Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that beneficiaries of the student loan funds are not plunged into huge debts.

The governor gave the charge on Tuesday while hosting a delegation from the leadership and management of the Nigeria Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) at his office in Osogbo.

According to Adeleke, he is aware of the challenges that the student loan scheme caused citizens of the United States of America and warned that “debt trap must never be experienced in Nigeria’s students’ loan operations.”

This came as the scheme has been officially launched in the state.

The Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyer, said the loan scheme is for government-owned tertiary institutions alone, saying beneficiaries would pay back two years after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and after they have secured employment.

NELFUND opened its application portal in the first phase of registration for student loans in May.

The first phase accepted applications from federal tertiary institutions.

About 1.2m students in 226 federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and technical colleges were expected to benefit from the first phase.

Data obtained from the NUC and other agencies indicated that the nation has 226 federal tertiary institutions comprising 62 universities, 41 polytechnics, 96 monotechnics and 27 colleges of education.

Sawyerr in May disclosed that the Fund started receiving applications from state universities on June 25.

He requested all state institutions to submit their students’ data immediately in order to facilitate a smooth and seamless application process.

By Tunde Oso


As Nigeria battles an economic crisis sparked by the government’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of FX windows, United Kingdom-based Diageo joined about 15 other multinational companies that have exited the country in the past three years.

Diageo is the latest to announce its departure on Tuesday, June 11 when it said it will sell its 58.02% stake in Guinness Nigeria to Tolaram.

I See Myself As Beautiful And Well Dressed, I Don't Look At The Mirror So I Won't Have Negative....0:00 / 0:00

Diageo joins others like Kimberly-Clark, manufacturers of Huggies and Kotex brands of diapers; US-based Procter and Gamble (P&G); GlaxoSmithKline (GSK); Unilever and Sanofi-Aventi Nigeria, who are either exiting completely or reducing their exposure in a country facing its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades.

Unilever Nigeria announced its exit from the home care and skin cleansing markets in Nigeria in November 2023, saying it did so “to find a more sustainable and profitable business model.”
Procter & Gamble was the last to announce its exit from the country the same year.
Similar reasons given by these and other companies include high energy costs, currency depreciation, insecurity etc.

The Federal Government itself acknowledged these challenges in an interview granted by Minister of Finance, Wale Edun on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, where he said “lack of a liquid foreign exchange market was the major reason why some multinational companies exited Nigeria,” explaining that the inability of the exiting multinationals to access foreign exchange was a major impediment to their operations in the country.

Weighing-in, the Director-General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, Adewale Oyerinde, disclosed that at least 15 multinationals have either divested or partially closed operations in the country in the last three years.

Oyerinde, in his assessment, stated: “Over 15 organisations, with a combined value-chain staff strength of over 20,000 employees, have either divested or partially closed operations,” lamenting that this has “dire consequences not only for organised businesses but also for labour, government revenue and the households; massive job losses across sectors, which would continue to create insecurity challenges”.

Oyerinde added, “When NECA examined the exit of prominent companies like GSK, Sanofi, Procter & Gamble, Nampak, and others, who had been doing business in Nigeria for decades and were huge employers of labour, it was worried about the ripple effect on the broader business ecosystem.

“Within the value chain, numerous enterprises serve as suppliers to these major corporations, and their sustainability is significantly compromised when the primary businesses they cater to face extinction.

“The survival prospects of these secondary businesses are at stake, and their employees are also at risk, as the departure of the main clients could lead to their demise. The crisis within the value chain deserves more attention than it currently receives”.

Other sectoral group leaders and analysts maintain that the continuous exit of multinational firms would dampen Nigeria’s $1trn GDP target of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The President had, at the 29th Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja, told business leaders and Nigerians that Nigeria’s economy can grow to $1 trillion by 2026.

Analysts believe the persistent exit of multinational companies from the country is set to impact negatively on this target.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that the performance of the GDP in the first quarter of 2024 was driven mainly by the services sector, which recorded a growth of 4.32 per cent and contributed 58.04 per cent to the aggregate GDP, whereas the nominal GDP growth of the manufacturing sector in the first quarter of 2024 was recorded at 8.21 per cent (year-on-year), 9.64 per cent points lower than the figure recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.

Real GDP growth in the manufacturing sector in the first quarter of 2024, on its part, was 1.49 per cent (year-on-year), lower than the same quarter of 2023.

Reacting to this, President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye said, “MAN expects the government to frontally address insecurity, improve electricity supply, promote fiscal sustainability and ensure policy consistency.

“Among other priorities, the fiscal authority must also lend supportive measures by adequately incentivising the manufacturing sector and other productive sectors.

“This is very important to boost non-oil export earnings in addition to the increase in oil export proceeds occasioned by increased oil production, rising global oil prices and the coming on stream of the Dangote Refinery”.

Director-General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Chinyere Almona, also speaking on the issue, said: “Over the last few months, there has been a consistent increase in exit plans or a reduction in involvement in the Nigerian market by the multinationals, and this trend is worrisome.

“We have seen the likes of Unilever Nigeria, GlaxoSmithKline, and recently now Guinness Nigeria Plc.

“In Nigeria, lingering foreign exchange scarcity, poor power supply, port congestion, multiple taxation, insecurity, and poor infrastructure, among others, have taken a toll on many businesses in the country.”

The chamber recommended that the government should implement measures to stabilise and ensure the availability of foreign exchange for businesses, particularly those operating in dollar-denominated environments, also imploring the government to create a more flexible and transparent foreign exchange policy to address scarcity issues.

“Further, the Chamber urges the government to engage multinational corporations and the business community to understand their challenges and gather input and feedback on policy decisions to collaboratively develop solutions that will forestall the exodus of businesses from Nigeria. The CBN should prioritise the stability of the country’s currency and adopt the right policy mix to ensure price stability,” Almona said.

National President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, ASBON, Femi Egbesola, maintained that multinationals are among the companies that contribute largely to the country’s GDP and earnings.

“We cannot be talking of growing our economy when the real investors are leaving. Assuming they are leaving and the indigenous ones are increasing, it would have been a different thing. But that is not the case. You make income as a nation when you have investments and investors,” he said.

However, since the coming of the Tinubu administration, Tinubu and Edun, among others, have been speaking on efforts being put in place towards revamping the economy, encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and also making local industries vibrant and competitive.

Whether the assurances of Edun, who, on the Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, said, “recent executive orders signed by President Bola Tinubu have improved the investment climate … and also disclosed that tax reform proposals aimed at simplifying doing business for local and foreign manufacturers are being considered as part of an Economic Stabilisation Package,” would stem the flow of multinationals exiting the country, only time will tell.

The military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tiani, on Saturday said that the people of his country, along with neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, have “irrevocably turned their backs” on the West African bloc, ECOWAS.

He disclosed this at the opening of a summit in Niamey between the three Sahelian nations who pulled out of the larger group earlier this year.

“Our people have irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States),” said Tiani.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, had on Thursday, lamented that despite several efforts being made by the regional bloc to bring Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger back to the fold, the trio are not showing any sign of returning.

While speaking at the opening ceremony of the 92nd Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the bloc, in Abuja, he said ECOWAS was yet to establish a framework for negotiation with the authorities in the three Sahelian countries on their decision to withdraw their membership from the Community.

On January 28, the three military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced they would leave the ECOWAS.

“Despite our entreaties, in the form of softening of sanctions, invitation of the governments to technical meetings, and request for meetings, we have not yet gotten the right signals from these Member States,“ Touray said.


Two summits

A divided West Africa hosts two presidential summits this weekend – one in Niger between Sahel region military regime leaders, followed by another in Nigeria on Sunday with leaders of a wider economic bloc.

Saturday’s summit in Niger’s capital Niamey marks the first between the military leaders of a new regional bloc, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger set up the mutual defence pact in September, leaving the wider Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc in January.

Their ECOWAS exit was fuelled in part by their accusation that Paris was manipulating the bloc, and not providing enough support for anti-jihadist efforts.

The exit came as the trio shifted away from former colonial ruler France, expelling anti-jihadist French troops, and turned towards what they call their “sincere partners” – Russia, Turkey and Iran.

Given the deadly jihadist violence the three countries face, “the fight against terrorism” and the “consolidation of cooperation” will be on Saturday’s agenda, according to the Burkinabe presidency.

Sunday’s summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja then offers heads of ECOWAS states the opportunity to discuss relations with the AES.

After several bilateral meetings, the three Sahelian strongmen are gathering for the first time since coming to power through coups between 2020 and 2023.

In mid-May, the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger agreed in Niamey on a draft text creating the confederation, which the heads of state are expected to adopt at Saturday’s summit.

The Delta State Police Command has commenced an investigation into an incident where a man, identified as Onyemali Christopher, allegedly brutalised his wife, Annabel Onyemali, in the state on Thursday.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, disclosed this in a post on X.com on Thursday.

