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The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) has ruled in favour of Nigerians in a dispute with pay-TV operator Multichoice Nigeria.
The Tribunal imposed a N150 million fine on Multichoice and ordered the company to provide a one-month free subscription to all DStv and GOtv customers.
The ruling was delivered by a three-man panel led by Justice Thomas Okosu on Friday. This decision follows a suit CCPT/OP/2/2024, filed by Barrister Festus Onifade.
In April 2024, Multichoice announced upcoming price adjustments for their DStv and GOtv packages, citing rising operational costs.
The email to subscribers read: “On Wednesday, 1 May 2024 we will adjust our prices across all our packages on DStv and GOtv. We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations, has led us to make this difficult decision. It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to you and are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service.”
This move resulted in a 25-26 percent increase across various subscription tiers.
Onifade challenged this action, focusing on the lack of proper notice rather than the price hike itself. He argued that the eight-day notice given by Multichoice before a price hike in May 2024 was insufficient.
The Tribunal, led by Justice Saratu Shafii, previously issued a restraining order preventing Multichoice from implementing the price increase scheduled for May 1, 2024, until the case was settled.
However, Multichoice disregarded the order and proceeded with the price adjustments.
Multichoice’s counsel, Moyosore J. Onibanjo (SAN), contested the CCPT’s authority to hear the case, citing a previous price dispute ruling in their favour.
Onibanjo tendered the previous judgement of the tribunal in suit no CCPT/OP/1/2022 (Exhibit A), alongside his application, stating that a court had ruled on the matter between the same parties, on the same subject, and that the same matter cannot be reinitiated by any tribunal or court.
He stated that the power to regulate prices is vested in the president of Nigeria, adding that the Tribunal is not the forum where the claimant can come to seek to regulate the prices and services offered by Multichoice.
Responding, Onifade said: “It is our submission that the 8-day notice issued by Multichoice Nigeria is insufficient in law. A monthly subscriber should be given at least a month.
“Dismiss this application (by Multichoice) for being a waste of time on the court.”
Onifade also prayed the court to direct Multi-choice Nigeria Limited to pay a fine of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira only) or any amount the court may deem fit for “deliberately disobeying, contravening, and failure to comply with the Interim Order of this Honourable Tribunal granted on the 29th April 2024.”
The Tribunal’s ruling on Friday condemned Multichoice’s actions. They emphasized the company’s failure to comply with the interim order and the inadequate notice period provided to customers.
“The jurisdiction of this tribunal extends to all business activities within Nigeria.
“I have come to the conclusion that this tribunal has the jurisdiction to preside over consumer rights as in the instant case and I resolve this issue against Multichoice.
“The first defendant is hereby mandated to pay N150 million penalty.
“Multichoice is hereby ordered to give Nigerians a one month free subscription.” the judge ruled.
Okosu noted that he looked at relevant provisions cited by parties and did not find where an aggrieved consumer who seeks to enforce his rights is required to file a complaint to the President of Nigeria or the Price Control Board.
Airdrops are the fastest way to earn free crypto tokens in a crypto project and rewards from airdrops could range from $1 to $10,000 worth of crypto assets.
Airdrops offer investors and crypto users a chance to participate in a crypto project while standing a chance of earning free tokens for their efforts.
Airdrops are used by Crypto project owners as a marketing gimmick to onboard new members, Grow the project’s user base, and create awareness.
There are many promising Airdrop campaigns to watch out for this month of June.
We selected the 5 most promising Airdrop campaigns from Coindoo’s list happening this month to be mindful of and participate in.
Arena Games Airdrop
Arena Games is a Web 3 project that falls under the gaming category. The project combines traditional gaming with the Gamefi sector of the crypto space. The project provides game developers and players the opportunity to manage their digital assets, mint Non-fungible tokens and improve the overall user experience of gaming.
The native token of the Arena games ecosystem is called the AGP and it is an important component of the project used for various activities.
The Arena Airdrop campaign allows its participants to earn over 10 million free AGP tokens.
Participants are only expected to complete specific tasks within the Arena ecosystem to be eligible to earn airdrops.
The airdrop campaign is slated to end on the 7th of June.
Starknet Airdrop
Starknet is a secondary network on the Ethereum blockchain which is committed to massively scaling up Decentralized apps without affecting the security and compatibility of the Ethereum blockchain.
The team behind the project is preparing to launch the inaugural phase of a very important program in the Starknet ecosystem so it is launching an airdrop campaign to promote it.
The airdrop campaign will give participants the opportunity to earn from a pool of 700 million Starknet tokens. The Starknet tokens would be distributed to some 1.3 million addresses of eligible participants after the airdrop.
Nexo Airdrop campaign
Nexo is the world’s largest lending platform and a huge player in the global fintech space.
Nexo is organizing an airdrop campaign to promote its services and has set aside 10 million Nexo tokens for the campaign.
