₦airaland Forum

babzo:
Oh please

The FCT Administration, in a public notice, said the allottees of the plots of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, failed to pay for their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) bills after the expiration of the grace period granted by the minister.

The notice said the allocation of the plots of land has been withdrawn, “pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills. The general public is, however, invited to note that allottees/ title holders who
have completed their payments on or before 15/01/2025 are not affected by this publication”.

The names of the allottees/ title holders whose titles have been withdrawn are:

This is according to OPEC’s report on Wednesday.

The report stated that the emergence of the Dangote refinery has reduced the importation of petroleum products from Europe to Nigeria.

“The ongoing operational ramp-up efforts at Nigeria’s new Dangote refinery and its gasoline (petrol) exports to the international market will likely weigh further on the European gasoline market.

“Continued gasoline production in Nigeria, a country that has relied heavily on imports to meet its domestic fuel needs in the past, will most likely continue to free up gasoline volumes in international markets, which will call for new destinations and flow adjustments for the extra volumes going forward.”

In the fourth quarter of 2024, OPEC said, “Imports also declined, particularly oil product imports, improving the outlook for the external sector.”

DAILY POST reports that the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery began the rollout of PMS on September 15, heralding a new dawn for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The $20 billion Lekki, Lagos-based refinery has continued to ramp up production to meet both domestic and international demands for petrol.

Recall that in November, Dangote reduced its ex-depot price of petrol to N899.50 per litre. The company then partnered with MRS filling stations to sell petrol at N935 per litre.

Dangote’s price slash prompted the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, to also reduce its PMS price to N965 per litre.

DAILY POST reports that Nigerians now buy petrol between N935 and N1,100 per litre nationwide.

UrPapa:
Why is tax reform a topic on a Sunday service?

The marauders shot the doctor, Murtala Saleh, in the right thigh, while one Kamala Suleiman, was injured on the knee.

The police said both victims are currently receiving medical attention and are in stable condition.

Police spokesman Abubakar Aliyu said policemen in the area engaged the marauders in a gun duel but three other persons were kidnapped by the AK-47-wielding criminals during the onslaught.

“Efforts are being made to ensure the unhurt rescue of the kidnapped victims as well as the arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” he said in a statement Wednesday.

The Commissioner of Police in the state Aliyu Musa, who condemned the “senseless attack on healthcare workers and facilities”, ordered the deployment of additional operational assets to the scene for improved security and an intensified manhunt for the assailants.

DAILY POST reports that Apostle Suleman was in Bauchi State for a two-day “Recovery Conference 2025”.

Before the mega crusade, he visited the Government House in Bauchi, where he met with the Executive Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

Accompanied by his entourage, including senior pastors like Dr. Kingsley Aigbe, Apostle Suleman commended the Governor for his leadership and hospitality, describing him as a man of honour.

He assured the Governor of his continued prayers for the leadership and people of Bauchi State.

However, when asked by journalists during an interview session at the Government House to express his view on the situation in the country, Suleman berated Nigerians for their voting choices.

“What Nigerians are going through is partly what they deserve. Before the election, we cried out, we screamed, we yelled.

“The man (President Bola Tinubu) who came into leadership had no manifesto— just a sense of entitlement with his ‘it’s my turn’ mantra,” he declared.

He lamented the state of the nation under Tinubu’s administration, pointing to policies and the devastating mismanagement of the oil sector.

"The oil sector has been plundered. In the next 10 to 15 years, I don’t think Nigerians will recover from the damage. Now, all we can do is pray,” he stated.

He also called for Nigerians to reflect on their choices ahead of the 2027 elections, warning, “If they’ve suffered enough by then, perhaps they’ll make better decisions.”

Also speaking, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, warned that the policies being implemented by President Bola Tinubu, if not checked, were capable of destroying the fortunes of the country.

The governor explained that he did not have any personal grudge against President Tinubu in view of his constant criticisms of the policies of the Federal Government.

“Tinubu’s policies don’t have a clear vision and are taking us to the road to perdition and destruction.

“That is why when I talk about the tax reforms it is not because I don’t want reform but I want reform that will have national impact. I don’t have anything against the president but respect,” he said.

Mohammed maintained that he would not be tired of pointing out the shortcomings of President Tinubu as long as Nigerians continue to be short-changed by his policies and programmes.

