₦airaland Forum

David Umahi, minister of works, says the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project will be completed on May 29, 2025.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during an inter-ministerial press briefing as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, the minister said after the project is completed, it will be tolled for five to 10 years to recover construction costs.

The construction of the highway began in March. The first phase of the project, made up of 47.47 kilometres of dual carriageway, was awarded to Hitech Construction Company Ltd.

“We started the coastal highway, 700 kilometers that is traversing Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states,” Umahi said.

“People did not understand the merits of this project. People did not see this project as an investment. And so today, the first section is going to be completed by May 29 and we’re going to toll it, and we’re going to get back our money within five to 10 years.”

According to the minister, the federal government is planning to implement additional initiatives, including developing land along the corridor for tourism, factories, and housing, as part of efforts to further enhance returns on the project.

“We also acquired a number of land within the corridor, because we’ve seen that tolling of roads alone is not just going to give you return on investment immediately,” Umahi said.

“So, along these corridors, we are acquiring land where we use for tourism, where we use for factories, where we use for housing and so on and so forth.”

Umahi also said the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is designed to relieve the strain on Apapa Wharf.

“This has long faced challenges due to its shallow berths that limit cargo handling capacity. These constraints have necessitated the costly process of transloading, where goods are shifted between vessels, resulting in significant daily financial losses for Nigeria,” he said.

The minister further said the importance of the seven axle road under construction is to facilitate the seamless transportation of goods from the Dangote refinery, fertiliser plant, and other major industries within the Lekki free trade zone.

“This critical infrastructure will connect to the Sagamu-Benin Expressway, ensuring smoother logistics and supply chains across key regions, including the north, south-west, south-south, and south-east,” the minister said.

Umahi added that the project is set to tap into the renewable energy potential along the coastal corridor, with plans to harness wind energy for future development.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has hit back at Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors who are supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

Wike said the governors must be sick if they do not recognize that he (Wike) is bigger than all of them put together.

Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and other members of the former G5 were in Port Harcourt on Saturday for a grand reception in honour of Wike, who was hosted by the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress.

“Don’t ever think they are fighting me; they are not fighting me. I’m too big,” Wike said while addressing the crowd at the event.

“If you don’t recognize someone who is bigger than you, then you are sick. I’m far far (bigger than) all of them put together.

“Let nobody threaten anybody; all those threats are empty. Soon we will know who is relevant.

“I said nobody will take over the structure of the party. You can have all the money; if it didn’t dey, it didn’t dey.”

THE Federal Government has made clarifications on the recent increase in passport fees, saying it is not feasible for the government to subsidise the issuance of the travel document.

Many Nigerians had criticized the government for increasing the passport fees by about 45 per cent.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, speaking at a news conference on Friday in Abuja, said the fee adjustment was caused by the high exchange rate between the dollar and the naira.

Recall that in August, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) announced an upward review of the fees for Nigerian Standard Passports.

With the new payment structure, the cost of a 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity was hiked from N35,000 to N50,000, while a 64-page passport booklet with a 10-year validity rose from N70,000 to N100,000.

Tunji-Ojo maintained that the Federal Government could not subsidise passport fees for Nigerians, stressing that the travel document is an individual thing and not the same as National Identity Card that is produced free for Nigerians.

While also noting that the government was not exploiting Nigerians but simply covering the cost of passport procurement, the Minister, however, explained that the price increase did not affect the fees for Nigerians living abroad.

He said: “The increase in passport fees is a matter of cost-benefit analysis, especially when considering the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira.

“If the government were to subsidise anything, I don’t think it should be passports. The increase is just from N35,000 to N50,000 —only about 45%. There has been no increase for Nigerians abroad,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He added that Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, would soon enjoy more seamless passport acquisition processes.

“We are going to pre-launch these automated systems very soon. By October, they will be fully operational. In London, for instance, we have 16,000 Nigerians applying for passports, while the capacity of our systems at the Embassy is about 200.

“But now that we have this system in place, Nigerians will no longer need to undertake multiple journeys across the world to acquire a passport,” he stated.

He debunked claims on passport booklet scarcity while responding to a question, saying the NIS current has over 80,000 passports in stock.

He also noted that all passport backlogs had been cleared and that the Nigeria Immigration Service no longer owes its service providers for the printing and supply of passports.

A new strain of COVID-19 which has been predicted to become the dominant variant globally in the next few months, is rapidly spreading through Europe and the United States.

The new variant, known as XEC, was first detected in Germany in June but has spread across 27 countries, including France and the US, infecting more than 600 people.

XEC is the latest in a long list of past and current COVID variants being monitored as the COVID-19 virus naturally evolves.

The strain has been described by health experts as a recombinant variant. Recombinants can occur naturally when a person is simultaneously infected with two different COVID-19.

The XEC variants, health experts say, is a product of recombination between two hybrids of previously discovered omicron sub-variants – KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. These two parent variants are closely related, having both evolved from JN.1, which was the dominant variant around the world at the start of 2024.

Researchers detect XEC cases through the Gisaid public database, where viral genetic sequences are submitted for examination. This platform enables the identification of mutations in SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

Currently, the US has reported 118 XEC cases, the highest globally. Germany has 92 XEC cases, the UK has 82, Canada has 77, and Denmark has 61 cases according to media reports but actual figures are likely to be higher in nations that do not regularly sequence COVID samples.

