Socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has chided President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the absence of official empathy concerning the “agony and distressing state of the nation,” which Nigerians are presently grappling with.

Rising from a meeting held at the residence of its leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, at Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State, the group lamented that the Federal Government sounded distant from the “pervasive hardship, unflagging insecurity and incapacitating hunger,” that Nigerians grappled with.

According to the group, this lack of empathy was evidenced by policies ostensibly aimed at compounding the woes of the people, citing the recent fuel price hike as the latest in such a posture.

Contained in a communique by the Afenifere Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan and Deputy Secretary-General, Alade Rotimi-John, made available to The PUNCH on Thursday, the group said it observed that there was the absence of a coherent programme of action by the Tinubu government to alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerians.

“Afenifere reviewed the unremitting distressing state of the nation’s social and economic situation under the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“Meeting observed that the distressful condition of the country is exemplified in pervasive hardship, unflagging insecurity and incapacitating hunger.

“The meeting noted the absence of official empathy respecting the people’s agonising situation.

“Meeting has instead observed an unwearying policy enunciation ostensibly aimed at compounding the woes of the people, e.g. the unabating fuel price hike.

“Meeting further observed the cavalier conduct of state affairs in, for instance, the absence of any coherent or unequivocal programme on the part of the government and its party.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that Betta Edu, a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, is still under investigation.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said controversial cross-dresser Okuneye Idris, better known as Bobrisky, is also under investigation.

He explained that the investigation continues into Betta Edu for alleged misconduct, with N30 billion recovered and 40 linked bank accounts under scrutiny.

On Bobrisky, EFCC stated that it will not tolerate corruption within its ranks after allegations of bribery to drop money laundering charges against the cross-dresser.

Uwujaren said: “Regarding the investigation into the allegations by Bobrisky and VeryDarkman, I am certain that the investigative process will conclude effectively. If any misconduct is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken. Throughout my years here, I have witnessed law enforcement personnel being held accountable for professional misconduct.”

“On former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, when the investigation began, we provided updates on our progress. The Chairman mentioned monitoring over 40 accounts, which takes time to review thoroughly. These matters are ongoing.

“A senior government spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that a report was submitted to the President, who acted on it by appointing a new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. I respect this information and its source,” the EFCC said.

…Orders Integrity Review Of Nigeria’s Waterways, Dams

…Says 321 Dead In 34 States On Account Of Flooding

…Tinubu Not Against Northerners With Tax Reform Bills — Presidency

The National Economic Council (NEC), on Thursday, prevailed on President Bola Tinubu to with­draw the Tax Reforms Bills from the National Assembly.

NEC hinged it on the need to allow for wider consultations and consensus building among stake­holders, particularly Nigerians.

Oyo State governor, Seyi Ma­kinde, who briefed State House correspondents on the develop­ment, said this formed part of resolutions reached at the 144th meeting of the NECouncil at the State House, Abuja.

According to Makinde, the council members agreed that it was necessary to allow for consen­sus building and understanding of the bills among Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently endorsed new policy ini­tiatives to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration processes.

The Federal Government hinged it on the need to enhance efficiency and eliminate redun­dancies across the nation’s tax operations.

The reforms emerged after a review of existing tax laws since August 2023. The National Assem­bly is considering four executive bills containing these tax reform efforts.

NEC’s decision came days after the Northern governors kicked against the reform bills.

At a meeting on October 28, 2024, governors of the 19 North­ern states, on the platform of the Northern Governors’ Forum, re­jected the new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax dis­tribution in the new tax reform bills before the National Assembly.

A communiqué read by the Chairman of the forum, Gov­ernor Muhammed Yahaya of Gombe State, said the proposition negates the interest of the North and other sub-nationals.

Makinde said, “NEC today took a presentation from the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. Their main focus is fair taxation, responsible borrow­ing and sustainable spending.

“The council acknowledged that the country is underperform­ing on all indices as regards huge losses from major revenue sourc­es, also tax to GDP ratio and so on.

“So after extensive delibera­tion, NEC noted the need for suf­ficient alignment between and among the stakeholders for the proposed reforms.

