Day: January 17, 2025

Local Governments to receive direct Federal Allocations starting January 2025

Emporium Reporters

The Presidency has announced that, starting from the end of January 2025, local government areas in Nigeria will begin receiving their allocations directly from the Federal Allocation Account Committee (FAAC). This groundbreaking move followed the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in July 2024, which declared the state control over local government funds unconstitutional.   In an interview with Arise News on Thursday night, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the Supreme Court’s judgment, ensuring local government autonomy…

Governor Okpebholo Holds Steady Advantage as Edo Election Tribunal Progresses By Fred Itua

Emporium Reporters

The ongoing Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal has no more or less become the epicenter of political discourse in the State and beyond, with analysts and citizens closely monitoring unfolding developments.   At the heart of the proceedings is Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose victory was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the September 21 election is being challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Akintunde Ighodalo.   Interestingly, despite the opposition’s claims, proceedings so far suggest that Governor Okpebholo’s…

Ministry of Agriculture, NIMC Launch NIN-Enabled Farmer Registry and G2P Card to Boost Agricultural Services

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has launched the National Identity Number (NIN)-enabled farmer registry and Government 2 People (G2P) card project. This initiative is designed to address challenges in identity verification and beneficiary authentication, enhancing the delivery of government services.   In a joint statement signed by Dr. Joel Oruche, Director of Information, FMAFS, and Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC, both institutions expressed their gratitude to the press for their continued support and outlined…

Four States Begin Independent Electricity Generation,Distribution in Nigeria

Emporium Reporters

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has confirmed that four state governments—Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, and Imo—are set to independently manage electricity generation, transmission, and distribution within their jurisdictions. This development mark a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to decentralize its power sector and improve electricity supply across the nation. The transition followed the provisions of the Electricity Act (EA) 2023, which empowers states to establish and regulate intrastate electricity markets. According to NERC, six additional states—Oyo, Edo, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun, and Niger—are in the process of acquiring similar regulatory autonomy.…

2025 Budget: IGP seeks enhanced funding, removal of Police from Envelope Budget System

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac     In response to the growing security challenges facing Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has called for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to be removed from the restrictive envelope budgetary system. This appeal was made during his defence of the 2025 budget before the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly Complex. IGP Egbetokun emphasized that the current budgetary system hampered the NPF’s ability to effectively address security concerns. He proposed a more flexible funding approach, which would…

Rowdy Session in National Assembly as IG Defends 2025 Budget Proposal

Emporium Reporters

A heated confrontation unfolded at the National Assembly on Thursday during the budget defence for the 2025 fiscal year, led by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The tension arose over the allocation of funds for constructing five zonal police headquarters, prompting sharp inquiries from House of Representatives member Mark Esset of Akwa Ibom, who pointed out discrepancies in the provided documentation. Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, joined the fray, criticizing the lack of detailed documentation and called for greater transparency and accountability. Despite his concerns,…

Nigerian Governors endorse Tax Reforms, reject VAT Increase

Emporium Reporters

In a significant move to bolster revenue generation, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has approved a series of tax reforms while opposing a proposed increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate. The decision was reached after a crucial meeting with the Presidential Tax Reform Committee in Abuja.   The NGF Chairman, addressing journalists post-meeting, highlighted the governors’ unanimous rejection of the VAT hike, cited concerns over its potential adverse effects on consumers and businesses. Instead, the governors have consented to a revised VAT sharing formula, aimed at ensuring a…

Friday Sermon: America/California/Los Angeles Wildfires; A Great Message To The World! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful Praise belongs to Allah alone; peace and blessing on the last Prophet, his family and his Companions. Dear brothers and sisters! Allah the Most High says: “And we send not the signs except to warn, and to make people afraid (of destruction).” [Qur’an, 17: 59] Respected servants of Allah! The 2025 American/California/Los Angeles wildfires have been unprecedented in their scale and devastation, marking one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history. These fires have ravaged over 40,000…