FG and Labour Strike Deal to Curb Rising Transport and Food Costs

The Federal Government and Organised Labour have reached an agreement aimed at addressing the soaring transport fares and food prices in Nigeria. This comes amid growing concerns about inflation and the high cost of living.

The agreement was made following a meeting held at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), on the same day that the House of Representatives urged the government to reverse the recent petrol price hike. Lawmakers also proposed measures like tax reductions and subsidies on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for low-income households to stabilize fuel and cooking gas prices.

As part of the agreement, the government pledged to roll out over 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits and provide an additional 45 CNG buses to complement the 90 previously promised. These buses are expected to help lower transport costs and, by extension, reduce food prices by making the transportation of goods cheaper.

The government also agreed to engage with state governors to ensure the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, beginning in October. Labour will now have representation on the country’s economic council, allowing for continuous dialogue on economic policies.

The government further promised to accelerate the completion of five refineries and address wage arrears for workers. Both parties agreed that ongoing discussions would help prevent future disputes and ensure a more cooperative relationship moving forward.

APC North Central Forum Halts Push for Ganduje’s Removal Ahead of Key NEC Meeting

The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has put a pause on its demand for the ousting of Abdullahi Ganduje as the party’s National Chairman in light of the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Previously, the forum had strongly opposed Ganduje’s appointment, claiming that the chairmanship should belong to the North Central region as outlined in the party’s amended constitution of 2022.

In the past, the forum resorted to protests, press conferences, and legal actions against Ganduje to challenge his position. However, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the chairman of the North Central APC Forum, stated in a recent announcement that their opposition was not personal against Ganduje.

Zazzaga highlighted the forum’s commitment to peace and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of the party’s unity as it prepares for the NEC meeting. He reflected on the forum’s seven-year history of advocating for the North Central region and reiterated their belief in fairness and equity within the party.

The forum has collectively decided to suspend its agitation until after the NEC meeting, acknowledging that the committee has the authority to make crucial decisions regarding party leadership and positions. They aim to ensure the North Central region receives fair representation and benefits during upcoming negotiations, particularly in light of the 2027 general elections.

Air Peace CEO Praises Government’s Efforts to Enhance Aviation Business Viability

Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace, has lauded the Federal Government for its commitment to creating a viable business environment in the aviation sector. His remarks followed a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a discussion with reporters, Onyema shared that the vice president emphasized the government’s initiative to promote the ease of doing business within the aviation industry.

“I just had a session with the Vice President, and everything he said indicates that the government is focused on enhancing the ease of doing business,” Onyema stated.

He also commended Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo for his significant contributions to the sector, saying, “I can attest that the government is actively promoting business facilitation, especially in aviation. The wonderful job Festus Keyamo is doing speaks volumes.”

Onyema expressed gratitude towards the government for its receptiveness to industry concerns, stating, “We appreciate the listening ear we’ve received from the government and look forward to further support in addressing the numerous charges we face. We are confident that the government will take action on this front.”

President Tinubu Celebrates Wahid Oshodi’s Unanimous Election as ATTF President

President Bola Tinubu has expressed immense pride in Wahid Oshodi’s election as the President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF). Oshodi was unanimously elected during the 2024 Annual General Meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Tuesday, October 15, marking a historic achievement for both Nigeria and the African table tennis community.

Nominated by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Oshodi garnered the support of several other African nations, leading to his election as ATTF president.

In a statement from Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the president praised Oshodi’s accomplishment, highlighting the strong backing he received from Nigeria and other African countries.

Tinubu noted Oshodi’s steadfast commitment to grassroots table tennis development in Nigeria, along with his exemplary integrity, accountability, and dedication to sports administration. He emphasized that Oshodi’s election serves as a vote of confidence in his leadership and acknowledges his significant contributions to the sport.

Furthermore, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Oshodi’s capacity to utilize his extensive leadership experience to enhance the ATTF and promote the growth of table tennis across Africa. Oshodi is the second Nigerian to assume the role of ATTF president.