Mutation

In Europe and North America, the dominant variant is KP.3.1.1, while Asia is primarily affected by the closely related KP.3.3 variant.

XEC has not been reported from any African country, but experts suggest that the strain is likely to become the dominant variant globally in the next few months.

Compared to other strains, XEC is said to have a higher growth advantage, spreading much more rapidly than the others.

Experts said XEC has this advantage because of its relatively rare T22N mutation (inherited from KS.1.1) combined with Q493E (from KP.3.3) in the spike protein.

The spike protein is said to play a crucial role in helping the virus attach to human cells, allowing it to enter and begin replication.

However, the impact of the T22N mutation on the virus’ ability to replicate or spread among individuals remains largely unclear.

The first strain of COVID-19 and the first known case of the virus emerged in December 2019, with initial cases reported in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China.

The virus, later identified as SARS-CoV-2, rapidly spread worldwide, leading to the pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. In Nigeria alone, at least 267,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded with a case fatality rate of 1.2 per cent.

How XEC spreads

Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19, several new strains, or variants, of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have emerged due to mutations.

These variants reflect the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2, with some causing more severe waves of infection than others, often influenced by their ability to spread and evade immunity.

The newest coronavirus variant, XEC, spreads mainly via respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected individual breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Though the virus can persist on surfaces, surface transmission is said to be less frequent compared to airborne spread.

As a result, health authorities recommend maintaining social distancing, wearing masks in public settings, and regularly using hand sanitiser to minimise the risk of infection.

The XEC variant PREMIUM TIMES is aware, does not have any unique symptoms. Like other variants, XEC can lead to symptoms like sore throat, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, which typically emerge within two to 14 days after exposure.

These symptoms are often mild, but the severity can range widely. High-risk individuals, including the elderly, may experience more intense illness, while some cases may show no symptoms at all.

The naira depreciated to N1,700 per dollar at the parallel section of the foreign exchange (FX) market on Friday.

At the end of trading hours, the naira depreciated by 1.49 percent compared to the N1,675/$ traded on Thursday.

The N1,700 per dollar is the lowest the naira has depreciated since February 19, when the naira recorded a low of N1,730/$.

Currency traders, also known as street traders, in Lagos, quoted the buying rate of the local currency at N1,680/$ and the selling rate at N1,700/$ — leaving a profit margin of N20.

At the official window, the local currency appreciated by 2.24 percent from N1,576.1/$ on Thursday to trade at N1,540.78 on Friday.

According to FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees the official window, a dollar was sold as high as N1,691 and at a low rate of N1,530. during trading hours.

WEEK-LONG FLUCTUATIONS

At the parallel market on Monday, the naira depreciated to N1,665/$ from N1,663 on September 20.

Maintaining the depreciation streak, the local currency fell further to N1,670 and N1,680 on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

However, the naira rebounded to N1,675 on Thursday.

At the official FX market, the local currency depreciated to N1,562.66 on Monday — from N1,541.52 on September 20.

Subsequently, the naira further depreciated to N1,658.48 on Tuesday and N1,667.72 on Wednesday, before appreciating to N1,576.1 on Thursday.

On January 29, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it had begun implementing a comprehensive plan to improve liquidity in the Nigerian FX markets in the short, medium, and long term.

The apex bank said the FX reforms were designed to streamline and harmonise multiple exchange rates, promote transparency, and lessen the likelihood of arbitrage opportunities.

On September 25, Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, said the multiple interest rate hikes have restored confidence in the naira.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has replied former president, Goodluck Jonathan, that he sacked him as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, contrary to the latter’s claim that he was only suspended for investigation into alleged missing $49.8 billion.

The monarch was responding to Jonathan who had, earlier, at the launch of a book “Public Policy and Agents Interests: Perspectives From The Emerging World,” debunked a claim by him that he was booted out of CBN’s leadership position because he exposed corruption allegedly perpetrated by the government.

Sanusi co-authored the book written by Dr Shamshudeen Usman, who served as Minister of Planning in the Jonathan administration.

Sanusi, who took to the podium hours after Jonathan’s comment, insisted that he was sacked by the former president.

“My boss who sacked me, I was constructively dismissed. I continue to respect Jonathan and I don’t have grudges against anyone,” he said.

The House of Representatives has told Aliko Dangote, the owner Dangote Refinery, to disclose the cost he is selling petroleum from his refinery to NNPC Limited and other major marketers.

The lawmakers also asked NNPC to disclose the amounts the refinery is paying for crude oil.

This resolution followed a motion moved by Oboku Oforji on Thursday during plenary.

DAILY POST reports that there has been dispute between NNPC Limited and Dangote Refinery over the cost per litre of petrol from the refinery.

NNPC Limited has claimed to be buying petrol at N898/litre from Dangote, however, the refiner disputed the figure, stating that it is selling less than the amount.

To address challenges surrounding the distribution of its products, the lawmakers urged the management of Dangote Refinery to build, acquire or partner to get Tank Farms or depot across the geo-political zones in the country.

In the motion, Oforji commended the refinery for its impact on energy sovereignty of the country.

“Nigeria is driving towards energy self-sufficiency, cost and foreign exchange savings, meeting the increasing demand for fuels, attraction of foreign capital investment, generation of Forex through export of finished product,” he said.

To achieve sustainability, Oforji said Dangote Refinery should sell products directly to the independent marketers.

The motion was adopted unanimously by the lawmakers.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says the recent visit by Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state was an “invitation to anarchy”.

