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The total debts of the 36 states in Nigeria rose to N11.47tn as of June 30, 2024, despite allocations by the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), and their respective internally generated revenues (IGR).
An analysis of data from the public debt reports released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) said the rise was 14.57 per cent higher than the N10.01tn recorded in December 2023.
External debt for the states and the Federal Capital Territory also climbed from $4.61bn to $4.89bn within the period under review.
In naira terms, the debts increased by 73.46 per cent, from N4.15tn to N7.2tn, following the devaluation of the naira from N899.39/$1 in December 2023 to N1,470.19/$1 by June 2024.
However, domestic debt for states and the FCT declined from N5.86tn to N4.27tn.
In total, states and the FCT accounted for Nigeria’s public debt of N134.3tn in June 2024, a decrease from their 10.29 per cent share in December 2023, even as their nominal debt levels increased.
States Debts Surged By 38% To ₦10.01tn In One Year
Channels Television had earlier reported that the sub-national governments continued to grapple with a persistent reliance on borrowing to finance their budgets in 2023, as the total debt stock of the 36 states surged by 38.1%, from N7.25tn in 2022 to N10.01tn.
According to BudgIT’s 2024 State of States report released on Tuesday, the debt growth was partly driven by a N606.12bn increase in domestic debt, resulting in an average year-on-year growth rate of 11.4%. By 31st December 2023.
The total domestic debt stood at N5.86tn.
The situation was further complicated by rising foreign debt, which increased by 4.1%, from $4.43bn in 2022 to $4.61bn in 2023.
According to the report, the liberalisation of the exchange rate exacerbated the financial strain on states, significantly raising their foreign loan repayment obligations in naira terms.
Lagos State remained the most indebted in foreign currency, accounting for 26.9% of the total foreign debt, equivalent to $1.24bn.
32 States Relied On FAAC Allocations For 55% Revenue In 2023— Report
The DMO’s report comes after BudgIT’s report said that the 32 states of the federation relied on FAAC for at least 55 per cent of their total revenue in 2023.
According to the 2024 report released last week, the development paints the over-reliance of state governments on federally distributable revenue and accentuates the vulnerability of the state governments to crude oil-induced shocks and other external shocks.
The report further said that 14 states relied on FAAC receipts for at least 70 per cent of their total revenue. Furthermore, transfers to states from the federation account comprised at least 62 per cent of the recurrent revenue of 34 states, except Lagos and Ogun, while 21 states relied on federal transfers for at least 80 per cent of their recurrent revenue.
In the 2023 fiscal year, the combined revenue of all 36 states in Nigeria increased significantly by 31.2 per cent from N6.6tn in 2022 to N8.66tn.
This growth rate exceeded the previous year’s increase of 28.95 per cent, indicating a notable improvement in fiscal performance.
Of the total revenue generated in 2023, Lagos State contributed N1.24tn, representing 14.32 per cent of the cumulative revenue of the 36 States.
Gross FAAC, which grew by 33.19 per cent from N4.05tn in 2022 to N5.4tn in 2023, contributed to 65 per cent of the year-on-year growth of the combined revenue of the 36 states.
“32 states relied on FAAC receipts for at least 55 per cent of their total revenue, while 14 states relied on FAAC receipts for at least 70 per cent of their total revenue.
“Furthermore, transfers to states from the federation account comprised at least 62 per cent of the recurrent revenue of 34 states, except Lagos and Ogun, while 21 states relied on federal transfers for at least 80 per cent of their recurrent revenue.
“The picture painted above buttresses the over-reliance of the state governments on federally distributable revenue and accentuates their vulnerability to crude oil-induced shocks and other external shocks.”
The report provides a detailed analysis of states’ fiscal sustainability, examining how well they balance internally generated revenue against federal allocations.
IGRs Shoot Up
On Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by the states, the report said the domestic resource mobilisation capacity of the state governments seemed to improve in 2023, as the 36 states’ IGR grew by 20.33 per cent to N2.19tn from the N1.82tn garnered in 2022.
However, it was mixed fortunes for the states as the growth was unequal across the board: six states grew their IGR by more than 50 per cent, with Zamfara recording the highest growth of 240.22 per cent, while seven states recorded negative IGR growth, with Jigawa recording the worst decline among the 36 states.
Lagos State was the largest contributor to total state revenue, accounting for N1.24tn, or 14.32 per cent of the cumulative revenue.