In his post, he shared a picture of Annabel with blood pouring down her face.

Edafe’s caption read, “Today 4th July 2024 at about 1500hrs, the command received a petition from Ideal Chambers on behalf of the victim Mrs ANNABEL OGECHI ONYEMALI who was allegedly grievously assaulted by her husband Mr Onyemali Christopher.

“The victim is presently at the State Criminal Investigation Department. Investigation has commenced.”

PUNCH Online reported on Wednesday that the command urged victims of domestic violence, particularly married women, to be proactive by reporting abuse to the nearest police station.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has said that in 2022, Nigeria lost not less than $500 million to the activities of fraudsters popularly known as Yahoo Boys.

He also said that in the same year, about 71 international companies left Nigeria because fraudsters hacked their accounts.

Olukoyede said this while speaking at the occasion where the Global Peace Movement International (GPMI), an international organisation conferred him with the “Man of Valour” Award.

Speaking on the negative impact of internet crimes, Olukoyede said, “In 2022, we lost over $500million in our economy to yahoo boys. The statistics are there. In the same year, about 71 international companies left Nigeria because they hacked their accounts.

“We can’t get credit cards in Nigeria because of our poor credit rating because of the activities of these cyber criminals, so the best we can get is debit cards.

“Do you know that there are some international merchants that you cannot use Nigerian cards on their platforms?

“Display your Green Passport outside the country and see if they will not take you aside and search you thoroughly.”

Bewailing the scourge of corruption in the country, Olukoyede promised not to disappoint Nigerians and not to spare the corrupt.

According to him, for every N10 the EFCC recovers, more than N50 has been stolen and to recover that N10, there is a need for approximately N2.50k.

He therefore restated the commitment of his administration to the pursuit of preventive frameworks to tackle corruption.

He said, “We decided to go by the way of prevention and I set up a directorate of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC).

“With this Directorate, we are going into MDAs and monitor real time the implementation of budgets. As money is being released, we will be tracking it.”

Olukoyede charged Nigerians to fully embrace the fight against economic and financial crimes in the overall interests of the nation.

President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Aliko Dangote, says Nigeria has all it takes to turn its economy around within months.

He stated this on Thursday while briefing State House reporters after President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC).

The PECC, tasked with strategising a way out of the current economic situation in the country, has a mix of government officials, top private sector players, and consultants including Dangote; Chairman of the United Bank of Africa, Mr Tony Elumelu; and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun said the Council is to meet and report to the President monthly.

Dangote applauded the president initiative, saying it will better the economy of the country and the Nigerian populace.

He said members of the council from the private and public sectors would sit regularly to advise the government on the kind of policies that government should roll out.

“Most of these things, we have them, there are already been discussed over and over again, it is a matter of implementation. I think the choice of people that are on the PECC, they are good enough to be able to advise government on how to implement the policies,” said Dangote, who is Africa’s richest man.

“The private sector will do its own bit which is to invest heavily and create jobs. Government don’t really create jobs, what they do is to give us the right policies. We have all these policies.

“I keep saying our issues are not that bad, this economy can be turned around within few months and I think we are on that way. I thank the President for inaugurating this Council.

“We will start working immediately and I can assure you (that) you will see a lot of changes coming. We have what it takes to turn around this economy. We are going to work hard to make Nigerians proud.”

Nigeria is battling inflation, high cost of living, and other economic crisss sparked by the government’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex windows.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has threatened to penalise deposit money banks (DMBs) that reject mutilated naira notes.

In a statement on Thursday signed by Solaja Olayemi, CBN’s acting director of currency operations department, the apex bank said several reports have been made against the banks.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has received several reports of rejection of dirty/mutilated Naira banknotes by some Deposit Money Banks (DMBs),” the bank said.

“Consequently, it has become imperative to remind DMBs that the CBN circular dated July 2, 2019, reference number COD/DIR/GEN/CIR/01/006, which prescribes penalties for the rejection of Naira banknotes, is still enforceable and binding on erring DMBs.”

The apex bank said it will not hesitate to impose strict sanctions on banks reported to have rejected naira deposits from the public, under any guise.

Also, on July 2, CBN warned banks and authorised foreign exchange dealers against rejecting old series and lower denominations of dollars.

The apex bank said all relevant parties must adhere to and comply with the instruction, emphasising its disapproval of selective acceptance of deposits.

CBN said it discovered old series and lower denominations of dollars are still being rejected during a consumer market survey.

BY BUNMI ADULOJU


KuCoin, a cryptocurrency exchange, says it will commence collection of a 7.5 percent value-added tax (VAT) on transaction fees for users in Nigeria.

The company said a regulatory update in Nigeria led to KuCoin’s decision to introduce the VAT.

In a statement on July 3, the cryptocurrency platform said the deduction of the VAT would be effective from July 8.

KuCoin said for every trade, the 7.5 percent VAT will be applied to the transaction fee — not the total transaction amount.

“We are writing to inform you of an important regulatory update that impacts our users from Nigeria,” the company said.

“Starting from July 8th, 2024, we will begin collecting a Value-Added Tax (“VAT”) at a rate of 7.5% on transaction fees in each trade for users whose KYC information is registered in Nigeria.

“Nb: The 7.5% is only charged on the 0.1%/0.05% transaction fee and not your total amount which will be remitted.”

According to KuCoin, if a user buys $1,000 worth of bitcoin with a 0.1 percent fee rate, the transaction fee would be $1.

The VAT, the crypto platform said, would be 7.5 percent of the fee which is $0.075 — the net amount for the transaction would be $998.925.

“Please note that the VAT will be applied to the transaction fees in each trade, not the transaction amount, and covers all transaction types on KuCoin platform,” the crypto exchange said.

In 2022, Zainab Ahmed, former minister of finance, budget, and national planning, had initially hinted at government’s plans to tax cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.

In the 2023 Finance Act, the government imposed a 10 percent tax on profits from digital assets, including cryptocurrencies.

However, the particular provision of the act was not enforced.

In May, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced plans to delist naira from all peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms.

SEC said the decision was taken to avoid the level of “manipulation” happening in the cryptocurrency space.

By Okechukwu Nnodim


As concerns mount over the lack of domestic crude oil to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other indigenous refiners, the Independent Petroleum Producers Group has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider declaring a state of emergency on crude oil production in Nigeria following the lingering crisis associated with this.

IPPG is an association of Nigerian indigenous upstream exploration production companies that engages the government and other industry stakeholders on issues affecting the sector. It has 28 members including Oando Plc, Aiteo, Seplat, Energia, Eroton, First E&P, Frontier Oil, Green Energy, among others.

The oil producers also expressed fears that the 2024 budget might be implemented partially due to the low production of crude in Nigeria lately.

This came as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited announced that it had declared war on the challenges confronting oil production across the country, adding that it was currently engaging its partners including International Oil Companies.

However, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, charged the oil producers to increase their investments in the upstream arm of the business, as this would also help to grow oil output.

They all spoke at the ongoing Nigeria Oil and Gas conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Nigeria’s oil production has been dropping since this year, falling from over 1.4 million barrels per day (excluding condensates) in January to about 1.2mbpd in April.

Oil producers believe that Nigeria should be producing about 2mbpd in order to meet the demand of local refineries as well as export.

Dangote refinery as well as operators of modular refineries have continued to raise concern over the poor crude oil supply from IOCs and NNPC. However, industry experts say most of the crude volumes by the IOCs and NNPC have been contracted out to dealers already, amid the low production in-country.

Presenting the industry keynote address at the conference, the Chairman, IPPG, Abdulrazaq Isa, pointed out that the industry was in dire need of extraordinary focus to mitigate the genuine concerns on its long-term sustainability.

He stressed that “as a matter of national importance, Nigeria must act fast and hasten the pace of recovery across the entire industry, even if it means Mr President declaring a state of emergency in the oil and gas sector! We must be seen to do everything possible to unleash the industry.

“Unlocking this incremental production is achievable only through collaboration and commitment between the industry regulators (NUPRC and NMDPRA) and industry operators (NNPC, OPTS and IPPG) and this must be done for the sake of our country.”

Isa said despite Nigeria’s world class hydrocarbon resource base, with over 37 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves and 207 tcf (trillion cubic feet) and 600 tcf of proven and contingent gas reserves respectively, the country finds itself in a situation where its daily production has significantly dropped and lies at about 1.3 million barrels of oil and 8.5 bcf (billion cubic feet) of gas today.

“This is way below our capacity as a nation and by all globally acceptable standards, this reserves to production ratio is extremely low and a clear indicator that the industry is in a dire situation. In addition, we now run the risk of partial implementation of our national budget considering an estimated deficit of 400,000bpd from the forecasted 1.78 million bpd.

