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 Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has announced a new minimum wage of N72,000 for civil servants, effective November 2024.  This decision aims to enhance workers' welfare and improve living conditions for the vulnerable population.  Additionally, a Free Transportation Scheme will be launched, providing 100 CNG buses for civil servants' commuters, managed by a Joint Management Committee with labour representatives.  Governor Sani emphasized his commitment to improving the lives of the less privileged and transforming Kaduna State into a model for social welfare interventions.

The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has expressed strong support for northern governors' rejection of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax bills currently before the National Assembly. Convened by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, the LND argues that the proposed VAT changes threaten the economic interests of northern Nigeria and lack justification. In a statement from spokesman Dr. Ladan Salihu, the group criticized the bills for overlooking regional disparities in development and economic capacity. They assert that if passed, the bills would exacerbate inequality and negatively impact the livelihoods of northern citizens. The LND calls for unity among Northern legislators to oppose the bills, emphasizing their role in protecting the region's interests. They commend the governors for their stance and reaffirm their commitment to advocating for equitable policies that benefit the North. The group urges a collective rejection of the bills to promote a more inclusiv...

  President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff due to the prolonged absence of General Tahoreed Lagbaja, who is reportedly undergoing treatment in the United States.  Gen.Oluyede, a seasoned officer with a history of command positions, will oversee the Army's affairs until Lagbaja returns .

 A Russian court has imposed a staggering fine on Google, amounting to $20 decillion, for blocking content from Russian media stations.  This decision stems from a lengthy legal battle that began after YouTube banned certain channels linked to the Russian government in response to U.S. sanctions.  The fine, which compounds daily, highlights the absurdity of the amount, far exceeding global GDP.  Google, already having exited the Russian market in 2022, views the ongoing legal matters as unlikely to have a significant adverse impact on its overall operations.

  Adams Oshiomhole has highlighted that Nigerian workers are experiencing significant poverty compared to previous generations, noting that the current minimum wage of N70,000 translates to only $42 due to devaluation.  He calls for higher wages from the government and wealthy states, reflecting on his advocacy for better pay during his tenure with the Nigeria Labour Congress.  Oshiomhole also advocates for expanding minimum wage laws to cover more employees, emphasizing the need for policy changes to improve workers' living standards.

  BudgIT's recent report highlights the fiscal challenges facing Nigerian states, revealing that only Lagos and Rivers can independently cover their operating costs without relying on the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).  According to the 2024 State of States Report, while Lagos and Rivers have IGR to operating expense ratios of over 118%, several states like Ogun, Anambra, Kaduna, Kwara and Cross River can only generate enough revenue to cover about 50% of their expenses.  Alarmingly, 34 states depend on FAAC for 62% of their recurrent expenditures, with 32 states relying on it for at least 55% of their total revenue. The report emphasizes that in the 2023 fiscal year, the overall revenue for all states increased by 31.2%, highlighting ongoing reliance on federal transfers.

  A representative from the Kontagora 11 constituency has expressed concern over bandits allegedly occupying the military training ground at the artillery headquarters in Nagwamatse Barrack, Kontagora in Niger state.  During a preliminary sitting at the state house of assembly in Minna, he urged both state and federal governments to take decisive action against these criminals living in Mariga and Kontagora Local Government Areas of Niger State.  This issue echoes reports from a few weeks ago by Maburya Online News regarding the presence of bandits in the area and some communities in Gulbinboka,Ragada, Kakihum,Maburya, Kumbashi and  Kotonkoro axis.

 The pump price of petrol in Nigeria has risen for the second time in three weeks, now at N1,025 in Lagos and N1,050 in Abuja. This follows an increase on October 9, 2024, when prices went from N897 to N1,030 in Abuja and from N885 to N998 in Lagos. The price hikes are attributed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited's (NNPCL) exit as a middleman in transactions with the Dangote Refinery. As a result, NNPCL will no longer subsidize the price gap, previously absorbing a subsidy of N133 per litre. This move marks a significant step towards a fully deregulated oil market, allowing marketers to negotiate prices directly with the refinery under a "willing buyer, willing seller" framework, similar to other deregulated fuels like diesel and kerosene.

