Author: Our Reporters

Ahead of the 10th National Assembly resumption of legislative proceedings on July 2, the examination of the federal legislature’s performance over the past year reveals insights into its constitutional responsibilities and legislative agenda. The 10th National Assembly, inaugurated on June 13, 2023, saw Senator Godswill Akpabio and Abbas Tajudeen emerge as the Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives, following weeks of power play. Senate President Akpabio announced the Assembly would resume proceedings on July 2 after a month-long recess for Democracy Day and end-of-session break activities. The Senate under his leadership aimed to align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision…

The rise in imported manufactured goods in Nigeria: The total value of manufactured goods imported into Nigeria reached N16 trillion between 2023 and 2024, showing a 60% increase compared to the previous year. The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics reported this significant growth in its latest Foreign Trade analysis over 12 months. The first quarter of 2024 alone saw imports valued at N12.64 billion, with China, India, and the USA as top trading partners. The most traded commodities included motor spirit, gas oil, and cane sugar for the sugar refinery market. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria attributes the import surge to…

**Title: Battling Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria: Vaccine Shortage and Preventive Measures** Cholera has resurfaced in Nigeria, claiming 40 lives so far, while the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) struggles with a shortage of vaccines. Dr. Jide Idris, the Director General of NCDC, emphasized the urgent need for vaccinations and preventive measures to stem the spread of this water-borne disease. The recent spike in cases has been alarming, with over 1,000 suspected cases and numerous fatalities reported. As the country awaits more vaccines, the NCDC is working with various agencies to contain the outbreak. The affected states, including Lagos and…

In a recent development in Rivers State, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that police officers would be stationed at the Local Government secretariats until the court reaches a decision on the local government chairmen tenure extension crisis. The clash over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen led to the tragic deaths of a police officer and a vigilante member in Port Harcourt. The local government chairmen, whose three-year terms ended, are citing the Local Government Amendment Law 2024 for a six-month extension due to the lack of local government elections. This led to Governor Siminalayi Fubara…

Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones have the potential to generate over N11.11tn according to experts, surpassing their current contribution to the Federation Account. Muda Yusuf, the Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, emphasized the need for leveraging free zones to enhance non-oil export revenue and reduce dependence on crude oil earnings. Highlighting successful examples like Dubai, Yusuf urged increased investments in Nigeria’s free trade zones to boost foreign exchange earnings. Meanwhile, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority reported significant contributions from the zones in terms of job creation and revenue generation for various agencies. The NEPZA Act of…

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the money-laundering case against Kogi state governor’s chief-of-staff, Ali Bello, and his co-defendant, Daudu Sulaiman, until July 15. The case, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saw a witness from Access Bank being cross-examined by the defense counsels, revealing no incriminating evidence against Bello. The witness clarified that the bank’s compliance unit was not responsible for managing the servers where transaction information originates. The defense counsels concluded their cross-examination, leading to the discharge of the witness. The trial is set to continue on July 15 and…

The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission is gearing up for the local government election scheduled for September 21. The Chairman, Charles Ejiogu, emphasized the importance of deepening democratic governance at the grassroots level. Highlighting the commission’s role in conducting free and transparent elections, he announced the upcoming election would involve 305 wards and 4,758 polling units across the state. Ejiogu called on Imo State residents to fulfill their constitutional duty by participating in the election process. He expressed gratitude for the support from various institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies. The commission is also in the…

Over three million poor and vulnerable households have benefitted from the $800 million palliative loan provided by the World Bank to alleviate the impact of recent government policies, including the fuel subsidy removal. This significant support, detailed in the World Bank’s restructuring paper, aims to enhance social safety net programs amid economic challenges. The loan has assisted 700 thousand households in rural areas and 2.5 million households in urban areas. The Federal Government requested an extension until December 31, 2025, to continue effectively implementing the National Social Safety Net Program-Scale Up project. The initiative targets approximately 30 million beneficiaries with…

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, denounces killings in the South-East and calls for an out-of-court settlement in his ongoing trial. Kanu stresses IPOB’s non-violent principles in a bid to end violence. The court proceedings reveal challenges faced by Kanu’s legal team, including lack of access and surveillance by the DSS. Despite Kanu’s plea for an out-of-court settlement, the Federal Government declines, shifting the decision to the Attorney General of the Federation. However, Justice Nyako orders the DSS to provide an unbugged space for Kanu to meet with his lawyers and addresses issues surrounding Kanu’s fresh application.…

The Long Wait to Crown Olubadan-Designate The people of Ibadan eagerly anticipate the coronation of Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. Three months post the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun, the delay in announcing the coronation has left the city in a state of anticipation, awaiting Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision. Preparations are in full swing at Olakulehin’s residence, with family members selling ceremony fabric, or aso ebi, in anticipation of the joyous occasion. An Ankara fabric in blue and black hues, accompanied by a yellow ofi fabric for headgear, is prominently displayed. The sale of the fabric was initially in high demand…