“This trend in production portends another frightening dimension when we consider that in the not-too-distant future our overall installed domestic refining capacity, currently closing in on about 1.2 million barrels per day, may soon outstrip our current crude oil production level with the risk of Nigeria finding itself in a position where it is unable to meet its domestic refinery crude demand or even become a net importer of crude oil, God forbid!,” he stated.

The oil producers chairman noted that it was against this scary backdrop that the IPPG was calling for urgent measures to be undertaken by all relevant stakeholders to immediately arrest this dwindling production level and under-investment by focusing on some priority areas.

Outlining the priority areas, he said, “The immediate conclusion of all pending IOC divestment transactions: IPPG strongly advocates that our member companies – Seplat, the Renaissance Consortium and Oando – have the proven track record to successfully take over and manage these onshore and shallow water assets to realise incremental production in the region of 100,000 – 200,000 barrels of oil and over 1.5bcf of gas per day within 24 months and well over 500,000 barrels of oil per day in the long term.

“IPPG believes the timely approval of these IOC divestment transactions will also be a clear signal capable of restoring global investor confidence in Nigeria in an era of competing global investment destinations in Africa and very limited access to capital.

“The urgent need to address deepwater developmental and production: Untangling issues around deepwater development, particularly in terms of competitive fiscal regime being negotiated with Shell, Total Energies, ExxonMobil and Chevron, has the potential to unlock incremental production of 700,000 barrels per day from this terrain in the short to medium term.”

Isa also stated that enabling deepwater development would attract significant economic benefits as Nigeria has one of the world’s largest untapped deepwater resource base.

“The adoption of a national value-retention strategy: Nigeria’s domestic crude oil refining and petrochemical capacity must be sustained primarily from our domestic crude oil and gas production in order to transform our country into a net exporter of refined petroleum and petrochemical products that will lay a strong foundation for the rapid industrialisation of the Nigerian economy.

“It is therefore imperative to grow our daily production to 2.5 million barrels of oil and 10 bcf of gas in the near to long term to ensure we are able to meet our domestic refinery and petrochemical demands and export commitments to generate the much needed foreign exchange earnings for macro-economic stability.

“The development of Nigeria’s gas resources to catalyse economic growth and complement decarbonisation drive: Nigeria’s vast gas resources must be exploited with immediate focus placed on restoring production to existing installed LNG capacity and expanding production (FLNG),” he stated.

In addition, the IPPG chairman said “we must expand domestic gas utilisation (gas-to-power; gas-based industries) by investing heavily to address the gas infrastructure deficit facing us today. The International Oil Companies will lead the charge on export gas while IPPG members will drive the domestic gas agenda led by NNPC

“These priority areas provide the most realistic and sustainable pathway towards meeting our national long term production aspiration of four million barrels of oil per day and 13 billion cubic feet of gas per day.”


NNPC reacts

Also speaking at the conference, the Group Chief Executive Officer NNPC, Mele Kyari, said in order ro increase Nigeria’s crude oil production and grow its reserves, NNPC has declared a state of emergency on production in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

“We have decided to stop the debate. We have declared war on the challenges affecting our crude oil production. War means war. We have the right tools. We know what to fight. We know what we have to do at the level of assets. We have engaged our partners. And we will work together to improve the situation,” he declared.

According to him, a detailed analysis of assets revealed that Nigeria can conveniently produce two million barrels of crude oil per day without deploying new rigs, but the major impediment to achieving that remains the inability of players to act in a timely manner.

He said the “war” would help NNPC and its partners to speedily clear all identified obstacles to effective and efficient production such as delays in procurement processes, which have become a challenge in the industry.


Oil sector principalities

Kyari described some players in the sector as principalities, but stated that the President had made orders to tackle such individuals.

“There are delays in procurement and this is because all of us the producing companies have converted procurement to business. It is not just NNPC, everyone of us. And I’ve said this to all our partners that within your companies you have principalities who will not let you complete your procurement, who will add cost to your costs.

“And now what Mr President has done is to take out all the principalities and if you do, it is your choice. But for us as a company we are moving to another level. We are going to cap the cost of production. You can call your wife to do the contract, no problem, provided you produce the oil at $20/barrel or so.

“We’re getting there so that we can take out those procurement people who have stopped us from developing as an industry and a country. This is what Mr President’s executive order has done, to take out those principalities so that we can move.”

On medium to long-term measures aimed at boosting and sustaining production, Kyari said NNPC would replace all the old crude oil pipelines built over four decades ago and also introduce a rig sharing programme with its partners to ensure that production rigs stay in the country for between four and five years which is the standard practice in most climes.

He called on all players in the industry to collaborate towards reducing the cost of production and boosting production to target levels.

He expressed the company’s commitment to investing in critical midstream gas infrastructure such as the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben, known as OB3, and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipelines to boost domestic gas production and supply for power generation, industrial development and economic prosperity of the country.

On Compressed Natural Gas, Kyari observed that NNPC has since keyed into the Presidential CNG drive, adding that in conjunction with partners such as NIPCO Gas, NNPC has built a number of CNG stations, 12 of which will be inaugurated on Thursday in Lagos and Abuja.

Meanwhile, the oil minister, Lokpobiri, charged the IPPG to increase its investments in the oil sector by ramping up its production of crude, stressing that if the 28 members of the association could produce at least 5,000 barrels daily, this would go a long way in raising Nigeria’s oil output.

A tragic incident occurred as an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took his own life on Monday at his residence in Abuja.

PRNigeria gathered that the deceased, a member of Course 5, was described as diligent, efficient, and unassuming.

The Commission is exploring possible factors, including mental health and family challenges, that may have contributed to the operative’s depression and tragic decision.

When contacted on the incident, the EFCC spokesperson, Mr. Dele Oyewale told PRNigeria that an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the suicide.

The EFCC has not released the operative’s name pending the conclusion of the investigation.

This incident has sent shockwaves through the organization, and details will be provided as more information becomes available.

Aliko Dangote, the President, Dangote Industries Ltd has identified solutions to sustaining existing local and foreign investments as well as attracting new investors into the country.

Dangote gave the solutions in a keynote speech delivered at the opening of a three-Day Nigeria Manufacturers Summit with the theme,” Rethinking Manufacturing in Nigeria”.

The summit, held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, was declared opened by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The Africa richest man said, to arrest investors from leaving the country in droves and attract new ones, the Federal Government must initiate deliberate industrial policies that assure investors of support and protection.

According to him, such policies are the greatest incentives for all existing investors, manufacturers, both local and foreign.

The industrialist also noted that foreign investors, manufacturers would be attracted only when they see that local investors are also doing well.

According to him, what attracts foreign investment is not when the President or any other government agencies go outside the country to seek for foreign investment.

“I am recommending that government policies should support, protect existing industries so that others will know that their investments will also be protected.

” Is there any better incentives than that ? I don’t think so.

“So, I humbly summit that an industrial policy that assures investors of support and protection is the greatest incentives for all investors both local and foreign,” he said.

Dangote also underscored the importance of stable and affordable power, as well accessible financing to sustaining and attracting investors and manufacturers.

He said stable, affordable power and access to finance by manufacturers and investors would guarantee growth, industrialisation and prosperity.

According to him, import dependent economy is equivalent to importing poverty and exporting jobs.

He further said that when government policies become more supportive and protective, investors would be more willing to collaborate and partner with government.

” This will help in resolving others challenges such as infrastructure deficit, market instability and market economic issues such as inflation and foreign exchange volatility.

“However, ignoring all these facts is what give rise to insecurity, banditry, kidnappings and abject poverty in the land,” he said

On Bank loans to investors, Dangote said that the current 30 per cent interest rates is stifling growth and there is no way anybody can create jobs.

The business magnate, however, expressed the optimism that Nigeria has all it takes to develop and sustain a globally competitive manufacturing sector.

“To do so, we must rethink our industrialisation policy. We must look to leading countries in the West and the East who are actually protecting their domestic industries.

“We must similarly, introduce policies to protect our domestic industries and nurture them into home champions that will create the jobs and prosperity we desperately need.

” The time to rethink our industrial policy is now,” Dangote said.

He reiterated that manufacturing remains the key driver in the nation’s quest to economic development and self sufficiency.

Dangote added that the strengths of a country’s manufacturing sector determines its capacity to compete in global trade.

Also speaking at the event, a former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to declare manufacturing, a national priority sector.
NAN

To mark the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Ministry of Youth Development invited at least 50 youths from across Nigeria’s 36 states to the presidential villa. This venture cost the ministry N20 million, paid in violation of the financial regulations, FIJ has gathered.

Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, and immediately began policy changes he claimed would save the country some money. “Fuel subsidy is gone,” he said during his inauguration, immediately increasing the cost of living and dividing expert opinions.

