The federal government has flagged off the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to public servants with duly registered National Identification Number (NIN) to curb racketeering. The move is parts of efforts to crash the prices of food in Nigerian markets.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented at the flag off by Abubakar Kyari, the minister of agriculture and food security, said the intervention will be sold strictly “one man to one bag or one woman to one bag”.
He said the rice — which is to be sold at a flat rate of N40,000 naira only for 50kg — is the federal government intervention for the sales of subsidised milled rice to ameliorate the prevailing food crises in Nigeria.
“This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation,” he said.
“As one of the numerous efforts of the present administration to cushion the effect of high cost of food commodities, kindly join me to applaud the immense efforts of the present administration such as the release of 42,000MT of Assorted Food Commodities (AFC) to vulnerable and the 30,000MT of milled rice which is being flagged-off for sales to Nigerians today 5th September, 2024.”
The minister blamed COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, climate change amidst other localized factors/challenges for the high cost of food prices.
“This has led to increase concern and risk of food insecurity and general decline in the standard of living globally. I therefore urge us to understand that the present challenges are not peculiar to our great country,” he said.
He added that the federal government being aware of the potential challenges associated with the sales of an important staple such as rice, at this critical period has deployed a multi-disciplinary machinery of Government, as well put in place certain processes and conditions to ensure the transparency, wider reach and success of this exercise.
“This includes one man one 50kg of rice, others are the verification of intending beneficiaries using relevant identification mediums such as the National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers to forestall multiple access to this food commodity by fraudulent individuals at the detriment of other citizens,” he said.
He implored citizens to cooperate with the relevant citizens to achieve the initiative.
“Let us work together to ensure that the dream of the present administration to upheld the fundamental right to food for all Nigerians is achieved. It is expected that with the injection 30,000MT (1000 trucks of 30MT each of this important staple into Nigeria food balance sheet, it will not only crash the price of rice but also other closer food substitutes and alternatives.”
He called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and be patient with Mr. President as his numerous efforts to enhance Food security will soon begin to pay off.
The director, food and strategic reserve of the ministry, Haruna Sule Abutu outlined the procedure to buy the subsidised rice.
“To qualify for the one person one bag, you must have National Identification Number, of course you have phone numbers and those in public service are all registered under the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) platform,” he said.
“Once you have any of these three, at the point of sale, with the NIN logged into the system, a code number and a Treasury receipt will be generated, and with that the buyer can get to the collection center and pick up his bag. The receipt will indicate, time and point of collection to eliminate stampede.”
[BusinessDay]
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Arthur Esene and Anselm Ojezua, to disqualify the party’s candidate for the upcoming September 21 governorship election, Asue Ighodalo.
In the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/863/2024, Esene and Ojezua had urged the Court of Appeal to overturn the April 17 judgment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which dismissed their suit as “statute barred.”
Justice Omotosho had previously ruled that the plaintiffs failed to prove their claim that Ighodalo had forged his voter’s card. He also noted that “non-possession of a voter’s card did not constitute a disqualifying factor under the Constitution and the Electoral Act” to bar a candidate from contesting an election.
In the lead judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Hamma Barka upheld Justice Omotosho’s decision and affirmed that the suit filed by Ojezua and others was “filed out of time and statute barred.”
Justice Barka concurred with the Federal High Court’s finding that the appellants “failed to establish their claim” that Ighodalo forged his voter’s card.
He further observed that the suit lacked merit, based on the flawed assumption that “non-possession of a voter’s card constitutes a ground to disqualify a candidate from contesting an election.”
Justice Barka highlighted that the appellants did not contest the trial court’s findings that Ighodalo had applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the transfer of his registration from Lagos State to Edo State, and that INEC had issued a voter’s card to Ighodalo.
Consequently, Justice Barka struck out the appeal for being without merit and awarded costs of N3 million against the appellants and in favor of Ighodalo, PDP, and INEC.
Justices Usman Musale and Okon Abang, who were also on the panel, concurred with the lead judgment.
