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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced a remittance of over N6bn to the coffers of the Nigerian government in 2024.
According to the board’s weekly bulletin released on Monday by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, JAMB generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25 in 2024, out of which N6,034,605,510.69 was remitted to the government.
Additionally, the board noted that the reduction of N1,500 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination form fees for candidates, multiplied by the number of beneficiaries, increased the effective remittance to N9,013,068,510.69.
The board also said the remittance formed part of its operating surplus following the successful conduct of the 2024 UTME.
The board also said it haD contributed over N50bn to the national treasury over the past seven years under the leadership of its Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.
It partly stated: “As we reflect on 2024, it is essential to uphold our commitment to transparency by sharing our financial performance for the year. In 2024, the board generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25.
“In 2024, the board remitted N6,034,605,510.69 to the government.
When combined with the N1,500 reduction per form for candidates multiplied by the number of candidates that benefited in 2024, the total remittance by JAMB would amount to N9,013,068,510.69.”
$20,000 Medical Allowance, Bullet-proof SUV, Others - Tinubu Approves Lavish Retirement Benefits For Service Chiefs, Generals
AFOLABI
President Bola Tinubu has approved $20,000 foreign medical treatment, bullet-proof SUVs and cooks, among other benefits, as a retirement package for service chiefs and generals, which the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors faulted, The PUNCH reports.
According to the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces, signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 14, 2024, the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs are entitled to a bulletproof SUV or its equivalent as a retirement package.
The vehicle would be replaced every four years and maintained by the military. This is in addition to a Peugeot 508 or an equivalent vehicle as backup.
The retired generals will also enjoy a range of other luxurious benefits, including domestic aides and residential guards upon retirement.
While those who retire as lieutenant generals and their equivalents will enjoy international and local medical treatment worth up to $20,000 annually, the benefits for the CDS and the service chiefs were not specified, but it is believed that theirs would be significantly higher.
In addition, they will be assigned a special assistant or personal assistant, three service drivers, and a service orderly, with escorts provided as necessary by relevant military units.
Also, each retiring service chief will also be provided with five domestic aides, comprising two service cooks, two stewards, and one civilian gardener, along with an aide-de-camp or security officer.
The HTCOS read, “Retirement benefits for CDS and Service Chiefs: The following benefits shall be applicable: One bullet-proof SUV or equivalent vehicle to be maintained by the Service and to be replaced every four years. One Peugeot 508 or equivalent backup vehicle.
‘’Retention of all military uniforms and accoutrement to be worn for appropriate ceremonies; five domestic aides (two service cooks, two stewards and one civilian gardener); one Aide-de-Camp/security officer; one Special Assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalents) or one Personal Assistant (Warrant Officer or equivalents); standard guard (nine soldiers).
“Three service drivers; one service orderly; escorts (to be provided by appropriate military units/ formation as the need arises); retention of personal firearms (on his demise, the personal firearm(s) shall be retrieved by the relevant service) and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad.”
For other senior officers such as lieutenant generals and equivalents, they are entitled to two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards and two drivers.
The document stated, “Lieutenant generals and equivalents will receive two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, and two drivers.
“Retirement benefits for lieutenant general/equivalents. The following benefits shall be applicable: Officers of three-star rank. Two Toyota Hilux Vehicles or one Toyota Land cruiser or equivalent jeep of the same value; two Cooks; two Stewards; four residential guards; one service orderly; two service drivers and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $20,000 per year.”
The Federal Government also approved for major generals and brigadier generals a Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent, $15,000 annual medical treatment, domestic staff, and residential guards.
One-star officers are expected to receive $10,000 annually for medical care, a Toyota Camry or equivalent and similar domestic and security arrangements.
The HTCOS further read, “For major-generals/brigadier-generals and equivalents, the following benefits shall be applicable: One Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent car of the same value.
“One cook; One steward, two residential guards; One service orderly; One driver; Free medicals in Nigeria, and abroad to the tune of $15,000 per annum.
“Officers of One-Star rank (Brig. Gen.): One Toyota Camry or equivalent car of the same value; One service driver; two residential guards; One orderly and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $10,000 per annum.’’
Colonels and their equivalents are to get a Toyota Corolla or its equivalent and free medical care within Nigeria.
The President of the NMA, Prof Bala Audu, emphasised that any retirement benefits received by government officials should be invested within Nigeria.