“Council, therefore, recom­mend the need to withdraw the bill currently before the National Assembly on tax reforms so that we can have wider consultations and also build consensus around these reforms for the benefit of the entire country, and also to give people, for them to know the vision and where we are moving the country in terms of a tax re­form, because there’s really a lot of miscommunication, misinfor­mation.

“The bills will be drawn from the National Assembly, then there will be consultations afterwards”.

NEC OrdersIntegrity ReviewOf Nigeria’s Waterways, Dams

Meanwhile, the National Eco­nomic Council (NEC) on Thurs­day also directed the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to commence a comprehensive integrity review of Nigeria’s wa­terways and dams.

The move is intended to miti­gate the ravaging impact of flood­ing in the country.

Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, disclosed this while briefing State House corre­spondents at the Presidential Vil­la, Abuja, after the NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He said that the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, had briefed members of NEC on the Federal Government’s intervention activ­ities across the country regarding the impact of this year’s flooding which has become a major nation­al disaster.

The Water Resources Minis­try had earlier identified 148 local government areas in the country spanning 31 states as high flood risk areas for 2024 beginning from April to November.

According to Prof. Soludo, after receiving the presentation from the minister, NEC resolved that “the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation should conduct an integrity review of all the waterways and dams across the country.

“There was a serious empha­sis on the need for a massive pro­gramme of dredging of the wa­terways. The council also urged governors who have not submit­ted their reports on the situation of flooding and management in their states to do so immediately.

“Council also noted that the Green Climate Fund should have an infrastructure resilient fund component and it was also noted that there are some critical parts of the country that are very mas­sively ravaged by this flooding particularly the South East and the South South that are com­pletely omitted in the ongoing programmes of the construction of dams at least to act as speed bumps along the highways par­ticularly in the River Niger.”

Prof. Soludo also said that the council considered the national emergency and the responses on the damages and the coordination taking place between the states and the Federal Government and outlined further steps that should be taken.

It was gathered that Prof. Utsev during his presentation informed the NEC that a techni­cal sub-committee appointed by President Tinubu October 8, 2024, is ongoing with its assignment and will be putting together an interim report to be presented to the Inter-Ministerial Committee for onward transmission to the president.

NEC also confirmed that 321 persons lost their lives in the flood disaster which has so far ravaged 34 states of the federation.

It also confirmed that 217 local government areas, 1,374,557 per­sons were adversely affected by the flood across Nigeria as at today.

Soludo, who also reeled out the statistics after the NEC meeting, said the various State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) have been directed to up their game to bring succour to the af­fected states.

“You know the country is facing the national emergency with regards to flooding and the reports so far identify a major na­tional disaster. We’ve been called upon to note that to date, that about 34 states have been affect­ed, 217 local government areas, 1,374,557 persons already affect­ed. And 740,743 were displaced nationwide. 321 persons dead and 2,854 persons injured and 281,000 houses, 258,000 cultivated farm­lands also destroyed, or affected by the ravaging flood.

“Council deliberated on the actions, particularly at the sub national level, and got up on the the SEMA, the various state emer­gency management agencies, to up their game and increase the collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agen­cy (NEMA).

“There was serious emphasis and the need for massive pro­gramme of dredging, or desilt­ing of the waterways and have a firm programme of continuous desilting

almost on annual basis of the waterways.”

Tinubu Not Against Northerners With Tax Reform Bills — Presidency

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has de­fended the proposed bills from the presidency seeking reforms in tax collection processes.

Recall that the Federal Ex­ecutive Council (FEC), which President Tinubu presided over recently, had endorsed new policy initiatives aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s tax administration pro­cesses, enhancing efficiency and eliminating redundancies across the nation’s tax operations.

But the governors of the 19 Northern states, on the platform of the Northern Governors’ Fo­rum, at their meeting recently, picked holes in the new deriva­tion-based model for Value-Added Tax (VAT) distribution in the new tax reform bills before the Nation­al Assembly.

Chairman of the forum, Gov­ernor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, presided over the meeting where the northern elite opposed the policy.

Onanuga, while reacting on be­half of the president, explained that these reforms emerged after an extensive review of existing tax laws.