Details later…
[Tribune]
The first ballots for the US election were slated to go out to voters Friday, two months ahead of what looks set to be a photo finish between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
The closely fought battleground state of North Carolina was expected to distribute around 130,000 absentee voting slips, with a presidential debate — the next likely campaign inflection point — set for next week.
Early in-person voting will start as soon as September 20 in some states.
North Carolina is among a handful of swing states that Harris and Trump have been crisscrossing as they embark on the most intense phase of a White House race expected to be decided by razor-thin margins.
Harris’s entry into the contest six weeks ago turbocharged enthusiasm among Democrats, who had been despondent about President Joe Biden’s chances of stopping Republican Trump from re-entering the White House.
Her team announced Friday that it raised $361 million in August, the largest monthly haul of the cycle and nearly triple the Trump team’s figure.
“In just a short time, Vice President Harris’s candidacy has galvanized a history-making, broad, and diverse coalition — with the type of enthusiasm, energy, and grit that wins close elections,” said campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez.
“As we enter the final stretch of this election, we’re making sure every hard-earned dollar goes to winning over the voters who will decide this election.”
– ‘Honeymoon’ –
Harris’s ascent to the top of the ticket has tilted the races for the White House, Senate and House of Representatives in the direction of Democrats, though all three fights remain close.
While Trump has seen the leads he built over Biden evaporate, his campaign still sees several possible paths to victory and believes it has more support on key election issues like the economy, immigration and crime.
Trump’s aides argue that Harris’s “honeymoon” with voters has overstated support that is beginning to erode as her policy views come into focus.
Harris is up 1.8 percent in head-to-head nationwide polling, according to aggregator RealClearPolitics.
The polls that really count — in the crucial swing states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia and North Carolina — show an even tighter race, with Harris up 0.2 percent overall, a statistical dead heat.
The plan in North Carolina was to begin mailing out voting slips first thing, but a judge ordered a halt until at least midday to give Robert F. Kennedy Jr time to appeal a ruling refusing to take his name off the ballot following his late withdrawal from the race.
– ‘Save our country’ –
The independent candidate sued the North Carolina election board after its Democratic members denied his request to be removed, deeming the task of reprinting and distributing voting slips impractical at such a late stage.
Kennedy’s exit was a reminder of how rapidly events could change the calculus in the campaign.
His support has fallen away precipitously — from 13.8 percent in July to five percent when he dropped out, according to RealClearPolitics — but even a few hundred of his supporters could swing an election in a close state.
Other wrinkles on the path to November 5 include Trump’s 34-felony hush money conviction in New York, which is likely to charge back into the headlines with his much-delayed sentencing scheduled for September 18.
The first — and perhaps only — debate between Harris and Trump is the next big landmark, set for Tuesday on ABC News.
Trump — who has consistently opposed mail-in voting — posted a short video on TikTok urging Americans to send him back to the White House, “whether it’s mail-in ballots, early voting, or voting on Election Day.”
He was due to address an influential police union in North Carolina on Friday, and then hold a rally on Saturday in Wisconsin.
“We’ve got to save our country, we’re the only ones that are going to save it. That other group of people, they’re going to destroy our country. We can’t let that happen,” he said.
![[PRESS RELEASE] PMS Prices are Determined by Free Market Forces - NNPC Ltd](/media/k2/items/cache/8c23c447e7f2aef6c06bd8bc5fab3854_M.jpg?t=20240906_021948)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has stated that foreign exchange (forex) illiquidity has been a significant factor influencing the fluctuation in prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which are governed by unrestricted free market forces, as provided for in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Speaking on TVC News' “Journalists' Hangout” show on Thursday, the Executive Vice President of Downstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Adedapo Segun explained that the current fuel scarcity was expected to “subside in a few days as more stations recalibrate and begin selling PMS.”
He said Section 205 of the PIA, which established NNPC Ltd, stipulated that petroleum prices were determined by unrestricted free market forces.
According to him, “The market has been deregulated, meaning that petrol prices are now determined by market forces rather than by the government or NNPC Ltd. Additionally, the exchange rate plays a significant role in influencing these prices.”