On September 18, Bello arrived the headquarters of the EFCC alongside Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi state.

But the anti-graft agency said Bello was not in its custody, adding that the former governor remains wanted for alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation to the tune of N80.2 billion.

Sources say EFCC operatives turned back Bello and Ododo at the agency’s car park.

On September 19, Bello’s media office alleged that EFCC operatives laid siege to the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja, in a bid to forcefully arrest the former governor hours after his visit.

At the court on Wednesday, Kemi Pinheiro, the lead prosecution counsel of the EFCC, said Bello’s appearance at the EFCC car park was “out of place”.

Pinhero said Bello was holding the hands of Ododo, the governor who has immunity, at the EFCC premises.

He said the EFCC had written to Bello’s lawyers that the former governor should appear in court and that the arraignment will not take place in the agency’s office.

Pinhero asked Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, to exercise his powers and show to Abdulwahab Mohammed, counsel of Bello, that the court is not a “vaudeville for entertainment but for serious business”.

“There is nowhere my Lordship or the Court of Appeal ordered that Yahaya Bello present himself at the EFCC car park, but rather to appear before my Lordship for arraignment,” the EFCC counsel said.

“What is even more worrisome and disconcerting is that the defendant went to the EFCC car park holding the hands of a person with immunity who came with all the full security of his office.

“The implication, my Lord, is if there was an attempt to get him from the person of immunity, there would be an invitation to anarchy.

“The invitation by the EFCC later in the day for Yahaya Bello to come alone, not with a person with immunity, security persons and other people was resisted again on their own admission.”

On his part, counsel to Bello begged the court not to charge the defence team for contempt and grant the prayers in their application.

“Our application is filed on the 18th of July 2024, it is supported by an 11- paragraph affidavit deposed to by the applicant Mr. Adeola Adedipe. That affidavit has an exhibit marked A, and in compliance with my Lord is a written address,” he said.

“We are urging my Lord to exercise his discretion, we are on bended knees begging you to exercise your discretion and grant the prayers that are contained in the affidavit.”

After listening to the arguments, Nwite, the presiding judge, said it is “quite unfortunate” that the arraignment, which was scheduled five months ago, is yet to commence.

The presiding judge said he will reserve his judgment on the submission of the counsels. He adjourned the matter to October 30, 2024 for arraignment and ruling.

’YAHAYA BELLO SHOULD CLEAR HIS NAME’

Meanwhile, the EFCC has advised Bello to quit playing games and clear the allegations preferred against him.

In a statement, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said Bello must have his day in court no matter the “recourse to blackmail, appeal to emotive public sympathy or acts of brigandage”.

“Yahaya Bello should be more interested in clearing his name than playing the victim and crying persecution where none exists,” the statement reads.

“To even insinuate that he was the target of a phantom assassination attempt because the EFCC made efforts to effect his arrest at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge where he had been hiding is preposterous.

“But EFCC is not deterred by this and other shenanigans by the ex-governor. The Commission remains committed to ensuring that the law takes its course in the money laundering charges already filed against Yahaya Bello in Court.

“EFCC is eager to engage the former governor in the courtroom where the avalanche of evidence so painstakingly assembled can be presented and arguments marshalled for justice to be served to all parties involved in this saga.

“The true test of Yahaya Bello’s willingness to abide by the law in the criminal proceedings instituted against him at the Federal High Court Abuja by the EFCC is to present himself to the court in obedience to the order of Justice Nwite.

“His presence in court is the only step that will convince Nigerians that his touted submission to the EFCC which was widely reported in the media on September 18, was not a stunt”

The Presidency has said that foreigners earning income in Nigeria will henceforth pay taxes under a proposed amendment to the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC Bill, 2024.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known while briefing State House correspondents on Wednesday in Abuja.

Onanuga said the proposed NIMC Bill was part of the Economic Stabilisation Bills approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, on Monday, soon to be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.

According to him, the Economic Stabilisation Bills comprised many bills, which included a bill on the plan to amend the NIMC Bill 2024.

“This bill will amend the law that was made some years ago, and it now provides, if the National Assembly passes that bill, that everybody living in Nigeria, foreigners, all of them will now be registered and be given tax identity.

“Once you are doing some work here and you are earning income, you will be registered and given tax identity and you will be taxed, and you come under our tax structure.

“The law that was set up initially precluded foreigners from being registered, and so they were not taxed,” said Onanuga.

He said another bill, which was part of the Economic Stabilisation Bills, had to do with the operating laws guiding the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Port Authority, NPA.

He added that another bill, which is a component of the Economic Stabilisation Bills, is the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Amendment Bill 2024, an element of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

Onanuga said an amendment had been proposed to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act, which stipulated that before disbursement of the amount in the fund, 30 per cent would be transferred to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

According to him, that would provide a ready-made source of funding for the Nigerian Student Loan Fund.

DAILY POST recalls that FEC approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which proposed specific measures, draft laws, and policies aimed at improving the overall economic environment.

The Economic Stabilisation Bills also include proposals for the amendment of the Foreign Exchange Act, Companies Income Tax Act and Fiscal Responsibility Act.

The All Progressives Congress has cautioned Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation, against undermining the Independent National Electoral Commission by questioning the results of the recently concluded Edo State gubernatorial election.

In a press statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Tuesday, the APC criticised Yiaga Africa for allegedly attempting to second-guess INEC’s authority.

Morka described the group’s actions as overstepping their mandate as election observers.