The directive signed by NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka on Tuesday and obtained by Channels Television, noted that the affected banks are to pay the outstanding debts by January 27, 2025, or risk losing access to their USSD codes.

The regulator did not, however, state the amount of the debt owed by the nine banks.

According to the NCC public notice, nine out of 18 financial institutions had not complied with regulatory directives.

It said while other banks have cleared their debts, the total amount initially owed by the financial institutions was reported to exceed N200 billion.

According to the NCC, some of the invoices have remained unpaid since 2020.

Part of the notice read, “By the information made available to the commission as at close of business on Tuesday, 14th January 2025, of a total of 18 financial institutions, the nine institutions listed below have failed to comply significantly with the directives in the Second Joint Circular of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the commission dated December 20, 2024, for the settlement of outstanding invoices due to MNOS, some since 2020.”

The affected financial institutions include Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank, Jaiz Bank Plc, Polaris Bank Limited, Sterling Bank Limited, United Bank for Africa Plc, Unity Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc.

The affected USSD codes include 770, 919, and 822, among others, could be reassigned to other applicants if the debts remain unresolved.

The regulator noted that banks’ failure to comply with the CBN-NCC joint circular also means that they are unable to meet the good standing requirements for the renewal of the USSD codes assigned to them by the commission.

It added, “In fulfilment of its consumer protection mandate, the commission wishes to inform consumers that they may be unable to access the USSD platform of the affected financial institutions from January 27, 2025.”

The NCC emphasised that the financial institutions had been duly notified of the need for immediate compliance and warned that consumers may face service disruptions if the issues remain unresolved.

Meanwhile, data from the CBN revealed that 252.06 million transactions worth N2.19 trillion were conducted via USSD between January and June 2024.

This was disclosed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence to defend the 2025 budget on Tuesday.

Musa also disclosed that the sit-at-home is gradually fading away with Ekpa’s arrest, adding that Operation Udoka by the Defence Headquarters, is restoring peace in the Southeast.

According to Musa: “With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, it has greatly reduced the tension. Also with Operation Udoka, we’re also doing that, picking up most of the leadership that are there, taking them out, and then making sure that the place is peaceful.

“The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing. We’re also working with the political leaders there because we understand, as I said always, that we need to have local support because without it, it’s difficult. You know, the terrain is very challenging, so we need to work together. It is improving.”

The Army chief also stated that there was relative peace during the Christmas holiday period due to the proactive measures of security agents.

Musa maintained the the military is committed to non-kinetic measures of addressing the security problem.

“We had some intelligence and worked ahead to ensure that everywhere was kept peaceful. That has happened and we intend to do that and continue to do more. What we try to encourage is jointness, and synergy in our operations,” he added.

The governor, who spoke on Monday in Imo State during the inspection of some projects to celebrate the first year of his second term, said more money now accrues to the coffers of state governments for the development of their states.

He said, “In reconciling the negative effects of the fuel subsidy removal and the benefits in terms of socio-infrastructure, social benefits, and then the ease of doing business occasioned by the provision of the enabling infrastructure, I think it is a blessing.

“It is a direct blessing, it is not a disguise to the sub-nationals because more monies are now coming to states and state governments must do things to show citizens that they are able to do these things because they now get more monies as a result of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.”

This development was confirmed following a closed-door session of the Senate Ad-hoc committee and key government officials, including the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji; Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele; and Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu,

The Senate’s Ad-hoc Committee on Tax Reform led by its Chairman, Sen. Abba Moro, was established in December last year to engage with the Federal Government on contentious aspects of the proposed tax legislation.

Senator Moro revealed that significant progress had been made.

“We have reached some agreements after thorough discussions with government officials. Our goal is to synthesize the entire process to deliver a law that meets the needs of all Nigerians,” Moro stated.

He expressed optimism that the committee would soon finalize its work, paving the way for the bills to be presented for passage.

“By the time we meet again, we will have a better story to tell,” he said.

FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji also expressed confidence in the progress made, indicating that previously contentious issues had been resolved.

“The so-called grey areas were discussed and clarified. We are now moving in the right direction, and there won’t be a need for further meetings. All issues have been identified, clarified, and resolutions have been made,” Adedeji said.

He affirmed that there was a consensus among all stakeholders on the necessity of the proposed tax laws.