On the commencement of lifting PMS from the Dangote Refinery, Segun said that the NNPC Ltd was awaiting the September 15th timeline provided by the refinery.
Segun, who said no right-thinking individual would be comfortable with the current fuel scarcity, added that the NNPC Ltd had nearly a thousand filling stations nationwide and was collaborating with marketers to “ensure that stations open early, close late, in order to maintain adequate fuel supply to meet the needs of Nigerians.”
He assured Nigerians: “We are also engaging relevant authorities to ensure products diversions are prevented and timely deliveries to all stations are ensured. The scarcity should ease in the next few days as more stations recalibrate and begin operations.”
Olufemi Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
…Says govt to take full responsibility for music legend’s upkeep
….Ejeagha: Mbah honoured me, prepared ground for Gwo gwo gwo ngwo trend
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Monday, commissioned four newly constructed and reconstructed roads in Abakpa Nike, in Enugu metropolis, among them the Mike Ejeagha Crescent where the music legend lives and the adjoining, popular Obinagu Road, which he renamed him.
Other roads commissioned were Texaco Bus Stop-Ifo Road, and Nkpor Street.
Mbah, who also used the occasion to visit Ejeagha at his residence, announced that the government would henceforth take full responsibility for his upkeep, describing him as a living legend.
“Recall that when you gave us your mandate, we told you that you had kept your own part of the deal and that the burden had downshifted to us to fulfill our own part of the social contract.
“Recall further that we made a firm pledge that all the roads in the urban areas in Enugu must be paved.
“Recall also that last year,n we awarded 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads. Those 71 urban roads had since been completed, but some of the roads we are commissioning today are not part of those 71 roads.
“In the course of constructing or reconstructing those 71 roads, we identified, in January, some roads, which were not initially captured, hence needed to be treated as an emergency.
“So, we are commissioning four roads here today and all those roads are quite significant.
“But one of those roads stands out. It is the road that leads to the home of one of our great legends and icons.
“We have always told people that Enugu State is the home of legends. It is not just sporting legends. We also have the music icons. And we have one man, Mike Ejeagha, who, through his folk songs, have largely brought memories of years gone by to our doorsteps. He is a man who reminds us of our golden heritage as a people.
“When we talked about Enugu as being the centre of art and culture, this is a man, who brought Enugu to that epicentre. So, we are here to celebrate him while he is still living with us.
“So, in honour of him, this Obinagu Road, the entire stretch of the road leading to his home, is named after him and will now be known as Mike Ejeagha Road,” he stated.
Mbah, however, stressed the commissioned roads here was only the beginning of a new era for road infrastructure across Enugu State.
“We want to assure residents of Abakpa and Enugu State that we are not done yet. If you have followed our events, you would have noticed that recently, we also awarded contracts for the construction of 141 roads and 20 rural roads. And I can also tell you that Abakpa is not left out.
“Very soon, we will commence the dualisation of Penocks junction on the Enugu-Onitsha all the way to Opi-Nsukka. That contract has been awarded and work will soon commence.
“I want to assure you that the commitment we made to serve you with every fibre of our being can never be lost on us. We are going to work for you with everything we have,” the governor concluded.
Earlier in their remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, assured the governor and residents that the roads were constructed with durability and convenience of road users in mind.
“The typical road cross section of Obinagu Road and Mike Ejeagha Crescent comprise 300 to 600mm-thick sub-grade, 150mm-thick sub-base, 150mm-thick stone base course, 50mm-thick asphalt wearing course, and 600 by 600 to 900 by 900 reinforced concrete drainages and culvert,” he stated.
Meanwhile, receiving the governor at his residence, Ejeagha, who spoke through his son, Emma Ejeagha, and daughter, Elizabeth Ugwu (Nee Ejeagha), said that Mbah had honoured him beyond his lifetime.
“Previous governments made promises, however nothing happened. But Mbah never made any promise to us. We only woke up and heavy equipment were all over the place. And like a dream, we have brand new roads. Not long after, Gwo gwo gwo ngwo started trending,” Emma Ejeagha stated.