The report also highlighted that only Lagos and Rivers states were able to generate enough IGR to cover their operating expenses, with IGR-to-operating-cost ratios of 118.39 per cent and 121.26 per cent, respectively.
On the other hand, states such as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Taraba required over five times their IGR to meet operating expenses, relying heavily on federal transfers and external aid.
BudgIT advised “The fiscal viability and long-term sustainability of the states are largely dependent on their capacity to mobilise revenues internally—leveraging their natural resource endowments, technology, public-private partnerships, human capital, and consequence management adequate enough to finance critical infrastructure, invest in human capital development and social protection, pay the new minimum wage and its consequential adjustments, and amend the broken social contract.
“More specifically, the states would need to digitise revenue collection, eliminate cash-based transactions, deploy tax intelligence to enumerate tax liabilities of entities— particularly high net-worth individuals—and enforce compliance, harmonise its different taxes, levies and fees, fully operationalise its treasury single account, and improve the ease of doing business.”
The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has relieved two Shariah Court Judges, Yusuf Kawu and Abdulmuminu Nuhu, of their duties for various offences bordering on misuse of office.
Naija News reports a magistrate, Nasir Ado, was also dismissed for alleged misconduct.
The decisions were taken at the 76th meeting of the Commission based on recommendations by the Judiciary Public Complaint Committee (JPCC).
The spokesperson of the Kano State Judiciary, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, who made the developments known in a statement, revealed that two court registrars, Salisu Nayola and Shamsu Abbas, were also ordered to proceed on compulsory retirements.
He said Magistrate Ado was found guilty of conducting a proceeding without record, and when asked, he falsified and tampered with the record to show that there was a record of the proceeding.
Also, Alkali Yusuf used his position to release a convict who was sentenced by another Alkali to 12 calendar months without option of fine in correctional centre.
According to him, “The Judiciary Public Complaint Committee (JPCC) investigated two petitions filed against Magistrate Nasir Ado, where the investigation revealed that the magistrate conducted a proceeding without record, and when asked, he falsified and tampered with the record to show that there was a record of the proceeding. The commission adopted the recommendation of the JPCC that Nasir Ado’s actions of falsifying and tampering with the court’s records constitute an act of gross misconduct, and accordingly, he is recalled from judicial duties.
“Following a complaint filed against Sharia court judge Yusuf Kawu by the Association of Fighting Criminals, it was confirmed that Alkali Yusuf Kawu used his judicial position to release a convict who was sentenced by another Alkali to 12 calendar months without option of fine in correctional centre. The commission found the actions of Alkali to be unlawful and his defence untenable; consequently, he is recalled from judicial functions indefinitely.
“The commission issued a warning to Magistrate Sanusi Usman Atana following two petitions against him, where he was found to have assumed the role of recovery of premises in a criminal trial and, in the second petition, granted bail to a suspect before the date slated for ruling without notifying the prosecution. Accordingly, the commission issued a strong warning to Sanusi Atana to desist from exceeding his jurisdictional limit and avoid circumventing the established principles of fair hearing in handling matters before him.
“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has directed the immediate compulsory retirement of Salisu Adamu Nayola, the Finance Registrar of Kiru Sharia Court, after an investigation by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) following a petition on allegations of bribery. The JPCC received a petition alleging that Adamu Nayola was collecting money from families of deceased persons before processing their inheritance entitlements.
“Upon review, the JPCC found direct evidence of these actions, including Adamu Nayola’s admission to receiving bribes from multiple litigants. It was confirmed upon investigation that Salisu Nayola was in cohort with Alkali Abdulmuminu Nuhu, who was complacent in the acts of collecting bribes by the registrar. The commission adopted the recommendation of the JPCC, and Salisu Nayola, whose actions amounted to a gross violation of his duties as a judiciary staff, has been directed to proceed on compulsory retirement, while Alkali Abdulmuminu Nuhu is recalled from judicial duties for a period of two years to remain under the supervision of the Chief Registrar, Sharia Court of Appeal.
“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) issued a strong warning to Alkali Abubakar Abdullahi of the Sharia Court, Takai, following an investigation by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC). The JPCC found Alkali Abdullahi to have presided over an estate distribution case located outside his jurisdiction in Sabo Garba Housing Estate, Kabuga, and Dorayi Kwanar Makabarta. The Commission endorsed the JPCC’s recommendation, warning the judge to strictly adhere to his territorial limits and avoid handling cases outside his designated jurisdiction.