“Everyone agreed that Nigeria needs these laws. Today, we saw the framework of the law come together, with the Attorney General, lawmakers, and operators all on the same page,” he concluded.

The committee’s efforts mark a significant step towards overhauling Nigeria’s tax system, with the reforms expected to enhance revenue collection and create a more efficient tax framework.

He said this in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates on Monday during a meeting with the Rwandan President, Paul Kagame.

The two leaders are in Abu Dhabi to attend the Sustainability Week held between January 12 and 18.

Tinubu is expected to use the summit to stress his administration’s reforms, including those related to energy sufficiency, transportation, public health and economic development.

In a post on his official X handle, @officialABAT, the president wrote, “This evening, on the eve of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, I had meaningful conversations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

“Africa has what it takes to develop itself. We have the resources, the people, and the capacity. We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration to benefit the African people and the continent. The time for Africa is now.”

Earlier, the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, had invited Tinubu to attend the summit.

Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday at the invitation of the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, announced Tinubu’s arrival in a post on his X page.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrives in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he is received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE,” Olusegun wrote.

The summit, themed “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” is scheduled to run from 12 to 18 January in Abu Dhabi. The event will bring together global leaders to accelerate sustainable development and advance socio-economic progress.

In Abu Dhabi, the President is expected to deliver a speech highlighting his administration’s key reforms, particularly in energy efficiency, transportation, public health, and economic development.

During the visit, Tinubu and his delegation are expected to hold discussions with UAE leadership to strengthen bilateral relations and explore opportunities for economic and diplomatic partnerships.

The forum aims to serve as a platform for policymakers, business leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss strategies for transitioning to a sustainable economy while fostering global prosperity.

The president was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

These behaviours are deemed contrary to the ethics of the armed forces.

The personnel have also been warned against body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behaviour, and drunkenness on or off duty.

This was contained in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service signed by Tinubu on December 16, 2024.

“An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality.

“He/she is not to belong to, or engage in activities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, amongst others.

“An officer must not engage in body piercing and tattooing of any part of his body. An officer shall not engage in any form of disorderly behaviour, brawl, or any action of public disgrace. An officer must not at any time be drunk whether on or off duty,” it read in part.

Officers are also forbidden from getting involved in amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses.

The document, however, did not state punishments or disciplinary measures in the case any officer violated those rules.

He also promised that the government will be willing to assist them in any kind of business they choose to go into to be useful to themselves and society.

The Governor, made the appeal at the funeral of the slain former Imo APC Woman leader, Orlu zone, Jenny Rachael Okonkwo, who was murdered in 2022 by suspected hoodlums who dumped her lifeless body in the bush.

Addressing a gathering of mourners at the country home of the late APC woman leader in Ogberuru, Orlu LGA , the Governor condemned the conditions under which the woman leader was assassinated, insisting that the Party and the State lost a gem in her.

Uzodinma prayed for the repose of her soul and the souls of the four other women assassinated with her and proceeded to approve the sum of N10 million for each of the deceased families.

He also promised that the government will be willing to employ any of their children who is employable or in the alternative train them if they are willing to learn a trade or skill.

The number one citizen of the state, pointed out that the sole reason why Okonkwo was assassinated, was not because of any offence she committed but because she was an APC member who did her job effectively as a woman leader and mobilizer.

“She was one of the best organizers and mobilizers, not only in Orlu Local Government but in Imo State in general. A very committed party woman, who worked, suffered, served the Party and the government, and because of her commitment, political opponents assassinated her.

“When Rachael was assassinated alongside four others, the senseless political violence and gruesome killings in the area was not known. Those who are behind the political killings in Orlu zone are still at work but very soon the wrath of God will catch up with them.” the Governor maintained

Uzodinma hinted that strangers were recruited by unscrupulous politicians to kill and assassinate their own brothers and sisters in the name of politics.

He, however, said with the help of God, Orlu people are beginning to see that those behind the killings in the LGA and other areas do not mean well for the state.

The Governor, called on all affected by the death of late Okonkwo to take heart and remain committed to the Party and the state.

“It is a thing of conscience. What one sows is what one will reap. If you shed blood God will judge you, if you are innocent God will judge you, if you are killing for political power, God will judge you; at the end of the day you will answer to God.”he further maintained.

