Category: Breaking News

JUST IN: Nigeria Customs suspends implementation of 4% FOB charge

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the suspension of the implementation of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports, as stipulated in Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023. The decision followed ongoing consultations with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, and other key stakeholders.   In a statement released by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS stated that the suspension will allow for comprehensive stakeholder engagement to fine-tune the Act’s…

JUST IN : Tinubu increases 2025 Budget to N54.2 Trillion

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Tinubu has announced a significant increase in the proposed 2025 national budget, raised it from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion. The revised figure, reflected an additional N4.5 trillion in revenue, included contributions from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service, and other government-owned agencies.   The president explained that the increased revenue would be used to bolster key sectors, including the Bank of Agriculture and the Bank of Industry, and support Nigeria’s diversification agenda. Investments are set to focus on the solid minerals sector and…

JUST IN : NLC suspends planned protest over Telecom Tariff hike

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned protest against the recent 50% hike in telecommunication tariffs following a meeting with a delegation from the Federal Government led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.   The meeting, held on Monday, was aimed at maintaining industrial harmony and addressing public concerns over the tariff increase. According to a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the SGF’s office, Segun Imohiosen, both parties agreed to set up a 10-man committee comprising…

JUST IN: NLC declares Nationwide protest over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

Emporium Reporters

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on January 20, 2025.   The protest is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, as stated in a communiqué issued after the NLC’s National Administrative Council meeting held on Wednesday.   The NCC’s approval for telecom companies to increase service charges has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, with the NLC describing the hike as “anti-people and unacceptable.”   In a strong reaction,…

JUST IN: Lagos Assembly Ousts Speaker Obasa Over Alleged Financial Misconduct

Lukman Laleye Babalola

By Idris O.Babalola   The Lagos State House of Assembly has removed Mudashiru Obasa from his position as Speaker, citing allegations of financial mismanagement. The impeachment occurred during a session held on Monday, January 13, 2025. Deputy Speaker Lasbat Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency 1, has been appointed as his successor.   Obasa’s removal follows accusations of withdrawing N43.5 billion for lawmakers’ backup vehicles and other contentious expenditures, part of a broader sum of approximately N90.5 billion withdrawn from the state’s coffers between January 2023 and the third quarter of 2024.…

FG to adjust Telecom Tariffs, assures Fair Balance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has revealed that telecom tariffs will soon be adjusted, though the increase will fall short of the 100% requested by telecom operators.   Following a stakeholders meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Abuja, Tijani highlighted the government’s ongoing consultations and reassured Nigerians that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would announce the new tariffs soon.   “Telecom companies have been pushing for a 100% tariff increase. However, we will not approve such a steep hike. The NCC is still…

Breaking News: Gov Caleb Mutfwang named Plateau Man of the Year 2024

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been declared the Plateau Man of the Year 2024, an honor bestowed by COA Media Group to recognize outstanding contributions to the state’s development.   Governor Mutfwang was selected for his transformative leadership and innovative governance since assuming office. His administration’s efforts in addressing security challenges, boosting agriculture, improving infrastructure, and enhancing healthcare and education have significantly uplifted the state.   The announcement followed a transparent public nomination and voting process conducted from November 14th to December 31st, 2024. A panel of…

Jimmy Carter, Longest-Living U.S. President, Dies at 100

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has passed away at the age of 100, as confirmed by the Carter Center. The former president died on Sunday afternoon in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, after receiving hospice care for over a year.   Carter, who had celebrated his 100th birthday in October, made history as the longest-living U.S. President. His presidency, which lasted from 1977 to 1981, was marked by significant challenges, including economic difficulties and diplomatic efforts that shaped his legacy. Carter is also well-known for his…

BREAKING: Atiku appointed Deputy Clerk to National Assembly

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Ibrahim Atiku, a Sokoto-born technocrat, has been appointed as the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly (DCNA), effective February 2, 2025.   The announcement was made in a letter dated December 19, 2024, signed by the Executive Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Engr. Ahmed Kadi Ahmshi. The decision was reached during the 616th meeting of the Commission, recognizing Atiku’s outstanding “hard work” and “administrative competence.”   The letter read in part: “The National Assembly Service Commission, at its 616th Meeting held on Thursday, 19th December, 2024, approved…

NUJ FCT Council Mourns Sudden Demise of Former Secretary,Rafat Idris

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has announced with deep sorrow the sudden death of its former Secretary, Mrs. Rafat Idris, who passed away in the early hours of Friday, December 20, 2024, in Abuja after a brief illness. In a statement issued by the Council Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described Mrs. Idris’s death as a shocking and irreplaceable loss to the journalism profession. “The NUJ FCT Council received the news of the sudden death of our former Secretary, Mrs. Rafat Salami, today with a rude…