“Following the investigation of the JPCC on the petition filed against Shuaibu Bello, a court messenger, who was found to have engaged in an act of corruption by collecting money in excess of the official amount charged for opening a file. The committee also found him to engage in conduct unbecoming of a judiciary staff by being rude and disrespectful to a court user and deceiving the petitioner into signing a letter of withdrawal of the petition. The commission endorsed the recommendation of the committee, issued a strong warning, and further suspended him for four months without pay.
“Sequel to an investigation conducted by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) into a petition filed against Shamsu Abbas, a court registrar. The investigation revealed the registrar to have assumed an adjudicative role by releasing a suspect on bail without the case being officially assigned to any court, making an order for the suspect to make financial restitution related to the alleged crime, actions that are beyond his scope of duties as a court registrar. The committee found his actions to constitute a flagrant violation of the responsibilities of a court registrar. Considering the JPCC’s recommendations and after extensive deliberation, the Kano State Judicial Service Commission has directed the immediate compulsory retirement of the court registrar, Shamsu Abbas.
“The Judicial Service Commission remains dedicated to ensuring that all judicial personnel perform their duties within the boundaries of the law and with the utmost respect for judicial processes, and the commission will continue to apply the appropriate sanctions against any erring staff, particularly those saddled with judicial responsibilities, to safeguard the integrity and accountability of the judicial system and maintain public confidence,” Ibrahim said.
[NaijaNews]
The Nigeria Labour Congress has given state governments an ultimatum of December 1, 2024, to implement the new minimum wage.
It also accused fuel marketers of inflating petrol prices, claiming the pump price is significantly higher than the actual market value.
The NLC contended that Nigerians were being exploited, with citizens enduring heightened suffering and hunger due to government policies which keep pushing many into destitution.
In a communique released on Sunday, following its National Executive Council meeting, the NLC highlighted the severe economic hardship across the country and called for an urgent review of policies it described as “anti-people.”
The NLC further directed state councils where the new minimum wage is not yet implemented to commence an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024, in protest against the unaddressed labour issues.
In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved an increase in the minimum wage for Nigerian workers from N30,000 to N70,000.
However, the implementation across states has been gradual, with some still yet to adopt the new minimum wage.
While a number of states have pledged to meet the N70,000 minimum wage, others have gone further, committing to pay amounts higher than the federal mandate.
As of the first week of November, more than 20 states have announced the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“The NEC, therefore, resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will, among others, commence a nationwide assessment, mobilisation and sensitisation campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.
“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent
until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.
“To this end, all state councils where the national minimum wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December 2024.
“Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” the communique read.
The NLC’s call underscored its growing concerns over the economic strain on Nigerians and its commitment to holding both fuel marketers and the government accountable for citizens’ welfare.
“The NEC-in-session noted with increasing dismay the shenanigans around the appropriate pricing of petrol in Nigeria.
“It observed that there may be a gang-up against Nigerians by fat cats in the industry as the current price of the product is significantly higher than the real market price.
“Padding of costs and abnormal margins seems to be the order of the day considering the revelations from the ongoing controversy between Marketers and Dangote group.
“It is entirely possible that Nigerian workers and masses are being ripped off by those who control the levers of economic power in Nigeria which explains why the domestic public refineries may not immediately be allowed to come on stream.
“NLC demands appropriate pricing of petrol and calls for the Public domestic refineries in PH, Warri and Kaduna to quickly come back on stream,” it added.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has banned the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun and vigilante group, among others, from participating in the Ondo State governorship election.
No fewer than 17 political parties will participate in the election slated for November 16, 2024.
In a statement on Sunday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG said only the federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to participate in the election.
He said, “Furthermore, the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organisation, including state-backed groups like vigilante corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.
“The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State gubernatorial election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and in accordance with the highest standards of electoral integrity.”
The police boss ordered the deployment of officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit, among others.
The statement added that aerial patrols would be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats would patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.
Adejobi said, “As the Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, draws near, the Inspector General of Police has unequivocally assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in the state.
“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.
“The deployment will see officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in concert with other security agencies.
“These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.
“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.
“These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”
Adejobi also said the IG vowed to deal with political thugs or individuals planning to disrupt the elections.
He said, “The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law. The message is clear — those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.”
For the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission said is set to deploy over 15,500 ad hoc staff.