  The recent meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum in Kaduna underscored the region's current challenges and united leadership's resolve to address them. The 19 northern governors, along with prominent traditional rulers, highlighted issues like economic hardship, youth restiveness, and insufficient educational opportunities, which disproportionately impact the North. Central to their discussions was their opposition to President Tinubu’s proposed Nigeria Tax Reform Bill. The governors argued that the bill's VAT distribution model would disadvantage northern states, where VAT collections are not locally retained due to companies paying VAT from headquarters based elsewhere. This would worsen economic inequality between northern and southern regions. They called for policies that respect regional equity and emphasized the need for measures to support economic development, including investments in agriculture and industrialization to reduce the North’s dependency on...

 Motorists and commuters traveling between Minna and Suleja are facing significant delays due to deteriorating road conditions, particularly on the stretch between Lambata and Suleja.  A journey that should normally take two hours now often extends to five or six hours.  The poor state of this road has led to frequent accidents, particularly involving heavy trucks, which end up blocking the entire road and causing severe traffic congestion.                   Izom - Abuchi - Suleja road Navigating the route from Izom through Abuchi to Suleja sounds exhausting! With the trucks clogging the main path and the alternative road in such poor condition, driving must feel like a test of endurance and caution, especially with those steep hills and valleys.  These road conditions have become hazardous, with the frequent accidents and blockages posing safety risks and logistical challenges for both personal and commercial transportati...

‘ I’ll Make You Disappear,’ Says Abia Rep Alex Ikwechegh After Assaulting Driver** Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North & South, has come under fire after a viral video showed him assaulting an e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya. The incident occurred at Ikwechegh’s residence in Abuja when the driver arrived to deliver a package. In the footage, Ikwechegh can be seen slapping and berating the driver, claiming that the driver’s request for him to come outside was disrespectful due to his status. He threatened the driver, stating, “I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen,” and boasted about his power and influence. The video sparked outrage, leading to calls for accountability and condemnation from various quarters, including Ikwechegh's own party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which has announced plans for sanctions against him. This incident follows a controversial political backgro...

Recent negotiations at the sub-national level in Nigeria have led to several states announcing new minimum wage increases that exceed federal guidelines. Lagos and Rivers states have set the bar highest at N85,000, followed by Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom at N80,000. The recent boost in the Federation Account allocations, particularly after the removal of petrol subsidies, has strengthened state finances, facilitating these increases. Other states, including Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Jigawa, and Borno, are implementing wages between N70,000 and N77,000. Tommy Okon, Deputy Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, criticized governors who have not adopted the new wages, urging them to support workers given the increased revenues. Additionally, several states are addressing pension payments and outstanding gratuity liabilities. Enugu's Governor Peter Mbah announced an N80,000 minimum wage, emphasizing the need to support the workforce. Meanwhile, Anambra will maintain a minimum of ...

  The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has raised alarms regarding the ongoing power outages in northern Nigeria, attributing them to vandalism on the second Shiroro Power Line. This line is crucial for supplying electricity to the Kaduna Station, which distributes power to several northern states. The coalition's national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, expressed discontent over the lack of timely repairs, highlighting that the first power line has been faulty for months without intervention. The CNG emphasized that two towers along the damaged line have not received adequate attention, contributing to the prolonged outage. They noted that the alternative supply from the Jos line has been unreliable, further complicating the situation. The coalition pointed out significant infrastructural deficiencies, revealing that the North is severely underserved in terms of electricity infrastructure compared to regions like Lagos, which benefits from multiple power lines. The ...

  The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast haziness and sunshine nationwide from Sunday to Tuesday.  On Sunday, moderate dust haze is expected in the northern region, with horizontal visibility between 2km and 5km, and local visibility could drop to 1,000m or less. The North Central region will see sunny skies with some clouds in the morning, transitioning to thunderstorms and moderate rain in the afternoon, particularly affecting the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa States. In the south, similar thunderstorms are anticipated in parts of Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. For Monday, NiMet predicts continued moderate dust haze in the north, with visibility similar to Sunday. The North Central region is forecasted to have sunny skies in the morning, followed by thunderstorms in the afternoon over areas like the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue, and Kogi States. Morning thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected in the south, pa...

  Nigeria has been awarded a 3-0 victory over Libya in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier after Nigeria refused to play due to mistreatment at a Libyan airport. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled in Nigeria's favor following their ordeal, where they were stranded for over 16 hours without food or water, leading them to fly back home instead of fulfilling the fixture. With this ruling, Nigeria tops Group D with 10 points, moving closer to qualifying for the 2025 finals in Morocco. Libya, having only one point from four matches, sits at the bottom of the group. CAF also fined Libya $50,000 for breaching competition rules regarding the treatment of visiting teams. This incident sheds light on the broader issue of poor conditions often faced by visiting teams in African football, prompting CAF to consider stricter regulations to ensure better treatment.