Also, elated residents, who turned out in their numbers, commended the governor for the roads, noting that the Infrastructure would impact their businesses and lives positively.
Mbah equally did some Gwo gwo gwo ngwo dance steps to the delight of residents.
...As Ekiti Hosts Inaugural Meeting of Security Advisers of neighboring States
The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday took a significant step towards enhancing regional security by convening a meeting of special advisers on security from Ekiti, Ondo, Kogi, Kwara, and Osun States.
The initiative aims at strengthening the security architecture of the states who share boundaries and ensuring the protection of lives and properties within their borders.
The meeting, held at the Bawa Lodge at the Ekiti State Government House, was chaired by the Special Adviser on Security to Ekiti State Governor, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd).
Attendees included Mr. Olugbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant on Security, Ondo State; Commander Jerry Omodara, Kogi State; Brigadier Samuel Ojo (Rtd.), Osun State; and Brigadier General S.T. Bello, Kwara State, with Dr Adetunberu Oludotun, Director General Jomeland Security, Ekiti State as Secretary.
In his remarks, Gen. Ogundana emphasized that the meeting was convened at the directive of Governor Oyebanji in response to rising trans-border insecurity. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among the neighboring states, particularly in tackling inter-border crimes, where criminals evade prosecution by crossing state lines.
Gen Ogundana stressed that intelligence-sharing would be key in controlling such criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents.
The retired General stated further that the inaugural meeting marked the beginning of massive collaboration among the states, adding that future meetings would involve local governments in the border areas in order to enhance cooperation among security personnel.
He also noted that security efforts were being intensified across Ekiti, including farm settlements, to encourage farmers to return to their businesses without fear. This, he said is to enhance food security.
“We are committed to ensuring peace across Ekiti State and in all our neighboring states”, Ogundana assured, stressing that improved security climate is a driver for increased investment, particularly in the agricultural sector.
“Without adequate security, there will be no investment, and we have seen big-time agro investors showing interest in Ekiti.”
Ogundana also addressed the recent food insecurity challenges, expressing hope that such issues would not recur this year due to proactive measures taken by the state, including resolving disputes between herdsmen and farmers.
He urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear of being kidnapped, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring a conducive environment for investors.
The meeting is set to continue periodically, with further discussions held virtually as needed, to stay ahead of potential security threats.
Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), says Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), should arrest Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), over a comment credited to him.
While speaking at a congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers state in August, Wike said he would “put fire” in the states of governors siding with Siminalayi Fubara, the governor.
Wike and Siminalayi have been at loggerheads over issues concerning Rivers.
The rift between both politicians has created two factions in the Rivers house of assembly — with each camp electing a speaker loyal to the minister and the governor.
In an open letter addressed to Egbetokun entitled ‘Arrest Wike Now With a Warrant of Arrest’, the elder statesman said Wike “has gone overboard in his macabre dance”.
“As we lawyers say, nobody is above the law and the law must take its course,” he said.
“If you could in the past arrest Omoyele Sowore for similar or less implicating threats against public peace and public officials, if you are right now leading prosecution in law courts against people who participated in ‘End Bad Governance’ protest, what are you waiting to act in this case of Wike?
“My dear IG, at well over 97 years of age, and having held various positions in government including being a Minister over 50 years ago, I am shocked that a public officer who is an appointee of a serving President can descend to this level.
“When we worked under Gen. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, in the Federal Executive Council, the code of conduct which we were expected to keep especially as it pertained to being instruments of public order was at the highest level.
“There is nothing that Wike has not done in his attempt to sabotage the government of Siminalayi Fubara and install the former speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, his brother, as Governor.
“But all have failed.”
Clark said Wike should not be allowed to change the rules of the party arbitrarily because of his feud with Fubara who is the leader of the PDP in Rivers.
The Federal Government has approved a 50 per cent increase in the feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria, effective from August 2024. This measure aims to address rising food costs and improve inmate welfare.
The spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, confirmed the increase during an interview with PUNCH Online on Thursday.