INEC via its website as sighted by The PUNCH on Sunday, revealed that out of the 2,053,061 registered voters in the state, only 1,757,205 collected their Permanent Voter Cards and would be eligible to vote on Saturday.
The remaining 295,856 registered voters failed to collect their PVCs, thereby missing out on the opportunity to participate in the upcoming election.
The electoral body will allocate a team of four officials to each of the 3,933 polling units across the state, comprising one presiding officer and three assistant presiding officers, bringing the total number of ad hoc staff to 15,732.
In addition, supervisory presiding officers will be assigned to oversee operations at various polling locations.
INEC commenced training for its ad hoc personnel on Friday, November 8, and concluded it on Sunday, November 10.
The sessions, conducted by INEC’s Electoral Institute, took place across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State.
The training aimed to equip National Youth Service Corps members, ex-corps members, and final-year university students with the necessary skills to manage polling operations effectively.
The focus was on adhering to the 2022 guidelines and regulations for the conduct of elections.
During his monitoring visit, the Chairman of the Board of the Electoral Institute, National Commissioner, Prof Abdullahi Zuru, stressed the importance of the training to ensure “efficiency and effective performance of the Polling Officials on election day.”
He also used the opportunity of the visit to reiterate the function of the INEC Results Viewing portal “as a platform to view election results stating that this does not connote transmission of results.”
NSCDC deploys 6,000 officers
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has announced the deployment of 6,000 officers to ensure adequate security across Ondo State during the election.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, disclosed this in a press release signed by the Corps spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, on Sunday.
Audi stressed the corps’ readiness to provide comprehensive security before, during, and after the polls.
He explained that the personnel would be drawn from Ondo and neighbouring states, including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta.
“The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, has ordered the deployment of 6,000 officers and men to provide adequate security before, during and after the November 16, Ondo governorship elections.
“CG Audi said the NSCDC is fully ready to ensure free, fair and credible elections, noting that the corps would deploy personnel from neighbouring states such as Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta, amongst others,” the statement read in part.
The officers will be tasked with protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, safeguarding INEC officials and ensuring the safe distribution of election materials.
The deployment covers all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units, including coastal areas in the state.
The security arrangement will feature specialised units such as the Special Female Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit.
Additionally, K-9, Marine, and Election Monitoring units, along with the Intelligence and Investigation Department will also be part of the operation.
The NSCDC boss noted that these measures were designed to prevent political violence and thuggery throughout the electoral process.
“The personnel drawn from the host state, neighbouring states and the national headquarters comprises Special Female Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit, K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, CG’s Mining Marshal, Election Monitoring Unit as well as the Intelligence and Investigation Department.
“There are comprehensive and strategic measures already put in place which are targeted towards forestalling all forms of political violence and thuggery before, during and after the elections.
“It is highly imperative that you work in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency in election security,” the statement added.
He also warned against acts of vandalism, destruction of public utilities, and election-related violence, urging parents to caution their children against being used by politicians for violent purposes.
Audi assured the public of the corps’ commitment to protecting voters’ fundamental rights while promising to arrest and prosecute anyone attempting to disrupt the election process in accordance with the electoral law.
Ex-president, Atiku laud Onyema Ugochukwu’s loyalty, commitment to Nigeria at 80
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday restated that he is not a member of any political party.
This is just as the former president, and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, eulogised renowned economist, journalist, and politician, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu for his sense of loyalty and total commitment to the development of Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja at the 80th birthday ceremony of Ugochukwu, the first Executive Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obasanjo who described himself as “a no-party statesman,” noted that throughout the period he worked with Ugochukwu, he could count on him to keep to his word on anything.
Obasanjo recalled that during the 1999 election when he (Obasanjo) competed against Alex Ekwueme, many people from the eastern region saw Ugochukwu as a traitor, while the Yoruba elements saw him as a spy.
He said Ugochukwu was never moved by the insinuations, and expressed his eternal gratitude to the celebrant, whom he described as a man without bitterness in his heart.
“There are four things I would just want to say. When we came together, it was during the campaign. I know a little bit about you by reputation. Two candidates were competing: Myself and Alex Ekwueme. And right from the word go, you decided who you would be with. Some Yoruba elements in our campaign saw you as a spy.
“The Igbo elements on the other side saw you as a bastard. Why should you be with a Yoruba man when an Igbo man is contesting? And you stood your ground. You were unshaken and unshakable.
