Day: June 5, 2023

Fuel Subsidy Removal: Nigeria electricity workers to embark on nationwide strike

Aminu Imam

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) yesterday directed its members to withdraw their services nationwide over the sudden removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. The NUEE, in a notice signed by its acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, urged its members to comply with the directive and stop work from the early hours of Wednesday. Recall that President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, in his inaugural address at Eagle Square, Abuja, declared that there would no longer be a petroleum subsidy regime as it was not sustainable. Following the…

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FCTA to develop bicycle lanes in Abuja – Official

Aminu Imam

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Olusade Adesola, has disclosed that steps will be taken towards developing bicycle tracks within the Abuja metropolis. Adesola made the disclosure yesterday, in an issued statement by the Director, Information and Communication FCT, Muhammad Sule, in Abuja. According to the statement, Adesola spoke at the opening of the 2023 World Bicycle Day in Abuja. The theme of the event was: “Cycling – A Better Way to Enjoy the City”. Adesola said that bicycle tracks were already captured in the master plan…

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Kano: Govt. continues demolition of more structures

Aminu Imam

In a continued effort to reclaim encroached public land, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has led the demolition of additional structures near Daula Hotel and ongoing constructions at Hajj Camp. This comes after the recent destruction of a plaza at the Race Course, in the State capital. The governor, known for his campaign promises of reclaiming public land, emphasised the importance of adhering to urban planning regulations and ensuring public safety and beautification. Governor Yusuf expressed concern over the unlawful erection of structures in various public areas, including schools,…

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Sokoto: Terrorists shoot 37 villagers dead for refusing to pay levies

Aminu Imam

At least, 37 villagers have been shot dead by terrorists in several communities in Tangaza local government area of Sokoto State. The terrorists (bandits) were said to have attacked the villagers for refusing to pay the levies imposed on them. The attack, which reportedly took place on Saturday evening, occurred at Raka, Raka-Dutse, and Filin-Gawa communities. The former council chairman of the area, Bashar Kalenjeni, confirmed the attack to newsmen, saying 18 people were killed at Raka, 17 at Filin Gawa and two at Raka Dutse. According to him, the…

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Foreign Airlines’ trapped funds hit $812m – IATA

Aminu Imam

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), foreign airlines are finding it increasingly difficult to retrieve their earnings from Nigeria, with blocked funds totaling $812.2 million. This situation is part of a growing global concern about frozen funds, which threatens global airline connectivity and economic activity.  According to IATA, global blocked funds increased by 47% in April 2023 to $2.27 billion, up from $1.55 billion in April 2022. In its most recent estimates, five countries, including Nigeria, account for an alarming 68.0% of total blocked funds. Nigeria ($812.2 million), Bangladesh…

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Senate queries AGF over failure to recover N910bn loan

Aminu Imam

The Senate has indicted the Office of Accountant-General of the Federation, (AGF) over failure to repay short-term loans given to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, (MDAs) from Special Funds Accounts totalling N910 billion. The lawmakers said they discovered this after a thorough investigation by the Senate Public Accounts Committee chaired by Senator Mathew Urhoghide following the submission of the 2017 Auditor-General report. According to the query, loans and debts arising from Special Funds Accounts totalling N910,039,557,742 showed that the balances remained unpaid throughout the year although the loans were meant to…

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Borno: Over 80 fleeing ISWAP terrorists drown in river

Aminu Imam

At least eighty-two (82) members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) and their families were reportedly drowned in a river in Borno State. According to reports, the terrorists drowned while fleeing the North-East axis of Damasak. Terrorists operating from the Lake Chad region are said to have met their Waterloo while attempting to flee massive troop incursions between June 2 and 3, 2023. They were reportedly attempting to cross into Niger Republic. Separate incidents were reported in the communities of Bulama Modori, Kaneram, Dogomolu, and Jokka. The…

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Subsidy: NUJ threatens to withdraw services, join NLC protest  

Aminu Imam

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has directed its members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from Wednesday if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the oil sector. According to an issued statement by the National Secretary of the NUJ, Shu’aibu Usman Leman, the decision was reached after an online emergency Central Working Committee meeting of the Union on Saturday. The meeting, he said, was convened to discuss issues surrounding the decision by the Federal Government to remove fuel…

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