He described it as the “first phase” of a broader review intended to enhance living conditions for inmates.
“The inmate feeding allowance has been increased by 50 per cent, effective from August 2024. This is just the first phase,” Umar said.
He added that further reviews would follow, particularly due to the soaring cost of food.
“The FG will also consider additional reviews. This is just the first phase. Normally, there is a period when inmate feeding allowances are reviewed. Following a presentation during the budget process, the FG deemed it necessary to adjust the allowance due to the rising cost of food. Further adjustments are expected,” Umar explained.
According to the latest figures from the NCoS, Nigeria currently has 84,575 inmates.
For the 2024 budget year, the NCoS has been allocated over N24.4 billion for catering materials and foodstuffs.
The need for an increase in the feeding allowance has been a public concern, especially after it was revealed in December 2023 by the Controller General of the NCoS, Haliru Nababa, that N750 was allocated per day for each prisoner, while N800 was spent daily on feeding each of the 900 dogs in the service.
Inmate welfare issues gained further attention recently after a viral video from the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar, Cross River State, showed inmates being served poorly cooked meals.
This sparked public outrage and led to an investigation ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, into the conditions at the facility.
The NCoS confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, emphasising that the incident does not reflect the overall standards of care and commitment to inmate welfare across the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday declared his support for the candidate of the Democratic Party, Kamala Harris in the upcoming US presidential election.
The backing has been seen as an apparent sarcastic remark a day after Washington accused Moscow of seeking to influence the vote.
Putin comments on political and social issues in the United States often with sarcasm.
He said last year that the US political system was “rotten” and that Washington could not lecture other countries about democracy.
“Firstly, (US President Joe) Biden recommended all his supporters support Mrs Harris,” Putin said during a question-and-answer session at Russia’s Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
“Here, we are going to do that too, we’re going to support her,” he added, with a wry smile.
“She laughs so contagiously that it shows that everything is fine with her,” the Russian leader said.
“(Former US President Donald) Trump has imposed as many sanctions on Russia as any president has ever imposed before, and if Harris is doing well, perhaps she will refrain from such actions.”
In February, Putin backed Biden over Trump, calling the current president more “predictable”.
The White House called on Putin to “stay out” of US elections.
Putin’s comments came a day after the United States indicted two employees of the state-run Russian news network RT and slapped sanctions on its top editors.
Washington accused them of trying to influence the upcoming US ballot.
Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and one of Governor Seyi Makinde’s key supporters, Hon Benedict Akika, popularly known as “Bene” in his home on Wednesday night.
The gunmen wearing masks reportedly stormed the Idi Ape, Olorunda-Aba residence of Mr Akika in Lagelu local Government Area of the state and abducted him.
Unconfirmed report also indicated that a life was possibly lost during abduction on Wednesday night.
The Oyo State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the matter but in a message via the phone, the command’s spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, indicated that investigation has commenced into the matter and details would be provided accordingly.
The Oyo state government have also not issued any statement concerning the unfortunate incident.
More...
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ibrahim Modibbo, has said Advisers and Ministers of President Bola Tinubu are incompetent and deserve to be sacked.
The Taraba State APC chieftain, Ibrahim Modibbo, said ministers of President Tinubu are newspaper tigers.
He accused them of relying solely on textbook economics as solution to Nigeria’s hunger and hardship problems than the people.
Modibbo, in an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday, stated that Tinubu advisers are giving him wrong advice that is responsible for the economic hardship.
He appealed to Nigerians to give the President time, stating there would be light at the end of the tunnel.
“I’m a Nigerian and I also feel the pains just like Mr. President also feel the pains and the pulse of Nigerians.
“I don’t want to defend some of these conditions. I’m not here as a government spokesperson. Therefore as a caveat, I’m not going to defend that because to me it will show sensitivity and compassion. That is why I said people around Mr. President are giving him wrong advice.
“If I were a president today I would have sacked almost virtually all the ministers and what have you, to get new people, new advisors because some of this economic team, they are just mere newspaper tigers as far as I’m concerned.