Speaking on the upgraded perks for the military brass, the NMA president noted, “If they want to give them government-benefited medical treatment, cooks, or whatever, I think they should give them all their benefits in Nigeria, that is what I believe.’’
“Whoever wants to receive benefits, whether service chiefs or Mr. President, it should be in Nigeria, and not abroad,’’ he insisted.
President of MDCAN, Prof Muhammad Muhammad, demanded that the Nigerian healthcare system should be transformed to cater to Nigerians’ healthcare needs.
“My main concern is not what they are giving, but the fact that it is made official that the medical treatment has to be abroad. When, in fact, in most situations, when they go out, it’s Nigerian doctors that they are going to meet. So, in that situation, we need to make sure they are taking good care of the Nigerian healthcare providers,’’ he said.
He added that the decision to make provision for foreign treatment for the retired officers signalled a lack of confidence in the local health sector.
“This also means that the government does not have confidence in the Nigerian healthcare system. So, they have to make sure that whatever level of care they receive abroad, we also have it in Nigeria because that is what is going to make Nigerians continue to have confidence in the healthcare system and the healthcare providers in Nigeria. So, my main concern is not what was allocated, but the fact that it is made official that the treatment will be abroad.
“That means the government itself is not comfortable and is not happy with what is available in the Nigerian hospitals for the care of Nigerians,” he added.
While acknowledging that the retirement package for service chiefs, judges, and politicians is not new, the medical expert insisted that the well-being of Nigerians and healthcare professionals should also be prioritised.
“And then likewise, they need to increase budgetary provisions to upgrade our hospitals and other healthcare institutions and training centres so that Nigerians who may not necessarily have to go out of the country will be able to get the requisite healthcare service that they require,” he recommended.
On his part, NARD president, Dr Tope Osundara, noted that medical tourism is the bane of the health sector, stressing the need to address it urgently.
“The treatment they go abroad to get can be gotten here in Nigeria. Besides, what is stopping the government from providing state-of-the-art equipment in our hospitals or upgrading the hospitals?
“It’s not like we don’t have Nigerian doctors who can do some of the things they travel abroad to do, but unfortunately, rather than prioritise our health system, equip the hospitals and make it efficient, we would rather spend the money elsewhere, thereby improving their economy.
“We should rather pump money into our health system, and this money will find a way to circulate. By the time you are pumping money into it, and people are taking advantage, it will give a return on investment. But it seems that the focus of the government is elsewhere rather than majoring on what is essential in Nigeria.
“I appreciate the Coordinating Minister, Prof Muhammad Pate, who is also trying to do everything they can to improve the health system, but there is a limit to what a minister can do.
“We need a paradigm shift concerning reforms in the health sector. It still lies with the executive arm of government to ensure that the priorities are not focused on medical treatment abroad, but we should internalise treatment and make it local,” he said.
The Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, described the development as “alarming”, noting the hardship faced by Nigerians, adding that the extravagant retirement benefits raised concerns about the priorities of the government.
He also questioned whether the service chiefs had done enough to deserve the packages while calling on the citizens to challenge such policies.
Odeh stated, “It is alarming that service chiefs are set to receive $20,000 for foreign medical treatment, bullet-proof SUVs, and personal staff as part of their retirement package. At a time when Nigeria faces economic hardship, such extravagance raises serious concerns about the government’s priorities.
‘’Millions of Nigerians struggle with poverty and failing public services, yet resources are being funnelled into luxuries for a select few. Does Nigeria truly have this kind of money to play around with?”
Odeh queried the wisdom behind the retirement perks citing the inability of the armed forces to address the insecurity plaguing the country.
He added, “The justification for these perks is questionable. For over 12 years, insecurity has ravaged the country, with insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and violence leaving a trail of destruction. While there have been some gains, they are uneven and insufficient.
‘’Have the service chiefs done enough to deserve such packages, especially when insecurity persists in many regions in a country where military procurement details are never public and allegedly, corruption sits deep in these budgets?
“This policy reflects deeper issues in governance. It sends a troubling signal that public resources can be lavishly spent on elites, regardless of performance.
“Citizens and the media must challenge such policies that always hide behind national security, and demand a focus on the greater good. While insecurity has marginally reduced in some areas, it is far from enough to justify rewarding leaders with excessive perks,” he stated.
The Executive Director of the Rule of Law Advocacy and Accountability Centre, Okechukwu Nwaguma, pointed out that the retirement benefits reflected “a troubling disconnect between government actions and the realities faced by citizens”, adding that the justification for such perks was questionable.
