News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Protesters gathering at the Government House in Kano State were met with force on Thursday morning as police responded to the escalating demonstration by firing gunshots and teargas. 

The protesters, who had converged from various parts of the city, were participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest against hardship and were expecting Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to address them. 

However, as the protest gained momentum, some individuals among the crowd began assembling tyres and setting them ablaze near the gate, prompting the police to take action. 

According to Daily Trust, security forces at the Government House responded to the situation by firing gunshots and teargas in an attempt to disperse the crowd. 

The nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest is calling for urgent action to address pressing economic concerns, including soaring food inflation, general inflation, and other related issues. 

No reports of casualties or arrests have been made at this time.

The situation remains tense as protesters continue to demand action from the government to address their grievances.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Protesters in Abuja have vowed to continue their demonstrations unless President Bola Tinubu meets their demands, calling on him to “do the needful” and bring an end to the protests.

Speaking to journalists, Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, lamented the prolonged oppression under President Tinubu’s leadership, stating, “Our presence here today is an announcement that we have been oppressed for too long. Today, we have risen.”

Adenola stated that the protesters would remain on the streets until their demands are met, saying, “We are saying to the president that unless President Bola Tinubu accedes to our demands, we will remain on the streets. We want to see the president on the street. During the protest, he was on the street.”

Another leader of the movement, Ayoola Babalola, condemned the show of force around the premises of the Moshood Abiola, calling it “an embarrassment to the nation.”

He vowed that the protesters would not be intimidated, despite the heavy security presence.

The protesters also criticized the various court orders restricting them to particular locations, with Adenola calling them “an aberration.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) to enhance security presence at borderlines across the country.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this commitment on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, when he received a delegation from the DRDB led by Major General Emmanuel Ndagi. 

Adeniyi stated the importance of leveraging technological advancements to achieve economic growth, stating, “I see a lot of possibilities that will continue to evolve between the Nigeria Customs Service and DRDB in the area of technology because we live in the age of technology now.” 

He highlighted the NCS’s commitment to research and development, saying, “We believe that any organisation that ignores research and developments might be digging its own grave… We have set up a structure devoted to our special intelligence, and a Command and Staff College, where we engage our students in periodic research and operations.” 

Major General Ndagi, Director-General of DRDB, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Addressing these challenges with compassion and jointly developing technologies that address border security concerns will help us to fortify our border areas.” 

The partnership aims to combat border crimes using geospatial intelligence and coordinate significant operations at border areas across the federation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to harnessing technological advancements to fortify the country’s borders and facilitate trade.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this declaration on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, when he received a delegation from the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) led by Major General Emmanuel Ndagi. 

Adeniyi expressed the NCS’ readiness to partner with the DRDB to sustain its commitment to technological development, stating, “I see a lot of possibilities that will continue to evolve between the Nigeria Customs Service and DRDB in the area of technology because we live in the age of technology now.”

He reiterated the need for constant technological development, saying, “Any organisation that ignores research and developments might be digging its own grave.” 

The NCS has already set up structures devoted to special intelligence and geospatial intelligence to combat border crimes.

Speaking, Adeniyi noted the importance of research and development, citing the Command and Staff College, where students engage in periodic research and operations. 

Major General Ndagi, Director-General of DRDB, sought partnership with the NCS to address border security concerns, stating, “Addressing these challenges with compassion and jointly developing technologies that address border security concerns will help us to fortify our border areas.”

He also expressed optimism about the potential collaboration, saying, “I want to seek the cooperation of the Comptroller-General of Customs to join hands with DRDB in partnership.”

By Anas Abbas

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has inaugurated the Kano State Advisory Committee on the New National Minimum Wage to oversee the implementation of the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage in the state.

The committee, headed by Alh. Usman Bala Muhammad, Special Adviser to the Governor on State Affairs, has been tasked with presenting practical recommendations for the state government’s immediate implementation within three weeks.

Speaking at the inauguration, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo emphasized the committee’s responsibility to plan effectively for the newly approved minimum wage, stressing that the welfare of workers is a top priority for the government.

The committee comprises representatives from various state ministries and departments, including the Head of the Civil Service, Commissioner of Finance, Planning and Budget, Information and Internal Affairs, and other stakeholders.

Abba assured workers that the implementation of the new minimum wage would boost development across all sectors in Kano State.

The move follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the new national minimum wage, which is intended to improve the standard of living for Nigerian workers.

By Uzair Adam Zamfara

State Police have taken into custody a member of the state assembly, a district head, and a former local government chairman due to alleged ties to kidnapping and banditry.

The arrested lawmaker, Aminu Ibrahim, is suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of an elderly man, Alhaji Ibrahim Sarkin Fada, in Kasuwar Daji village.