“They can only limit themselves towards the textbooks econometrics without looking at the proper inventory of Nigeria’s economic system, looking at the poor masses as a ladder,” Modibbo said.
He added that President Tinubu made wrong decision in getting a new presidential jet without selling the old one in the fleet.
He, however, assured Nigerians that the President would find a solution to the current economic hardship caused by his administration’s policies.
“With all these problems, must we buy a new jet? If you ask me, I’ll say yes, and I’ll say no. Yes, because recently we’ve seen how some of the former presidents, Iran President had air crash.
“Therefore I would have sold some of the fleets and get a new one. No, in the sense that for us to be very sensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigeria and 2027 is just by the corner, elections coming up, the way Nigerians today in terms of aggregation of opinion, in terms of sensitivity with the current economic temple, Nigerians are not finding it funny.
“But Tinubu has history by his side, he has two more or three more years to change the whole economy to the dynamics of governance.
“Therefore looking at every parameter of democratic practice, we know that there is no democracy that will be able to give you a hundred percent satisfaction.
“And this is where we are as painful as Mr. President’s decision to take some of these policies which he knows to his heart that is painful. I am sure he’s looking for a way out to see to the possibilities of maybe finding solutions,” Modibbo added.
The National Economic Council (NEC) on Wednesday, imposed a deadline of September 9 for four states to submit their reports on the establishment of state police.
The NEC will review comprehensive reports from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on that date. States that do not meet this deadline will be subject to the NEC’s decisions regarding the state police.
Additionally, the Federal Government has allocated ₦3 billion in aid to states affected by severe flooding.
At the conclusion of the NEC meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Acting Oyo State Governor Abdulraheem Lawal reported that all states were expected to submit their reports for NEC’s review.
The discussion on state police was driven by ongoing security challenges across regions, including the Northeast, Northcentral, Southwest, Southeast, and Southsouth.
Lawal emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance national security. He noted that last year, the NEC had asked states to provide reports on the establishment of state police. States that fail to meet the September 9 deadline will be bound by the NEC’s decisions.
He said, “An update on the establishment of State police was considered and this was as a result of the security challenges that we have across the nation, in Northeast, Northcentral, southwest, Southeast and South south so that we would have a robust security in our nation.
“For that purpose, sometimes last year NEC considered the establishment of state police and asked states to make submissions of considerations
“Today (Wednesday), all the states were supposed to submit for consideration of NEC. Incidentally, four states couldn’t submit, and for that purpose, NEC decided that those states must make their submissions on or before Monday next week, otherwise, whatever decision next date on the establishment of State Police will be binding on those states that reused to submit them to make submissions.
“So that is the resolution as of today’s NEC meeting.”
Although the specific names of the four states that have yet to submit their reports were not disclosed, sources identified them as Adamawa, Kwara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and the FCT.
According to Vanguard, the source said one of the four states claimed it had already submitted its report.
Also briefing, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed provided insights into the flood situation, highlighting the federal government’s ₦3 billion relief fund.
Mohammed described the severe impact of the flooding, especially in the Northeast, where critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, has been damaged, affecting households, schools, and other essential services.
He said, “The flood was more devastating along the Northeast axis where a major artery between Kano and Maiduguri has been cut off with devastating effects on households, schools, bridges and other means of livelihood. Lives were lost and a lot of properties were also destroyed.
“Of course, that has really provided a big challenge to us as a government and as a people in our states because we need to provide more of food security. Already, farmlands are submerged and therefore there’s need for collaboration between all the tiers of government to ensure food security.”
Mohammed noted that this year’s harvest is expected to be significantly affected due to the floods. He called for coordinated efforts between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and state ministries to ensure a comprehensive response to the crisis.
An inventory of the damage, including impacts on agriculture and infrastructure, is required by Monday to facilitate timely support.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule supported this perspective, noting that a new governance structure has been established to manage flood relief efforts.
The reconstituted Flood Committee now includes governors from Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Jigawa states, as well as key federal ministers and agency directors. The Committee will oversee the assessment of flood damage and ensure effective relief measures.
