National

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Korean Embassy hosted a dinner for Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi and his management team, strengthening bilateral relations and shared objectives. 

CGC Adeniyi praised Korea’s commitment to partnership, adding progress through collaboration. “It is due to our dedicated partnerships that the NCS is now engaged in data analytics programmes, in alignment with World Customs Organization standards.” 

Korean Ambassador Kim Pankyu commended Adeniyi’s dedication.  He said, “We are honoured by the Comptroller-General’s presence and look forward to further strengthening ties.” 

Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh thanked the Embassy for its support. 

“The Embassy’s support and willingness to partner are instrumental in driving our Service to greater heights.” 

The event affirmed Korea’s dedication to Nigeria’s customs modernisation and capacity-building efforts.

By Uzair Adam

The 2024 African Governance and Transparency Index, published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, has highlighted pressing governance challenges for Nigeria, revealing a steady decline in critical governance metrics.

Victor Okebe Agi, Public Relations Officer at the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, noted that the report placed Nigeria 33rd out of 53 African nations, with an overall score of 45.7 out of 100, down by 1.4 points since 2014.

Nigeria’s performance was particularly weak in key categories such as Security, Rule of Law (39.7), Participation, Rights and Inclusion (47.9), Foundations for Economic Opportunity (48.6), and Human Development (46.4).

Further analysis by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity’s Transparency and Integrity Index reveals systemic governance issues across federal, state, and local institutions.

These findings suggest broader institutional challenges and a declining national standing within Africa and globally.

The report warns that Nigeria’s governance issues—lack of transparency, inadequate public sector accountability, and inconsistent anti-corruption efforts—have far-reaching implications.

“The decline in Nigeria’s governance not only affects national stability but also deters foreign investment and hinders economic growth,” it states, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms.

The Centre has urged the government to address these issues by enhancing anti-corruption mechanisms, improving compliance with the Public Procurement Act, and establishing stronger protections for whistleblowers.

Moreover, bolstering judicial reforms and promoting inclusive policies are vital to restoring public trust and ensuring equal justice.

The report concludes with a call for increased investment in healthcare, education, and skills training, aiming to build human capital that can drive Nigeria’s future economic growth and competitiveness across Africa.

By Uzair Adam

Following the recent enactment of a N70,000 minimum wage for public workers, over 20 states have announced their readiness to implement the new standard.

However, the private sector’s response remains less visible.

Notably, the textile industry has set a new precedent, as the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) and the Nigeria Textile, Garment, and Tailoring Employers Association (NTGTEA) agreed on a 25% pay increase for the sector’s lowest-paid workers.

Vanguard reports that this adjustment, effective August 1, raises their monthly wage to N75,000.

Meeting under the National Joint Industrial Negotiating Council (NJINC) in Lagos on October 21, 2024, representatives of NUTGTWN and NTGTEA reviewed their sectoral collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

The current agreement includes wage-related allowances such as medical, transport, and food subsidies, aiming to offer better support amid Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.

The NJINC also announced efforts to incorporate clauses from ILO Conventions 190 and 155, reinforcing workplace safety and addressing harassment.

“This year’s negotiation outcome underscores the union’s dedication to a living wage,” stated Peters Godonu and Ali Baba, leaders of NUTGTWN.

Despite the textile sector’s significant challenges, such as rising production costs, smuggling, and insufficient infrastructure, the union expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown by the NTGTEA.

The union also called for government support, urging policies that protect the textile industry and enable it to remain competitive.

With the NJINC’s history of peaceful negotiations and its commitment to social dialogue, leaders stress that a supportive regulatory environment is crucial for the sector’s sustainability and growth.

By Uzair Adam

Organized Labour has expressed concerns that the continuous increase in petrol prices is straining Nigerians’ tolerance, warning that the government may soon face a public reaction to these economic pressures.

The most recent hike, according to Labour, is yet another burden added to an already struggling populace.

Labour emphasized the growing hardship, urging the government to address the simmering discontent among citizens.