He noted that the National Assembly is considering four executive bills designed to trans­form and modernise Nigeria’s tax landscape.

“First is the Nigeria Tax Bill, which aims to eliminate unin­tended multiple taxation and make Nigeria’s economy more competitive by simplifying tax obligations for businesses and individuals nationwide.

“The Nigeria Tax Adminis­tration Bill (NTAB) proposes new rules governing the administra­tion of all taxes in the country. Its objective is to harmonise tax ad­ministrative processes across fed­eral, state and local jurisdictions for ease of compliance for taxpay­ers in all parts of the country.

“The Nigeria Revenue Ser­vice (Establishment) Bill seeks to rename the Federal Inland Reve­nue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to better reflect the mandate of the service as the revenue agency for the en­tire federation, not just the Federal Government,” Onanuga stated.

He explained that the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill proposes the creation of a Joint Revenue Board to replace the Joint Tax Board, covering fed­eral and all states’ tax authorities.

According to him, the bill also suggests establishing the Office of Tax Ombudsman under the Joint Revenue Board, which would serve as a complaint resolution body for taxpayers.

He reiterated that it was in­structive to note that these pro­posed laws will not increase the number of taxes currently in op­eration. Instead, they are designed to optimise and simplify existing tax frameworks.

He also insisted that the tax rates or percentages will remain the same under these reforms, as they focus on ensuring a more equitable distribution of tax ob­ligations without adding to the burden on Nigerians.

The presidential media aide stated, “The reforms will not lead to job losses. On the contrary, they are structured to stimulate new avenues for job creation by sup­porting a dynamic, growth-ori­ented economy.

“Importantly, these laws will not absorb or eliminate the duties of any existing department, agen­cy, or ministry. Instead, they aim to harmonise revenue collection and administration across the fed­eration to ensure efficiency and cooperation.

“At the moment, tax adminis­tration lacks coordination among federal, state, and local tax author­ities, often resulting in overlap­ping responsibilities, confusion, and inefficiency. Without reform, this inefficiency will persist.

“The proposed laws aim to co­ordinate efforts between different tiers of government, resulting in better tax resource management and greater clarity for taxpayers.

“Under existing laws, taxes like Company Income Tax (CIT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), Cap­ital Gains Tax (CGT), Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), Tertiary Edu­cation Tax (TET), Value-Added Tax (VAT), and other taxing pro­visions in numerous laws are administered separately, with individual legislative frameworks.

“The proposed reforms seek to consolidate these multiple taxes, integrating CIT, PIT, CGT, VAT, PPT, and excise duties into a uni­fied structure to reduce adminis­trative fragmentation.

“On the proposed deriva­tion-based VAT distribution model, which the Northern governors op­pose, it must be stressed that the new proposal, as enunciated in the bill, is designed to create a fairer system.

“The current model for distrib­uting VAT is based on where the tax is remitted rather than where goods and services are supplied or consumed. The ongoing tax re­form seeks to correct the inherent inequity in the current derivation model as a basis for distributing VAT revenue.

“The new proposal before the National Assembly outlines a dif­ferent form of derivation which considers the place of supply or consumption for relevant goods and services. This means that states in the Northern region that produce the food we eat should not lose out just because their prod­ucts are VAT-exempt or consumed in other states.

“These reforms are critical to improving the lives of Nigeri­ans and were not put forward by President Tinubu to undermine any part of the country. There is no better time than now for the National Assembly to give due consideration to these bills that will overhaul our tax systems and create the revenue all the tiers of government require to fund the development our country and people urgently need”.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said that the FCT Administration would not condone unprofiled vehicles in the nation’s capital beginning from January 2025.

This is as he said that all commercial buses in the nation’s capital would be profiled by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS.

Wike made this statement at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja on Thursday, where he handed over some new cars to beneficiaries to use as taxis.

“They are not paying a dime. No. The government is saying this is our support to feed your family and reduce the cost of transportation in the city. Abuja should compete with other cities in the world,” the minister said.

He charged the beneficiaries not to be ashamed that they are being empowered to be taxi drivers, saying that many Nigerians who reject taxi driving jobs at home gladly embrace such when they travel abroad.