Additionally, the district head of Kaura Namoda, Alhaji Jafaru Abdullahi Kumburki, and the former chairman of Kaura Namoda LGA, Nasiru Muhammad, are also in police custody.

According to the Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, the district head of Kaura Namoda allegedly colluded with two suspected associates of bandits and kidnapped nine locals in Gidan Sambo village, receiving a ransom of N800,000.

The former council boss is accused of collaborating with two others to abduct Alhaji Ango in the Kumurya community of Zamfara State.

Furthermore, three district heads from Danjibga, Bukkuyum, and Unguwar Gyauro in Tsafe and Bukkuyum LGAs are under investigation for alleged involvement in kidnapping and banditry.

The police commissioner has confirmed these arrests and stated that the investigation is still ongoing.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, addressed the nation in light of the planned nationwide protests, emphasizing the severe negative effects of violent demonstrations on our society. 

In his address, the IGP highlighted several critical points that underscore the importance of maintaining peace and order during protests.

“It is not only in Nigeria that there is hardship. It is a global meltdown. Is the government doing anything about it? Yes! This is what a responsive government will do,” stated the IGP. He stressed that while the current economic challenges are not unique to Nigeria, the government is actively working to mitigate their impact and provide relief to the citizens.

Reflecting on the 2020 EndSARS protest, the IGP remarked, “Where police stations were burnt down, criminals took over. Arms looted were in the wrong hands, and armed robbers took over. Women could no longer walk freely once it is 7 pm.” He warned that the destruction of police infrastructure leads to a breakdown in law and order, leaving communities vulnerable to criminal activities.

“There are enough lessons to learn from previous violent protests in Nigeria,” the IGP continued, urging citizens to remember the chaos and suffering that followed such events. “Serious dangers come with unchecked demonstrations,” he added, highlighting the potential for loss of life, property damage, and widespread fear among the populace.

The IGP acknowledged the right to protest, stating, “The right to protest is a right to peaceful protest.”He called on all Nigerians to exercise this right responsibly and to avoid actions that could escalate into violence. Peaceful protests, he emphasized, are a powerful tool for expressing grievances and driving change without endangering lives and properties.

In conclusion, the IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting the rights of citizens while maintaining law and order. He urged all Nigerians to cooperate with the Police to ensure that any forthcoming protests are peaceful and orderly.

By Uzair Adam

On Monday, the Federal Government announced the distribution of an additional 10 trucks filled with 50kg bags of rice to each state. These bags will be available for purchase at designated locations for N40,000 each.

During a council meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, informed State House correspondents that this initiative aims to alleviate poverty and address the high cost of living.

Idris stated, “The Federal Executive Council believes that most of the demands made by protesters are already being addressed by the government. Therefore, there is no need for further protests, as the government is actively working on these issues.”

“The President has listened to those planning protests and is already taking action on their behalf. For instance, the government is making efforts to ensure food availability.

“In the previous Council meeting, we announced the distribution of 20 trucks of rice to state governors for distribution to those in need, particularly the poorest in society.

Additionally, rice is being sold at about 50% of its usual cost, with each bag priced at N40,000.”

Idris explained that the rice has been transported to various centers across all states, where it can be purchased for N40,000 per bag. “Initially, 10 trucks have been provided to each state.

“This is just the beginning, and while we acknowledge that the supplies may not be sufficient, these are necessary first steps. More interventions will follow,” he concluded.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Tinubu has proposed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and other new refineries in Naira. 

This is believed to be a move aimed at stabilising fuel prices and the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira. 

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) accepted the proposal, which is expected to provide a valuable lifeline to the Dangote Refinery. 

According to reports, the Dangote Refinery requires 15 shipments of crude oil annually, totaling $13.5 billion.

The NNPC has pledged to provide four of these cargos. 

The FEC has agreed to make available 450,000 barrels for local consumption, which will be offered to Nigerian refineries in Naira, with the Dangote refinery being the initial test. 

The exchange rate will remain constant throughout this transaction, and Afreximbank and other Nigerian settlement banks will support trade between Dangote and NNPC Limited, removing the requirement for international letters of credit and resulting in significant cost savings for the country by reducing the billions of dollars spent on importing refined fuel. 

This move is seen as a strategic step towards maintaining the stability of fuel prices and the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Minimum Wage Amendment Bill 2024 into law, officially setting the new minimum wage at N70,000.

The legislation, which is subject to review every three years, was signed at the State House in Abuja on Monday. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other National Assembly leaders, who had expedited the bill’s passage.

President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the National Assembly for their swift action on the legislation. 

According to the Head of Service, the new law demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of workers, saying “the new law will undoubtedly reassure the workers that the President cares about their welfare.” 

This is believed to be a step forward in bringing down the dire situations Nigerian workers are in, in the face of the unprecedented inflation around the country.