 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has clarified that it did not influence Nigeria's decision to remove fuel subsidies.  During a recent briefing, Abebe Selassie, the IMF’s African Region Director, emphasized that the removal was a domestic decision made by President Bola Tinubu and that the IMF's involvement is limited to dialogue with Nigeria, similar to its relations with other countries. Selassie acknowledged the significant social impact of subsidy removal but noted that it aligns with the government's long-term strategy for sustainable economic growth. He suggested that the government should enhance social protections for the vulnerable to alleviate some of the associated hardships. Following President Tinubu's declaration that fuel subsidies were eliminated, prices surged dramatically, escalating from approximately N200 to around N1,200 per litre in many areas, leading to public outcry and allegations that the government was adopting IMF policies.

  The federal government has officially begun construction on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, spanning over 2,000 kilometers. Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, marked the groundbreaking in Sokoto State, describing the project as breaking a 48-year jinx.  The initiative, initially proposed during former President Shehu Shagari's tenure, is seen as a reward to Sokoto residents for their support of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections. The superhighway will feature a 120-kilometer, six-lane design with median landscaping, solar street lighting, and modern signage.  It aims to enhance trade, connectivity, and security across several states, significantly reducing travel time between Sokoto and Lagos by 48 hours.  The project is being executed by Hitech Construction, chosen for its capability and resources. Local leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing its importance to the region.

  Niger State has officially approved a new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for civil servants, set to take effect in November.  Governor Umaru Bago announced the decision after negotiations with labor union leaders, emphasizing that the state's agricultural investments will support this wage sustainability. Governor Bago highlighted the potential for future increases, mentioning plans for a civil service farm to boost productivity, even suggesting the possibility of reaching a minimum wage of ₦1 million. This new wage applies to both state and local government civil servants, with October salaries already disbursed.  Idris Lafene, the Niger State NLC chairman, expressed satisfaction with the increase, noting that while it exceeds expectations, it still falls short of covering living costs. In related developments,  other states like Jigawa, Enugu, and Kebbi have also announced new minimum wages of ₦70,000, ₦80,000, and ₦75,000 respectively for their civil servants.

 Niger State, the largest in Nigeria by land area, is a crucial transit point between the northern and southern regions, with significant federal roads. It features three senatorial zones, with Zone C housing the largest land mass, including the local governments of Borgu and Mashegu, noted for their size. Despite its strategic importance, many federal roads in Niger State are in deplorable condition, impacting travel and trade. Key roads in urgent need of attention include: 1. Makera to Tegina to Birnin Gwari:  Once a major route, this road is now impassable, forcing heavy vehicles to take longer detours that increase traffic and travel time. 2. Makera to Kontagora: Although part of a larger rehabilitation project, this stretch remains in disrepair, causing journeys to take up to six hours instead of one. 3. Kontagora to Bangi to Wasagu:  This road is among the worst in Nigeria, with rehabilitation stalled due to funding issues, despite a contract awarded six years ago. ...

First Bank has announced plans to migrate to a new cloud-based procurement and financial platform starting Saturday, October 26, 2024. This transition aims to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, but will result in temporary service disruptions.  The migration follows a trend in the Nigerian banking sector, with several major banks, including Zenith Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank, recently upgrading their core banking systems. During the cut-over period, from October 26 to November 3, certain activities and transactions will be suspended to ensure a smooth transition. Vendors are advised that they will be unable to submit invoices through the current Electronic Business Suite during this period, and payments will only be processed for invoices submitted by October 25. The existing supplier portal will be discontinued on November 4, and First Bank will communicate further details about the new Supplier Portal prior to its launch on November 4.