“Yiaga Africa is overreaching its election observer mission by second-guessing INEC on the result of last Saturday’s Edo State gubernatorial election.

“INEC is the sole statutory authority for the conduct and declaration of election results. Yiaga Africa is not and must desist from constituting itself as a parallel agency for the declaration of election results,” Morka stated.

The party also accused the civil society organisation of making baseless allegations regarding the manipulation of results, stating that these claims lacked supporting evidence and were based on speculative data.

“Alleging that results were manipulated without hard facts and figures, but based on some statistical guesswork, is a clear disservice to the electoral process. Yiaga Africa’s report is a travesty, replete with methodological flaws, politicised observations, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies,” Morka added.

He also stressed that election observers such as Yiaga Africa should respect INEC’s statutory role and refrain from encroaching on the commission’s responsibilities.

Morka further warned Yiaga Africa against sowing confusion by creating the appearance of a “parallel election process” through unverified and questionable statistical parameters.

He warned, “Election observer missions are not election management agencies and cannot usurp INEC’s statutory authority as the sole election management body in Nigeria.

Doing so would constitute a clear breach of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Declaring or second-guessing the Edo State gubernatorial result based on unsubstantiated, unverified, and highly questionable statistical parameters created by Yiaga Africa is designed to create unnecessary confusion.”

Meanwhile, the APC expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for ensuring a fair electoral process and praised INEC and law enforcement agencies for their professionalism during the election.

He reaffirmed the party’s belief that the election results represented the will of the Edo people, who voted for Senator Monday Okpebholo as their next governor.

Morka stated, “The APC reiterates its immense appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for ensuring a level playing field, to INEC for its professionalism, and to law enforcement agencies for their diligence and service during the election.

“By their votes, the good people of Edo State were loud and clear in their choice of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the next governor to lead the state into a new era of peace, unity, people-centred development, and prosperity for all.”

The APC also reminded any aggrieved parties that legal disputes regarding the election results should be resolved through the courts, in accordance with the established electoral process.

On Monday, Yiaga Africa criticised the conduct of the election, stating that the process and declared results lacked integrity.

The organisation alleged widespread irregularities, including the manipulation of results by collation officers.

The Edo North senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has explained why he knelt before the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

Oshiomhole said he knelt before the Oba of Benin because he understood and respected the traditional institution of the Benin people.

He disclosed this while featuring on Channels TV Politics Today on Monday.

The lawmaker also noted that the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki was a failure.

Oshiomhole recounted that Obaseki could not point out any primary or secondary school he built during his eight year as governor.

According to Oshiomhole: “I’m excited that we won and I have the rare privilege of presiding over the affairs of Edo State as a governor for eight years and I understand the needs of the people. I know what the state was when I left and what it is today and to some extent, not a few people believe that I should be blamed for Obaseki’s failures and woeful performance.

“During the campaign, you listened to us and Obaseki; you can’t say he pointed at this ultra-modern primary school that he built or there is this secondary school he built. Instead, Ighodalo said he would extend broadband to Edo North. Earlier in the year, Obaseki and Ighodalo said they had done a feasibility study and there is approval from FAAN to construct an airport in Edo North.

“They assured the Oba of Benin that the great people of Benin will have a seaport in Ghereghere, they brought former Vice President Osinbajo to do a groundbreaking of the industrial park, yet none of this has taken place. If you go there, these places are occupied by Lizards and snakes.

“Even the drainage I did to deflood Benin City, he compromised it and this is rainy season, so the timing of this election was good for us and bad for the PDP because when it rains nobody can step out of his house.

“They have nothing to parade order than that Asue was the Chairman of one million boards and had made money, but what Edo people know him for is that he was just a transaction partner.

“As a sitting Governor of Edo State, I understand and respected the institution of the Oba of Benin and all the royal fathers of Edo State. I always kneel down before the Oba and will always do so, even when the current Oba asked me not to do so. A father is always a father.”

The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has revealed that the party is eyeing Anambra State after its victory in Edo State.

Ganduje, made the disclosure at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, after Senator Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the Edo election.

He highlighted the party’s plans to challenge the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra next year and increase its presence in the southeast.

Ganduje emphasized that the APC intends to replicate the successful strategy used in Edo to secure wins in the upcoming Ondo and Anambra gubernatorial elections.

He emphasized that winning Anambra would be an advantage for the Southeast, aligning with Imo and Ebonyi as APC-governed states, thereby addressing the region’s concerns regarding marginalisation.

According to Ganduje: “We have started working to develop strategies to win these states. Next year, Anambra State will follow. Let me remind you that we have a project which we named political de-marginalisation of the South East geo-political zone.

“That project is also a task that must be done. We will face the south-east zone with five states. We already have two, but two is too small for a big party like ours. We will face that state and see how we can recover many states in our favour.”

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa has reiterated that it is a matter of time before military apprehends notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji.

Turji is currently hiding in the forests of Sokoto and Zamfara.

Musa gave the assurance during the 38th-anniversary dinner of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 38 Regular Course in Kaduna on Sunday.

He stated that the security challenges facing the country, particularly in the Northwest, are significant, saying that the Armed Forces and other security agencies are making progress in addressing the situation.

According to him, insecurity is now a new world order, despite improved technologies. He requested the understanding of Nigerians as the military and other security agencies work tirelessly to combat insecurity.

Musa said, “We are tracking down Bello Turji. Getting him is just a matter of time.”