One year after taking the reins, the presidency organised a celebratory event at the villa to mark the milestone. As part of preparations, the Jamila Ibrahim-led youth ministry shelled out N20 million to invite youths to attend.

Ibrahim’s ministry made N10 million payments twice to one Dahiru Jibril on May 25, 2024, for the same purpose. Each payment, FIJ found on the Govspend portal, has a different payment number.

Each payment description reads: “Being payment for invitation of 50 youths from 36 states of the federation to participate in the celebration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year anniversary at the presidential villa.”

The payments had codes 1001185448-1 and 1001185448-2.

By paying into a private account, the ministry violated Nigeria’s Financial Regulations.

Chapter 7, Section 713 of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations (2009), states: “Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private account. Any officer who pays public money into a private account is deemed to have done so with fraudulent intention.”

FIJ earlier reported how the State House headquarters violated the same regulation when it made a N10 million payment to a private account on March 15 to purchase consumables for Nana Shettima, wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Written by Igho Oyoyo


Many Nigerians are curious as to why the government has not yet implemented the recommendations of the Oronsaye Report.

There are rumours of political manoeuvring and lobbying by some powerful individuals who stand to lose from the proposed merger of ministries, departments and agencies of government (MDAs).

Others speculate that the government may face logistical and financial challenges in the mergers. However, the delay is causing anxiety among civil servants and citizens alike, who are eager to see a leaner and more efficient government.

They say the government must provide clear and transparent communication on the progress of the mergers and address any concerns or obstacles hindering the implementation.

LEADERSHIP reports that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the merging, scrapping, and subsuming of some MDAs in February this year in line with its policy of reducing the cost of governance.

The president’s special adviser on policy coordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala-Usman, said the decision was based on the Steve Oronsaye Report on Civil Service Reforms inaugurated under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2014.

According to the report, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria will be merged with the Voice of Nigeria, while the National Commission for Museum and Monuments will be merged with the National Gallery of Acts.

The National Theatre will merge with the National Troupe of Nigeria, while the National Meteorological Development Centre will merge with the National Meteorological Training Institute.

National Agency for Control of HIV/AIDS (NACA) is to be merged with the Centre for Disease Control in the Federal Ministry of Health, while National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is to be merged with the National Commission for Refugee Migration and Internally Displaced Persons.

The Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa will be merged with the Directorate of Technical Aid to function as a department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission is to be merged with the Bureau for Public Enterprises. The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission will merge with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, while the National Agency for Science and Technology and Science and Engineering Infrastructure will merge with the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation and the Project Development Institute.

The special adviser further revealed that the National Biotechnology Development Agency will be merged with the National Centre for Genetic Resource and Biotechnology, while the National Institute for Leather Science Technology will be merged with the National Institute for Chemical Technology.

The Nomadic Education Commission will merge with the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult Education, and Non-formal Education.

The Nigerian Army University will be merged with the Nigerian Defence Academy to function as a faculty within the latter.

Similarly, the Air Force Institute of Technology also will be merged with the Nigerian Defence Academy to function as the faculty of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

The Border Communities Development Agency will be subsumed to function as a department under the National Boundary Commission.

The National Salaries Income and Wages Commission is to be subsumed into the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission while the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution is to be subsumed under the Institute for International Affairs.

The Public Complaints Commission is to be subsumed under the National Human Rights Commission while the Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis is to be subsumed into the Institute for Veterinary Research.

On the agencies to be relocated, Hadiza Bala Usman said the Niger Delta Power Holding Company is to be relocated to the Ministry of Power while the National Agricultural Land Development Agency will be relocated to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Meanwhile, a director in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, who pleaded anonymity while speaking on the expiration of the 12 weeks given to the presidential committee to develop a workable plan for implementing the merger of MDAs, said it was wise to give the committee this week to see what they will come out with, since the deadline just expired.

Responding on whether he was aware of the preparedness of the MDAs for the merger, he said the Office of the Head of Service does not have such information, and that it is the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation that is in charge of the merger because MDAs are under the SGF, not the Head of Service.

“The 12 weeks given to the presidential committee to implement the merger just expired, and today is Monday; you people should be patient and hold forth. Let us see what this week brings out. It is too early to ask what is happening.

“On if the MDAs are prepared, I would not know how prepared they are, because MDAs are under the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. They are in charge of parastatals, not the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation,” he said.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has assured Nigerians and the organised labour that better minimum wage will result from ongoing negotiations.

The governors had previously rejected the Federal Government’s proposal of N62,000, stating that some states would need to borrow money to pay salaries.

Despite this, organised labour continues to demand a wage of N250,000.

The governors chose to hold an emergency meeting after the Federal Executive Council postponed the minimum wage discussion on Tuesday to allow President Bola Tinubu to conduct broader consultations.

According to a communiqué released after an emergency meeting that extended into the early hours of Thursday, signed by NGF acting Director, Media, Ahmed Salihu, the Forum discussed various issues impacting the nation.

The communiqué indicated that the forum discussed the new national minimum wage and agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

It read, “The Forum received a presentation from the Minister of Women Affairs on the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up, along with other activities of the ministry. Members noted the importance of the project and emphasized the need to implement it at the state level as initially conceived, as the states are the primary obligors of the project.

“The governors acknowledge the work and contributions of the Ministry of Women Affairs in promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advancing social development across Nigeria.

“The Forum discussed the new National Minimum Wage. The governors agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually agreeable solution. We remain dedicated to the process and assure that better wages will result from the ongoing negotiations.”

The 36 state governors highlighted the significance of the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up and stressed the necessity of implementing it at the state level as originally intended, given that the states are the primary entities responsible for the project.

The communique added ” We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country.

“Members received the Acting Country Director of the World Bank, Mr. Taimur Samad, and his team to discuss the bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the states, including HOPE Series of Projects: Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality, Food and Nutrition Security, NFWP-SU: Nigeria For Women Project Scale Up, NG-CARES: Nigeria Community Action (for) Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme SABER: State Action on Business Enabling Reforms Program, SPIN: Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project.

“Members expressed willingness to continue to provide the much-needed support to ensure programme effectiveness across the country.

“Members received a briefing from Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee. He highlighted the progress made regarding the ongoing Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. He sought the input and support of their excellencies on a number of proposals which would directly impact the subnational level of government.

“Members pledged their support for the Committee to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms and to collaborate closely to address any challenges that may arise.”

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the arrest of two officers of the Commission allegedly involved in the manhandling of a female staff of Regional Hotel, Ojo, Lagos.

In a video trending online, the EFCC officials who dressed in mufti were seen badging into one of the rooms of the hotel.

An unidentified lady said to be a worker at the hotel was seen trying to open the door from inside when the men opened it forcefully.

One of them was seen slapping the lady reportedly before he ordered her out of the room.

The incident was captured on Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).

In his statement, Oyewale said the incident happened during an early morning sting operation.

He said the operation led to the arrest of a sizable number of suspects who were still being profiled.

“The EFCC’s boss has also ordered detailed investigations of the operation carried out at the hotel and assured that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against any of the officers found to be culpable,” the statement read.

“Olukoyede assures the general public that the EFCC would continue to ply its job professionally and with profound respect for the rule of law.”

By Emmanuel Uti


An emerging video on X (formerly Twitter) showing that a part of the Dangote refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, was on fire has begun to draw the attention of social media users.

In the video now shared by many users, the first being at 1:22 pm, on the microblogging site, heaps of black smoke from the burning area were visible from a part of the refinery.

FIJ learned that part of the Dangote refinery was indeed on fire in the wee hours of Wednesday.

A source who spoke to FIJ confirmed that the fire started at midnight due to a leakage.
“It was a leakage on Pipe A13 that caused the fire. It started small: first, a burning cable before people started perceiving some smell. This was around midnight. But it has been put out,” he told FIJ.

According to the source, firefighters were only able to contain the fire around noon.

A trigger-happy police officer from the Nsukka Urban Police Division has reportedly shot and killed a young man, identified as Amuche, on Echara Road in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The incident, SaharaReporters gathered, happened on Sunday night.

According to eyewitnesses, a group of plainclothes police officers had gone out for a night of relaxation when the incident occurred.

The trouble reportedly started when one of the officers began dancing with a woman, suspected to be a sex worker, in front of a bar.

The woman allegedly accused the officer of groping her breasts while they were dancing, leading to an altercation that ended up in the officer shooting Amuche.

The officer's identity has not been released, as the police are trying to cover it up, SaharaReporters reliably gathered.

"She alerted the management of the charlet and the manager had a heated argument with the policeman," said an eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"In the process, one of them slapped the other person. At that point, the manager went inside the charlet and mobilised some boys who were working there.

"The Manager then slapped the policeman when he returned with the boys. It was at that point that the other policemen who were in company of the one dancing with the alleged prostitute, joined the fracas to rescue their embattled colleague.