He noted, “The Nigerian government’s decision to grant excessive retirement perks to military leaders amid the current economic hardship reflects a troubling disconnect between government actions and the realities faced by citizens.
“It raises significant concerns regarding government prioritization and fairness. The lavish retirement benefits of military leaders contrast sharply with the struggles faced by the majority of citizens dealing with insecurity, unemployment, and inflation.
“This disparity can deepen public disenchantment with the government, as it appears more focused on rewarding elites than addressing the needs of ordinary people.”
Nwaguma said the decision may reinforce the perception that the Tinubu government favoured elite interests, fostering public alienation.
“It raises questions about the fairness of resource allocation during times of crisis. This situation highlights the need for improved governance that reflects the will and welfare of the people. Citizens expect their leaders to demonstrate empathy and responsibility.
“For lasting stability and public trust, the government should align its policies with the socioeconomic realities of the populace and prioritise security and social welfare initiatives,” he added.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has described defending the current administration as one of the simplest tasks for anyone well-versed in governmental operations.
Speaking during Monday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, Bwala addressed the speculation surrounding his new portfolio, dismissing claims that it represented a demotion.
“I have never been demoted. I have an absolutely good relationship with the president, and I’m happy doing my job,” Bwala stated.
The former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential Campaign Council shared his approach to defending the government’s policies.
According to him, clarity, honesty, and thorough research are key.
“To defend this government, in my view, is the easiest thing to do because you speak to facts, be honest with Nigerians, and then be ready to counter any negative narrative or agenda-driven narrative.
“So, once these three things are very clear to you and you have done your research, it is very easy,” he said.
The Secretary to the Sokoto state Government Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Sifawa yesterday lost a daughter and 3 of her children as a result of a fire incident in the early hours of Monday.
The Deceased was a housewife to the Permanent secretary of the state Ministry of Sports and Youths Development Alhaji Muhammadu Yusuf Bello.
The fire which started in the wee hours of the night engulfed the entire house while the family were sleeping, in which only her husband survived.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation as men of the state fire service battled for hours before they brought the fire down.
The remains of the deceased housewife and her 3 children are slated for burial at Sheikh Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo Mosque Sifawa at about midnight today at the family home of the SSG who is a father to the Deceased housewife.
Already the state deputy Governor Eng Idris Mohammed Gobir, Members of the state executive council, APC stalwarts, friends and well-wishers have been trooping to Sifawa for burial rites and condolence.
Relocating abroad is not for everybody, especially if you’re doing well in Nigeria, UK-based singer Candy Bleakz has advised.
She said most of those seeking to go abroad have no idea, and are not being told the accompanying price they have to pay.
Vanguard reports that about 60 per cent of youths both in Nigeria, and other African countries have left the continent due to corruption and other factors, with about 430,000 from Nigeria getting UK visa in just seven months.
“Why is everyone talking about japa and UK, and nobody is telling them about the price they have to pay. “Did you tell them about working everyday 7 to 6? Did you tell them about the cold, the bills, how hard it is to live? Did you tell them that you don’t greet anyhow or walk carelessly in the UK, because everywhere you go there’s a ticket for it?” She said
Candy Bleakz whose real name is Blessing Akiode said that although there’s peace in the UK, you’ll have to work extra hard because your life literally depends on it.
“One thing I just realised in the UK is that you have to work as though you want to die. Imagine working all your life and the bills are still taking the money.
“It’s just that there’s peace here but you still need money. I would advise that if you are in Nigeria and God has blessed you, and you are making money, I won’t advise you to relocate. It’s just stressful and boring. The only reason you should relocate is if there’s no hope for you in Nigeria. Even those in the UK want to relocate back to Nigeria.” She concluded
The Obidient Movement has expressed concern over what it describes as a reckless attack on the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi.
The movement was particularly concerned about recent comments made by Felix Morka, the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Publicity Secretary, on Arise TV on January 5, 2025.
The APC mouthpiece had said that Obi has “crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it.”
The Obidient Movement, in a statement signed by Dr Yunusa Tanko, said it considered this a direct threat to Obi’s life and the peace of the Nigerian state.
The Obidient Movement said it views the statement as not only an attack on the vocal 2023 LP presidential candidate but also a dangerous signal of the country’s descent into authoritarianism under Tinubu’s administration.
