Federal Government Takes Steps to Prevent ASUU Strike

The Ministry of Education is actively working to avert a potential strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Folasade Biriowo, the ministry’s Director of Press, assured that measures are being put in place to address the union’s concerns.

ASUU recently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding resolution of outstanding issues or face a strike. Key demands include finalizing the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021, and addressing withheld salaries from the 2022 strike.

Other critical issues include the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical and adjunct appointments, funding for public university revitalization outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances. Additionally, ASUU is advocating for the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution in place of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke expressed disappointment with the government’s perceived lack of commitment, warning that continued delays could escalate the crisis within the public university system. He stated that the union would hold the government responsible for any disruption arising from its failure to address these matters within the extended timeframe.

Consumers Challenge Minister’s Claims on Improved Power Supply

The Electricity Consumer Protection Advocacy Centre (ECPAC) has voiced strong opposition to the Ministry of Power’s recent assertion that over 40% of Nigerians now enjoy up to 20 hours of daily power supply. Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu made this claim on Sunday, attributing the improvements to reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

While Adelabu reported significant advancements in Nigeria’s electricity generation, citing over 5,500 megawatts of power generated, ECPAC’s Executive Director, Chief Princewill Okorie, dismissed the claims as “laughable.” He criticized the lack of credible data supporting the minister’s statistics, questioning the absence of reports from Nigeria’s 36 states and the need for comprehensive data collection from local governments.

Okorie proposed that the Ministry of Power establish a consumer protection department to accurately track electricity supply, arguing that the government should focus on addressing consumer complaints rather than issuing misleading reports.

Adelabu also highlighted ongoing infrastructure improvements and the recent signing of the Electricity Act of 2023, which aims to decentralize and liberalize the sector. He noted that installed generation capacity has increased from 13,000 MW to over 14,000 MW due to new hydroelectric projects and upgrades.

Despite the minister’s optimistic outlook, consumer advocates are unconvinced, insisting on more direct engagement with electricity users to understand their real experiences. They call for transparent, real-time data and effective solutions rather than mere announcements.

In addressing the critical need for stable electricity, Adelabu emphasized that reliable power supply is fundamental for economic growth, drawing comparisons with developed nations that have successfully industrialized due to consistent electricity availability. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to providing stable electricity for households, businesses, and institutions, with ongoing initiatives like the Presidential Metering Initiative aimed at installing over 10 million meters in five years.

Naira-For-Crude Deal to Commence, NNPC to Supply Dangote Refinery Starting October 1

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) is set to begin supplying crude oil in naira to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery starting on October 1, 2024. This follows the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the sale of crude to local refineries in naira and the corresponding purchase of petroleum products in local currency.

The Technical Sub-Committee on Domestic Sales of Crude Oil in Local Currency, chaired by Zacch Adedeji, confirmed that NNPC would supply around 385,000 barrels per day (bpd) to the Dangote Refinery. In return, the refinery will release refined petrol and diesel to the Nigerian market, all in naira, reducing pressure on foreign exchange and boosting domestic petroleum product availability.

Despite this initiative, modular refineries have expressed concerns about being excluded from the arrangement. They are urging the government to extend the supply of crude to their operations, as many are facing crude shortages that have limited their production capacity.

The deal has raised hopes that the naira-for-crude sale will help stabilize fuel prices in Nigeria. However, the Dangote refinery has denied reports of selling petroleum products at inflated prices and asked Nigerians to await official announcements from the committee overseeing the implementation of the initiative.

October 1 Protest: Police on High Alert as APC, Opposition Parties Clash

State police commands across Nigeria have heightened security at key locations ahead of the planned October 1 protest. Organizers of the #FearlessOctober1 demonstration have confirmed their intention to proceed with the protests, citing dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the fuel price hike, rising costs, and insecurity.

The protest, which organizers describe as a continuation of the #EndBadGovernance movement, aims to address the government’s failure to meet their demands. Protests are scheduled to occur in major cities like Abuja and Lagos, with other states also anticipating demonstrations.

In response, police in several states, including Niger, Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos, have deployed personnel to maintain order and prevent violence. The Nigeria Police Force emphasized the need for peaceful demonstrations while warning against any disruptions to public safety. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized the opposition for allegedly using the protest to destabilize the country, while opposition parties argue that the protests are a reflection of the widespread public discontent.

Lagos State reiterated that a court order restricting protests to designated venues still stands, advising organizers to comply with the ruling.