“You remained totally loyal. And I appreciate it. And you remained with me, not 99.9 per cent loyal, but 100 per cent loyal throughout my tenure. I will be eternally grateful to you,” the former president said at the Thanksgiving service.
Obasanjo noted that after Ugochukwu contested and won the governorship election in Abia State, but was removed by the Appeal Court, he never took revenge on anybody.
“Over the years, whether I am in or out, whether people are abusing me or oppressing me, I know your stand. I know I can count on you. Not only as my supporter but for the party that we all built together.
“Even though now I’m a no-party statesman. I want to emphasise what the bishop said. At 80, what more do you want? Do you need it?
“All I will say is that you need to continue to serve humanity and serve God. And there’s no end to that. And the bishop said you should enjoy yourself. I will concur with that.”
Also speaking, Atiku, who attended the reception ceremony, also described Ugochukwu as a peacemaker who never took sides unnecessarily during his altercation with Obasanjo while in government.
“We only met during our administration around 1998-99 and till now, we have been in contact with each other. But I want to say that during our administration even when the president and I were having problems, Ugochukwu never took sides, rather he tried to be a conciliator and I want to say that all along I found him to be an extremely dedicated, passionate Nigerian.
Earlier, during the celebration which also saw the launching of two books: “Testaments and Testimonials” and “Galvanising Development in the Niger Delta”, edited by Tunde Olusunle, the celebrant thanked his friends, family, and associates for honouring him with their presence.
“Ten years ago, when I turned 70, I was the first of my siblings to reach the age of 70. It should have been a very big celebration, but it wasn’t because 2014 was a horrible year. I lost my two younger brothers in that year itself. My father, and then my uncle, and there was no need to celebrate,” he said.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has lauded Chief Onyema Ugochukwu as a passionate and patriotic Nigerian who played a significant role in efforts to reconcile him with former President Olusegun Obasanjo during their time in office.
Atiku made this statement today in Abuja during a thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Wuse Zone 3, held in celebration of Ugochukwu’s 80th birthday.
Ugochukwu, a seasoned journalist and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was recognized for his contributions to national unity.
Speaking, Atiku said, “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I will not claim that I know Ogochukwu long enough because we only met during our administration around 1998-99.
“And till now, we have been in contact with each other.
“But I want to say that during our administration, even when the President and I were having problems, Ogochukwu never took sides.
“Rather, he tried to be a conciliator and I want to say that all along I found him to be an extremely dedicated, passionate Nigerian.
“Let me also testify that in all those years that we worked together, I never heard of any unwarranted action by Onyema Ogochukwu.
“He was still a credible and perfect gentleman.
“Mrs. Ogochukwu, I think you are very lucky to have him.
“Honestly, I want to say that this is one of the very rare events I have put on a public face to identify myself, but I feel extremely delighted to have been part of this event.
“I also look forward to getting to your age.
“So, once again congratulations Onyema Ogochukwu and family and the entire people of Abia State and Nigeria in general,” Atiku enthused.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, which will focus on the current situation in the Middle East.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Saturday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Summit will commence on Monday, November 11, 2024.
It is being held at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and follows last year’s summit in the same Saudi city.
During the summit, President Tinubu is expected to address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, emphasising Nigeria’s strong call for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
The statement added: “Nigeria will also advocate for renewed efforts to revive the two-state solution as a pathway to lasting peace in the region.
“Key officials including the minister of foreign affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, will accompany the President. Other members of the entourage are the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Mohammed Mohammed.
“After the conclusion of the summit, President Tinubu will return to Abuja.”
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has confirmed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current director-general, as the sole candidate for the position.
According to a statement from the organisation on Saturday, Okonjo-Iweala confirmed her willingness to serve a second four-year term on September 16.
The WTO formally began the process to appoint its next director-general on October 8, allowing members until November 8 to submit nominations.
In a message to members, Petter Olberg, chair of the WTO’s general council, announced that no additional nominations were received by the November 8 deadline.
“Under the procedures for the appointment of Directors-General (WT/L/509), I am required to communicate to Members a consolidated list of candidatures received for the post of Director-General immediately after the close of the nomination period, in this case 8 November 2024,” the statement reads.
“I would like to advise members that at the end of the nomination period the only candidacy received for this post is from Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the incumbent director-general.
“The notification received from Dr Okonjo-Iweala pursuant to paragraph 12 of the Procedures in WT/L/509, was circulated to all Members together with my communication in document JOB/GC/406, dated 16 September 2024.”