“Such a declaration from the spokesperson of the ruling party is reckless, unbecoming, and a blatant endorsement of violence,” the statement added.
In the statement on Monday, the Obidient Movement demanded to know the line crossed by Peter Obi and who drew the line.
Obidient also said they want to know under what authority the line was drawn and the specific statements or actions of Obi that justify the statement coming from the ruling party.
The movement demanded to know, “What exactly is coming to Peter Obi?”
It accused the Tinubu administration of choosing repression over dialogue, intimidation over engagement, and threats over democratic discourse.
“We categorically state that if any harm befalls Mr Peter Obi, his family, or anyone associated with him, the Nigerian government and its agents will be held directly responsible,” the statement said.
It also called on Nigerians and the international community to take note of the pattern the ruling party has allegedly adopted and hold those in power accountable.
“We urge the security services to not sweep such threats under the carpet as they have done in previous times but engage Mr Morka to elucidate on his utterance.”
Earlier, Peter Obi had cried out, alleging that his life is now under threat because of his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Adeola Olamilekan, has announced January 31, 2025, as the tentative date for the passage of the ₦49.7tn 2025 budget.
This comes as the committee prepares to commence budget defence sessions on Tuesday.
Speaking on Monday during a meeting with the chairmen of key committees, Olamilekan outlined the framework for the 2025 Budget Defence Session, designed to guide the legislative process leading to the budget’s enactment.
He noted that following the Senate’s resumption of plenary on January 14, 2025, there will be a two-week recess dedicated to continuing the budget defence process seamlessly.
A retreat is also scheduled for Thursday, bringing together ministries, departments, agencies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to provide additional consultation and insights into the budget proposal.
According to the timeline, committees are expected to report back with their findings between January 15 and 18.
This will allow the Appropriation Committee to collate and finalise the documents for consideration.
Highlighting the tight schedule, Olamilekan urged lawmakers to prioritise the budget process over their holidays, stressing the need for prompt and diligent work to ensure the budget is passed within the stipulated timeframe.
The house of representatives committee on appropriation says the budget defence by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) will begin on Tuesday.
Abubakar Bichi, chairman of the committee, spoke in Abuja on Monday while addressing journalists ahead of the budget defence.
On December 18, President Bola Tinubu presented the proposed 2025 budget of N49.7 trillion to the national assembly.
Tinubu said the proposed budget reinforces his administration’s roadmap to secure peace, prosperity, and hope for a greater future for Nigeria.
“This budget christened, “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” strikes at the very core of our Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrates our commitment to stabilising the economy, improving lives, and repositioning our country for greater performance,” Tinubu had said.
On December 19, the appropriation bill scaled the second reading at the senate and house of representatives.
After a meeting with members of the committee on Monday, Bichi told journalists that the defence will end on January 17.
He said the reports on the exercise will be presented before the house on January 31.
“We are going to study the budget. All our committees will study the budget. I believe the budget is for Nigerians (and) for our development—infrastructure and other important things—and I am sure Nigerians will be happy with it,” the lawmaker said.
“We just had an integration meeting today for the 2025 appropriation bill. You have been aware that the president has presented the budget to us, and by tomorrow we will start the budget defence by all the MDAs.
“From tomorrow to the 17th, we are going to do our budget defence and we will likely harmonise by the 22nd.”
The federal capital territory (FCT) police command says two men were killed and two other persons were injured in an explosion that occurred at the Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamic School in the Kuchibuyi village under the Bwari area council.
In a statement on Monday, the command said a team of police operatives, including its explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team and the area commander of Kubwa, mobilised to the scene.
“The area was immediately cordoned off to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation,” the statement reads.
“During the rescue operation, victims were promptly evacuated and rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina had visited the owner of the Islamic school, Mallam Adamu Ashimu.
“The three visitors are suspected of having brought the explosive device with them.
“Tragically, two of the men died in the explosion while tampering with the improvised explosive device (IED) on the school veranda, while the third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment under police guard.
“The FCT Bomb Squad has confirmed that it was an IED explosion, as remnants of the device have been recovered. Mallam Adamu Ashimu, the owner of the school, has been taken into custody for questioning, and further findings will be communicated in due course.”
Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, says those involved in the stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children must face justice regardless of their social status.
The incident occurred at a funfair organised for children at Islamic High School in Bashorun area of Ibadan in December 2024.
A magistrate court in Ibadan has remanded the organisers in custody after they were charged by the police.