Participants must complete various tasks like funding their account, swapping or borrowing to be eligible.
Engagers of the campaign will earn according to the level of their engagement.
Ouinex
Ouinex aims to cut a niche for itself in the cryptocurrency market by blending conventional finance with cryptocurrency trading. The crypto project was designed by finance professionals to give traders an avenue to integrate their crypto assets into the traditional market.
The team behind the project has set aside 30 OUIX tokens to reward participants who complete Simple tasks in the ecosystem. The campaign is ending on June 20.
CAGA Airdrop campaign
CAGA is a stand-alone layer 1 network designed to create a trusted environment for the execution of transactions. CAGA is promoting its services and users are encouraged to explore decentralized governance with developer-friendly tools.
Caga is currently airdropping 1 billion Caga tokens to participants of its airdrop campaign.
The airdrop campaign will end on the 12th of June.
- There are two broad categories of Airdrops, and they are free airdrops and paid airdrops. Free Airdrops give participants the chance to earn free crypto tokens by completing tasks and engaging in the crypto project. Paid airdrop campaigns require users to stake some tokens to become eligible for rewards.
- Nairametrics reported earlier on the basics of Airdrops and how to make money from them.
[Nairametrics]
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has disclosed the reason he asked permanent secretaries to bow before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike explained that he asked the secretaries to bow to the president because he helped them to attain the peak in their career.
The Minister argued that it is an honour to bow before the nation’s leader and condemned those criticising his action.
He stated this on Thursday, during the commissioning of the seventh FCT project as part of activities marking Tinubu’s one year in office.
According to him, “Two days ago, when the President came, we tried to thank him for what he did in making sure that those who had already lost hope in their career progression got to the peak of their career.
“Before now, FCTA did not have permanent secretaries. But with Mr. President’s way of Renewed Hope, he said they must get to the peak of their career by getting to the position of permanent secretary and Head of the Civil Service, if possible. Mr President granted that and then I called out the permanent secretaries who are the beneficiaries to come out and take a bow and thank Mr President.
“It is an honour to be called out to take a bow but some human beings can never see anything good. Instead, they are criticising, saying, ‘How will you call people who are Permanent Secretaries and ask them to take a bow?’”
To press home his point, the minister, thereafter, called out the six area council chairmen, whom he described as change agents of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, to also take a bow before the President.
[NaijaNews]
A marketing expert, Adia Sowho, has quit her position as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for telecommunications giants – MTN Nigeria, in what sources believe was a controversial circumstance, Daily Trust can report.
Sowho became the first female CMO of MTN Nigeria in August 2021.
Her professional path began in 2001 after obtaining an engineering degree. She worked as a radio frequency engineer at US Cellular Corporation in Chicago before transitioning into management consulting at Deloitte Consulting LLP in 2007.
A source said her exit was by mutual consent, though there was no official statement from MTN Nigeria as at press time, amidst allegations of corruption.
But Public Relations Manager for MTN, Lakinbofa Goodluck, said Ms Adia Sowho’s exit “was mutual disengagement from MTN.” When told that the former CMO was alleged to have resigned because of allegations of corruption against her, the MTN spokesperson insisted, “It was a mutual disengagement.”
In a related development, Ugonwa Nwoye, a C-suite executive who leads the largest customer care operation in telecommunications in Africa and the Middle East, will take over from Sowho as acting Chief Marketing Officer, in addition to her current role as Chief Customer and Experience Officer (CCXO).
Nwoye is in charge of customer operations strategy, design and implementation of the contacting service, up-sell, and support experience for all customer segments served and targeted by MTN Nigeria.
[DailyTrust]
These are not the best of times for the Edo State chapter of the Labour Party as personal interests seem to be conflicting with the general interest of party members and this has badly affected the momentum the party gained in the state through the “Obidient Movement” in the build-up to the 2023 election.
It was so good for the LP in 2023 in the state that it was able to win the Edo Central senatorial seat with Neda Imaseun emerging as the winner. The party also won two House of Representatives seats with Esosa Iyawe and Osarodion Omoruyi, representing Oredo and Egor/Ikpoba Okha federal constituencies.
While the feat may have been unexpected at the beginning of 2023, the “Obidient Movement” which appealed to the youth, worked wonders for the party in the state. Most of the LP candidates did not have to spend much on the election as the masses, especially the youth, who felt left out by the more established political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress, pitched their tent with the LP.
Expected to build on the gains of 2023, the LP seems to be pressing the self-destruct button with one issue after another dragging the party backwards in an election year in the state. Though there have been discordant tunes within the party, the trouble became full-blown in the run-up to the primary election.
There was an agitation by some members of the party to have a candidate from Edo Central in line with the need to give Esan people the opportunity to taste power after the unceremonious exit of Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor, who was sacked by the court in 2008 after spending 18 months in the saddle, to give way for Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. However, the party ticket was eventually won by a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Olumide Akpata (from Edo South), a new entrant who just made a foray into the murky water of politics.
