Dollar-Naira Exchange Rates and Rising Domestic Airfares in Nigeria: A 30th August 2024 Update

As of 30th August 2024, the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Nigerian naira on the black market (parallel market) in Lagos is as follows:

  • Buying Rate: ₦1615 per dollar
  • Selling Rate: ₦1630 per dollar

Please note that these rates can vary depending on the location and the dealer. Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the black market rates and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through official channels like banks.

The official CBN rate for the dollar to naira is slightly lower:

  • Buying Rate: ₦1602 per dollar
  • Selling Rate: ₦1603 per dollar

Keep in mind that rates can fluctuate throughout the day.

Pharmacists Warn FG: Proposed Healthcare Reforms Could Be Counterproductive

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised concerns about the Federal Government’s plan to introduce new regulations for healthcare facilities. The ACPN argues that these proposed reforms are unnecessary and might prove counterproductive.

In a statement from ACPN Chairman Ambrose Eze and Secretary Omokhafe Ashore, the association emphasized that the existing National Health Act of 2014, if fully implemented, could effectively address the issues of unregulated and substandard healthcare facilities. The pharmacists urged the government to focus on enforcing current laws rather than creating new regulatory bodies.

The ACPN also criticized the government’s proposal to establish a new National Health Regulatory facility, describing it as wasteful and inefficient, especially given the existing underfunding of healthcare regulatory agencies. They called on the government to reconsider its approach, highlighting the contradiction of cutting funding for existing regulatory bodies while proposing to create new ones.

NLC President Joe Ajaero Departs Police Headquarters After Statement

The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has left the headquarters of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja after completing his statement.

Ajaero arrived at the IRT headquarters, located at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, around 10:17 AM and exited at 11:15 AM. Though he did not speak to the media during his visit, he indicated that he would address journalists later at the NLC headquarters.

The police had summoned Ajaero to respond to allegations related to terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony. Although he was initially summoned on August 20, Ajaero was unable to attend and instead assured authorities of his compliance today.

Ajaero was accompanied by prominent figures including Femi Falana, SAN, Marshal Abubakar, Deji Adeyanju, and several senior NLC officials as he responded to the police invitation.

Federal Government Introduces 50% Electricity Subsidy for Public Hospitals

The Federal Government has announced a 50% subsidy on electricity for public hospitals across Nigeria, a move aimed at reducing operational costs and alleviating the financial burden on patients.

This initiative was confirmed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in a statement issued on Thursday. The subsidy is expected to significantly lower the energy expenses of healthcare facilities nationwide.

While speaking at the National Neo-Psychiatric Hospital in Barnawa, Kaduna, Dr. Alausa also inaugurated the Electronic Health Records system and Alternative Power Supply at the Lawal Jafaru Isah Emergency Complex. In addition, he launched a solarization project at the hospital’s dialysis unit, which includes a solar-powered borehole and a 10.2 KVA inverter with a lithium battery at the Abdulkareem Jika Yusuf COVID-19 Intervention Centre.

As part of broader healthcare reforms, Dr. Alausa announced plans to rename Federal Hospitals as Specialist Hospitals. This rebranding aims to expand the scope of care and reduce the stigma associated with certain medical facilities, allowing for a broader range of services while maintaining their core functions.

Dr. Alausa praised the work of Dr. Aishatu Yusha’u Armiyau, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, citing the institution’s achievements as evidence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to healthcare, as promised during his electoral campaign.

During his visit to the National Eye Care Centre, Dr. Alausa inaugurated the Dr. G.O Adejor Optical Showroom and the Dr. M.B Alhassan Diagnostic and Laser Unit. He also addressed the ongoing strike by Resident Doctors, which he noted was complicating efforts to secure the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a physician kidnapped from the hospital’s staff quarters. He called for patience and assured that efforts are underway to ensure her safe return.

Dr. Alausa also outlined plans to engage with Nigerian medical professionals abroad to address the ongoing migration of healthcare workers to other countries. Despite the structural challenges inherited by the current administration, he emphasized that President Tinubu is working closely with state governments to enhance Health Science Universities, aiming to increase annual health sciences enrollment from 24,000 to 100,000.

Earlier, Dr. Aminatu Abdulrahman, Acting Chief Medical Director of the National Eye Centre, highlighted the center’s longstanding commitment to providing specialized eye care, training, and research opportunities since its establishment in 1979.

Speaker Abbas Calls for Urgent Relief Efforts for Kaduna Flood Victims

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed his deep concern following the recent flooding in Sabon Gari Local Government Area, Kaduna State, labeling the event as a tragic disaster.

The flooding, which occurred on Monday in the Kogin Mata and Tudun Muntsira, Chikaji areas, was caused by heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread property damage and displacement of numerous residents.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Musa Krishi, on Tuesday, Abbas extended his sympathies to the affected victims, lamenting the occurrence of such a devastating event at a time when people are striving to maintain their livelihoods.

Abbas urged for immediate intervention to provide relief to those affected and called on residents to remain calm as the government undertakes efforts to ease their suffering. He specifically appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to quickly assist the flood victims during this critical period.