It noted that Nigerians’ silence should not be mistaken for acceptance, as persistent economic pain could lead to an unpredictable response.

“Even a goat can bite when pushed to the wall,” a representative cautioned.

In a similar vein, the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employer’s Federation (CANMPEF) highlighted the broader impact of fuel price hikes on sectors including logistics, production, and household income.

The group warned that, combined with other economic challenges, these increases are eroding purchasing power and stifling growth.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) also added that delays in accessing fuel from Dangote Refinery, despite prior payments to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), are exacerbating supply issues and maintaining high prices.

IPMAN argued that giving marketers direct access to refinery fuel could alleviate some of the price pressures.

Labour leaders have called on the government to reconsider policies affecting essential commodities, warning that patience among citizens is running thin.

By Uzair Adam 

The Senate has approved the nomination of several new ministers following a rigorous screening process. 

Among those confirmed are Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Other appointees include Dr. Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade, and Development, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment. 

Idi Muktar Maiha was also confirmed as Minister of Livestock Development, and Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad was confirmed as Minister of State for Education.

The Senate dedicated approximately five hours to screen and confirm the nominees following a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to suspend certain procedural rules. 

This suspension allowed the Special Adviser to the President on Senate matters, Basheer Lado, to introduce the nominees during the plenary session.

Last week, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read out President Bola Tinubu’s letter listing the nominees for the ministerial positions.

By Uzair Adam

A High Court in Kano State on Tuesday ordered the remand of Zhang Qunfang, a Chinese national, in a correctional facility over allegations of forgery and destruction of property belonging to Huafei International Nigeria Ltd., located at No. 52 Hadejia Road, Gezawa District Area, Kano.

During the arraignment before Justice Ma’aji, prosecution counsel Eristio Asaph from the Force Headquarters legal department presented a charge filed on October 3, 2024, requesting the court’s approval to read the charges to the defendant.

However, defense counsel Ibrahim Abdullahi Chedi opposed the reading, contending that the case was not ready for arraignment as Qunfang had only received the charges that day.

He noted that Qunfang, arrested by INTERPOL in Abuja, had been granted administrative bail and argued that, according to Section 127 Sub 2 of the ACJL 2019, the defendant should be served seven days prior.

The prosecution responded that the defendant had refused to accept the charge sheet post-release on bail. After reviewing both sides, Justice Ma’aji granted permission to proceed with reading the two-count charge.

According to the charge, Qunfang allegedly forged the signature of Mr. Zhu Bin, a company client, to add her name as a signatory and used her access to withdraw $80,000 from the company’s account without approval from other directors.

Additionally, she is accused of intentionally demolishing a building owned by Huafei International Nigeria Ltd.

The prosecution asserted that these acts violate sections of the Penal Code Law. Qunfang pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court adjourned the session to November 1, 2024, to address the defense’s bail application and ordered her remand in custody pending the hearing.

By Uzair Adam

The strike initiated by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of university non-teaching staff unions has shown little effect on Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where daily activities continue as usual, and essential facilities remain accessible.

The Daily Reality observed that locations expected to be affected by the strike, such as the university’s main library and hospital, were fully operational.

Students were actively studying in the library, while the hospital staff continued to provide medical care.

University staff activities were also observed at the Student Affairs Office, suggesting minimal disruption from the strike.

The JAC, which includes the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), had issued a circular on Sunday instructing members to begin an indefinite strike.

The circular, signed by NASU’s General Secretary Mr. Peters Adeyemi and SSANU’s President Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim, cited four months of unpaid salaries as the reason for the action.

The announcement raised concerns that the strike could significantly affect university operations, with some anticipating solidarity actions from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

However, campus activities continue, and some students have even been able to sit for exams as scheduled.

Malam Nura Garba, SSANU’s Secretary, explained that the strike impacts only NASU and SSANU members, affecting administrative, hospital, and library operations. Nevertheless, these services remain accessible.

NASU Chairman Abdullahi Nasiru clarified that the delay in shutting down facilities stemmed from a late directive issued on Sunday.