17 Governors Set Committees for New N70,000 Minimum Wage Implementation

Seventeen state governors have established committees to implement the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage across Nigeria. The states, including Ogun, Ekiti, Sokoto, and others, are moving forward after the Federal Government commenced payments to its 1.2 million workers last week. Meanwhile, Edo, Lagos, and Adamawa states have already begun disbursing the new salary, with Anambra set to follow in October.

Adamawa’s Governor Ahmadu Fintiri notably initiated payments in August, ahead of other states and the Federal Government, as confirmed by the state’s Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Emmanuel Fashe. In contrast, some states, such as Bayelsa and Delta, are still in the process of addressing the implementation of the wage.

While various state governments have expressed readiness or are awaiting committee reports to begin the new wage payments, a senior NLC official expressed dissatisfaction, labeling the wage as a “starvation wage” due to rising inflation and the devaluation of the naira. They called for greater urgency and criticized any delays in implementation.

Governors from states such as Enugu, Taraba, and Kogi have also initiated committees to ensure smooth implementation, while workers in states like Benue and Kaduna await clear directives on when the wage will take effect.

Dangote Group to Transport Refined Petroleum Products via Sea Routes

The Dangote Group has announced plans to transport refined petroleum products by sea, aiming to reduce road congestion and boost exports to other African nations. This development was disclosed by Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, Senior Adviser to the Group President on Special Projects and Strategic Relations, who highlighted the construction of a jetty in the Lekki Free Zone for bulk cargo handling.

The company, a major sponsor at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s trade fair, attracted a large audience eager to explore business and employment opportunities within its diverse sectors, including Dangote Refinery, Fertiliser, Sugar, and Cement.

Additionally, Dangote is investing in Compressed Natural Gas to cut carbon emissions, with plans to convert its entire fleet to CNG vehicles.

Nasarawa Woman Arrested for Stealing Infant During Christening Ceremony

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested Khadija Aliyu for allegedly abducting a seven-day-old baby during a christening in Keffi. The suspect, who had been pretending to be pregnant, reportedly sneaked into a home during the naming ceremony and stole the sleeping infant. She covered the baby with a veil and fled before being apprehended by police.

Additionally, the police also arrested ex-convict Hussaini Mohammed for allegedly stealing motorcycles in the same area. Three motorcycles, suspected to be stolen, were recovered from him.

The public is urged to visit the Angwan Lambu Division in Keffi with proof of ownership to claim the recovered motorcycles.

Budget 2025 Must Prioritize Citizens’ Welfare

As the Senate reconvenes after a two-month recess, it is focusing on the 2025 budget. The Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, emphasized that security, economic growth, and citizen empowerment will be key priorities. However, Nigeria’s budgeting process has historically failed to deliver meaningful improvements, with infrastructure gaps, unreliable electricity, and underfunded public services still widespread.

Challenges such as corruption, inefficient planning, and abandoned projects have undermined budget goals. Delays in budget preparation, late fund releases, and unnecessary political pressures further hamper effective execution. Moreover, the “envelope budgeting system” has been criticized for encouraging unnecessary spending rather than addressing real needs.

To improve the budgeting process, reforms in planning, execution, and legislative oversight are essential. The government must prioritize transparency and efficiency to ensure that the 2025 budget works for the benefit of Nigerian citizens, driving sustainable development and addressing pressing economic challenges.

Government Borrowing Soars by N11tn in August Amid Economic Concerns

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed that credit to the Federal Government surged by N11.33 trillion (57.11%) in August, rising from N19.83 trillion in July to N31.15 trillion. This growing reliance on CBN facilities underscores the government’s need to finance capital projects and service debt. Economic experts, however, warn that the increased borrowing could further strain the economy and drive inflationary pressures.

While government borrowing has skyrocketed, credit to the private sector fell by N777.13 billion (1.03%) in the same period, continuing an inconsistent trend throughout the year. The CBN recently raised the monetary policy rate to 27.25% and increased cash reserve ratios for banks, aiming to curb inflation but risking tighter liquidity in the private sector.

Nigeria’s total public debt also rose to N121.67 trillion by June 2024, reflecting concerns over fiscal management and the potential long-term impact on economic growth.

Edo Deputy Governor’s Office Sealed Amid Escalating Political Rift

The office of Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, was sealed off by a heavy police presence on Sunday, intensifying the political discord between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki. Police officers and a machine gun-mounted truck were seen guarding the office on Osadebe Avenue in Benin, with access completely restricted.

The closure follows the earlier relocation of Shaibu’s office from the Government House during a well-publicized standoff with Governor Obaseki. Staff members have since been instructed to report to the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), where they resumed work on Friday. Official vehicles, including the Deputy Governor’s press crew bus, were moved to the Government House as part of the ongoing fallout between the state’s top officials.