Author: Friday Omosola

Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to fostering strategic global partnerships has taken a significant step forward with the launch of the ‘Plateau Agro-Innovation Makerspace’, an initiative aimed at equipping young people with modern agricultural and technological skills.   Established through a collaboration between the ‘United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’ and the the state government, the high-tech facility is designed to drive youth empowerment, economic transformation, and sustainable development across the state. Located atbPlateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi, the Makerspace will serve as a hub for advanced learning in agricultural innovation, technology-driven education, and renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power systems. Speaking at the…

In response to mounting pressure from industry stakeholders, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has suspended the implementation of a 4 per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) levy on imports. NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada announced the decision in a statement yesterday. He cited the need for further consultations between the Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun, and key stakeholders. The proposed 4 per cent FOB levy was intended to replace a previous system where firms like Webb Fontaine conducted import inspections for a 1 per cent fee. READ ALSO: Customs auctions seized petrol at N630/litre in Oyo However, its introduction sparked concerns among importers…

The House of Representatives has called for the immediate suspension of the recently implemented 50% increase in telecom tariffs, citing the financial strain on Nigerians.  The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance raised by lawmaker Oboku Oforji during Tuesday’s plenary. Lawmakers also condemned the deteriorating service quality provided by telecom operators, insisting that any tariff adjustment should be contingent on significant improvements in service delivery. As part of its directive, the House instructed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to halt the tariff hike in light of prevailing…

Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has pledged to reinforce legal and institutional measures to combat oil theft and ensure perpetrators face justice.   He made this commitment on Wednesday in a statement on his X page, following his appointment as Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft. Nwoko, who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), described the appointment as a crucial national duty aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasised that crude oil theft has long posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s economy, draining government revenue, discouraging investment, and jeopardizing…

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has reaffirmed that power will remain in the South until 2031 before shifting back to the North.   He said this as speculation grows about opposition from certain northern political factions against President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated bid for a second term. Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, made this statement in Abuja on Tuesday while addressing a delegation from the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum. He commended the group for its organizational efforts and its role in gathering electoral data, assuring them of the APC’s full support. READ…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the removal of the three free monthly withdrawals previously allowed for customers using Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) of banks other than their own. In a circular issued on February 10, 2025, and addressed to all banks and financial institutions, the apex bank’s Acting Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, John Onojah, confirmed the policy change. “The three free monthly withdrawals allowed for remote-on-us (other bank’s customers/not-on-us consumers) in Nigeria under Section 10.6.2 of the Guide shall no longer apply,” the circular stated. READ ALSO: World Bank charges CBN on inflation-control…

A Lagos Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Tuesday granted bail to the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, setting the amount at N50 million with two sureties. Meanwhile, the court convicted Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited, ordering its dissolution and the forfeiture of its rights, title, and interest in 6.25 billion units of Keystone Bank Limited’s ordinary shares to the Federal Government. Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the judgment as part of a plea bargain agreement between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited. The company, represented by its…

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy, Daniel Bwala, has downplayed his past criticisms of him, stating that his previous remarks no longer hold significance.   Speaking on ‘Arise TV’s Morning Show’ on Tuesday, Bwala explained that his criticisms of Tinubu were rooted in his role as a member of the opposition party at the time. During the 2023 presidential election campaign, Bwala left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after the party fielded a Muslim-Muslim ticket with Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates. He subsequently joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and…

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has called on political appointees to adopt innovative approaches and work collaboratively to address the state’s pressing challenges, ensuring better living conditions for its citizens.   Governor Mutfwang made this appeal yesterday while declaring open the Plateau State Annual Executive Retreat, themed ‘That Plateau May Shine,’ at Miango Rest Home in Bassa Local Government Area. Reflecting on the administration’s journey so far, the governor urged his appointees to seize every opportunity to drive meaningful change, particularly in the education and health sectors, as well as in infrastructure development, to foster economic growth and sustainable progress. “We…

The Ogun State government has announced plans to establish ranching facilities to enhance meat processing and ensure hygienic food production. Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this initiative while hosting a delegation from SEMMARIS and the French Embassy at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Monday.   According to the governor, the planned ranches will enable the state to rear, fatten, slaughter, and process cattle in a controlled and sanitary environment. This move is aimed at improving meat quality and reducing health risks associated with unregulated slaughtering practices. “We have an immediate plan to set up ranching facilities where cattle will be reared,…