Akpata’s nomination may not have gone down well with some party members, but having won the ticket, the members were expected to rally behind him. Instead, he was given a full dose of political bickering as almost every issue that went wrong in the party was ascribed to him. He had to come out with a statement to warn people peddling those unpleasant tales about him to desist, promising to take such matters to the court.
Also, a seasoned campaigner, Kenneth Imasuangbon, who lost the party’s ticket to Akpata, is still in court to contest the result of the primary election, while the Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the party was also on hand to rock the boat and compound the problem by producing another candidate. However, the faction’s resolve seems to have fizzled out.
As if these problems were not enough, the youth leader of the party in the state, Ken Imusi, with other youths, took over the party secretariat at Ogbelaka on May 9, announcing the dissolution of the state party exco. It was a surprise move by the youth leader, who was arrested alongside the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure and the State Chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi by the Nigeria Police, Zone 5 on February 21, over a petition in a case of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit dangerous harm.
Imusi told The PUNCH that the state exco was not interested in building the party, hence the need to dissolve it and chart a new course for the party.
He said, “I, Ken Imusi, is now the acting chairman of the Labour Party in Edo State and the exco has been dissolved. The former exco is not interested in building the party. The party is supposed to be for the masses but it is obvious that moneybags have hijacked the party.
“A certain aspirant spent thousands of dollars during the primary election. This is not the LP of our dream, so the exco has to be dissolved. We have a three-man committee from the state to the ward level that will conduct free and fair congresses. We are only waiting for ratification by the national body to announce the date for a new congress.”
Imusi has since gone under, claiming that some people in the party were after his life because of his stance to move it in a better direction.
Ogbaloi, however, said he remained the substantive chairman of the party and that the state exco remained. He stated that the grievances of the youth leader and his group would be looked into and resolved to bring unity back to the party.
He said, “The youth leader cannot take over as the chairman. I, Kelly Ogbaloi, remain the substantive chairman of the LP in Edo State, the state executive council remains intact and it has not been dissolved. The legal competence to dissolve a state exco lies in the National Working Committee of the party.
“This is a critical time in the electioneering process and that is why I said we will find a solution and not pursue issues that can disintegrate the party. This is an important time for us as a party and we must unite ahead of the election,” Ogbaloi added.
However, the mess took a new dimension as the relationship between former ally, Ogbaloi and Abure became strained. There was news that the national chairman of the party was bent on dissolving the state exco, despite a gentlemanly agreement at the re-election of Abure as national chairman in Anambra State on March 27, 2024, that Ogbaloi and his team should be allowed to stay till after the election.
In an attempt to outsmart Abure, the state exco ratified the suspension of the national chairman by his Ward 3 in Arue-Uromi, in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, for alleged high-handedness and anti-party activities.
A letter of suspension dated May 14, 2024, and another letter of ratification dated May 15, 2024, both of which were ratified at a meeting of the state executive committee on May 25, 2024, in Benin, stated that the suspension is with immediate effect and advised Abure to restrain from holding out or parading himself as a member of the Labour Party, Ward 3, Arue, Uromi in Ean North-East LGA, Edo State.
The national leadership of the party, however, rejected Abure’s suspension and wielded the big stick by dissolving the Ogbaloi-led exco on May 27. On the same day, the NWC constituted a 17-man caretaker committee to oversee the running of the party in the state.
Ogbaloi told The PUNCH that due process was not followed in the dissolution of the state exco, alleging that the suspended national chairman of the party, Abure, was behind the crises rocking the party in the state.
Ogbaloi said he was not aware that there had been a change in the leadership of the party in the state, noting that his exco remained committed to working with the party candidate, Akpata, to emerge victorious at the September 21 poll.
He said, “We have a situation in the state now as created by the former national chairman of the party, Julius Abure. You know that a member of an association can claim to be an officer of that organisation only if he is a member. As of today, Abure is no longer a member of the party, having been removed as a member from his ward in Uromi.
“Having said that, the National Working Committee, along with the national chairman, has the right to dissolve a state exco and the right to check the tenure of an exco that has expired or not. But in doing this, there must be due process, which entails that the NWC must have a meeting to discuss the issue after which a position is taken.
“I am asking the NWC and the former chairman to present the minutes of the meeting where the decision was taken that the state executive council in Edo State should be dissolved. There is nothing like that, I think.
“The understanding the previous time was that because there is an election in Edo State, the normal legal congresses should be put on hold till after the election. So, at what time did that now change to give the former chairman the power to unilaterally dissolve the state exco?”
However, the 17-man committee set up to coordinate the affairs of the party in the state and headed by Elizabeth Ativie, a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, had the backing of Iyawe and Omoruyi, the federal lawmakers, who were present at the inauguration of the new exco.
Ativie, after the inauguration, promised to move the party to a higher level in the state, vowing to constitute a team to reconcile all aggrieved parties in the party.