"That was when one of them pulled an AK-47 rifle from their car and shot to disperse the crowd that gathered following the chaotic situation. A stray bullet then hit Amuche, who was playing snookers at the charlet when the incident started.

"The victim was already rushing to leave the venue when he was hit by the bullet. The policemen equally whisked away the manager of the charlet on the ground that he assaulted their colleague," the witness said.

The incident, incident however, sparked a wide protest as irate youths carried the corpse and protested to the Nsukka Police Division where they were allegedly asked to go and deposit the remains in the morgue.

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters efforts to get the police reaction were unsuccessful as the Command's spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, didn't take his calls as at the time of filing this report.

BY DYEPKAZAH SHIBAYAN


The cost of a new presidential jet will be included in the 2024 supplementary budget, TheCable understands.

Sources have disclosed that the proposal will be sent to the national assembly soon.

In April, President Bola Tinubu resorted to a commercial aircraft on his way to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Riyadh after the aircraft he travelled with to The Netherlands developed a fault.

Around the same time, Vice-President Kashim Shettima was seen arriving in Ogun state in a chartered aircraft.

The vice-president would later abort his trip to the US mid-air after the aircraft transporting him developed an engine fault.

On the heels of these developments, TheCable reported that the federal government has put three ageing presidential jets up for sale.

The current fleet, maintained by the presidential air fleet (PAF), an arm of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), include Boeing 737 Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), a Gulfstream G550, a Gulfstream GV, two Falcon 7x and one Challenger CL605.

Two committees of the national assembly have recommended that two aircraft be bought for the use of the president and vice-president.

However, a source at the national assembly said only the cost of one presidential jet would be included in the supplementary budget.

In early June, Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, said the supplementary budget would be funded with the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF).

The fund is currently domiciled in the National Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority (NSWIA).

The spending bill would also provide funding for the Lagos-Calabar coastal road and rail projects across the country.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Tuesday, stepped down the memo on the new millennium wage for the nation’s public workers.

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed this after the council meeting in Abuja.

Mr Idris said the decision would allow for more consultations between President Bola Tinubu, state governors, local government authorities and the private sector.

He revealed that the FEC did not act on the memo submitted by the tripartite committee, given that the federal government was not the sole stakeholder on the national minimum wage issue.

“(That) memo was stepped down to enable Mr President to consult further, especially with the state governors and the organised private sector, before he makes a presentation to the National Assembly before an executive bill is presented to the National Assembly.

“So I want to state that on the new national minimum wage, Mr President is going to consult further so that he can have an informed position because the new national minimum wage, as I said, is not just an issue of the federal government,” he told state house journalists after the meeting.

The tripartite committee on the new minimum wage, which comprises the government’s team, organised labour, and the organised private sector, was established in January and reviewed the wages from the current pay of N30,000 to N62,000.

Amid this, organised labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, has been demanding N250,000 as the minimum living wage for workers.

Some staff of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Health have lamented how the President Bola Tinubu's administration has withheld their salaries and allowances for the past six months.

The agencies include; the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, the Institute of Chemist, the Pharmacist council of Nigeria, the Health records, the Medical laboratory council of Nigeria, and the Medical and dental council of Nigeria.

Others are; the Medical rehabilitation council, the Dental technology registration board, the Optometrists Board (ODORBN), the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria ( EHCON), the Institute public analysis of Nigeria and Environmental health practitioners of Nigeria.

Some of the personnel, who spoke with SaharaReporters on Monday, lamented their inability to provide food for their households, payments of their children school fees, transport to their workplaces among others.

"The President Tinubu's administration is not paying our salaries including allowances. We are at least 14 agencies under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Health. This has been from January 2024 to date.

"We have not been paid our salaries and allowances, since January 2014 and we do not know the reason for the failure and delay from the part of the government to pay despite the unimaginable hardship we are subject to.

"I think the government should talk to us, let us know why our salaries are delayed," one of them said.

"The President Tinubu administration earlier agreed to the "continuation of the Budgetary Allocation to the 14 agencies that were earlier defended under the Federal Ministry of Health & Social welfare.

"The question is, why then the delay in salaries & allowances in this hard time, where feeding is becoming a challenge to the common Nigerian?

"This is a sin against humanity and it is advised that this issue be attended to with immediate effect," another worker said.

One of the representatives of the non-Academic Staff Union of education and association institution (NASU) while speaking with SaharaReporters called for an urgent intervention of the president to ensure that their salaries were disbursed without further delay.

He said; "We want to bring the attention of President Bola Tinubu to the critical issue of non-payment of salaries for the 13 health regulatory bodies under the Ministry of Health. In June 2023, we received a letter from the budget office of Nigeria indicating that we would no longer be funded from the government's treasury.

"In response to this situation, the health regulatory bodies union chairmen formed a union to engage with the committee of Registrar CEOs of each regulatory body involved. We sought help from the Minister of Health, through whom we are granted a waiver from the federal government to remain in the government treasury. However, prior to obtaining the waiver, we were not permitted to submit our budget.

"In late March 2024, we were instructed by the budget office to resubmit our budget, which we promptly did. Unfortunately, till date, we have not received our salaries. This has put us in a difficult position as we have not been paid since January and we are unsure of how to cope.

"Your urgent intervention and assistance are needed to address this pressing matter and ensure that our salaries are disbursed without further delay."

However, the Ministry of Health, Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe, told SaharaReporters that the workers complaining and lamenting knew the proper channels to approach for their complaints.

"I am not aware of that, the workers complaining and lamenting knows the proper channels to go if actually they have not been paid their salary. They need to contact the Minister and Permanent Secretary. If they don't notify them, how will anything be done about it?" she said.

Gbenga Sesan, the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, has revealed that his organisation bought Minister Bosun Tijani’s National Identification Number (NIN) slip for just N100.

Sesan said this on Monday while explaining a data breach and privacy concerns with Nigeria’s vulnerable identification database on News Central TV.

“NIMC’s statement (published on Saturday) suggests that it is Nigerians who are giving their data to these fake websites, but this is NIMC’s data, and we now have proof. We got the NIN slip of the minister, Dr Bosun Tijani; we got the NIN slip of the number one data regulator in Nigeria, Dr Vincent Olatunji,” Sesan said on Monday.

“We bought them for N100 each to demonstrate that this is not a joke. It basically means that your identity is for sale for N100. The real implication is that anything we can do with a NIN slip, we can get a SIM card with that. Who knows if anyone has the President’s SIM card right now. Or the National Security Adviser? A military general leading warfare in a place where they are dealing with terrorists?

“What if a terrorist bought the general’s NIN slip, got his SIM card and sent a message to the troops and said, ‘Meet me at 0700. 14 degrees north,’ just to ambush them? The implications are serious. It means that anybody can claim to be you. They can get your SIM card and do it.”

Gbenga Sesan reveals his organisation bought Minister Bosun Tijani’s National Identification Number (NIN) slip for just N100.

Only three months after FIJ exposed XpressVerify, a private website selling the Nigerian identification data, private website AnyVerify was found trading Nigerian bank verification numbers (BVNs), among other sensitive citizen data.

Paradigm Initiative said on Thursday that it was seeking legal redress on behalf of Nigerians for a breach of data privacy rights.

NIMC stated that the data of Nigerians had not been compromised on Saturday. It was responding to Paradigm Initiative’s alarm over websites such as AnyVerify and XpressVerify.

In the same breath, NIMC confirmed it did not authorise AnyVerify and some other listed websites. NIMC described these websites as data harvesters.

According to Sesan, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) failed to properly scrutinise NIMC’s responsibility for the data breach after FIJ exposed XpressVerify in March. Sesan said NIMC only got “a slap on the wrist” for the breach.

“When NIMC says there is no breach, we understand that they are trying to control and not create panic. But at this point, they need to hit the panic button; otherwise, there will be impunity over and over again,” Sesan noted.

“It’s not just that there’s a data breach, it’s that there is another data breach. XpressVerify was the one in March, and we did report it.

“Thanks to FIJ, it was revealed. We reported it to the NDPC and NIMC got a slap on the wrist, and that means that they were willing to look away again.”

A year after the leadership of the opposition Labour Party was separated with the incumbent National Chairman, Julius Abure and the Deputy National Chairman of the party (South), Lamidi Apapa laying claim to the mantle of leadership, both camps have agreed to sheath their swords and work together.

Loyalists from both camps were torn apart in April 2023 following a court judgment restraining Abure and three others from parading themselves as national officers of the party.

But Abure fought back fiercely to retain his seat with the help of the parent body, Nigeria Labour Congress, under the leadership of its National President, Joe Ajaero.

The embattled LP chairman, however, fell out of favour with the NLC following a contentious national convention held in Anambra that returned him and all his loyal members of the National Working Committee to office three months ago.