To curb cases of kidnapping and ‘one-chance’ robbery, the minister said effective January 2025, any commercial bus not duly profiled by security agencies won’t be allowed to operate within the nation’s capital.

“Most of the Keke Napep and most of the motorcycles are informants. Everybody here that is a beneficiary is being profiled by the security.

“And so what we are coming up with is that from January next year, there will be nobody that will operate as a taxi driver or a bus driver without having approval from security, with security profiling you and without going about with the Abuja colour.

“Nothing like using any vehicle on the road. No, we won’t allow that. From January, we won’t allow that.

“We will take the vehicle number, name of the drivers and the rest so everybody will have confidence that this is the vehicle I’m entering in case anything happens,” he added.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has recovered over N248bn in the last year.

The Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, Wilson Uwajaren, made this disclosure on Thursday when he gave an update on the achievements of the anti-graft agency so far.

Uwajaren said the sum of over £53,000 and €172,000 were also recovered. €5,000 were also recovered for victims of crime in Spain, according to him.

According to him, the commission is taking its rapid response a notch higher as it will lead to a drop in cybercrime.

He further said the commission has also secured more than 35 convictions for Naira abuse by Nigerians at social events.

Uwajaren stated that three new directorates are set to emerge in Ekiti, Katsina and Anambra states.

A Nigerian lady who claims to be 38 years old has elicited a barrage of comments on social media with a whopping offer of N50M to her prospective partner.

The video which was shared by self-styled entertainer and media personality, Tunde Ednut showed the lady holding a banner which communicated her message.

In addition to the N50M cash gift, the lady noted that she would sponsor the wedding and place the man on a huge salary monthly.

She noted that she only desires a submissive man who wouldn’t cheat and stay at home to take care of her children.

The lady proudly showed off her poultry farm as one of her massive investments.

Sharing the video, Tunde Ednut wrote:

“Abeg, if una dey interested, please comment below “Yaaaaaaaaay”. She go see you for comment section, DM you.”

Reacting to the clip, @smplyjessie1 wrote: “Y’all She’s my Neighbor, she’s already married o.”

__malyk wrote: “On top this two line cages fowls ???? way everything no reach 50 millions ?.”

esianyee wrote: “Some women will just be embarrassing the rest of us. Madam go and sit down one place.”

billy_chigor wrote: “You get 50million na em you wan marry?”

godson_allsom wrote: “Promise me that we will be ?slaughtering chicken ?every two two days ?.”

maanaroyal wrote: “I believe It’s just content, you can’t have such Big Table and you’re BEGGING for someone to dine with!?”

charminghela_ wrote: “All she needs is a submissive man, just know say na you go be the wife for that house and the only thing wey you no go do na to born. But you go really hear whennnnn? ?.”

Watch the video below:

Lola Alao, the iconic Yoruba movie star, bared her soul, gave fans an intimate look into the tumultuous journey of her life and the heartbreaking reasons behind her two failed marriages.

During a recent interview with her colleague Biola Adebayo on the show Talk-to-B, Lola Alao pulled back the curtain on her life, offering fans an unfiltered look at the complexities surrounding her decisions to leave her Ex-hubbys.

She bare the truth, pinpointing her lack of patience as a significant factor in her marital struggles.

One of the most painful episodes she recounted involved her ex-husband, who, with astonishing audacity, cheated on her right in front of her eyes, a betrayal that shattered her trust and left her with no choice but to walk away.

Reflecting on her past, Lola acknowledged that had she been more patient, things might have turned out differently. However, she emphasized that she does not regret her choices, believing that maintaining her dignity was far more important than enduring a toxic relationship.

With profound insight, Lola extended a heartfelt message to married women everywhere: learn from her experiences and recognize the delicate balance between patience and self-respect.

She urged them to consider that while enduring the trials of marriage can sometimes be necessary, it should never come at the expense of one’s dignity.

To her, enduring a toxic relationship was far more painful than embracing the freedom that comes with leaving.