However, her efforts at reconciliation seem to have failed as the incident at the stakeholders’ meeting hosted by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on May 28, suggested. Ogbaloi and Ativie were present at the venue and they both introduced themselves as the chairman of the party in the state, to the amazement of other people at the meeting.
Ogbaloi and his team were not done yet, as Ativie was suspended on June 1 over alleged gross misconduct and insubordination. The decision was taken at an enlarged meeting of the State Working Committee which was attended by local government chairmen and secretaries of the party.
At the meeting, the chairman of the LP in Ativie’s Uhunmwonde Local Government, Aghedo Okhiongbamwonyi, said the leadership of Ativie’s ward 4 had handed out the suspension.
He then presented a letter dated May 4, 2024, which conveyed Ativie’s suspension to the leadership of LP in the local government.
The letter was endorsed by Charles Usiesefe and Mike Ighile, the ward chairman and secretary respectively and, in the letter, the party leadership cautioned Ativie to restrain from holding out or parading herself as a member of the LP.
Responding, Ativie said she remained the authentic state chairman of the party and was not aware of any meeting suspending her.
She said, “They should know that by the constitution of the Labour Party, no ward or local government chairman has the authority to suspend anybody or the chairman. It is dead on arrival, I am the current state Labour Party chairman in Edo State.”
Speaking on the development in the state chapter of the party, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiorah Ifoh, told The PUNCH the party was aware of what is going on in Edo State and would come out with a statement soon to address the situation.
He said, “The party is already working on that and very soon, it will come out with a statement to ensure that everything is fine and the party is moving ahead towards winning the election with a united front.
“Tell me, which of the other two parties does not have their internal crises. Politics is all about contestation and the ability to resolve those crises. We are all working towards resolving the crises. I can assure you that the followership we have in Edo and every other place is organic, they have nothing to do with who is the leader of the party in the states.
“It is about the candidate who is a good choice and every Edo person is backing him to become the governor. The most important thing is that we have a candidate and we are supporting the candidate to emerge as governor in the election.”
However, with all the warring factions still unwilling to sheath their swords but continuing to engage in blame games, the next few weeks are crucial in the direction the party will move as the election draws near.
[Punch]
On May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu made several promises during his inauguration speech to rekindle hope in Nigerians searching for light at the end of the tunnel.
Tinubu promised a decline in unemployment and a reduction of interest rates “to increase investment and consumer purchasing power” in ways that sustain the economy at a higher level.
The president also said his administration would target higher gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
With 12 months gone in his four-year tenure, TheCable takes a look at some economic indicators that illustrate Tinubu’s first-year performance.
PURCHASING POWER
Tinubu has not been able to increase purchasing power as promised, as the cost of living continues to ascend on the back of soaring inflation.
The inflation rate has been on an upward trend rising from 22.41 percent in May 2023 to 33.69 percent in April 2024, while food inflation has climbed to 40.53 percent from 24.82 percent within the same period.
To rein inflation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the interest rate from 18.5 percent in May last year to 26.25 percent in May 2024.
CBN has hiked interest rates four consecutive times under Tinubu — an act against the president’s vow to reduce the cost of lending to spur investments and improve the purchasing power of Nigerians.
Within the same period, the average retail price paid by consumers for premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, rose by 194.5 percent or N463.13 from N238.11 in May last year to N701. 24 in April 2024, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The increase, driven by the removal of petrol subsidy, and the hikes in the cost of borrowing and soaring inflation contributed to the increase in the cost of living and decline in purchasing power.
This is reflected in the average price of 1 kilogram (kg) of local rice (sold loose) which was sold for N555.18 in May 2023 but rose to N1,399.34 in April — indicating a year-on-year increase of 152.05 percent or N844.16.
Similarly, the average price of 1kg of white garri (sold loose) increased by 129.33 percent on a year-on-year basis from N371.42 in May last year to N851.81 in April.
CAPITAL IMPORTATION
Within the last nine months of last year, capital importation declined by 26.15 percent ($982.41 million) to $2.77 billion, compared to $3.75 billion reported in the same period in 2022 by NBS.
Capital importation consists of foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign portfolio investment (FPI), and other investments.
It entails the foreign capital inflow to fuel investment, trade, and manufacturing within a country.
According to NBS data, total capital importation into Nigeria stood at $1.03 billion in the second quarter (Q2) last year, lower than the $1.53 billion recorded in Q2 2022 — indicating a decrease of 32.90 percent.
In Q3 2023, capital importation declined by 43.55 percent to $654.65 million, compared to $1.15 billion reported in the corresponding quarter the previous year.
Similarly, in Q4 2023, capital importation stood at $1.08 billion — 2.62 percent higher than the $1.06 billion recorded in Q4 2022.
EXCHANGE RATE
At the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure a year ago, the exchange rate was hovering around N464.51 per dollar in the official window and N762/$1 in the parallel market.
