Author: Friday Omosola

Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has refuted reports linking him to Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race.   Recent media speculation suggested Adesina hinted at a possible run during a recent interview. However, he has categorically denied any such intention. Addressing the rumours on his X handle on Thursday, Adesina clarified that his remarks had been taken out of context and misrepresented by several Nigerian media outlets. “A segment of my recent interview on ARISE TV has been both misinterpreted and misrepresented in several Nigerian media outlets. What I said was, ‘I will be available to serve in any…

The Nigeria Police has clarified that 3,907 arms were unaccounted for in its armoury before Kayode Egbetokun assumed office as the Inspector General of Police (IGP).   In a statement, the Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said some of these weapons were taken by hoodlums during episodes of civil unrest.   “The Force wishes to clarify that this report appears to be based on an assessment of a 2019 audit by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF), likely reflecting records compiled before the current Inspector-General’s tenure,” he stated. According to the report—specifically, Issue 3b, Subsection (iii)—the 3,907 arms were classified…

As the world celebrated World Radio Day, the Federal Government (FG) called on all radio stations in Nigeria to leverage their platforms to raise awareness about climate change and its impact on the nation.   World Radio Day, observed annually on February 13, was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to highlight the vital role of radio in shaping societies. In a statement on Thursday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasised that through informative and educational programming, radio stations can equip communities with the knowledge and tools needed to adapt to climate change…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs, calling for an immediate rollback to the previous rates. The union has threatened to shut down the operations of telecom providers if the hike is not reversed by March 1, 2025.  The NLC and the Federal Government previously formed a 10-member committee to review the tariff adjustment and provide recommendations before any implementation. However, despite this agreement, telecom companies went ahead with the price increase, prompting the NLC’s strong response. In a communique signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja after a Central…

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives advanced four tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu in 2024, approving them for the next legislative stage after scaling second reading. The bills Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—were drafted following recommendations from the Taiwo Oyedele-led Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. With their second reading completed, the bills will now proceed to a public hearing for further scrutiny. Despite making progress in the House, the bills have faced significant opposition from various quarters, including northern governors and opposition…

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…