The organisation noted that the general council chair would communicate the next steps in the process soon.
WTO added that Okonjo-Iweala’s current term will come to an end on August 31, 2025.
On February 15, 2021, Okonjo-Iweala was appointed as the director-general of the WTO.
She made history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.
Okonjo-Iweala’s second-term bid had been in doubt after Donald Trump’s victory in the United States presidential election on Wednesday.
Trump’s administration blocked her nomination in October 2020, in support of Yoo Myung-hee, former South Korean trade minister.
However, after losing his second-term presidential bid in November of the same year, Joe Biden’s administration backed Okonjo-Iweala for the WTO DG job.
Musiliu Akinsanya, former chairman of the Lagos chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has been elected as the national president of the union.
Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, was the sole candidate in the election which took place at the union’s zonal secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun state.
Delegates from the four south-west states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti participated in the election.
The election, which was held during the union’s quadrennial delegate conference, was monitored and observed by Aliyu Issa-Ore, the acting national president of the transport group.
Speaking with the delegates, Issa-Ore said the union’s constitution stipulates that the zone permitted to fill the national president’s position would elect its preferred candidate and present them to the national body.
The acting NURTW president, represented by Adedamola Salam, head of finance at the national headquarters in Abuja, said the south-west zone has fully complied with the constitution in electing Oluomo as president.
The delegates also elected Tajudeen Agbede as vice-president, south-west, while Akeem Adeosun was chosen as trustee from the zone.
Speaking after taking the oath of office, Akinsanya said members of the NURTW must ensure that they are committed to the preservation of the union.
“I have forgiven everyone who has offended me, and I hope those I have offended will forgive me as well,” he said.
“This is our union, and we must be committed to preserving it. We will not allow anyone to destroy our means of livelihood.”
In 2022, the NURTW suspended Akinsanya over alleged misconduct, insubordination and incitement but the suspension was lifted in 2023.
No fewer than seven states and the Federal Capital Territory have failed to approve the minimum wage expected to commence in October this year.
This is as 25 states have commenced payment or made a pronouncement on the amount to pay as the minimum wage.
The states that have yet to approve a particular minimum wage amount are Zamfara, Sokoto, Osun, Cross River, Imo, Plateau, Taraba, and the FCT.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that paying the N70,000 minimum wage may take a long time in Zamfara, as the state just began paying the old N30,000 minimum wage.
Recall that the N30,000 minimum wage took effect in April 2019, but Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State commenced the payment to the civil servants in June this year.
The state has yet to make any statement on the N70,000 minimum wage as of the time of filing this report.
Also, Sokoto State has yet to commence payment of the minimum wage despite Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s promise that his administration would be among the first states to do so.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, had declared that his administration would pay the minimum wage, but the state has yet to approve any amount or commence payment of the minimum wage.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH on Thursday, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in the state, Bimbo Fasasi, said the state was about to finalise the implementation process.
Fasasi, a member of the Labour/Osun State Government negotiation committee on the new minimum wage, said, “We are getting there, we are at the stage of comparing tables and exchanging tables between us. I’m confident we will soon have a meeting point and we will be able to make formal announcements and implementation will most definitely follow immediately.”
Cross River State has also not approved the N70,000 minimum wage.
On May 1, 2024, Governor Bassey Otu of the state announced N40,000 as a new minimum wage for civil servants before the national minimum wage.
TUC Chairman in the state, Monday Ogbodum, said labour unions were still negotiating the new minimum wage with the state government.
The minimum wage is also yet to take effect in Imo State, though Governor Hope Uzodimma assured workers that his government was committed to its implementation.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the state government and labour were already discussing the minimum wage.
The Vice Chairman of TUC in the state, Charles Amaru, disclosed that there was no agreement on payment by the state government yet.
He said, “The organised labour is still discussing with the state government on the template for payment. The discussion is prone to having fruitful outcomes and the government has said that everyone will be comfortable with the amount that will be paid.”
There has been grave silence on the minimum wage in Plateau State, just as the Taraba State Government has yet to commence the payment of the N70,000.
On September 5, 2024, Governor Agbu Kefas of the state said he was prepared to pay the new national minimum wage, adding that the Head of Service and the labour were already discussing the implementation.
The FCT has yet to speak on the minimum wage implementation as of the time of filing this report.