A year later, however, the exchange rate stood at N1,339.33/$ and N1,520/$ in the official and parallel markets, respectively, as of May 27.
This indicates that the naira depreciated by N874.82 or 188.33 percent in the official market and N758 or 99.47 percent in the parallel market.
The depreciation of the naira was driven by many factors, one of which is the devaluation of the local currency by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on June 14, 2023, as the apex bank unified all trading windows into the investors and exporters (I&E) window.
The presidency also blamed Binance and other crypto platforms for the woes of the currency on February 21, but the CBN’s monetary policy committee (MPC), on May 21, said the volatility in the FX market is caused by seasonal demand for forex.
On its part, the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), on May 23, said the weakening of the naira is caused by unearned income pursuing the local currency and not due to demand for the dollar.
Aminu Gwadabe, president of ABCON, also said corruption was responsible for the depreciation of the naira.
GDP
The GDP under Tinubu has underperformed and outperformed when compared to Buahri’s last year in office.
A quarterly breakdown showed the GDP growth rate in Q2 2023 was 2.51 percent (year-on-year) in real terms, falling below the 3.54 percent reported in the same quarter the previous year.
In Q3 last year, the GDP grew by 2.54 percent (year-on-year) in real terms, higher than the 2.25 percent recorded in the third quarter of 2022.
However, in Q4 2023, the GDP growth rate stood at 3.46 percent (year-on-year) in real terms, compared to the 3.52 percent recorded in the corresponding period in 2022.
The fluctuation in growth movement continued in Q1 2024, as the GDP growth rate was 2.98 percent (year-on-year) in real terms, relative to the 2.31 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2023.
In nominal terms, the aggregate GDP under Tinubu has increased by 15.69 percent (N32.21 trillion).
The aggregate GDP in nominal terms stood at N237.40 trillion between Q2 2023 and Q1 2024, compared to N205.19 trillion recorded between Q2 2022 and Q1 2023.
FOREIGN TRADE
Nigeria’s foreign trade under Tinubu increased by 61.27 percent or N22.15 trillion between Q2 and Q4 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year.
Total foreign trade, according to NBS data, increased to N58.3 trillion, compared to N36.15 trillion during the review period.
This report has excluded the Q1 2023 data because the NBS has not released the country’s trade performance numbers for Q1 2024 for better comparison.
Nonetheless, TheCable Index observed that in Q2 2023, the country’s entire trade stood at N12.7 trillion, with total exports at N7.02 trillion and imports amounting to N5.73 trillion.
The total trade fell below the N12.84 trillion reported in Q2 of 2022, with total exports at N7.40 trillion, while total imports stood at N5.43 trillion.
In Q3 last year, Nigeria’s total trade stood at N18.80 trillion, with exports accounting for N10.34 trillion, while total imports stood at N8.45 trillion. This was higher than the total trade of N11.59 trillion recorded in the third quarter of 2022, when total exports stood at N5.93 trillion and total imports were valued at N5.66 trillion.
However, despite raising total trade to N26.80 trillion in Q4 last year, Nigeria recorded a trade deficit of N1.41 trillion, as the country’s exports totalled N12.69 trillion, and total imports stood at N14.11 trillion.
Compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, Nigeria’s total trade stood at N11.72 trillion, of which total exports stood at N6.35 trillion and total imports amounted to N5.36 trillion — indicating a trade surplus of over N990 billion.
FOREIGN RESERVES
The foreign reserves have declined by 6.83 percent or $2.40 billion since Tinubu took over from Buhari.
It decreased from $35.09 billion reported on May 30, 2023, to $32.69 billion as of May 27, 2024, according to data obtained from CBN.
During the period of the decline, the CBN had intervened in the parallel market in a bid to crash the FX rate.
The apex bank sold $20,000 to each bureau de change (BDC) operator at the rate of N1,301/$ on February 27, while the second tranche of $10,000 was sold to the BDCs at the rate of N1,251/$.
Similarly, on April 8, CBN began the third tranche of sale to BDCs at N1,101/$.
The naira gained against the dollar in the parallel market amid the intervention, appreciating from N1,900/$ on February 21 to N1,100/$ on April 13.
As of June 5, the exchange rate stood at N1,500 to the greenback.
During the same period, the local currency at the official window recovered to N1,136.04/$, from N1,551.24/$ — but last traded at N1,488.60/$ on June 5.
However, Cardoso said the reduction in the country’s reserves is due to the payment of debts, and not defending the naira.
[TheCable]
The naira appreciated against the dollar in the foreign exchange market.
According to FMDQ data, the naira was exchanged at N1,481.49 for a dollar on Thursday, compared to N1,488.60 on Wednesday.
This represents a slight N7.11 appreciation.
Similarly, in the parallel market section, the currency appreciated to N1,485 against the dollar on Thursday from N1,500 on Wednesday.
The development comes after the naira depreciated for the second consecutive time.