The police filed a four-count charge against them, including conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event.
Speaking on Monday, Makinde said the rule of law will prevail, despite calls for clemency, pointing out that similar incidents in Anambra and the FCT were not punished.
Makinde noted that while granting bail to suspects is permissible, the judicial process will ensure justice is served.
“In the outgone year, we faced challenges. 2024 started for us here in Oyo State almost on a tragic note,” Makinde said.
“On 16th January 2024, we had an explosion here in Bodija. It affected even my office. The impact was felt all around Ibadan. We’re closing it out.
“And then, towards the end of the year, we had the stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun. 35 innocent souls were lost; may we not see such again in Oyo State.
“Quite a number of people have been reaching out to me, saying, ‘Oh, this incident happened in Anambra State. It also occurred in the FCT. Nobody went to jail. Why is it that in Oyo State, some people are going to jail?’
“I said, ‘Well, Oyo State is not Anambra State, and no matter how highly placed, justice must be done.
“The judiciary is here; it’s in their court. If you think you can grant bail pending trial, I have nothing against it. But for the trial, the people must go on trial.
“So, people come to me, and I’ve been saying to them, ‘Oyo State, even if this entire country decides not to follow the rule of law, in Oyo State, we will follow; we will dare to be different. We will uphold the rule of law.”
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Abia South Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has expressed his willingness to stand as a guarantor for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Abaribe made the remark while addressing journalists after his visit to Governor Alex Otti of Enugu State.
He also urged President Bola Tinubu to listen to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi and other stakeholders over their calls to release Kanu.
Abaribe informed Tinubu that releasing Kanu would put a stop to the issue of criminalities in the Southeast.
He said: “I expect that the President will listen to both his Attorney General and every one of us who have been agitating that the issues in the Southeast; first of all the insurgency, the sit-at-home on Mondays and every other thing we have noticed in the Southeast, what we now know in the Southeast is that criminals and all other people who advocate violence have taken over and using the name Nnamdi Kanu to perpetuate all these their despicable acts.
"We know that the President, being a listening President, will also look at all the issues involved which we have presented to him from various mediums and that he will do the needful and release Nnamdi Kanu so that it will put a stop to all these things that are happening in the Southeast and bring back the Southeast as the hub of production in Nigeria.
“So he needs Nnamdi Kanu out so that all those things that are holding us down in the Southeast, that have made us not produce as much as we ought to produce, will not be there.
“So, we continue to call on President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu and we are ready and willing to be guarantors for him to be released so that we can have life coming back into the Southeast and take it away from the criminals, kidnappers, the cultists and dangerous elements that are floating around us who have made it a point that they would perpetrate violence, do criminal activities and use Nnamdi Kanu’s name as their reason.”
Kanu remains incarcerated since June 2021 when he was rearrested and subjected to extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria.
Upon his return to Nigeria, the Appeal Court in Abuja ordered his release but the Nigerian government refused to let him off the hook.
Former staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who were dismissed in a mass layoff last year, have sued the apex bank.
In a court document seen by TheCable on Monday, the workers alleged that the CBN violated internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and their contractual rights.
The claimants, represented by Stephen Gana and 32 others, filed a class action lawsuit at the national industrial court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja.
They said their termination process, carried out through letters, titled, ‘Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring’, and dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual (HRPPM) and Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution.
The claimants said the process lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.
The originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, raised several questions for the court to consider, including whether the claimants were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after their appointments were terminated.
The workers also claimed that the termination letters, issued on the basis of “restructuring,” were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.
Insisting that they continue to work for the apex bank, the claimants are seeking a court ruling that their dismissals are “void and useless”.
Additionally, they sought a restraining order to prevent the CBN from firing them without following the proper procedures, immediate reinstatement, and payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.
The court filing references Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which mandates consultation with the joint consultative council (JCC) and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions adversely affect staff.
The claimants said the provision was flagrantly disregarded, as they were given just three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.
They are also seeking N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal; and an additional N500 million as the cost of the suit.
COURT ENCOURAGES AMICABLE RESOLUTION
In another document dated November 20, 2024, the court called for an amicable resolution of the matter.
Gana and their counsel represented the claimants while Inam Wilson alongside seven other lawyers represented the CBN (the defendant).
In the document, Obaseki Osaghae, the presiding judge of the industrial court, acknowledged the defendant’s preliminary objection, filed on November 4, 2024, challenging the suit’s admissibility.