Kano Parents Demand Justice for Detained #EndBadGovernance Protesters

In a heartfelt demonstration at the Kano State House of Assembly, parents of youths arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests have called for immediate justice and the release of their children. Mallam Nura Ahmad, representing the concerned parents, revealed that around 70 young protesters were apprehended and transferred to Abuja, where they are reportedly enduring harsh conditions.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which unfolded from August 1 to August 10 across Nigeria, expressed widespread public frustration over economic challenges and hardships under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Concerned for their children’s welfare, Ahmad described the inhumane treatment faced by the detainees, stating that they have been denied basic hygiene facilities and are surviving on just one meal per day. Efforts to secure bail for the detained youths have been met with significant hurdles, leaving parents increasingly desperate for action.

Fatima Yusuf Umar, a mother of one of the detainees, shared that during their last conversation, her son recounted distressing experiences, noting he was struggling with his vision due to mistreatment in custody.

In response to the parents’ concerns, the Majority Leader of the Kano State Assembly assured them that the House would intervene to expedite bail for the detainees. He also called on the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to ensure the detainees’ rights are respected and to facilitate their prompt release.

NNPCL Denies Petrol Price Agreement With IPMAN, Insists on Market-Driven Pricing

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims of reaching a price agreement for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) or any other stakeholders. This clarification follows a statement made by IPMAN President, Abubakar Maigandi, suggesting that NNPCL had agreed to reduce the ex-depot price of petrol from ₦958 per litre to ₦955 per litre.

NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, dismissed these claims, stating, “There is no price agreement between IPMAN, NNPC, or any marketer. The market forces determine prices under the current deregulated regime.”

Soneye further explained that the NNPCL had provided a one-time ₦3 discount to marketers with pre-deposited funds to ease fuel distribution and avoid shortages, clarifying that this was a temporary measure and did not imply a fixed price arrangement.

NNPCL reaffirmed its stance that petrol prices are driven by market dynamics, not by agreements with any parties. Meanwhile, IPMAN also confirmed that NNPCL has begun refunding the ₦15 billion owed to its members.

Oyedepo Warns Critics to ‘Be Quiet’ Over Church Leadership Retirements

Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), has issued a strong warning to those criticizing the church’s leadership over the recent retirement of its bishops. This comes after the announcement that Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, both long-serving vice presidents, would retire after decades of ministry.

The retirements align with the church’s operational guidelines, known as The Mandate, which recently revised the retirement age from 60 to 55. While Oyedepo holds the right to serve for life, future leaders will be limited to one or two seven-year terms, pending approval from the Board of Trustees.

Addressing the criticisms during a valedictory service for Bishop Aremu, Oyedepo advised critics to stay silent and focus on their own affairs, stating that those wishing for the church’s downfall were “wasting their lives.”

Oyedepo emphasized that the church’s policies have been guided by divine order, with its Administrative Policy of 1998 revised in 2001, and The Mandate of 2012 updated in 2024. He encouraged Bishop Aremu to remain focused on his spiritual journey and to ignore baseless criticisms.

Quoting Genesis 49:26, Oyedepo reminded his audience that “no one has an inheritance in a teacher or pastor,” urging Aremu to stay connected to God for continued grace and growth.

Okpella Monarch: Obaseki Ratified Kingmakers Decision, End 5years leadership Vacuum

By Nasamu Johnson

The recent allegations against Governor Godwin Obaseki’s involvement in the Okpella monarch’s selection process are unfounded and misrepresents the facts. Contrary to claims of politicization, Governor Obaseki acted upon the decision and recommendations of the Kingmakers, who completed the established traditional customs and procedures.

The Kingmakers, representing the entire Okpella community, carried out the required traditions but were unable to select one candidate due to time constraints, and this is in line with the provision of the Edo Chieftaincy Law which provides that Kingmakers can submit a candidate or candidates to the State Executive Council for ratification and subsequent appointment. To meet the deadline, they sent three names to the governor, as agreed upon, with video and written evidence available online.