“We are holding a meeting today, and the facilities currently open will soon be shut down,” he said.

Nasiru emphasized that while the strike is intended to be “total, comprehensive, and indefinite,” the union needed official clearance from the national headquarters before proceeding.

Students who spoke with our reporter confirmed they encountered no issues accessing the hospital and library facilities, despite the ongoing strike.

By Uzair Adam

A collaborative effort by security agencies on Monday led to the arrest of 34 individuals—comprising 15 beggars and 19 scavengers—in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of a recent crackdown following a directive for them to vacate the area.

The FCT Administration stated that those detained would either undergo vocational training at a government rehabilitation center or be returned to their states if they refuse to participate.

The operation saw contributions from the Police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other paramilitary bodies.

FCT Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu labeled the mission as “a national assignment,” emphasizing professionalism and determination in enforcing the ministerial orders.

“This operation is set for two weeks initially,” Disu noted. “We will review our progress and, if needed, extend the efforts.”

The Director of Security in the FCT, Adamu Gwary, further detailed the scope of the operation, which is designed to span both day and night across multiple city zones, including the airport road and areas like Asokoro, Nyanya, and Kubwa.

The Head of Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Kaka Bello, clarified that the clampdown is part of a broader strategy to clear the city of unauthorized vendors and nuisances.

Dr. Sani Rabe, Director of Social Welfare for the FCTA, added that those who are “trainable” will have the chance to learn skills at a center in Kuchikon, Bwari Area Council, while others may be returned to their respective states if they do not wish to participate in training.

By Anwar Usman

A meeting between the Northern Governors Forum and Northern Traditional Rulers Council is currently ongoing in Kaduna hoping to tackle the region’s pressing security and developmental challenges.

In attendance at the meeting which took place at the state government House, were Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

While welcoming his colleagues, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Yahaya, called for collective action to tackle challenges bedevilling the region.

The region is currently battling with insecurity, economic hardship, environmental degradation, and youth restiveness.

Yahaya emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “Our collective resolve is being tested by the ongoing challenges that we face. However, our unity and commitment to the prosperity of the people remain our greatest source of strength that will enable us to overcome those challenges.”

The governor also acknowledged these challenges, saying, “Terrorism, banditry, kidnap-for-ransom, farmer-herder clashes, drug abuse, the menace of Almajiri and out-of-school children, poverty, and unemployment. We must continue to work with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected.”

To tackle these challenges, the governors proposed various ways including “sustaining gains against criminals, studying and implementing the Coalition of Northern Group’s Security Committee report, and engaging with security agencies and civil society groups.

“Investing in education, skills development, and job creation; supporting small and medium enterprises; and attracting investment to northern states; as well providing support to farmers, ensuring rural security, and promoting agro-allied industries.

“Partnering with the Federal Government and stakeholders to build irrigation infrastructure and promote sustainable practices.”

In his remarks earlier, Kaduna Governor and chief host, Senator Uba Sani, while welcoming his colleagues and traditional rulers in the region as well as the Chief of Defence, General Christopher Musa, emphasised unity and collective action against regional challenges.

Sani, also acknowledged the northern Governors’ commitment to peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity, urging that “We must work together to realize our vision of a secure, peaceful, and prosperous North.”

The Governor commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to combat insecurity, citing the establishment of a Joint Military Command and Operation Fansan Yamma as clear demonstrations of the Federal Government’s commitment.

By Uzair Adam

While Nigerians grapple with economic hardship, Borno State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, is urging the Federal Government to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima’s official aircraft, citing safety concerns.

Lawan’s call follows recent technical issues with the Vice President’s plane, including a damaged windscreen during a stopover in New York en route to the Commonwealth Summit.

Despite widespread financial strain affecting millions of Nigerians, Lawan highlighted the risks of Shettima’s continued reliance on the malfunction-prone aircraft, insisting that securing a replacement should be a priority.

His appeal, however, arrives at a time when citizens are facing inflation, fuel costs, and job cuts, sparking questions on the government’s spending priorities amidst nationwide hardship.