Nigeria’s forex market has continued to experience fluctuations since mid-April 2024, despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s intervention.
FMDQ securities exchange data showed that the apex bank sold $575 million to banks as an intervention in May 2024.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has lamented his inability to pay his four drivers a monthly salary of N100,000 each.
This revelation came during his address to a Christian group on Thursday, as he sought their support amid ongoing negotiations by the Tripartite Committee on the national minimum wage with the Organised Labour.
In his address, Akume stated, “I can’t afford to pay my drivers N100,000 each because they are four of them, along with other dependants. Labour initially demanded N600,000, which equates to approximately N9.9 trillion for the federal government. Where do we get that money from? Then labour reduced it to N400,000, which still amounts to over N5 trillion. We are asking for understanding because we simply cannot meet these demands.
He further explained, “We are exploring alternative solutions, such as housing schemes. The Federal Housing authorities are actively collecting lands across states to create housing facilities for a significant portion of the Nigerian populace.”
LEADERSHIP recalls that the organised labour and the Federal Government have been in prolonged negotiations. On Monday, labour declared an indefinite strike after their demands were not met. The strike, which disrupted various sectors of the economy, including airports and electricity, was called off on Tuesday as both parties resumed negotiations.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, was being awaited to submit the minimum wage template to President Bola Tinubu on Thursday.
The autopsy report on the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has revealed new details about his death, but the exact cause remains uncertain.
The report, obtained by TheCable on Thursday, shows that the autopsy was conducted at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and included a toxicology test.
The test results showed traces of Diphenhydramine, an anti-histamine, in Mohbad’s system, but the concentration was not fatal or lethal. Anti-histamines are commonly used to treat allergies, stomach problems, colds, and anxiety.
The autopsy also revealed an injury on Mohbad’s right forearm and moderate to severe decomposition of his body, which was exhumed eight days after burial. However, no significant gross findings could be attributed to his death.
The report suggests that the possibility of a fatal anaphylactic shock or drug reaction cannot be ruled out, despite the absence of significant post-mortem and toxicology findings. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
“It is noteworthy that the body neither had an autopsy nor embalmed prior to interment on the second day,” the report states.
“Following the Order for Exhumation, the body was exhumed on 21/09/2023 (8 days after the burial).
“Autopsy revealed moderate to marked decomposition of organs. Apart from the superficial injury on the right forearm, no significant gross finding could be attributed to death.
“Against this background, samples were taken for toxicology. This is to determine if there was any anaphylactic reaction, substances of abuse, overdosage or common household poisoning.
“Toxicology revealed positive findings of Diphenhydramine, an anti-histamine; however, this concentration was not in a fatal or lethal range. The other analytics were unremarkable.
“In determining fatal anaphylactic shock, blood sample needs to be taken as quickly as possible.
“Unfortunately, this was prevented or made impossible by the burial of the deceased on the second day. In the light of the foregoing, cause of death could not be ascertained.
“However, the possibility of a fatal anaphylactic shock (drug reaction) could be considered in view of the absence of any significant post mortem and toxicology findings.”
The autopsy report highlights the importance of timely blood sampling to determine fatal anaphylactic shock, which was not possible in this case due to Mohbad’s burial on the second day.
Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent which signaled the beginning of the 12th Islamic month.
The announcement was made on Thursday.
Consequently, tomorrow will mark the beginning of the holy month. Also, the Hajj pilgrimage for 1445 AH-2024 will commence on Friday, June 14, with the day of Arafah falling on Saturday, June 15.
With the development, the Muslim biggest festival, Eid Al-Adha, will be observed on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Meet Samuel Odugbesan who lost his arms working with an electricity company0.00 / 0.00
The Arafat Day, which precedes the festival, will fall on June 15.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court had on Wednesday called on all Muslims across the Kingdom to participate in the sighting of the crescent moon of the Arabic month Dhu Al Hijjah.
This action is expected to help determine the commencement of the new and last month of the Hijr and also the day the festival falls on (Islamic) calendar.
Eid Al Adha, the biggest Islamic festival falls on the 10th of Dhu Al Hijjah.
Eid ul-Adha is celebrated by Muslims all around the world on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah (the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar)
It is the second major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims after Eid-ul-Fitr.
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The long bridge on the Warewa axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has been taken over by flood, causing a traffic jam on the road.
The flood was caused by the heavy downpour on Thursday afternoon, which made the road almost impassable.
Though vehicles are still managing to swim through the flood, the discomfort to commuters can only be imagined.
The rain which started around 2pm on Thursday is yet to stop as of 8pm, with many houses around the area already getting submerged.