He said: “The Flood committee has to be reconstituted and the new members of the councils are governors of Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi and Jigawa states.
“Others are Minister of Water of Resources, minister of state Water of Resources, Minister of State for Environment, DG Nigeria Sovereignty Investment Authority (NSIA), DG NIMET, DG NWRI, MD/CEO NIWA, MD if NNDC, MD NEDC, and DG NEMA.
“The council has decided that Monday will be the deadline for all the states of the Federation to submit details damages including farms, schools, barges that have been affected by the last flood and Mr. chairman mentioned it will be taking into consideration for appropriate support to the various states.
“So these are the new very strong membership of the flood committee that will continue to address council henceforth.”
The NEC has mandated that all states submit detailed damage reports by Monday, including impacts on farms, schools, and infrastructure, to enable appropriate support for the affected regions.
The latest hike in the price of petrol has pushed up transport fares by over 50 percent in major cities across Nigeria, findings by Daily Trust have revealed.
The newest price hikes, implemented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company’s (NNPCL) Retail Management, range from N855 to N897 per litre, depending on the location, from the previous N568-N617.
Independent marketers have adjusted their prices to between N930 and N1,200 per litre of petrol.
The price hike has had a widespread impact, with some Nigerians resorting to long-distance trekking and others missing work due to the higher transportation costs.
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday joined the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in demanding reversal of the increase in the petrol pump price.
This is even as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) warned that the price hike could lead to higher inflation.
Also yesterday, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) announced plans to protest and shut down major cities from 15th of this month.
Abuja, Lagos commuters express frustration
Commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and other states yesterday expressed frustration over the hike in the price of petrol which, according to them, has constrained their living conditions.
Many of them, who spoke to our correspondents, said the unaffordability of transportation cost had forced them to trek to work.
Adeolu Segun, a civil servant residing in Zuba, Abuja, said the fare from his area to Berger had risen from N1,000 to N1,500.
Mrs. Zainab Ibrahim, a mother of six living in Kubwa, said she paid N1,000 as fare as against the previous N500 for the same route.
Ismaila Danjuma, the Secretary of the Zuba branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), explained that the rise in transport fares was due to the fuel price hike.
A passenger, Murjanatu Shehu, who was travelling to Kano from Abuja, said the fare rose from N8,000 to N11,000.
Haruna Yakubu, a driver on the Abuja-Lokoja route, confirmed fare increase from N4, 500 to N6,000; and Abuja-Okene routes fare rose from N6,500-N10,000.
Lagos bus drivers, Ojo Jamiu and Chukwuka Ogwu, said they now charge more than double as fares.
Kano, Rivers residents trek
In Kano and Port Harcourt, residents resorted to trekking.
Yakubu Isa, who said he used to pay N200 to go to Kano Guest Inn from Kwana Hudu, could not afford the new N400 fare, but had to trek. A teacher in Kano, Maikudi Haliru, also said he trekked to school to avoid the higher tricycle fares.
Our correspondent observed a low turnout of passengers at the Kano Line Motor Park yesterday as fares for the Kano-Kaduna and Kano-Abuja routes had risen to N6,000 and N12,000 respectively.
Some residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, also said the latest increase in transport fares had forced them to trek.
In Ondo State where transport fares have also doubled, residents said it would be better to trek a few distances to their workplaces.
In Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, tricycle fares have been increased by 50 percent; while same rose in Borno and Yobe states by 30 per cent.
Inflation figures may go up – MAN
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that the new price of petrol might push inflation figures high, impacting household budgets. It also said Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs), which often operate on thin margins, could be hard hit by the development.
The MAN, in a statement by its Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir yesterday, enumerated the impacts of the petrol price hike.
“So, in terms of what the impact might be and judging from what we have witnessed in the past, the cost of transportation may increase, and so would the prices of goods and services. As the cost of petrol rises, consumers will spend more on transportation and energy, leaving them with less disposable income.
“This decrease in purchasing power may lead to reduced demand for non-essential goods and services, affecting businesses across various sectors. These are pointers to the high possibility of a rise in inflation figures, impacting household budgets,” the DG said.