The Federal Government is planning to raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 7.5% to 10%, primarily targeting luxury goods while exempting essential items for poorer Nigerians.  Finance Minister Wale Edun announced this at an IMF/World Bank meeting, emphasizing the gradual implementation of the increase.  He reassured that the proposed reforms aim to protect the vulnerable while generating much-needed revenue.  The details of the exempt goods will be shared publicly soon, and the proposed changes are currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

Minister of work The Federal Government has given Julius Berger a seven-day ultimatum to accept its N740.79 billion offer for completing a section of the Abuja-Kano Highway.  Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, emphasized the need to resolve negotiations, which have been ongoing since September 2023.  If Julius Berger does not accept the offer, the government will issue a 14-day termination notice in line with contract laws. Umahi also noted ongoing critical rehabilitation of the Shagamu-Benin road and outlined plans for its full reconstruction.  The Abuja-Kano road will now proceed without a tax credit arrangement, and the Oyo-Ogbomosho road, stalled for 18 years, will resume work.  Additionally, significant repairs will be made to the Makurdi-Katsina-Ala road. He addressed the government's inherited debt of ₦1.6 trillion associated with 2,604 projects, with a total contract value of ₦13 trillion, stating that a phased approach to project completion will be impl...

The Akwa Ibom State government has announced a new minimum wage of N80,000 for its employees, emphasizing its commitment to worker welfare.  Commissioner of Information, Ini Ememobong, stated that Governor Umo Eno has set up a 15-member implementation committee, chaired by the Head of the Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien.  This committee, which includes representatives from various labor unions, has one month to devise a plan for the effective rollout of the wage increase.

 On October 23, 2024, President Bola Tinubu announced a significant cabinet reshuffle, appointing seven new ministers, dismissing five, and swapping ten others. Notably, some junior ministers were elevated to substantive positions.  Key changes include: - **Morufu Alausa**, previously Minister of State for Health, is now the Minister of Education, succeeding Prof. Tahir Mamman. - **Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim**, formerly Minister of State for Police Affairs, has been appointed Minister of Women Affairs, replacing Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye. - **Ayodele Olawande** has been promoted from Minister of State for Youth Development to the Minister of Youth Development. This reshuffle reflects President Tinubu's strategy to enhance his cabinet's effectiveness and address ongoing challenges.

  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed seven new ministers to his cabinet, aiming to enhance governance and address national priorities. The appointees include: - **Ambassador Bianca Odimegwu Ojukwu** as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. - **Jumoke Oduwole** as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. - **Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda** as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. - **Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi** as Minister of Labour and Employment. - **Idi Mukhtar Maiha** as Minister of Livestock Development. - **Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata** as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. - **Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad** as Minister of State for Education. Additionally, **Sunday Dare**, former Minister of Sports, has been appointed as Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, likely succeeding Ajuri Ngelale, who resigned recently amid controversy. The president urged the new ministers to view their roles as a commitment to n...

                                                    President Tinubu                     President Bola Tinubu has initiated a cabinet reshuffle, leading to the dissolution of the Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development.  Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesman, announced these changes on Wednesday. In a shift towards regional governance, a new Ministry of Regional Development will now oversee various regional development commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission and others across the North West, South West, and North East. The National Sports Commission will assume the responsibilities previously held by the Ministry of Sports. Onanuga also revealed the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative E...

       Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has approved a new minimum wage of ₦85,000 for civil servants, following a closed-door meeting with organized labor representatives under the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council at the Government House in Port Harcourt. This decision aligns Rivers State with Lagos State, which also committed to paying an ₦85,000 minimum wage, and Delta State, which set their minimum wage at ₦77,500. This wage increase comes after President Bola Tinubu signed a federal minimum wage bill of ₦70,000 into law in July 2024. Several states have since responded with their own wage adjustments.  Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun approved ₦77,000 as the minimum wage, Gombe State set theirs at ₦71,500, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa raised the wage to ₦73,000, and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo approved ₦72,500. Governor Ododo also suspended taxes on the new wage for one year. Also, Abia State Government has confirmed that it wi...

                                                  Farouk Lawan  Farouk Lawan, a former member of the House of Representatives, has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja after serving his sentence. In a statement on Tuesday, he expressed profound gratitude for his release, stating, “Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah. Today marks the start of a new chapter in my life as I leave Kuje Custodial Centre. I am immensely thankful to Allah SWT for guiding me through this trial.” Lawan, who was the Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime, was initially arraigned in 2013 for allegedly demanding a $3 million bribe from businessman Femi Otedola. Otedola accused him of accepting $500,000 to help remove his company’s name from a list of firms involved in the 2012 fuel subsidy scam. D...