Despite a series of picketing at LP secretariats nationwide and other threats by the unionists amid calls for an expansive and inclusive convention that should start from the grassroots, Abure did not budge.

The action subsequently compelled the NLC Political Commission to void the new leadership and set up a transition committee, saddled with the task of engaging stakeholders of the party and conducting a fresh convention in 90 days.

A source at the LP national secretariat, who preferred anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, explained that Abure felt the urgent need to close rank with the Lamidi Apapa’s faction following the open revolt and media war from its Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi as well as the pressure from the NLC.

“It is the only logical way for him to have a united front against the threat of the NLC in particular. I believe you already know Abure has a long history with Lamidi Apapa and Abayomi Arabambi before now,” the source explained.

When The PUNCH contacted the Apapa’s camp, the factional spokesman, Abayomi Arabambi, confirmed the development.

Arabambi told our reporter that they had no problem with Abure from the outset because they knew he was being influenced and misled by some leading officers of the NLC.

He said, “We are together to stop all those political hawks from taking over our party. We thought they (NLC) were fighting for a just cause. But it is very obvious they only want to take over our party and we are not going to accept that. We in the Lamidi Apapa group are not lawbreakers like those who supported Abure in disobeying the court order. I have said this several times on air.

“It was because of this threat that Abure extended an olive branch for all of us to bond together. It was obvious that these people were not only with him to fight us but to take over the control of the party. So we cannot be outside and allow some people to take over our party. That was why Abure asked us to come together in the party’s interest.

“We are here to fight those people who want to use the Labour Party to foment trouble and destabilize the country. That is what we are against. Nobody is contesting or running for any election now. We know the next race is in 2027. Why should we now be seeking ways to bring the nation down? We are averse to that.”

He added, “I also want you to know that there is nothing like Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign here anymore. It has been dissolved. Everybody has reverted to former governorship and presidential candidate. We don’t want disinformation at the Labour Party.

“Again, you recall that there was a crisis in APC and the PDP. Yet, the warring parties came together and resolved it. So what stopped us from resolving ours? When you are fighting, there is no permanent enemy. It is all about permanent interest.”

Efforts to get Abure to react to the report were unsuccessful.

But the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, also confirmed the reunion, saying there was nothing out of place for Abure to extend olive branches to aggrieved members of the party.

He said, “Labour Party is united. We do not have a division in the sense that as a party that came out of the election hugely successful with a lot of results to show, several people would want to have a stake in the Labour Party. The implication is that a lot of stone-throwing and interest will begin to manifest. But the Labour Party has a constitution and it has a rule completely spelt out.

“Anybody that tries to go out of it will get his hand burnt because the law will not support what you are doing just as the NLC is doing. Besides, we have never seen the Lamidi Apapa people as having their camp because there’s only one camp. That is the one led by Julius Abure.

“Of course, they have the right to be aggrieved and take positions that are not aligned with the interest of the party. But as soon as they discovered it was not the right way, I think they took the better decision to begin to retrace their steps. That is what we have seen.”

He stated further, “Many people who were involved in anti-party activities in the past are beginning to discover that the laws are not on their side. The best thing is to retrace their steps and return to the fold.

“So many other persons have indicated interest in returning to the party. LP does not have any problem with that. Our doors are wide open. If you are out in the cold and you need shelter in the Labour Party, we will bring you back and shelter you.

“The distinguished gentleman you just mentioned (Arabambi) is still our member. He has also recognised Julius Abure as the only national chairman. The party is coming together and I can tell you that the party is a lot more united now than ever.”

The Head of the Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, will retire on 14 August, 2024.

This was disclosed by the Director, Communications in HoCSF office, Mallam Mohammed Ahmed, during a parley with media executives in commemoration of the 2024 Civil Service Week Celebrations.

Mohammed said the parley is the last Dr. Yemi-Esan would be superintending as the HoCSF.

Our correspondent reports that Yemi-Esan would be 60 years on August 14 this year, having been born on 13 August 1964.

Daily Trust reports that this year’s civil service week is theme ‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa’.

Our correspondent also reports that the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari on 18 September 2019 appointed Yemi-Esan as the Acting HoCSF following the removal of the former HOCSF, Mrs Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita.

Yemi-Esan who was later on 4 March 2020 inaugurated, was then serving as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Yemi-Esan hails from Ikoyi, Ijumu, Kogi State. She was born in Kaduna State and had her primary school education at Bishop Smith School, Ilorin, Kwara State.

She proceeded to Federal Government College, Ilorin, for her secondary school education.

She attended University of Ibadan, where she graduated in 1987 as the best dental surgery student and later got a certificate in health planning and management, before obtaining a master’s degree in public and international administration.

Yemi-Esan rose to the position of Federal Permanent Secretary in 2012, serving first as Permanent Secretary, Service Policy and Strategy Office in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, later in the Federal Ministry of Information and also Federal Ministry of Education and Career Management Office (OHCSF).

By Sodeeq Atanda



A New York Times article about Nigeria’s current economic situation has drawn a response from the federal government.

The article, titled ‘Nigeria Confronts Its Worst Economic Crisis in a Generation‘, talks about fuel subsidy removal and the floatation of Nigeria’s currency by the Bola Tinubu-led administration and their impacts on the population.

In a widely-circulated rejoinder between Sunday and Monday, the State House, through Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, described the article as a “jaundiced report” and claimed that the current economic crisis was a consequence of the bad economy the president inherited.

Onanuga further faulted the report, saying that the United States-based newspaper failed to consider the positive outcomes of Tinubu’s economic policies, reflected in the trade surplus and decreased inflation rate.

“The economy recorded a trade surplus of N6.52 trillion in Q1, as against a deficit of N1.4 trillion in Q4 of 2023. Portfolio investors have streamed in as long-term investors,” said Onanuga.

“The inflationary rate is slowing down, as shown in the figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics for April. Food inflation remains the biggest challenge, and the government is working very hard to rein it in with increased agricultural production.”

The president’s aide then claimed the 2023 appropriation act was inefficient as it proposed to spend 97 percent of the country’s revenues to service debt.

CLAIM: The 2023 budget planned to use 97 percent of Nigeria’s revenues to service debt.

“For decades, Nigeria had maintained a fuel subsidy regime that gulped $84.39 billion between 2005 and 2022 from the public treasury in a country with huge infrastructural deficits and in high need of better social services for its citizens,” the statement read in part.

“The state oil firm, NNPC, the sole importer, had amassed trillions of naira in debts for absorbing the unsustainable subsidy payments in its books. By the time President Tinubu took over the leadership of the country, there was no provision made for fuel subsidy payments in the national budget beyond June 2023.

“The budget itself had a striking feature: it planned to spend 97 percent of revenue servicing debt, with little left for recurrent or capital expenditure. The previous government had resorted to massive borrowing to cover such costs.”

VERIFICATION: In verifying this claim, FIJ compared the claim with available public records and reports.

In 2023, the country was projected to generate N8.46 trillion in revenue and spend N6.31 trillion in servicing public debt. This represented a debt-servicing ratio of 73.5 percent, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO). The DMO coordinates the management of Nigeria’s debt.

Furthermore, the country was expected to raise N10.49 trillion in revenues and N11.34 trillion in deficit, which was to be financed by borrowings.

FIJ’s findings showed that in the first nine months of the said year, 45.6 percent of tax revenues were spent servicing debts, a far cry from the 22.5 percent recommended by the World Bank for Nigeria and other low-income countries.

News reports by various newspapers further explained this debt-service-ratio projection.

CONCLUSION: The government’s claim that the 2023 budget was designed to use 97 percent of Nigeria’s tax revenues in 2023 for debt debt servicing is false.

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central has pleaded with the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC
to accept whatever the federal government offered them above N60,000 as the new minimum wage.

Bamidele urged the NLC and TUC to toe the path of dialogue and peace in the negotiation of a new minimum wage, which the President had promised to send a bill to the National Assembly for this purpose.

The Senate Leader has reiterated the need for Nigerians to demonstrate more patriotic spirit and oneness in their daily activities as the nation journeys through its socio-political trajectory towards the promised land.

He made the call in an Eid-el-Kabir message by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Sunday, just as he highlighted some achievements of the administration of President BolaTinubu.

Bamidele said, “The federal government has conceded to N60,000, which translates to a 100 percent increase. But both NLC and TUC turned down this offer, leading to a two-day industrial action.

“The federal government has promised to make more concessions in this respect. As the federal government reveals its new offer, I plead with the organised labour to accept it in the national interest. The economy will remain in this condition. Collectively, we are taking multi-pronged measures to reverse disturbing economic indicators.”has conceded to N60,000, which translates to a 100 percent increase. But both NLC and TUC turned down this offer, leading to a two-day industrial action.