However, workers across the country have continued to lament the lingering economic hardship, noting that N70,000 is no longer enough for them.
The workers who spoke randomly with Saturday PUNCH said the fuel and electricity tariff hikes, inflation, and high cost of living have seriously reduced the value of the N70,000.
A staff member of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Abuja, who pleaded anonymity stated that the labour leaders made a mistake by accepting the N70,000 minimum wage without considering the economic reality.
“We were not expecting our leaders to accept the N70,000 as minimum wage because the price of foodstuffs, fuel, electricity tariffs, and fuels continue to go up.
“The amount is not enough for us at all. The living standard in Abuja is high and it is a reality that we cannot survive on N70,000 every month.”
Also, a civil servant at Ayedire Local Government, Osun State, said the N70,000 was not proportionate to the economic hardship, adding that the minimum wage couldn’t feed a family for two weeks.
He queried, “What is the quality and quantity of the foodstuffs to buy with N70,000? How long will it take to exhaust the minimum wage in the face of fuel hikes and inflation? Life is not easy for us.”
Recall that the organised labour said they accepted the N70,000 minimum wage because of President Bola Tinubu’s promise not to increase fuel prices.
But the fuel price was increased in September and has continued to increase since then, a development that made the Nigeria Labour Congress declare that the president betrayed the labour unions.
The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, on September 20, said Tinubu betrayed the organised labour, using fuel as bait.
Ajaero noted that the cost of petrol has undermined the benefits of the N70,000 national minimum wage, urging the government to urgently address the pressing issues of hunger, poverty, and frustration affecting Nigerians.
Ajaero recounted discussions with Tinubu before the acceptance of the N70,000 minimum wage, stating that during negotiations, the president offered the option of accepting the N70,000 wage without further increase in fuel prices.
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The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical is set to begin fuel exports to South Africa, Angola, and Namibia, Saturday PUNCH can confirm.
A highly credible source, who confirmed this exclusively to one of our correspondents on Friday, said the management of the 650,000-barrel per-day capacity refinery was at advanced stages of talks with the countries to start lifting fuel.
Our correspondents gathered that four other African countries – Niger Republic, Chad, Burkina Faso and Central Africa Republic – had also started negotiation with the refinery.
Saturday PUNCH was reliably informed that more countries were being expected to signify interest in lifting fuel from the refinery in the coming months.
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Ghana was recently reported to have expressed interest in buying petrol from the $20bn Lekki-based refinery.
The Chairman of the National Petroleum Authority, Ghana, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, said the arrangement with Dangote refinery would end his country’s monthly $400m fuel imports from Europe.
“I can confirm to you that talk is actually at advance stage with Ghana, Angola, Namibia and South Africa, while initial discussion is coming up with Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Central African Republic,” the source said.
When asked why marketers are insisting on not buying from Dangote despite the refinery’s capacity, the source said the dealers had hidden agenda.
“However, between now and January 2025, their plan would be exposed. Dangote refinery remains the hope of this country for a sustainable supply of petrol and the refinery has the capacity to serve the entire country,” the source added.
Meanwhile, local marketers have resolved to import fuel from outside the country.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria last week insisted on fuel importation after accusing the Dangote refinery of selling fuel to Nigerians at an exorbitant price.
The marketers are awaiting the approvals of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to import cheaper petrol.
The marketers argued that importing more affordable petrol would offer relief for consumers still adjusting to the price surges following the removal of fuel subsidy.
However, to proceed, the marketers requested access to foreign exchange from the CBN, and permits from NMDPRA to ensure compliance with fuel quality and regulatory standards.
The NMDPRA has, however, refuted claims that IPMAN and PETROAN were allowed to obtain petrol import licence as associations.
An official of the NMDPRA, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said the agency could not approve the request of oil marketers to obtain import licence as an association, but based on individual requests.
The source added that individual application was the stipulated law and could not be shelved.
“The truth of the matter is that they can’t apply for petrol import licence as a body or association. Individual marketers have to apply by themselves before they can be granted that licence. They have to apply by themselves. We are not going to give the permit jointly so they can’t apply as an association.
“So, this also means that if individual marketers don’t apply for it, we can’t approve it.”
Responding, the National Public Relations Officer of PETROAN, Dr Joseph Obele, said the association applied for the import licence about one month ago through its newly incorporated trading wing.
He described Dangote as an “aggressive competitor” who would go to any length to monopolise the market.