Uzodinma used the moment to condole with the bereaved family and members of APC in the State, especially members of Camp Hope, acknowledging their efforts in uniting the party.

He urged all members of the party to remain firm, committed and resilient, assuring that they will never regret their sojourn in the Party.

Macaroni made the revelation while clapping back at an X user @OyesileJohn, who called him out for snubbing the Governor.

The user @OyesileJohn Twitted: “To d’ifa fun a certain Macarroni who, in an attempt to please the mob, snubbed the governor of Lagos state. Omo ase.”

The post, which has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, has many defending Macaroni for staying true to his values.

Responding to the user, the skit maker in a series of posts on his handle, noted that he would continue to snub Governor Sanwo-Olu.

“I will continue to snub your Governor. He doesn’t mean anything to me, neither do you or your father. I love that you slaves bring this issue up all the time.

“For every time you do, I will send you to your masters.”

Giving reason for his decision, Macaroni further explained that he can never mingle with the government that “stripped me naked, beat, tortured, brutalized and dehumanized me.”

Recounting his experience in detention, he said he was told by the police to “stop disturbing the governor.”

Lamentation on closed but porous borders came to the fore during 2025 budget defence session the joint committee had with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

First to lament on the issue of porous closed borders was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (PDP Osun East), who said it is better for the borders to be practically opened and not technically closed.

He said the exit of Niger Republic and Chad from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with attendant opening of their borders to Nigerians was worsening the menace of insecurity across the affected states and by extension, compounding the Nation’s economic woes.

“Border closure is hampering the economic fortunes of the country because rather than curb smuggling, it encourages it.

"For example on rice production alone, the largest percentage of 4million tons shortfall is being smuggled into the country since local producers are only producing 3million tons out the expected consumption rate of 7million tons”, he said.

In her own lamentation, another member of the committee, Hon Fatima Talba representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency of Yobe State in the House of Representatives said as far as she and her constituents were concerned, the borders were opened and not closed.

“Going by free movement of people and even criminals across the borders, it is time for us to stop fooling ourselves with border closure”, she said.

In his remarks on the border closure, Hon Paul Kalejaiye representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives wondered the form of border closure policy Nigeria is implementing.

"We need to even ask the question on the border policy being implemented. Are all borders across the Nation closed or those closed are from a segment of the country? “, He asked.

The Committee chaired by Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (APC Kwara North), accordingly urged the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole who came for the budget defence session to liaise with the Presidency on the way out of the border closure.

Oduwole had earlier in her presentation to the committee said the sum of N3.8billion is earmarked for capital expenditure in the 2025 fiscal year, N4.65billion for personnel cost, N1.45billion for overhead and projected revenue of N2 4billion.

But the committee ordered her ministry to go and correct some errors observed in the documents submitted, particularly N59billion erroneously written as payment for N50billion project.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, disclosed this on Thursday in Abia State.

According to her, the minimum review timeline is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to his promise to Nigerian workers by ensuring the minimum wage was reviewed after three years.

“We are not going to allow minimum wage review to be forever.

“It used to be about five years, but now, in three years’ time, which is less than two years, we will also review the minimum wage,” Onyejeocha said.

This comes as the Trade Union Congress recently called for a yearly review of the minimum wage in line with economic realities such as rising inflation.

DAILY POST reports that last year Tinubu had approved a N70,000 minimum wage, with a promise to review it every three years.

However, Nigeria’s rising inflation, which stood at 34.60 percent in November 2024, had impacted the minimum wage increase.

HolinesstodLord:
Nigeria is under a 3-year famine punishment from the Most High for their corrupt and evil ways. Almost everybody is corrupts: citizens, pastors, politicians,etc. No one has a solution, not even the president or CBN governor. All their policies are determined to fail.

God will feed his holy ones in famine. He who feed the angels got his ways no one knows of.

Things will get more worse. It started last years and was revealed before it all started.

If you can afford to leave, leave.

Bichi said he had compromising documents, voice recordings, and videos that he would expose “when the time is right.”

He spoke while addressing the public for the first time since being dismissed from his position, along with five other commissioners, by the governor in December 2024.

Addressing his supporters on Thursday, shortly after his return from Saudi Arabia, the former SSG promised to reveal the actions of his previous political allies.