“The federal government has promised to make more concessions in this respect. As the federal government reveals its new offer, I plead with the organised labour to accept it in the national interest. The economy will remain in this condition. Collectively, we are taking multi-pronged measures to reverse disturbing economic indicators.”

While identifying with all Muslim faithful nationwide, Bamidele who noted that Nigerians, regardless of religion and tribes, should team up with and rally support for the Tinubu administration to safely steer the ship of the nation into a successful end, emphasised that no nation could travel the journey of national rebirth alone without the unwavering support of its citizens not minding their political, cultural and social backgrounds and orientations.

He assured that the current administration would leave no stone unturned in alleviating the economic hardship being faced by the majority of Nigerians and re-offer them a sense of pride in their home country.

In the spirit of the season, the Senate Leader urged all Muslims to emulate love and good neighbourliness exemplified by Prophet Mohammed (SWAT) during his time and how he related very well with people of other faiths and nationalities.

Bamidele who appealed that the ongoing reengineering efforts of the Tinubu Administration could only yield democratic dividends in an atmosphere devoid of insecurity, but where lives and property are protected, said: “Just to mention a few among ongoing projects like the 700 kilometres Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the establishment of N50 Billion Pulako Initiative and annual recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel are Key Performance Indicators of this government.

“Only recently, this government declared a state of emergency in agriculture and launched the National Agricultural Development Fund with N100 billion, in addition to the Dry Season Farming Initiative and the Green Imperative Programme to ensure food security across the land.

“All these and other components of the 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda require the patriotic support and prayers for their deliverables to multiply at the doorsteps of Nigerians in the remaining three years of the first term of this government.”

He further urged the Muslim faithful to use the season of Eid el-Kabir to pray for the leaders of the country for divine wisdom and understanding that can match the enormous tasks of leading the country especially at a time when economic realities are not favourable around the world.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to reviewing and agreeing to a realistic and sustainable minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

He also urged organised labour to propose or agree to a realistic minimum wage that won’t lead to massive job losses across the country.

Speaking at the opening of the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister said accepting unrealistic wages would undermine the economy.

He said, “As I have repeatedly said, the Federal Government is not opposed to the increase of wages for Nigerian Workers but we keep on advocating for a realistic and sustainable wage system for the workers – a wage system that will not undermine the economy, lead to mass retrenchment of workers and jeopardise the welfare of about 200 million Nigerians.

“We want the labour unions to understand that the relief that Nigerians are expecting, and that they fully deserve, will not come only in the form of an increase in wages. It will also come as efforts to reduce the cost of living and to ensure that more money stays in the pockets of Nigerians. ”

The minister also called on religious leaders to assist in raising public awareness about government initiatives and efforts.

Idris emphasised the crucial role of the clergy in disseminating information about available opportunities and the government’s ongoing efforts.

“As a government, we need your support, your advice, and your feedback,” Idris stated. “Very importantly, we need you to be aware of the efforts being made and the challenges being faced so that you can help us communicate these to your congregations and the general public,” he said.

The minister highlighted the influential platforms of religious leaders, noting their potential to enlighten Nigerians on their rights, responsibilities, and the economic opportunities provided by the policies under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The agenda aims to promote economic rebirth, strengthen national security, boost agriculture and food security, and transform infrastructure and transportation.

“Information and awareness are critical, and this is where our religious leaders come in. You have very influential platforms that can enlighten Nigerians on their rights, responsibilities, and the abundance of economic opportunities being thrown up by the policies and programmes being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” he noted.

He acknowledged the significant role of spiritual leaders in fostering peace, unity, and hope within Nigerian communities.

He extended commendations to the Charismatic Bishops Conference and the Christian Association of Nigeria for their contributions to harmony and peaceful coexistence.

“The President has always recognised the profound impact of religious leaders on the unity, peace, and prosperity of our country. He deeply values the partnership between the government and the religious community in building a nation that thrives on mutual respect, understanding, and shared values.

“Let me extend our heartfelt commendation to the Charismatic Bishops Conference and by extension the Christian Association of Nigeria, for your instrumental role in promoting harmony and peaceful co-existence in our country.

“Indeed, the Church, throughout our nation’s history, has been a steadfast partner to the government in championing social causes and the provision of essential social services such as hospitals and schools, as well as the inculcation of values in our citizens,” he said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s current challenges, Idris praised Tinubu’s leadership in implementing crucial reforms to steer the country towards growth and sustainable development.

He reiterated the importance of the Church’s partnership with the government in championing social causes and providing essential services such as hospitals and schools.

Idris said it was important for religious leaders to support the government’s vision for Nigeria’s renaissance and to pray for guidance as the nation works towards a prosperous future.

Organised Labour has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s claims that an agreement has been reached on new national minimum wages in his nationwide broadcast to make Democracy Day.

According to Organized Labour at the time negotiations ended on Friday, June 7, there was no agreement reached by the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage.

Rather, two figures such as N250,000 from Organised Labour and N62,000 from government and Organised Private Sector, OPS were arrived at and ought to have been submitted to the President.

In a statement by the Acting President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, Labour noted that anything to the contrary was not only doctored but won’t be accepted by Labour.

Cars and money belonging to late Jabila Kammangar, an operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been converted to personal properties of some policemen in Rivers State, multiple sources informed SaharaReporters.

SaharaReporters had exclusively reported how Kammangar died in the police custody of the command.

His death came a few days after he was arrested and paraded by the Rivers State Police Command for alleged armed robbery, hijacking of food trucks and diverting them to other locations.

The spokesperson for the Command, Grace Iringe-Koko had stated that the deceased and four soldiers identified as West Isaac, Abdul Musa, Mgbe Geoffrey, Innocent Okwoli were arrested on May 25, 2024, following a tip-off from a reliable source.

While in detention, the police allegedly denied him access to relatives until his death last week, a source had told SaharaReporters.

Another source added that the NSCDC operative died in the cell as a result of torture.

“He was really beaten by the policemen, tortured and forced to confess to the crime,” the source had added.

SaharaReporters learnt that after his arrest, some policemen went to search the late Kammangar’s house for exhibits.

After the search, two cars and cash were taken away by the investigative team but were converted.

A police source identified the officers involved as CSP Bello, Inspector Andrew and Inspector Chimize.

They were said to have taken away the cars and cash from the house of the deceased but refused to hand them over as exhibits to the police authorities.

“Sadly, some of our officers involved in this case should be investigated. CSP Bello, Inspector Andrew and Inspector Chimize are criminals just like these suspects. They have a lot to say about the NSCDC officer’s death in custody,” a policeman at the Rivers State Command headquarters told SaharaReporters.

“They took his money and cars from his house while they went to search it. But these stuffs taken can’t be found anywhere, they didn’t bring them to the station nor return them to his family. These officers converted these properties recovered from the suspect and others to personal use, is that not stealing? They have sold some as well.

“They also shot two innocent civilians, this is not the police force Nigerians want.”

Calls put across to the Rivers State command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko were not picked nor returned.

Text message sent to her line since Tuesday morning was yet to be replied as of the time of this report.

The managing director and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr Fidet Okhiria, has disclosed that the Kaduna-Kano train service will commence operation in the first quarter of 2025.

The managing director made the disclosure during inspection at the Rigasa train station in Kaduna yesterday following recent cases of vandalism on the corridor.

He said, “The Kaduna-Kano train is coming up, the track has gotten to Makarfi Local Government Area from Kano, and we are hoping that by early next year, people would be able to arrive from Abuja to Kano.”

Okhiria, however, lamented how the rising cost of diesel and insecurity are hindering train operations in the country.

He said, “When we started, the patronage was high, but after the incident in March 2023, things stepped down. We were running 10 trains then, but after the incident, as well as the rising cost of diesel, we had to limit the number of trains.

“At the time we started, diesel was between N230 and N280 per litre, but it now costs between N1,000 and N2,000, depending on the supplier. But because rail is for the people, government decided to maintain the price.”

On vandalism he said, “The federal government is taking measures to further secure trains and other components. We are on top of the insecurity situation. We are talking with the commissioner of police and other security agencies to further provide security for our customers and against the incessant removal of sleepers on the track because many people ride on the train.

“Security is a top priority because our trains also carry goods. For instance, we are carrying pipelines from Itakpe in Warri. We have started carrying containers from Lagos to Kaduna, Lagos to Idah and Lagos to Kano.

“We will continue to liaise with security agencies to ensure that rail is taken seriously. Right now, we provide air surveillance on the Abuja-Kaduna train, and sooner or later, it will be extended to other parts.”

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said without his support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his political career could have ended as the governor of Lagos State.

He said this while reacting to the widely held position that the President Tinubu came to his rescue following his spat with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, leading to his contesting the Presidential Election on the platform of Action Congress (AC) in 2007.