“You should know that Dangote is just out to close all the doors and windows so that no person enters the market. He is determined to ensure that nobody enters the market as a competitor. We assure Nigerians that as soon as the regulatory agency approves our authority to import, this price of PMS that is causing pain to Nigerians right now will crash to the barest minimum.
“The product we are planning to import is one of the best products so far, far better than his (Dangote) own, but he is just telling Nigerians that any product that is coming into the country is not better than his own.
“We call on Nigerians to support the call for dismantling monopolies so that we can liberate the market; otherwise, we will remain in the trap we are. We are trapped at the moment; we are trapped with exploitation and the only way out of the trap is to dismantle every dimension of monopoly and we are calling on Nigerians to support us,” Obele said.
President Bola Tinubu has approved that ministers of state be given full powers to supervise the agencies under them, TheCable can report.
Until now, files pertaining to departments and agencies under their supervision were sent by their permanent secretaries to the senior ministers.
With the new dispensation, ministers of state can now grant all necessary administrative approvals on the governance process of these agencies and departments.
According to a source in the office of the head of service of the federation, “the president was not pleased with the prevailing governing framework in which ministers of states were just ministers in name”.
This, Tinubu reportedly said, led to the “underutilisation of the expertise and capabilities” of most ministers of state.
“The president believes ministers of state should have the right to make decisions and direct action within their areas of responsibility,” the official added.
The source said the idea — first mooted by Hadiza Bala Usman, special adviser to the president on policy coordination and head, central delivery coordination unit — got an instant buy-in from the president.
With the new directive, the administration hopes “to unleash” the potential of all the ministers, the source added.
Tinubu’s cabinet is made up of 48 ministers, but 16 of them are junior.
Ministries with ministers of state are: agriculture and food security, defence,education, FCT, foreign affairs, health, petroleum (oil), petroleum (gas), humanitarian and poverty reduction, and women affairs.
Others are: works, regional development, labour and employment, finance, trade and investment, and housing and urban development.
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has stated that Nigeria is undergoing a fundamental and disruptive reset, following the removal of subsidies by President Bola Tinubu.
Soludo made this remark during Veritas University’s 13th convocation lecture in Abuja, on Thursday.
The lecture, titled ‘Let Us Make a New Deal for Nigeria’, explored ways to address the country’s challenges.
Soludo noted the need to transition from subsidies, which largely benefitted the urban elite, to a productive social contract that creates opportunities for all.
He explained that the country has ended the harmful fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity subsidies.
“We have entered a ‘muddling-through’ phase that requires careful navigation,” Soludo said.
He acknowledged that, despite other issues, the military regimes invested in education during Nigeria’s early oil booms.
Soludo urged Nigerians to craft a pragmatic new deal for the country, as well as an emergency national infrastructure plan, similar to the United States Marshal Plan used to rebuild Europe after World War II.
He encouraged Nigerian leaders to draw inspiration from the marshal plan to implement public works projects, financial reforms, and regulatory changes that could transform the nation.
He also highlighted positive signs, such as the minimum wage legislation, the draft tax reform bill, and planned cash transfers.
He called for historic coordination between federal and state governments to ensure swift implementation of these reforms.
Soludo urged the graduating students to actively contribute to the country’s future.
He said, “The future you seek is in your hands. Only those who plan can control the future. While Nigeria may not have given you much, you are expected to give more than you have received.”
He encouraged them to participate in shaping the nation’s destiny.
The United States President Joe Biden has asked Americans to accept the victory of Republican Party candidate Donald Trump in the presidential election.
On November 6, Trump won the presidential election after exceeding the magic number of 270 electoral college votes.
Trump defeated Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party, who has 219 electoral college votes.
Harris has congratulated Trump on his electoral victory.
During a speech on Thursday at the White House Rose Garden, Biden said, “We accept the choice the country made.”
“I know for some people, it’s time for victory to state the obvious. For others, it’s a time of loss,” the US president said.
“Campaigns are contests of competing visions. The country chooses one or the other.
“I’ve said many times, you can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbour only when you agree.
“I will do my duty as president. I’ll fulfil my oath and honour the Constitution. On January 20, we will have a peaceful transfer of power here in America.
“Remember, defeat does not mean we are defeated. We lost this battle. The America of your dream is calling for you to get back up.
“The America experiment endures. We are going to be okay, but we need to stay engaged. We need to keep going. Above all, we need to keep the faith.”