The claimants responded with a counter-affidavit, which their counsel confirmed had been served.
In response, the judge encouraged both parties to explore a settlement under Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act (NICA) of 2006.
“It is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute,” Osaghae said.
The matter was, therefore adjourned to January 29 for the hearing of the preliminary objection or to review the progress of any settlement discussions.
BACKGROUND
In 2024, CBN terminated the appointments of about a thousand staff. The dismissal was said to have been conducted in four batches between March and May of the aforementioned year.
Some workers claimed that they received severance payments as low as N5,000, while others said their gratuities were absorbed entirely to offset outstanding loans.
Although the layoff was officially attributed to a “reorganisation” and “human capital restructuring”, the affected staff argued that the process violated the CBN Act, which mandates board approval for significant employment decisions.
On December 4 last year, the apex bank said its early exit package (EEP) was entirely voluntary and without any negative repercussions for eligible staff.
The CBN’s statement followed reports that 1,000 staff were sacked from the apex bank.
Reacting to the development, the house of representatives asked the CBN to suspend the “planned” retirement of 1,000 staff.
The lower chamber had also set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the “process and legality” of the exercise.
Speaking on the matter on January 3, Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the CBN, said the 1,000 staff who left the bank were not forced to leave.
Cardoso also said the early exit programme and the restructuring and reorganisation were to optimise the bank for enhanced efficiency.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, says his life is under threat because of his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The former governor of Anambra made the allegation after Felix Morka, national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said, "Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets".
During an interview with Arise Television, Morka described Obi as an “irrational being” and slammed his public commentary.
The APC spokesperson labelled Obi’s claims as "ridiculous" and "deceptive," criticising his 8-year tenure as Anambra governor for lacking legacy.
He added that Obi needs to figure out why he lost the 2023 presidential election and should stop being dishonest.
Obi, in his New Year message to Nigerians, criticised Tinubu and expressed concerns over "institutional corruption, mismanagement, poverty, hardship, and an escalating debt profile".
He noted that "corruption has been deeply entrenched in government" while "nepotism has become the norm on Tinubu's watch".
He also demanded "vigorous, positive actions" from the administration to bring succour to Nigerians.
'HAVE I REALLY CROSSED THE LINE?'
Reacting to Morka’s comments on his X page on Monday, Obi asked Nigerians if he has "crossed the line" after receiving threats against his life, family, and associates following his New Year’s message.
The LP chieftain added that he would continue to speak "truthfully," noting that Nigeria is drifting towards authoritarianism and undemocratic practices, which, according to him, must be addressed.
"Have I really crossed the line?" Obi asked.
"I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me.
“While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of "crossing the line" and has warned that I will face the consequences.
"I find it necessary to share this message again and urge everyone who has not seen it to watch. If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum.
"However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.
"We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it dismissed 27 of its officers last year for misconduct and fraudulent activities.
The anti-graft agency also said it was investigating “a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff of the EFCC against a Sectional Head.”
The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
He said the dismissals followed recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were ratified by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
“In its quest to enforce integrity and rid its fold of fraudulent elements, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission dismissed 27 officers from its workforce in 2024,” Oyewale said. “Their dismissal, following the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.”
The statement quoted the EFCC Chairman as reaffirming the commission’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, emphasising that no officer is immune to disciplinary action.
He also assured the public that all allegations against EFCC staff would be thoroughly investigated, including a trending claim involving $400,000 against a Sectional Head by a supposed EFCC staff member.
“The core values of the commission remain sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede said, reiterating the commission’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability at all levels.
In addition, the EFCC issued a warning to the public about impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the name of its chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation.
“The commission also wishes to alert the public to the sinister activities of impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects being investigated by the EFCC,” the statement read.
The EFCC revealed that two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
The pair allegedly contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, and demanded $1m to secure a “soft landing” in a non-existent investigation.
The commission noted that similar criminal elements are still at large and urged the public to report such individuals.
Oyewale further emphasised that EFCC Chairman is a man of integrity who cannot be influenced by monetary offers.
“Olukoyede remains a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by monetary influences. The public is enjoined to report such disreputable elements to the commission.”
The EFCC is also aware of attempts to blackmail its officers through unscrupulous means.
“Suspects under investigation for economic and financial crimes, who have failed to compromise their investigators, often resort to blackmail. These blackmailers should not be given any attention,” Oyewale added.