In a statement through his Media Adviser, Mr Paul Ibe, said, “Vice President Kashim Shettima goofed when he claimed that former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar benefited from President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill when he was being “persecuted” in the PDP.

“Truth be told, it was Tinubu that actually benefited immensely from Atiku’s goodwill. But for Atiku’s support, hinged on his pro-democracy instincts and rule of law, Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos would have been rough with a wide possibility of termination of his political career.”

Explaining the true situation of things, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate in the last election said, “For some time, and especially leading up to the 2023 election, there has been a deliberate attempt to distort the history of the politics of the early 4th Republic by ascribing the AC, the political platform that Atiku ran in 2007 as Tinubu’s party.

“Nothing can be further from the truth. Vice President Shettima, obviously carried away with the euphoria of the unveiling of his official residence as Vice President, repeated the same lie.

“Shettima needs to be reminded that Atiku did not run under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), but Action Congress (AC). AC came out of a coalition of ACD (Advance Congress of Democrats), formed by mainly PDM members and other associates and Tinubu’s faction of AD.”

According to him President Tinubu was not in a position to lend the platform to Atiku “as erroneously being suggested, as he (Atiku) was nominated by all the delegates from all the states.”

He then went further to name the delegates to the primaries of the election that threw up the former Vice President as the party’s presidential candidate to include Atiku Abubakar himself, Lawal Keita, Amb. Yahaya Kwande, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Alexis Anielo, Titi Ajanaku, former Governor Rasheed Ladoja, Chief Tom Ikimi, and Chief Dapo Sarumi.

Others he said were Chief Sergeant Awuse, Alh. Lawan, Dr. Chris Ngige, Prof Ango Abdulahi, Dr Farouk Abdul Azeez, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Chief Ejiofor Onyia, and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, among others.

He added that from Tinubu’s Alliance for Democracy were Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Segun Osoba, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, and Chief Bisi Akande, among others.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio yesterday declared that the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote shamed successive Nigerian governments by completing the 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing the facility as the ninth wonder of the world.

Commending Dangote for completing the largest single train refinery in the world in a record time, the Senate President said Dangote deserved all the accolades for the feat, noting that a simple residence for Nigeria’s Vice President could not be completed by successive administrations until after 14 years.Akpabio came hard on those who were skeptical of the completion of the refinery, describing them as dream killers.

Akpabio, who led the leadership of the 10th Senate on a tour of the refinery in Lagos, said detractors of the refinery had all been silenced and that indeed, previous governments had been put to shame with the completion of the project.He promised that the National Assembly would give it what it takes to protect the project, describing it as one project that Nigeria and indeed Africa should take the ownership of and protect from jealousy.

He said: “They told us in Abuja that Dangote Refinery is a farce but we have come here and see for ourselves that the refinery is alive and running. Dangote has put to shame a lot of people. They are wondering how it will be possible for a single individual to accomplish what a whole nation could not accomplish; what 240 million people could not maintain; what a continent could not do and then one person buil a 650,000bpd project.

“They keep wondering how one person can succeed where nations have failed; where the continent failed. But Dangote has done it. It is highly commendable. “We came to see the refinery because we in the current Senate believe in the Nigerian dream. We didn’t come as a doubting Thomas but we came because we believe in the project; we came to rekindle the hope of Nigerians and the Nigerians’ can-do spirit.” Akpabio stated that Nigeria couldn’t make her refineries function in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Warri, but that Dangote and his team have proven that it is possible to dream and achieve it in Nigeria.”

He said the shame that came with the discovery of oil in Nigeria in 1958 has been removed by Dangote, alluding to a report that India does not have oil but his refineries from where the country exports refined products.“The inability of the nation to refine its oil has brought untold hardship on Nigerians so much so that the Belgian government recently banned the exportation of dirty and condemned fuel to West African countries just because we can’t refine our own products.”Describing the refinery as quite unbelievable, Akpabio said the Senate and the entire National Assembly would come up with robust legislation that would protect the project and others like it.

He stated: “Mr. Dangote, I pity you a lot because even your friends will envy you simply because they will keep wondering how can you succeed when nations, and continents have failed. Now that we have seen for ourselves, we are here to announce our own endorsement of this major project. It is also shocking to see that we produce sufficient fertilisers for Nigeria and enough to be exported.

“As I said we will do our report and we will speak to Mr President to put a stop to fertiliser import to Nigeria. You will hear from us soon,” he added.Also speaking, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that it is a privilege that the refinery happened in “our time, our state and our country.”According to the governor, “people talk about dreams, but only few can make it happen. Dangote has put Lagos State and the whole of Nigeria on the world map of excellence.

“I am happy the Senate came to see for themselves; Dangote was not ready to rest after successfully building the largest cement factory chain in Africa, second largest sugar refinery in the world. With investment like this, I can assure you that we are on the right path to meet the projected GDP of $1trillion by 2030.“You have the key to the city, I have given you a long time ago and I am happy you are using it very well,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.

In his remarks, Dangote explained that the “visit could not have come at a more auspicious time than now, just as the company is in the process of bringing the various units of this complex integrated refining processes on stream, an eagerly awaited move.”“The refinery will help boost Nigeria’s economic growth, with the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. During the construction stage, it supported over 150,000 jobs, made up of mostly Nigerians. These Nigerians in the process acquired various skills that are still useful in other construction projects.

“The capacity of the refinery is enough to satisfy domestic demands for refined products. The refinery will export about 50 per cent of its production thereby generating foreign exchange for the country. It will lead to growth in adjacent sectors such as logistics, shipping, engineering, and servicing.“The refinery has the requisite capacity to provide energy security both by providing a ready home for our crude and in ensuring steady availability of petroleum products for all. Nigerians will also get to partake in the financial returns once we list the Refinery on the NGX.

“We are thus making an important contribution to this administration’s plan to grow our GDP to $1 trillion.“Our group is at the vanguard of job creation and employment generation in Nigeria. We are the biggest employer of labour after the federal government. Dangote Cement sustains about 70,000 (direct and indirect jobs across Africa, while the refinery, petroleum chemical complex and fertiliser will be able to create over 150,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“We have remained one of the biggest contributors to government coffers as our three subsidiaries, Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar Refinery and NASCON Allied Industries paid a total of N788.98 billion as tax and N276 billion in VAT in three years.“We envision in Nigeria the equivalent of Jamnagar in India where crude oil refining is the backbone of specialised industrial zones, transportation networks, and ancillary industries, contributing to the overall industrialisation of the region. Or Saudi Arabia’s Jubail Industrial City, which is also undergirded by large scale petrochemical complexes.“The legislature has a great role to play in this. Globally, the legislature plays a great role in protecting and supporting domestic industry. I am sure that the members of the 10th National Assembly are more than equal to the task. Supporting the refinery secures the benefits. It will ensure energy security. As co-creators of value, we appreciate and acknowledge your consistent efforts in ensuring the enactment of vital laws promoting a conducive business environment in the nation,” Dangote explained.

Leader of the opposition in the House of Representatives, Rep Kingsley Chinda, has said a minimum can’t take any Nigerian worker home, rather a living wage should be the ultimate goal of government.

Chinda made this disclosure in a chat with journalists in Abuja on Friday night.

He said: “Well first, I would tell you that as a caucus we don’t believe in minimum wage.

“Incidentally, you even asked of minimum wage. What we have been calling for is a living wage for Nigerians and for Nigerian workers.

“And we believe that the question you also asked concerning the issues of corruption, the issues of the zeal to work for the state will depend on some of these things.

“Pay Nigerians a living wage, corruption will be reduced. Pay Nigerians a living wage, you will ignite the spirit to work for the nation.

“But pay minimum wage, I don’t think it will solve the problem. So the position of governors that they are not going to pay more than 70,000 or so a month to Nigerians, it will not help this country, it will not solve our problem, let us be realistic.

“Let us look at a living wage that is affordable by government and if the Executive arm is sincere, see it with Labour. Talk to Nigerians, we will all see what is practicable.
Nigerians are angry because they feel that there is so much wastage.

“I have even seen some publishing humongous figures as salaries of members of parliament and all that. Those are things that will make any Nigerian angry. And then when you talk about N70,000, how can you survive?

“I think our laws recognize that a Nigerian should have one or two wives minimum, one wife and four children. You have one wife, you have four children. Will 70,000 take care of the welfare of four children, take care of your rent, transport and all that? How much is a bag of rice?

“So please let us even leave the issue of minimum wage. Let’s talk about living wage. So as a caucus, we support living wage for Nigerians without compromise. I can even tell you to take it to the bank, not just the minority caucus, the entire house, including the speaker.

“Because I recall when the speaker of the HoR was in the Villa, his brief remark was that we require living wage for Nigerians.

“So we solidly support Labour in that.
The only area we have also urged Labour is that in cause of agitating for that, let us go by the rules. Two wrongs cannot make a right.”