WATCH HER SPEAK IN CLIP BELOW

Donald Trump pulled an election stunt with a garbage truck Wednesday as the White House campaign was forced off-piste by muddled remarks from President Joe Biden about the Republican’s supporters that caused a headache for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

Harris had hoped to spend the day expanding on the final week “closing argument” she made at a huge Washington rally the night before — but found herself instead disavowing Biden’s remark that appeared to label Trump supporters “garbage.”

Trump — who, unlike Harris, has recently called his political opponents “garbage” in public — was on hand to exploit the misstep with a photo op, climbing into a garbage truck at an airport in Wisconsin and answering questions from reporters.

The row started over the weekend when a warm-up speaker at a Trump rally called the US territory of Puerto Rico “a floating island of garbage,” in remarks that initially put the Republican campaign on the defensive.

Yet Biden’s gaffe provided Trump the opportunity to play the victim.

“How do you like my garbage truck? This truck is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden,” Trump said from the cabin of the vehicle.

“You can’t be president if you hate the American people, which I believe they do,” Trump added later at his rally in Green Bay, still wearing his high-visibility jacket.

But as Republicans voiced outrage over Biden’s remarks, anti-Trump political group The Lincoln Project shared a video from the Republican’s September 7 rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin — verified by AFP — in which he called “the people that surround” the vice president “garbage.”

Trump had just attacked Harris over employment figures before he said: “And it’s not her, it’s the people that surround her. They’re scum. They’re scum, and they want to take down our country. They are absolute garbage.”

Harris meanwhile traveled to North Carolina and onward to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, focusing again on three of seven battleground states that could determine who wins the closest election in modern US history.

In Madison, Wisconsin she told supporters: “Folks are exhausted and want it to stop, the pointing fingers. It is time that we start locking arms together as a people who rise and fall together.”

More than 57 million have already cast their ballots via early or mail-in voting, over a third of the 2020 total.

– ‘Unstable, obsessed’ –

Trump — who has 34 felony convictions for crimes connected to the 2016 election — is expected to reject Tuesday’s result if he loses.

The Republican is already seizing on commonplace verification processes by election officials to amplify his claims of widespread “cheating.”

Harris meanwhile was forced to fend off questions about Biden’s gaffe, which came when the president reacted to a comedian at a Trump rally referring to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage.”

“The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters,” Biden said, before the White House sought to clarify that he was referring to Trump’s rhetoric, not to his supporters.

“Let me be clear, I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for,” said Harris, Biden’s vice president.

In North Carolina, Harris hammered home her campaign’s message to “turn the page” on Trump, leading the crowd in chants of “we are not going back!”

“This is someone who is unstable, obsessed with revenge, consumed with grievance and out for unchecked power,” said Harris.

– ‘Cheating’ claims –

In Washington, Harris had spoken at the very spot where Trump stirred up a mob that went on to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in a violent attempt to keep him in power even though he lost the 2020 election to Biden.

Trump has taken to social media to repeat his claims of voter fraud, appearing to set the stage for a repeat performance around the unfounded claim that his 2020 loss to Biden was rigged.

He denounced what he said was “cheating” at “large-scale levels never seen before” in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania.

At his North Carolina rally, Trump again cast doubt on the fairness of voting machines and called for a return to paper ballots.

His campaign on Wednesday made a fresh plea for campaign donations by referencing Biden’s comments.

But one person who will not be voting for Trump on November 5 will be actor and former Republican governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, who endorsed Harris.

“Rejecting the results of an election is as un-American as it gets,” he said of Trump.

Inflation and the economy have been key issues this election, and on Wednesday new data showed solid economic growth despite a slight slowdown.

The United Kingdom, UK has launched the Immigration Salary List (ISL) for 2025, broadening opportunities for foreign skilled workers.

The ISL replaces the previous Shortage Occupation List, featuring a wider range of high-demand roles and raising salary thresholds to ensure competitive earnings.

This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering an environment where workers and expertise are actively sought and rewarded with a solid salary.

The ISL targets experts across diverse fields, including science, technology, the arts, and skilled trades. In contrast to earlier immigration policies, the ISL prioritizes attracting individuals with high-earning potential who can contribute meaningfully to the UK economy.

