Author: Our Reporters

Agribusiness stakeholders, including the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria, are calling for the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development to address food insecurity in Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu approved the creation of the ministry on July 9, 2024, during the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms in Abuja. The Chairman of LCCI’s Agro-allied group, Kola Aderibigbe, praised the creation of the ministry but emphasized the need for a clear plan to tackle food insecurity. He also expressed concerns about the increased costs for integrated farmers dealing with multiple ministries.…

In a major breakthrough, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious drug baron, Joachin Mbonu, in Imo State. Mbonu, a key figure in a drug cartel responsible for the production of methamphetamine, was apprehended along with his associate in his village mansion on July 5. The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that Mbonu’s cartel had operational bases in Imo and Rivers states and was distributing substantial quantities of methamphetamine across the South-East, South-South, and other parts of the country. During the operation, the NDLEA recovered 419.99 grams of methamphetamine, 750 grams of iodine, and a pump…

The Supreme Court is set to deliver judgment in the case filed by the Federal Government against the 36 state governors regarding local government autonomy. The suit, spearheaded by the Attorney General of the Federation, aims to secure autonomy and direct funding for the 774 local governments in the country. The Federal Government is seeking to withhold funds from local governments being managed by caretakers appointed by governors, instead of elected officials. Despite opposition from the state governors on jurisdictional grounds, a seven-man panel of Supreme Court Justices presided over the case and is now ready to announce its decision.…

Federal Government Announces 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities The Federal Government recently launched a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities to combat rising inflation, aiming to ease the financial burdens faced by many Nigerians. This effort includes collaborating with states to expand land cultivation across the country, with the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for certain food imports through land and sea borders. Despite Nigeria being known as the food basket of Africa, high food import bills remain a concern for the government. The latest directive allowing duty-free imports, while criticized by some experts, showcases ongoing…

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has directed the Hisbah Board to crackdown on groups suspected of promoting LGBTQ rights in the state. The directive comes amidst tension over groups allegedly advocating for same-sex marriage in Kano. The Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, revealed this in an interview with The PUNCH on Monday, stating that such activities by groups like “WISE” are a breach of the state’s morals and Sharia law. Governor Yusuf expressed disapproval of any agreements promoting LGBT activities, emphasizing that it goes against the values of the majority, who are Muslims. Hisbah has been ordered to investigate and…

Renowned Special Investigator, Jim Obazee, recently urged lawmakers to tackle issues of corruption, inefficiencies, and waste in government operations. Speaking at an award ceremony hosted by ThisNigeria, Obazee emphasized the vital role of legislators in ensuring that government institutions deliver on their mandates and eliminate financial mismanagement. He highlighted the need for effective distribution of Federal Government palliatives, calling on lawmakers at both the federal and state levels to be proactive in their oversight functions. Obazee’s preliminary report to President Tinubu criticized the approval of N22.7tn Ways and Means advances by the 9th National Assembly, citing violations of relevant laws…

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig Gen Yushau Ahmed, announced that the Federal government plans to increase the monthly allowance of Corps members after finalizing negotiations on the new minimum wage. Brig Gen Ahmed also cautioned against sharing camp activities on social media, citing the expulsion of three members for violating this rule. Speaking to 2762 corps members at the Ogun State NYSC Orientation Camp, Brig Gen Ahmed commended their accomplishment and emphasized the importance of obeying camp regulations. He reassured the attendees that their allowance would see an increase following the minimum wage discussions, expressing…

Flooding Crisis: States Take Precautionary Measures to Protect Residents As flooding wreaks havoc across 10 states in Nigeria, state governments are stepping up efforts to protect residents. Sokoto and Delta are among the states relocating people from flood-prone areas, while Lagos considers reopening IDP camps. The Minister of Water Resources, Prof Joseph Utsev, issued a red alert, warning that 21 more states might face flooding this year. Lagos and Ogun states were recently hit by heavy rainfall, causing significant damage. In response, Lagos State plans to demolish structures along water channels and may reopen IDP camps. Ebonyi State has prepared…

Addressing Nigeria’s Impending Food Crisis The United Nations has raised concerns about the food security situation in Nigeria, predicting that by 2030, 82 million Nigerians, representing 64% of the population, may face hunger. This warning follows a recent spike in food prices across the country, with the food inflation rate hitting a record high of 40.66% in May 2024. Various factors such as climate change, pest infestations, and other threats to agricultural productivity have been identified as contributing to the looming crisis. The situation is further exacerbated by ongoing food insecurity in states like Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Sokoto, and Zamfara.…

The Court of Appeal in Abuja recently made a significant ruling regarding the political turmoil in the Rivers State House of Assembly. In a judgment delivered by a three-man panel led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada, the court dismissed an ex parte order issued by the Rivers State High Court, which had prevented Martin Amaewhule from acting as the Speaker of the Assembly. The ruling also nullified a decision preventing 24 pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers from entering the Assembly premises or carrying out legislative activities. The political crisis stemmed from defections between the People’s Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress. Following…