He stressed that the security agencies are collaborating to ensure the bandit is brought to justice as he has nowhere to hide.

The Defense Chief observed that the security challenges Nigeria faces are part of a global phenomenon, adding that the military is rising to the occasion.

He also appealed to Nigerians for support, urging them to report any suspicious activities, as the military cannot do it alone.

Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, has described the Edo State governorship election as a blatant example of ‘state capture’ and continued gross undermining of the nation’s democratic process and values.

Obi said that the society will eventually take its revenge on the agencies and individuals being used to undermine democracy in future.

The LP presidential candidate in the last election specifically warned lecturers and others complicit in perpetuating what he called ‘charade’ to reflect deeply on the roles they are playing in damaging the foundation of the country’s democracy.

In a statement on his X handle on Monday, Obi said: “What happened over the weekend in the name of election in Edo State does not in any way represent the democratic process we chose as a method of electing our political leadership.

“Instead, it was a blatant example of ‘state capture’ and continued gross undermining of our democratic process and values.

“Any nation whose leadership recruitment process is so fatally flawed is doomed, and we are all seeing the effect in our country.

“I urge those in authority not to allow this situation to stand, or depend on it to remain in power.

“As a country, we have invested significantly in IReV and BVAS, and they must be allowed to function and used properly in order to free our electoral process from the massive falsification that has plagued it and worsening.

“To the agencies and individuals being used to undermine our democracy simply because they hold positions of authority, please remember that your time in office is not eternal. The society that you are helping to destroy today will eventually take her revenge on you tomorrow.

“To the lecturers and others complicit in perpetuating this charade, you must reflect deeply on the roles you are playing in damaging the very foundation of our democracy.

“The damage you are causing today will inevitably take revenge on you tomorrow and affect your children in the future.

“This kind of action has no place in a true democracy. That is why I have always maintained that today’s politics is not about capturing power, but about saving the country and making it work for everyone, regardless of their background.

“I remain committed to building a new and truly democratic Nigeria, which I insist is very POssible.”

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has mocked the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, describing him as an ingrate who bit the hands that fed him.

Shaibu, in a chat with Arise TV, while reacting to the outcome of the 2024 governorship election in Edo State, said he has been vindicated against those who claimed he couldn’t win the election.

Speaking on Obaseki, Shaibu said he does not hold the outgoing governor as an enemy, but he is glad about the outcome of the Edo governorship poll, which ended in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According tp him, It is now clear to the whole world that Obaseki can’t win elections on his own, adding that the outgoing Edo State Governor has always been helped by those around him to win elections.

The Deputy Governor mocked Obaseki for not only losing the election but also failing to win his local government area for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He advised Obaseki to start begging and apologizing to the people of Edo State.

“I feel vindicated; even the governor couldn’t win his local government. I won my unit, ward, and local government. Where are the governor’s results? He has never won; we always assisted him.

“What is left now is for him to go back and start begging and apologizing to the people of Edo State and he has a lot of them that he needs to go and apologize to,” Shaibu said.

The Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for civil servants has agreed that the new minimum wage will be implemented from July 29, 2024.

This was stated in a Memorandum of Understanding issued at the end of the committee’s meeting, which was seen by our correspondent in Abuja on Friday.

The MoU reads: “The NSIWC will generate the appropriate salary templates for other consolidated salary structures for implementation; the effective date of the implementation shall be July 29, 2024.”

The committee was established to implement the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 2024, which raised the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000.
The committee consists of 16 members.

Its terms of reference include negotiating and agreeing on consequential adjustments in salaries and developing a template for the implementation of the approved minimum wage.

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that his administration’s primary focus is on driving real change in areas like infrastructure, food and energy security, education, and economic stability, rather than personal gain.

Speaking during a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Tinubu made it clear that he is committed to working for the benefit of the country.

“I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me,” Tinubu remarked, reinforcing his dedication to serving the people.

Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the support from the forum, regardless of party affiliation, and called for continued unity and cooperation to tackle the challenges facing the nation.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s past and present challenges, Tinubu admitted that certain sectors, such as education and community development, were neglected during periods of high crude oil production.

He stressed the importance of addressing dilapidated schools and increasing student enrolment by creating a conducive learning environment.

The President also laid out his administration’s plans to improve infrastructure, diversify energy sources, and ensure strict compliance with financial regulations.

He highlighted the need for collaboration and inclusiveness, drawing from the experiences of other developed countries.

“Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? We neglected our communities, we neglected the goose that lays the golden eggs,” Tinubu stated, acknowledging the urgent need for structural reforms.

Senator Ken Nnamani, speaking on behalf of the group, praised Tinubu’s leadership and offered full support for his administration’s efforts to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, such as insecurity, economic downturn, and infrastructure decay.

He expressed confidence that Tinubu’s experience would help overcome these difficulties.

The meeting marked the President’s first official engagement with the former presiding officers since assuming office.

Former Nigerian Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has expressed concerns over the country’s economic hardship, stating that it is “getting out of control.”

Abubakar stated this while receiving the leadership of the Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights, led by Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, who visited his uphill residence in Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday.

He noted that many Nigerians struggle to afford basic needs like food and transportation.

“Everybody is crying about this hardship and it seems to be getting out of control, people cannot afford three square meals.

“The issue of transportation, the hike in fuel, the hike in school fees for the children and the lack of funds in everybody’s pocket is making life difficult for everybody,” the elder statesman observed.

