assembly to be committed to carrying out their oversight function…

No fewer than seven children from Bauchi State have been reunited with their parents by Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. This was contained in a statement issued by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the spokesperson for the governor. The governor commended efforts of the Kano State Police Command under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Hussain Gumel. Yusuf expressed shock over the discovery of seven children abducted from Bauchi and then trafficked and sold in Anambra and Lagos states. The governor urged parents to remain vigilant and attentive to the well-being of their children as a fundamental responsibility…

The Nigerian Senate will today, Saturday, December 30, pass the 2024 Appropriation Bill submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Naija News reports that the Red Chamber will commence plenary by 1 pm, prompt to consider and pass the budget. Recall that the Senate, on Wednesday, 21st December 2023, adjourned plenary till Friday, 29th December, to consider and pass the 2024 budget. However, in a statement by the Clerk to the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze, a few days later, the date was shifted to Saturday 30th, December 2023, at 10 am. In a new statement to journalists on…

Despite the surge in the cost of rice and the recent decision to lift the ban on foreign exchange for its imports, the Nigeria Customs Service has affirmed that rice remains a restricted commodity. Rice, a staple in the Nigerian diet, has experienced a notable increase in price despite local production efforts. Currently, a 50kg bag of rice is selling for between N55,000 and N60,000, depending on the location of purchase. This marks a significant rise from approximately N30,000 for the same bag a year ago, despite domestic rice production and the recent permission for forex use in rice imports. On October…

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has officially approved the2024 appropriation bill worth N703.02 billion. On Friday, December 29, the governor expressed his belief that the budget would contribute significantly to the state’s development and establish it as Nigeria’s infrastructure hub. The signing took place in the governor’s office in Abeokuta, where he received the bill from the Speaker of the Ogun House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo. The budget, titled “Budget of Sustained Growth and Development,” was initially presented to the House on November 30 by Governor Abiodun himself. Speaking yesterday, Governor Abiodun emphasized that the state has experienced remarkable progress…

Dangote refinery has received its next one-million-barrel crude oil cargo from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO). The oil firm received the shipment on Wednesday in a boost towards achieving Nigeria’s energy refining capacity and security. It is understood that the latest shipment brings the total to three million barrels at the facility’s Single-Point Mooring and that the fourth shipment of crude is on the way. The company, gearing up to commence operations at 350,000 bpd, is scheduled to start production of diesel and aviation fuel by Mid- January 2024 in which Premium Motor Spirit production is to follow. Dangote…

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is in talks to join Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC on a free transfer, ending 11 years in north London. Lloris came close to leaving Spurs in the summer and was in talks with Lazio, but a deal was not completed. The 37-year-old has been behind Guglielmo Vicario and Fraser Forster and has not played since a 6-1 loss to Newcastle in April. He has made 447 appearances for Spurs since signing from Lyon in 2012. The former France international, who is about to enter the final six months of his contract, expressed a…