Media
Gridlock As Flood Takes Over Long Bridge On Lagos-Ibadan Expresswayhttps://t.co/QbEPFlu4g2 pic.twitter.com/GeKfGkqeUJ
— Channels Television (@channelstv) June 6, 2024
'Sleeping with our wives ease our pains' - Shock, disbelief as Benue IDPs camp records 200 babies a month
AFOLABI
it’s unacceptable, women there are helpless — ES Primary Health Care Board
There is no gain in saying that Benue State is currently the hub of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the country. With about 17 or more IDPs camps housing over 1.5 million IDPs, including those sheltering in the host communities, the state is no doubt facing a herculean task catering to the needs of these persons of concern.
The IDPs were forced out of their ancestral homes following repeated attacks and siege by armed herdsmen who are bent on defying the extant grazing law in the state.
From Guma to Agatu, Gwer West, Kwande, Makurdi, Logo, Apa, Okpokwu, Bururku, Otukpo and other local government areas, LGAs, it’s all tales of woes as the rural Benue farmers who are known for their prowess in food production have vacated their ancestral homes and taken refuge in IDPs camps.
Though the present administration has pledged to have them relocated back home, but while that move is still being awaited, the IDPs remain confined in these camps, living on the support they receive from the state government, kind-hearted individuals and organisations.
Given the dire condition in the camps the IDPs are faced with the challenges of inadequate food and drugs supply, including insufficient sleeping spaces and other challenges that make life unbearable for them.
But in the mist of these challenges one notable issue is the high rate of new child births being recorded in some of the camps.
Findings indicated that while the IDPs live in dire conditions amid insufficient sleeping space, they still make out space to make babies.
Strange as it may sound, the reality is that new born babies are recorded in the camps in high numbers despite the living condition of the IDPs.
The development though, a reason for celebration for families in a normal living environment, is considered a source of concern in an IDPs camp as it puts a huge strain on the healthcare service there.
Besides, the new born are brought to a world of uncertainty in IDPs camps where access to proper health care services and feeding sometimes gets daunting leading to health challenges and even malnutrition as was the case recently at the Ortese IDPs camp in Guma LGA where cases of malnutrition were discovered among the children.
In fact, it was also discovered in that camp that over 200 new babies were given birth to in one month by displaced mothers taking refuge in that camp alone.
The alarming figure which left tongues wagging was indeed part of the findings of the Integrated Supportive Supervision, ISS, of the United Nations Children’s Fund, and the World Health Organisation, UNICEF/WHO Humanitarian Health Response, IDP, Outreach implemented by the Benue State Primary Healthcare Board, carried out at the Ortese and Ichwa IDPs camps in Guma and Makurdi local government areas, respectively.
It was discovered that the high figure was a function of the fact that in the midst of their distress, the IDPs find pleasure and happiness in sleeping with their spouses.
This was also alluded to by one of the IDPs, who identified himself as Anngu, and also claimed to be a father of two and resides in the camp with his family.
According to him: “Though we live in the camp we find space to sleep with our wives. When we do that we are happy with each other and it helps us reduce the pains we are going through.
“So we cannot be asked to stop because we are living in camp. The only thing is that we must ensure that our wives protect themselves from being pregnant though some men don’t like the idea of their wives not giving birth.
“As for me I came to the camp about two years ago with my wife and two children and I sleep with my wife, but I ensure that she uses the family planning products that were given to her by the health care people. But the truth is that many are not using it.”
Speaking on the development, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs. Grace Wende, who visited the camp, said the number of new births was quite high and the government would need to do something about it.
According to her: “I saw a very interesting sight. I’ve been in these camps often as part of our coordination beat and as part of the main role of primary health care.
“We are part of the major leading partners in supporting the IDPs camps in terms of providing healthcare personnel who will be providing services to these various camps.
“Today I saw many pregnant women and young children and it seems that there is very high level of fertility and child birth within these camps.
“Today alone we noticed that there are 200 new births per month. It is quite high, and government needs to do something about it.
“But from my discussion with them it seems that they are not utilising the family planning products that were given to them. So we need to intensify demand creation generation, especially among the men because they took the problem there. The women are willing but their husbands are resisting those family planning methods.
“The 200 births I am talking about is just in Ortese IDPs Camp. I am not talking about any other. So, 200 babies delivered in one camp in one month is huge. And we have not gotten the situation in other camps.
“Our findings indicated that the women there are helpless. Some women are remarrying within the camp, their husbands are not there; the husbands are also remarrying. They are also, sort of negotiating sex with the women within the camp. Those things are things that require that we intensify our advocacy and decision making within the camps.
“I have already talked with the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and the Camp Coordinators to see how we can go about it. We will target the advocacy on the men for now,” she added.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has explained why it rejected the helicopter landing levies for stakeholders.
In a statement on Thursday by Obiora Okonkwo, its spokesperson, AON said regulators do not provide any service to helicopter operators that would justify the imposition of the fee.
On May 31, the ministry of aviation and aerospace development announced that the helicopter landing levy was temporarily suspended after pushback from stakeholders — one month after approval of the levy.