Gen. Abubakar disclosed that he belongs to a forum that had passed three recommendations to the federal government on the way out of the economic hardship, as giving out palliatives is not the solution to hikes in food and other commodities across the nation.

He suggested the government should provide affordable food options by buying and selling essential items at lower prices.

According to him: “There is a need for government to flood and saturate the communities with food, let them (government) buy food and sell it at lesser prices to the people so that people will try to buy some of these food items depending on their pockets and income.”

Abubakar also urged peaceful protests ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance demonstration on October 1, recalling the violence and looting that marred previous protests.

He lamented: “During the last protest, we saw unnecessary, uncalled for carnage, theft and criminalities; instead of protesting, the people went about looting even private houses; private individuals suffered in the hands of the demonstrators.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Abdullahi Jabi, told the elder statesman that they were in his residence to rejoice with him on the celebration of his birthday, and prayed for long life and good health for him.

He also urged Gen. Abubakar to help prevail on the federal government to solve the problem of hardship and hunger in the land while soliciting his assistance for the implementation of some of its programmes.

In a move to enforce the federal government’s directive on the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage, telecom operators have commenced the disconnection of approximately 66 million phone lines across the country.

This action comes after multiple extensions and warnings to Nigerians to comply with the policy designed to improve national security and streamline the identification process.

Recall that as of March 2024, 153 million of the 219 million active lines across mobile networks like MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile were already connected to NIN, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This puts about 66 million phone lines in danger of being disconnected.

Due to unverified NINs, millions of lines were briefly blocked between July 28 and 29, resulting in significant disruptions across the nation.

Financial data from the first half of 2024 shows that 13.5 million lines were blocked by MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa for breaking the NIN-SIM linking directive.

MTN reported it had blocked 8.6 million lines, while Airtel stated that 8.7 million of its customers had completed verification.

Telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, have urged affected subscribers to link their NIN to avoid permanent disconnection.

Subscribers whose lines have been deactivated still have the opportunity to reconnect by visiting any of the telecom providers’ service centers or NIMC offices to complete the process.

The directive, originally issued by the NCC in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), mandates all mobile phone users in Nigeria to link their SIM cards to their unique NIN.

The policy, first introduced in 2020, was part of the government’s efforts to curb insecurity, fraud, and other criminal activities facilitated through unregistered or improperly registered phone lines.

Following multiple deadline extensions by the NCC since December 2023, the NCC said in a statement in August that it expected that no SIM card would remain active without a verified NIN from September 15.

An official at NCC, confirmed the disconnections, stating that non-compliant lines would be barred from making calls, sending messages, or using mobile data services until they complete the linkage process.

“We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over. The reason why we extended the last time was the misconception of Nigerians who claimed that the NCC wanted to frustrate the August 1 protest.”

He defended the NIN-SIM linkage as crucial to national security, adding that the policy is intended to create a central database that can be used to track criminal activity, verify identity, and enhance digital financial inclusion.

“Unregistered and unlinked SIMs have been identified as tools frequently used in the perpetration of criminal activities such as kidnapping, terrorism, and financial fraud. The NIN-SIM linkage is an essential step in safeguarding the nation and ensuring the integrity of our telecom infrastructure,” he added.

Despite the criticism, the government has maintained its commitment to the policy, insisting that citizens who fail to comply risk losing access to vital mobile services.

In its reaction, the president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, after touring several telecom hubs, responded by calling the NIN-SIM linkage process horrible.

Ogungbanjo hence begged that the NCC take into account extending the deadline in light of the technological problems that plagued the registration process last week. “I think they can still do that for maybe one week, but NCC deserves praise after a string of extensions,” he said.

Nollywood actress and Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Social Events, Eniola Badmus has praised the Nigerian economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Eniola Badmus who spoke on Sunday in a statement sighted by New Telegraph on her official Instagram page, emphasised that Nigeria, under Tinubu, has made unprecedented progress in trade, highlighting a shift from consumption to production.

She noted that the country’s imports are decreasing while exports are increasing, indicating an expanding economy.

She wrote: “Our imports are reducing, and our exports are increasing. That is a sign that our economy is expanding.

“For the year-to-date 2024, our imports were N24.44 trillion, while our exports stood at N38.59 trillion. This gives us an unprecedented trade surplus of over N14 trillion in just eight months.

“It has never happened in Nigeria. Never. This is a refreshing shift from consumption to production.”

Her appraisal is against the backdrop of unprecedented hardship and inflation in the country.

Last month, millions of citizens demonstrated against the worsening hardship in the country in a movement tagged ‘End Hunger Protests.’

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Dangote Refinery’s Vice President of Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, has announced that 44% of the refinery’s petrol (PMS) production can meet Nigeria’s entire daily requirement.

During a press briefing at the refinery on Sunday, Edwin expressed pride in the commencement of petrol lifting, stating: “After 52 years, we have a solution to Nigeria’s PMS supply problem. Our refinery, constructed by a Nigerian company, will produce PMS from local crude to meet Nigeria’s needs and export surplus”.

He added; “If you look at the refinery as a whole, PMS alone, every day, 650,000 barrels of crude if we’re processing, we can generate more than 54 million litres of PMS. And, of course, the refinery has the capacity to produce various other products too. 44% of the production can meet the entire requirement of the country, 56% of the production has to be exported. So, it is a huge refinery. So, it is not only going to be doing import substitution, but it is also going to make Forex generation through export revenue.