  The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) recently convened a significant meeting with the Federal Government in Abuja to discuss the implementation of recommendations from its Security Summit earlier this year.  Key figures in attendance included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defense Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, and governors from Zamfara and Katsina states, who are directly impacted by banditry. The meeting emphasized a collaborative approach among the Federal Government, state leaders, security agencies, and the public to address the persistent insecurity in northern Nigeria.  The adoption of these recommendations marks a crucial step towards implementing effective strategies aimed at mitigating the ongoing security challenges in the region.

                                                                                               FCT Minster The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a three-month ultimatum to owners of uncompleted buildings and undeveloped plots within the Federal Capital City (FCC), urging them to develop their properties or risk losing them.  This directive, issued by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the leadership of Chief Felix Obuah, stems from concerns over the growing number of shanties and squatters occupying these properties.  The FCTA highlighted that these uncompleted buildings and undeveloped plots are being used by individuals involved in criminal activities...

                                                                                                           Hisbah boss The Kano State Hisbah Board has issued a warrant for Auwal Sankara, the Commissioner for Special Duties in Jigawa State, over allegations of adultery. The Commander General of the board, Aminu Daurawa, made this announcement during a press conference in Kano. Sankara is accused of being found with a married woman, Tasleem Nabegu, in an uncompleted building, following intelligence tracking based on repeated complaints from the woman's husband, Nasiru Bulama. Bulama, who is the father of Nabegu's two children, had accused the commissioner of engaging in an i...

                                                                                                   FIRS Office - Abuja The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced a new recruitment drive targeting young graduates for the roles of Tax Officers (Officer I and Officer II). The announcement, made on October 21, 2024, through the agency's official X (formerly Twitter) account, invites aspiring candidates to join the public service and contribute to national development. In the post, FIRS shared that more information regarding the application process, deadlines, and requirements will be available soon on their official website. The agency highlighted the importance of integrity, professional...

                                                         The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has responded to allegations made by Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (APC Kwara South), calling his remarks an act of personal vendetta. NDLEA's Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, represented by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, disclosed that a raid on the senator’s residence in Ilorin, Kwara State, led to the discovery of drugs, and the arrest, prosecution, and sentencing of three of the senator’s aides, with one being jailed as recently as June 2024. Senator Ashiru had criticized the NDLEA during a Senate plenary, claiming it is "the most corrupt and compromised government agency" and has failed in its mission to curb drug trafficking, which, according to him, justifies the creation of ano...

                                                                                  statement from the Defence Headquarters addresses concerns about the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces, clarifying that there is no acting Chief of Army Staff and that Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja is simply on annual leave.  It emphasizes the importance of verifying information before spreading rumors and warns against any calls for military intervention, reaffirming the military's commitment to democracy and national integrity.  The communication also reflects confidence in the current leadership and the support of President Bola Tinubu.  It's a strong message aimed at maintaining stability and trust in the armed forces during a time of potential u...

                                                                                                 Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has approved a new minimum wage of N85,000 for civil servants in the state.  This decision, announced during a live television interview on Wednesday, aims to improve the welfare of workers amid rising economic pressures. Sanwo-Olu stated that this wage increase aligns with the federal government's recent approval of a N70,000 minimum wage and is part of his administration's response to ease the burden of the fuel subsidy removal on workers.  The governor also hinted at further adjustments to civil servants' wages to reflect the current economic realities...

The State House statement thus emphasizes that the absence of both President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima does not lead to a leadership vacuum or a constitutional crisis.  All key governmental functions, under the supervision of essential state officials like ministers and service chiefs, remain fully operational, ensuring that the administration runs smoothly in their absence. By referencing similar instances under previous administrations, the statement seeks to reassure the public that such situations are neither unprecedented nor problematic.  It highlights that modern technology and communication allow both leaders to stay connected to Nigeria's affairs, making it possible for them to execute their responsibilities effectively, even while abroad.  This argument underscores the flexibility of leadership in the digital age and the ongoing functionality of Nigeria's governance systems.

                                                                      The recent meeting between the Federal Government of Nigeria and organized labour resulted in some important agreements aimed at addressing the economic challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the resulting price hikes. While the source indicated that the discussions were not so much about "satisfaction" but about moving forward from the past lack of communication, the outcomes signal a positive shift in government-labour relations. The meeting involved key government officials such as the National Security Adviser, Labour Minister, and Minister of Finance, among others. Labour leaders from both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) were present to represent the workers’...