Speaking on the issue, the AON said the collection of the fee by Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited negates the legal frameworks of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
“AON rejects the imposition of the Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee for the following reasons: NAMA does not provide any additional service to helicopter operators to justify the imposition of the fee at all helipads, oil rig platforms, FSPOs, FSOs, etc. in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“The approval and imposition of the Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee at private helipads, oil rig platforms, FSPOs, FSOs etc when no service is provided at those locations to the helicopter operators by NAMA is contrary to the provision of section 7 (1) (r) of the then applicable NAMA Act as well as to section 1, paragraph 2 (1) of ICAO Document 9082.
“NAMA did not adhere to the policies, principles and guidelines contained in ICAO Documents 9082 (ICAO’s Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services) and 9161 (Manual on Air Navigation Services Economics) before imposing the Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee.”
Citing part 18, Section 18.8.1.1 (e) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, the association said NAMA is required to adhere to the policies, principles, and guidelines contained in the documents.
The AON added that NAMA did not obtain the approval of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) before imposing the new fee on operators.
The group said the NCAA has the statutory power to regulate the charges made with respect to air traffic control and for the use of aerodromes and services provided at such aerodromes.
According to AON, NAMA did not consult “the helicopter operators and other stakeholders before imposing the Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee”.
‘HELICOPTER FEE CHARGED IN DOLLARS INSTEAD OF NAIRA’
According to the association, the fee is charged and requested in dollars, contrasting the provision of Section 15 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, which is “clear that the unit of currency in Nigeria shall be the Naira”.
“There is nowhere in the world where the Air Navigation Service Provider does not provide any service to helicopter operators but charges landing and take-off fees for landings and take—off on and from private helipads, oil rig platforms, FSPOs, FSOs, etc.,” the association said.
“The examples given by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in the Press Release of 13th May 2024 of where landing and take-off fee is paid are all of airports.”
The engagement of Naebi Dynamic Concepts, AON said, “did not follow due process” as it failed to comply with the requirements of the Public Procurement Act for the procurement of the services of consultants.
The group thanked Festus Keyamo, aviation minister, for temporarily suspending the levy and for his leadership of the aviation industry and support for the growth and sustainability of Nigerian air operators.
…says national grid shutdown treasonable
…warns Labour against destructive strikes, others
FCT, Abuja-The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has called on Nigerians to remain calm amidst economic challenges, assuring them that President Bola Tinubu is working diligently to improve the economy.
Addressing the National Executive Council of CAN, on Thursday, June 6, Akume outlined several measures the government is taking to address current hardships and also cautioned labour not to make decision that would jeopardize the efforts of the Tinubu-led administration.
Akume also hinted that the current administration took over a turbulent country, citing that the country’s foreign reserves and many other sectors were poorly managed.
“We took over in a very turbulent weather. Foreign reserves were zero, but there have been massive reforms carried out by the president. One of them, which appeared to be a little bit tough for people to understand, is the subsidy removal of fuel. People should stop shouting; they need to know the actual truth,” Akume stated.
He emphasized that the current administration has taken swift actions in implementing palliatives to cushion the effects of these reforms.
“We are all aware of the 35,000 naira wage award for workers, which means a 30,000 naira minimum wage with 35,000 on top of that. Additionally, 100 billion naira for CNG fuel buses will help reduce transportation costs and food prices,” he added.
Akume also highlighted the government’s efforts in supporting various sectors, including the allocation of 125 billion naira in conditional grants and financial inclusion for medium and small enterprises, and 150 billion naira in palliative loans to states to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal. “
We are providing 200 billion naira to support the cultivation of hectares of land, which is even more now,” he added.
Addressing recent disruptions, Akume condemned the shutdown of the national grid, labeling it as a treasonable offense.
“Nowhere in the world has labor ever tampered with the national grid. It is treason! Treasonable felony is economic sabotage, you don’t do that.
“We are trying to rebuild the economy. The president is picking up, and they want to destroy it. Of what use is that to all of us? That is not the way”, he said.
Reflecting on the process of setting the minimum wage, Akume explained, “In 2019, the minimum wage was legislated up to 30,000 naira. It is an exclusive issue in the constitution, not on the concurrent list, but on the exclusive legislative list. That is why it is the federal government, working with organized private sector and labor, that recommends it to the president for the national assembly’s attention.”
Reassuring the public, Akume stated, “It is not that we are not working. We are working, and that is why we implemented the 35,000-naira wage, which is more than the minimum wage. There are buses ready to be distributed, and soon, rice and other essentials will be available.”
Akume stressed the importance of collaboration between the church and the government in providing essential services such as education, health, and agriculture.
“The church must collaborate with the government in providing facilities for people whether it is in education, health, or agriculture. We don’t separate; we combine. There is a symbiotic relationship that can never be destroyed,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing the government’s focus on productivity and economic stability.
“Our people must rise up and have something in their pockets. It is not about demanding 100,000 naira without productivity. We are looking at controlling inflation and ensuring a balanced economy,” he asserted.