“The gantries are actually 86. and it can load 86 trucks at a go”.

Recall the Presidential Committee on the Sale of Crude Oil and Refined Product Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, had earlier confirmed that NNPC Limited will be the sole buyer of petrol from Dangote Refinery, while other products like diesel will be available to willing off-takers.

Adedeji also announced that NNPC Limited will commence selling crude oil to Dangote Refinery in Naira from October 1.

However, uncertainty surrounds potential drops in petrol pump prices, as Dangote Refinery and NNPC Limited remain silent on pricing.

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Saturday said about 300 trucks have arrived at the Dangote Refinery ahead of the loading of petrol.

DAILY POST had reported that NNPC announced that the first batch of petrol would be loaded from Dangote Refinery on Sunday.

The company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed the arrival of the trucks at the refinery via X.

Soneye wrote: “NNPC Ltd. trucks are arriving at the Dangote Refinery in preparation for the scheduled petrol loading on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

“By the end of today, at least 300 trucks will be stationed at the refinery’s fuel loading gantry.”

Similarly, NNPC said trucks have been mobilized to the refinery ahead of Sunday’s loading.

“In preparation for the Dangote Refinery’s scheduled petrol loading on Sunday, September 15, 2024, NNPC Ltd. has been mobilizing trucks to the refinery’s fuel loading gantry in Ibeju-Lekki.

“As of Saturday afternoon, NNPC Ltd. had deployed over 100 trucks, with hundreds more en route,” NNPC Ltd. wrote on X.

Last week, the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, announced the commencement of fuel production.

The federal government says Dangote Petroleum Refinery will commence the distribution of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, on Sunday.

Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, spoke on Friday at a press conference in Abuja.

The minister, who was represented by Zacch Adedeji, executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), said all agreements have been completed for the loading of the first batch of petrol.

“I am glad to announce that all agreements have been completed and loading of the first batch of PMS from the Dangote Refinery will commence on Sunday, September 15,” Edun said.

The minister said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited will supply about 385,000 barrels of crude oil per day (bpd) to the Dangote refinery starting next month.

“From October 1, NNPC Ltd. will commence the supply of about 385,000 bpd of crude oil to the Dangote refinery, to be paid for in naira,” he said.

“In return, the Dangote refinery will supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market, to be paid in naira.”

‘DANGOTE REFINERY TO SELL PMS TO ONLY NNPC’

Edun also said the Dangote refinery will sell petrol to only the NNPC, noting that interested marketers would have to buy the product from the national oil firm.

However, the minister said the Dangote refinery can sell diesel to any off-taker.

“Diesel will be sold in naira by the Dangote refinery to any interested off-taker. PMS will only be sold to NNPC, NNPC will then sell to various marketers for now,” he said.

Edun’s statement contradicts NNPC’s claim on September 7 that it does not intend to be the sole distributor of petrol produced by the Dangote refinery.

In addition, the minister said all associated regulatory costs pertaining to the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and others would also be paid for in naira.

“We are also setting up a one-stop shop that will coordinate service provision from all regulatory, and security agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation of this initiative. This will be located in Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos,” Edun said.

“The technical committee that worked to flesh out this initiative will transition to an implementation execution and monitoring committee that will be working out of Lagos for the next three to six months.”

'CRUDE OIL SALE IN NAIRA WILL REDUCE COST, PRESSURE ON LOCAL CURRENCY’

Speaking on the approval to sell crude oil to local refineries in naira and purchase petrol from the refiners in the local currency, Edun said the decision would reduce pressure on the local currency.

On July 29, the federal executive council (FEC) approved a proposal by President Bola Tinubu directing the NNPC to sell crude oil to the Dangote refinery and other refineries in naira.

The minister said the move would also eliminate unnecessary transaction costs, and improve the availability of petroleum products in the country.

According to Edun, the implementation committee chaired by him, and the other technical committee had worked intensely with the NNPC and Dangote refinery to fashion out the details of the modalities for the implementation of the approval by the FEC.

Edun thanked Tinubu for championing the initiative and assured the president that he could count on the committee to implement his vision.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu.

Wike said he believes in Tinubu’s capacity and is old enough to be his father, hence his loyalty.

He disclosed this while featuring on Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today.

The minister also accused Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State of taking advantage of Tinubu’s presidential intervention to insult “everybody.”

According to Wike: “The governor (Fubara) took advantage of the presidential intervention to insult everybody. I’m an appointee of Mr President and never had any bargain before I supported him. I believed in his capacity and never hid my intentions of what I’m going to do.

“When Mr President called, there are things I should not have accepted, but he’s the president of a country and he is our father even by age. And he appointed me; why would I say no?

“What the governor did was to take advantage of that thank you. I’m not one anybody can tie; I owe my loyalty to Mr President.

“The president said do this and that, but he went back and raised over 40 litigations.”

Wike and Fubara have been at loggerheads over the political and resource control of Rivers State.

Tinubu had intervened and made both parties sign a peace pact, but the face-off between the duo has lingered on.

Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Shehu Dalinja, has confirmed the killing of five police officers and two soldiers by ravaging bandits in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the bandits ambushed the security operatives along Gusau-Funtua road, adding that the terrorists blocked the highway.

“Five police officers and two soldiers were killed while repelling the bandits’ attack on the highway on Thursday,” he said.

According to the state police boss, the bandits planned to attack a construction company working along the highway.