He said, “I’m happy that I have finished my tenure in peace. As you know, this is not the best time to talk, but at the appropriate time we will expose them so that people will understand the kind of people they are.

“They are not trustworthy people. They’re very deceptive. They don’t know anything except treachery and betrayal. They are not people to be trusted.

“We have documented everything from written to audio and video evidence.”

According to Sowore, the rising hunger and significant level of infrastructural deficit in the country indicate a failure of the government to invest the funds generated from the removal of fuel subsidy into the economy.

Speaking on Channels TV on Thursday, the activist said, “There is total mismanagement of the resources of the country and I am not saying this because that is what people want to hear.

"It is because we were told as of a year ago when they took over power, the first decision they made was that they are going to remove subsidy and that whatever they saved from subsidy would be applied to managing the economy better to bring about prosperity, to bring about development.

“All of that cannot be shown anywhere in the country. I just came back from my state, Ondo State.

“The state of road infrastructure is the worst I have seen in a long time. I have not seen poverty like I have seen in recent times.”

This comes amid speculations that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, are teaming up to sack President Bola Tinubu in the coming election.

A post shared by Igbokwe on his official Facebook page warned those nursing presidential ambitions to desist, stating that Tinubu would remain Nigeria’s president until 2031.

According to Igbokwe, the president needs a second term to enable him to “set the records straight.”

He wrote: “If any presidential aspirant is dreaming of winning presidential elections in 2027, I will advise that candidate to perish the thought till 2031.

“PBAT is destined to remain in the seat of power till 2031. He needs eight years to set the records straight.”

The quartet met to review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria.

Posting on X, Sowunmi wrote: “You must set forth at Dawn, a strategic meeting called by HE Shehu Gabam, Chairman of SDP, with HE @elrufai, El-Rufai, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, Otunba Segun Sowunmi.

“The alternative, to meet and greet and review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria.”

This comes after El-Rufai dismissed rumours that he had dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC, for PDP.

Rumours circulated that El-Rufai might likely defect to PDP.

However, the former governor responded: “Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the leading peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers.”

In 2022, presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala had claimed that El-Rufai would defect to PDP before the 2023 general election.

El-Rufai had similarly dismissed the report, responding on X: “Thanks @BwalaDaniel but no, thanks. Never ever, not even my corpse will be found in the vicinity of your newfound political party. I still dey laugh.”

The state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, addressed the issue in a press statement released in Awka, the state capital.

Mefor stated: “It has become imperative to address the misinformation circulating in the media space regarding Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s alleged reluctance to support the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“This misinformation has been peddled by desperate opposition politicians who are intimidated by Soludo’s impressive achievements in office.

“Contrary to the false claims, Governor Soludo has been actively working towards Nnamdi Kanu’s release, as he hopes that Kanu’s release will help restore peace and stability in the South East.

He has demonstrated his commitment to this cause through his actions and public statements. Notably, Governor Soludo visited Nnamdi Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, where he offered to take Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on administrative bail and assured authorities of his availability whenever needed.”

Mefor further noted that the misinformation was being spread by desperate opposition politicians and other shadow figures, describing it as baseless, politically motivated, and intended to discredit Soludo’s administration.

“It is essential to look beyond the propaganda and recognize the progress being made, as well as the need for all to cooperate with the government to deal decisively with insecurity in the state. By working together, we can overcome our region’s challenges and build a safer, more prosperous future for all.”

The Commissioner also expressed concern over the hijacking of the Biafra agitation by criminals.

“Governor Soludo is deeply concerned about the hijacking of the Biafra agitation by criminals. These individuals have turned the agitation into a lucrative enterprise, engaging in kidnapping, robbery, ritual killings, and other heinous crimes for ransom.

“This development has not only undermined the legitimacy of the Biafra agitation but has also posed a significant threat to the security and stability of the South East region.

“The hijack of the Biafra agitation by criminals has had severe consequences for the people of the South East.

“The region has witnessed a surge in violent crimes, including kidnapping, robbery, and ritual killings. These crimes have not only claimed lives but have also caused widespread fear and insecurity among the population.

“Furthermore, this hijack has undermined the economic development of the region, as investors are reluctant to invest in an environment characterized by violence and insecurity,” Mefor lamented.

helinues:
North West politicians and governors have been the one against the bill. They are in their own as they don't have the number to stop the bill