Saying the whole exercise was politicized is an insult to the notable sons of Okpella who constitute the Kingmakers. There was never a time when Okpella faulted the process of selecting these three candidates, except for a few individuals who felt entitled to the ownership of Okpella and had special candidates who must be installed.

For five years, Okpella Village Heads engaged in numerous meetings with Edo State Governor urging him to act upon the decision reached by the Okpella Council of Kingmakers, by choosing one out of the three candidates as the community needed a king. Governor Obaseki accommodated eventually acceded to this request as the State Executive Council eventually settled on one of the candidates after due diligence was done by officials of the State government.

Since the demise of the late Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Dr. A.Y.E. Dirisu over five years ago, the community lacked a central point of leadership to address pressing communal issues, kidnapping incidents and boundary crises which requires a King to relate with the government and other key stakeholders.

Today, the state government has appointed Engr. Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella out of the three names submitted by the Kingmakers. His announcement as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella received praises and jubilation across Okpella. However in a shocking move, six chiefs (the signatory from Ukhomunyio, Charles Ikhumesomi, is an imposter and not a Chief) out of over 180 village heads and chiefs claim to represent the entire Okpella Traditional Council wrote to reject the appointment perhaps because their preferred candidate out of the three was not announced, thereby inciting the public with propaganda and harassing innocent elders.

Masked individuals, whose identities have been unveiled, were seen at night with security operatives going from house to house arresting innocent village heads and chiefs and spreading fear. The new King’s house, HRH Engr. Lukman Akemokue’s, has been vandalized by these hoodlums.

The community is wise and aware of their underlying motives. The new Okuokpellagbe has forgiven those who wronged him and is ready for peaceful dialogue. His Royal Highness has many issues to solve, and we urge Okpella to join hands with him to move the community forward.

We urge the public to disregard those escalating the crisis. The propaganda aims to stir up crises. Let’s remember that our people’s silence should not be mistaken for weakness. Governor Obaseki’s decision was guided by the community’s interests and the rule of law.

Nasamu Johnson writes in from Okpella

Over 90 Dead, 50 Hospitalized in Jigawa Tanker Explosion

A tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya village, Taura local government area of Jigawa State, has claimed the lives of over 90 people, with more than 50 others hospitalized. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday when a petrol tanker, en route from Port Harcourt to Nguru in Yobe State, overturned.

According to Jigawa Police spokesman, DSP Lawal Shiisu Adams, villagers began scooping fuel from gutters and drainages after the tanker fell, leading to a catastrophic explosion.

“Today, 95 people have been confirmed dead, and 50 are receiving treatment in the hospital,” Adams stated.

More updates to follow as details emerge.

MTN, Other Multinational Firms Urge FG to Allow Tariff Increases Amid Economic Challenges

MTN Nigeria and other multinational business leaders are appealing to the Federal Government to allow price adjustments in the telecommunications sector to sustain their investments in the country. Speaking at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, MTN’s Chief Financial Officer, Modupe Kadri, emphasized that telecom companies have been unable to raise their prices for over ten years despite high inflation and fluctuating foreign exchange rates.

Kadri highlighted the disparity between price adjustments in sectors like petroleum and electricity, questioning why similar changes haven’t been permitted for telecoms. He explained that the inability to adjust tariffs has hindered their operations, given that much of the equipment is imported at foreign currency rates.

“For ten years now, telecom companies haven’t been allowed to increase prices,” Kadri stated. “This policy must be reviewed to ensure a level playing field, just like electricity and fuel prices reflect current economic realities.”

He also warned that failing to address these challenges could lead to a decline in the telecommunications sector, which currently contributes 16% to Nigeria’s GDP. Such a decline, Kadri noted, could have a ripple effect on industries like financial services and logistics.

Other industry leaders, including Oyeyimka Adeboye, CEO of Mondelez West Africa (Cadbury), also expressed concerns. Adeboye noted the rising cost of imports and emphasized the need for improved access to financing to boost local production. Courage Obadagbonyi of APM Terminals West Africa and Nkechi Obi of Techno Oil Limited echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of regulatory coordination and sound policies for business survival and growth.