Dalinja explained that joint security forces of the police and the soldiers mobilized to the scene, stressing that the bandits had laid an ambush and opened fire on them.

“The aim of the bandits was to penetrate into the premises of Setraco Construction Company to kidnap some staff of Setraco Company. When we got the information, we immediately deployed our operatives to the scene, not knowing that they had laid an ambush on the road.

“On their way, they met heavy resistance from the bandits. They opened fire, exchanged gunfire, and in the process, we lost some army personnel and police personnel in the battle.”

Peter Obi of the Labour Party has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s government’s handling of the subsidy removal reforms, warning that the government will soon remove the “subsidy on air,” suggesting more draconian policies.

Mr Obi made this statement in an interview with News Central TV, which aired on Wednesday.

When asked what “mechanisms” he would put in place to ensure transparency and accountability in fuel subsidy reform management, Mr Obi said, “I’ve said it before: we have to show what is being removed and where it is being applied. You don’t know what the subsidy is today. You don’t know.”

He added, “What we are saying is subsidy (petrol) gone. Electricity subsidy gone. In fact, soon they will remove the subsidy on air. If they had the chance, they would charge us for air. We are not saying we will not do that. But tell us where it is going.”

Mr Tinubu’s administration announced the hike in petrol pump price this September.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has claimed that fuel is available nationwide despite an ongoing scarcity that has led Nigerians to endure long queues and sudden pump price increases.

Amid prolonged fuel scarcity that Nigerians have suffered and groaned over for weeks, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited raised the pump price from N680 to N855, prompting other petrol stations to jack up their prices.

“The important thing is, the product is available in the country. We believe between now and the weekend, the product will be available in the length and breadth of the country,” Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum, said recently.

Mr Obi also claimed that “we are being told there will be an increase in tax, an increase in VAT,” adding that “you hear people saying Nigeria’s tax-to-revenue and GDP ratio is low.”

“Who are you taxing? You have over 30 million people living in poverty. Are you going to tax them?” Mr Obi said.

The federal government denied any attempts to increase the VAT rate.

“The current VAT rate is 7.5 per cent and this is what the government is charging on a spectrum of goods and services to which the tax is applicable. Therefore, neither the federal government nor any of its agencies will act contrary to what our laws stipulate.

“The tax system stands on a tripod, namely tax policy, tax laws and tax administration. All the three must combine well to give us a sound system that gives vitality to the fiscal position of government.

“Our focus as a government is to use fiscal policy in a manner that promotes and enhances strong and sustainable economic growth, reduces poverty as well as makes businesses to flourish,” said Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on Monday.

Additional soldiers have been deployed in Moriki town, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as the deadline for payment of N30m levy imposed on the community by the notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, has elapsed.

Turji imposed a levy of N30m on the community following the killing of over 100 cows belonging to him, allegedly by the military personnel about three weeks ago.

Daily Trust learnt that the cows were intercepted by the soldiers at Dumfawa, a village between Moriki and Shinkafi town sometime in August.

Confirming the deployment, a resident of the area, Aminu Musa, said more soldiers were deployed to the area some days ago.

“Beside the soldiers, the state government also sent more personnel of its security outfit, Community Protection Guards (CPG) to the area to complement the conventional security personnel.

“We are happy because the presence of security personnel gives us a kind of relief. The leader of the troop had assured us adequate protection of our lives.”

Another resident, Iliyasu Ali, said despite deployment of additional security personnel, there was anxiety among the residents”.

“There is panic and worries among the residents. These bandits are heartless. They could dare the military personnel and attack the community. They are carrying more sophisticated weapons than the military. So, our people are in serious panic as the deadline for the payment of levy ends today.

“Only God knows what will happen from today upward. Of course, we have not paid the levy but Turji has promised to sack this community if we fail to compensate for his missing cows,” he concluded.

Efforts to speak to the village head of Moriki, Alhaji Bashar Isma’il Ari, proved abortive as his phone was switched off when this reporter put a call to him.

On Tuesday, Chief of Defence Staff, Chris Musa, said the days of Turji are numbered, announcing that his men had launched a manhunt for the bandit.

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s efforts to restoring confidence in Nigeria economy through measures aimed at reducing inflation, stabilising the foreign exchange market, and improving fiscal management.

Tinubu stated this on Tuesday at the 17th Annual Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Banking and Finance Conference held in Abuja.

Represented by his vice, Kashim Shettima, the president described theme of the CIBN Conference, ‘Accelerating Economic Growth and Development: The State of Play and the Way Forward,’ as timely and imperative.

He noted that the conference came at a time the nation was grappling with interrelated challenges.

Tinubu identified the challenges as high inflation, rising costs of living, unemployment, infrastructure deficits and effects of global economic shifts.

He observed, however, that the challenges also present opportunities for growth and development.

In addressing the challenges, the President said that the administration had taken bold but painful steps to reform the macroeconomic environment.

“Though painful in the short term, the removal of fuel subsidies is designed to free up budgetary resources for critical investments in infrastructure and social services.

“The adjustment of the monetary policy rate, a move aimed at curbing inflation and fostering a more market-oriented exchange rate system,” he said.

Tinubu also noted that his administration was committed to strengthening infrastructure development in the ongoing bid to grow Nigeria’s economy.

“We are committed to upgrading Nigeria’s infrastructure to support economic growth.

“We are investing in roads, railways, and energy projects through public-private partnerships to reduce transportation costs and improve market access,” he said.