Furthermore, Speaker Abbas advised residents in the affected and surrounding areas to take precautionary measures and adhere to guidance from relevant authorities regarding flood risks. He also emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to address the broader issue of flooding across the country.

NLC President Joe Ajaero Visits Police Facility Accompanied by Femi Falana


The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, on Thursday, 29th August, responded to a police invitation concerning allegations of terrorism financing, treason, and other charges.

Naija News reports that Ajaero arrived at the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, accompanied by prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN).

They reached the Police facility around 10:20 am.

Details later…

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Demands Arrest of Woman Threatening Yoruba, Benin Communities

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has strongly condemned a video featuring Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Canada-based woman, who threatened to kill individuals of Yoruba and Benin descent.

In the video, Sunnberger, speaking in Pidgin English, stated, “Record me very well; it’s time to start poisoning the Yoruba and the Benin. Put poison in all your food at work. Put poison in your water, so that you all die one by one.”

In response, Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on authorities to locate and hold the woman accountable under the law. The organization, through its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, expressed concern over the video, emphasizing that there is no evidence to confirm that the woman is Igbo.

Ogbonnia pointed out that the behavior exhibited in the video does not align with Igbo values, which emphasize thoughtfulness, discretion, and community harmony. He reiterated that the Igbo people have historically maintained strong cultural ties with the Yoruba and Benin communities, emphasizing their shared heritage and long-standing intermarriages.

“It becomes imperative for Ohanaeze to respond, especially since Mr. Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, forwarded the clip and requested prompt action,” Ogbonnia said.

He added, “Firstly, there is no sufficient evidence that the lady in question is Igbo. Her behavior does not reflect the Igbo traits of thoughtfulness, discretion, self-censure, and equanimity. No Igbo person would contemplate throwing stones in a crowded market for fear of who might be affected.”

Ohanaeze also used this opportunity to remind the younger generations of the shared cultural and historical bonds between the Igbo, Yoruba, and Edo people, urging for unity and understanding among these communities.

NNPC Uncovers 72 Illegal Refineries in One Week

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has revealed the discovery of 72 illegal crude oil refining sites over the past week. These refineries were located and dismantled in Rivers, Delta, and Abia states, according to a recent video report by the company.

Additionally, on August 18, a vessel carrying stolen Shell Petroleum Development Company flow lines was intercepted in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, leading to the arrest of 12 suspects. The NNPC reported that these individuals are now under investigation.

The NNPC also recorded 46 vessel automatic identification system infractions at sea and apprehended 24 wooden boats transporting stolen crude in Rivers and Bayelsa States. On land, vehicles loaded with stolen crude were seized in Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa.

In the week from August 17 to 23, 33 illegal oil connections were discovered, and there were eight oil spills resulting from vandalism. Twelve sites used for storing stolen and illegally refined crude were uncovered. The report noted a total of 204 oil theft incidents, with 47 in deep blue water, 10 in the western region, 100 in the central region, and 47 in the eastern region. A total of 42 suspects have been arrested in connection with these incidents.

ALGON Collaborates with EFCC to Enhance Financial Accountability

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has partnered with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to improve procurement processes, financial spending, and transparency across the country’s 774 local government areas.

This collaboration was announced following ALGON’s 49th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday. The communique, signed by ALGON’s National Publicity Secretary Bala Chamoo and National Treasurer Gazal Babatunde, highlighted seven key resolutions aimed at strengthening the association’s effectiveness.

The resolutions include:

  1. EFCC Partnership: Educating members on financial accountability, procurement, and due process.
  2. Capacity Building: Enhancing local government administration in light of the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment granting full autonomy to local governments.
  3. Service Delivery: Committing to improved service delivery in response to increased public expectations.
  4. Advocacy and Partnerships: Engaging with various federal ministries and agencies to support local government administration.
  5. Supreme Court Judgment Implementation: Supporting the Federal Government Steering Committee in enforcing the judgment on local government financial autonomy.
  6. Optimism for Outcomes: Anticipating positive results from the implementation of autonomy measures.
  7. Primary Health Care Services: Advancing the completion of primary healthcare projects and consulting on their progress.

The resolutions reflect ALGON’s dedication to advancing local government interests and improving service delivery across Nigeria.

Nationwide Protests Erupt in Canada Over Deportation Threat to 70,000 International Students

This week, protests erupted across Canada as approximately 70,000 international students demonstrated against recent immigration policy changes. The demonstrations took place in key provinces, including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.

The unrest follows the Canadian government’s introduction of new reforms that have left many students anxious about potential deportation. Notably, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program was abolished in 2021, which previously allowed students to gain work experience after graduation. Additionally, a two-year cap on international student visas was implemented last year, which is anticipated to decrease foreign student intake by 35%.

Student advocacy groups, such as the Naujawan Support Network, have raised concerns that the tightened regulations, including the recent ban on PGWP applications at the border, could lead to widespread deportations once current permits expire.

“I risked everything to come to Canada. I studied, worked, and paid taxes, yet the government is now turning its back on us,” said Mehakdeep Singh, an affected student.

The situation has been further strained by new provincial policies that have reduced permanent residency nominations by 25%, complicating the prospects for international students to stay in Canada. Immigrant workers have also joined the protests, disputing claims that they are exacerbating local housing and job shortages.