Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

The Federal Government is contemplating the termination of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc’s contract for the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway project due to ongoing pricing disputes. The government has urged the construction giant to accept the N740.7 billion allocated by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to complete the remaining segment of the critical highway. During a meeting with Julius Berger, represented by Engr. Benjamin Bott, Executive Director of Projects, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi emphasized the importance of resolving the matter swiftly. “We have written to the President to approve that if JBN Plc does not accept the N740 billion, we…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) workers have commenced an indefinite strike, bringing the agency’s operations to a halt. The decision was made in response to unresolved issues related to workers’ welfare and conditions of service. The strike, which began earlier today, affects all departments within NAFDAC, including the crucial sectors responsible for regulating and monitoring the safety of food and drugs in Nigeria. Workers are demanding improved salaries, better working conditions, and the implementation of previously agreed-upon reforms. Union leaders have expressed their frustration over the government’s delay in addressing their concerns. “We have…

In a major move aimed at improving the welfare of workers, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has announced the immediate implementation of a new minimum wage of N72,500 for all civil servants in the state. The announcement marks a significant increase from the previous wage and reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the living conditions of its workforce. Governor Ododo made the declaration earlier today, stating that the adjustment is part of his administration’s efforts to address economic challenges and support the livelihoods of civil servants. “This increase is not just a commitment to our workers but an investment in…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has given the green light for the construction of an airstrip at Canaanland, the global headquarters of the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel. This landmark development is set to ease travel for members and the leadership of the church. In response to the announcement, Bishop David Oyedepo, founder and presiding bishop of the church, expressed his excitement. “I won’t need to fly a helicopter to the airport. I can go from here to anywhere I’m going,” said Oyedepo. The airstrip will serve Canaanland, located in Ota, Ogun State, facilitating both local and…

In a bold statement, former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has asserted his political stature, declaring himself “bigger” than Peter Obi, whom he referred to as his “younger brother.” Kwankwaso, who holds a PhD, highlighted his past governance achievements in Kano State, suggesting he outperformed Obi during his tenure as governor. While addressing supporters, Kwankwaso expressed a willingness to serve as Obi’s deputy, but emphasized that this would be contingent upon specific conditions being met. “I have no problem with deputizing Peter Obi, but only if certain conditions are met,” he said, leaving the nature of those conditions unclear. Kwankwaso’s remarks come…

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has asserted that electricity prices in the country are still the most affordable compared to other African nations. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about energy costs and access across the continent. During a recent press briefing, Adelabu emphasized that despite challenges in the power sector, Nigeria continues to offer competitive electricity pricing relative to its African peers. “The price of electricity is still the cheapest in Nigeria compared to other African nations,” he stated. The minister’s comments aim to address concerns over rising energy costs and to highlight the government’s efforts to maintain…

A group of protesters arrested at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos, has been released on bail, following a directive from the state’s Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola. The confirmation of their release came from Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement issued on Friday. The protesters were detained on October 2, 2024, during a gathering to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day. They were accused of breaching public peace while demonstrating. The situation escalated when individuals who returned to the park on Wednesday, October 2, were rounded up by police officers. In his statement, Hundeyin noted…

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enforce the water transportation code. This initiative aims to standardize operations, minimize boat accidents, and foster a more structured environment for potential investors in the sector. In a statement released on Friday by his spokesman, Ismail Omipidan, Oyetola highlighted that night travel and overloading are among the primary causes of boat accidents on Nigeria’s waterways. He stressed the need for collective efforts to combat this issue, urging boat users to strictly adhere to the established transportation code. “I am aware that…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stark warning of an impending indefinite strike due to the Federal Government’s failure to honor a 2009 agreement. This announcement was made by Prof. Timothy Namo, the Bauchi Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, during a press conference held on Friday in Jos. Namo emphasized that the union’s National Executive Council (NEC), which convened from August 17 to August 18, has grown increasingly frustrated with the government’s inaction. Following their discussions, ASUU issued a 21-day ultimatum, which has since expired without any significant response from the government. The union subsequently extended this…

President Bola Tinubu has officially submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly, aiming to enhance Nigeria’s tax system and align it with his administration’s developmental goals. During plenary sessions on Thursday, October 3, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas read the President’s letter detailing the proposed legislation. The initiatives are designed to modernize and streamline Nigeria’s tax framework. The centerpiece of the reform package is the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which seeks to establish a comprehensive fiscal framework for tax regulation across the nation. This bill is expected to provide a…