“The ISL opens new doors for those whose skills align with our economic and social growth ambitions,” said a spokesperson from the Home Office.

“We are focused on attracting the best minds who can bring innovation and drive into the UK.”

High-Demand Professions on the ISL.

The ISL for 2025 highlights 23 professions spanning biological sciences, graphic design, air traffic control, and even traditional crafts like stonemasonry and shipbuilding.

Among the notable roles, according to DAAD, are:

Biological Scientists with a minimum salary threshold of £38,000 and potential earnings from £47,500 to over £70,000.

Chemical Scientists in the Nuclear Industry (Scotland only) with a threshold of £35,200 and salaries ranging from £50,000 to £80,000.

Archaeologists starting at £36,400, with average salaries from £35,000 to £60,000.

Graphic and Multimedia Designers earning a minimum of £30,960, with salaries from £30,000 to £50,000.

Laboratory Technicians (with 3+ years of experience) have a minimum salary threshold of £28,800, with salaries reaching £40,000.

Pharmaceutical Technicians earning £29,600 as a minimum, with the potential to make up to £45,000.
High Integrity Pipe Welders (with 3+ years of experience) starting at £36,400, earning from £40,000 to £60,000.

Boat and Shop Builders and Repairers (Scotland only) have a minimum salary of £28,100, with salaries reaching £40,000.

Stonemasons and Related Trades with a minimum of £30,960 and salaries ranging up to £50,000.

Bricklayers earning a minimum of £30,960 and salaries up to £45,000.

Roofers, Roof Tilers, and Slaters with a minimum threshold of £30,960 and earnings up to £40,000.

Carpenters and Joiners with a minimum salary of £30,960 and salaries up to £45,000.

Retrofitters starting at £30,960 with potential earnings up to £50,000.

Classical Ballet Dancers earning a minimum of £30,960, with salaries varying based on performance and experience.

Commercial Pilots who start at £53,900, with salaries ranging from £60,000 to over £150,000.

Air Traffic Controllers starting at £49,600, with the potential to earn up to £100,000.

Aircraft Maintenance and Related Trades with a minimum salary of £35,200 and earnings reaching £55,000.

Ship and Hovercraft Officers earning a minimum of £38,000, with salaries ranging from £40,000 to £80,000.

Train and Tram Drivers with a threshold of £33,300 and salaries up to £50,000.

Managers and Proprietors in Forestry, Fishing, and Related Services (fishing boat masters only in Scotland) starting at £30,960, with salaries up to £50,000.

Forestry and Logging Workers earning a minimum salary of £28,100, with potential earnings reaching £35,000.

Farmers with a starting salary of £28,100 and potential earnings up to £40,000.

These roles come with minimum salary thresholds designed to attract top-tier professionals while supporting the UK’s growing industries.

How to Apply for UK Workers Visa

The primary visa for ISL-listed roles is the Skilled Worker visa, which allows for work and residence in the UK with the potential for permanent settlement. Prospective applicants are encouraged to use online job boards, government portals like GOV.UK, and recruitment agencies to find suitable roles.

The ISL’s introduction represents a major shift in the UK’s immigration landscape, aiming to build a stronger, skill-driven economy. For professionals ready to take their careers to the next level, this move offers a unique opportunity to thrive in the UK’s diverse and vibrant job market.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, is set to launch 100 free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for civil servants in the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the decision is in line with current administration’s commitment to the advancement of the interests of workers and improvement in the living conditions of the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State.

Musa noted that the the buses will convey civil servants to and from work, stressing that this is aimed at alleviating the suffering of workers and enhancing their productivity.

The statement added that a Joint Management Committee consisting of representatives of organized labour (NLC and TUC) and the State Government will be set up to manage the Free Transportation Scheme for civil servants.

“The Kaduna State Government will continue to fashion and implement policies and measures to bring succour to the people. We are committed to transforming the lives of the less privileged. With the sustained support of our citizens, we shall make Kaduna State a Model for Social Welfare Interventions,” the statement read.

Similarly, the governor approved a new minimum wage of ₦72,000 for Kaduna State civil servants effective November 2024.