We’ll shut down major cities – Students
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans for a “large-scale” shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria over the fuel price hike, starting from September 15, 2024.
In a notification sent to students yesterday, Okunomo Henry Adewumi, President of the NANS’ Senate, demanded immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and the removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL.
The statement said that the protest will be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, another faction of the NAN yesterday debunked the claim that the student union was planning a nationwide shutdown of major cities.
Akinteye Babatunde, the association’s factional Senate President, in a statement, said NANS did not announce nor endorse any such protest, describing the claim as baseless.
Afenifere, PDP demand pump price hike reversal
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, yesterday urged the federal government to direct the NNPCL to reverse the increase in fuel pump price.
Afenifere asked the government to stick to the claim by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, that it did not instruct the increase.
In a statement signed by Jare Ajayi, the spokesman of the Afenifere’s faction loyal to Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the group, said that Nigerians are currently going through a lot of challenges as a result of biting socio-economic crunch and the attendant hardships.
“It is therefore a wrong time to come up with any policy that will increase the undesirable challenges Nigerians are going through presently. Failure by the NNPCL to reverse the latest increment in fuel price will rub off negatively on some policies of Tinubu administration to ease things for the citizens. Policies such as the Students Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Scheme that are just taking off”, it said.
Afenifere said with the latest increase in petrol price, the cost of fuel in Nigeria had risen by 460 per cent in 15 months.
It was curious that an organisation that declared a profit running into trillions of Naira could, almost in the same breath, claim indebtedness to the tune of nearly $7 billion. “Why not pay off the debt from the available fund before declaring it as profit?
“It is a common knowledge that the cost and availability of energy such as petrol, gas, electricity, diesel and kerosine are major factors not only in production and services but also on the quality of well-being that Nigerians can enjoy. Hikes in prices of these energy sources have astronomically increased the costs of services and commodities, reduced the disposal incomes of average Nigerians and heighten their health risk. The combination of all these are making a daily living an onerous task for the majority of the citizens. Considering the fact that millions of the Nigerians had been described as being ‘multi-dimensionally poor’, the recent hike in costs of fuel and electricity are uploading the number of people in that category phenomenally”, it said.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday condemned the hike in fuel price, alleging that it was a “brutal assault” on Nigerians by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP said the increase is a “recipe for crisis,” particularly during a time of severe economic hardship under President Tinubu’s administration.
Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, in a statement, urged President Tinubu to reverse the fuel price increase and reconsider other policies negatively impacting the nation.
He said with proper management, petrol should not cost more than N250 per litre.
He said the continuous rise in fuel prices, without consideration for the people’s welfare, was exacerbating the already dire economic situation, pushing millions of Nigerians further into poverty.
The PDP also alleged that over 150 million Nigerians had fallen below the poverty line, with businesses collapsing due to the high cost of living, a weakened naira and rising unemployment.
Tricycle riders protest fuel price hike in Delta
Tricycle riders in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday protested the petrol price hike, disrupting business activities and vehicular movements.
They blocked the Deco Road Junction, the First-Marine Gate Junction and the popular Hausa Quarters, Igbudu.
TUC asks govt to rescind decision
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Wednesday criticized the federal government for the recent hike in the pump price of petrol, demanding its immediate reversal.
TUC President Festus Osifo, in a statement, said the union expressed deep concern that the sudden increase in fuel and electricity costs would exacerbate poverty levels, worsen the suffering of citizens and potentially lead to social unrest.
Osifo criticized the government for implementing the price increase without consulting key stakeholders, calling it a blatant disregard for the welfare of the Nigerian people, particularly the working class who are most affected by such decisions.
“The news of the PMS price hike has sent a wave of apprehension and depression across the nation, especially as it comes on top of existing hardships faced by citizens,” he said.
He said the TUC was also concerned about the recent 250% increase in electricity tariffs, labelling it as an additional burden on the poorest in society and a sign of the government’s lack of empathy for ordinary Nigerians.
Tinubu didn’t bargain fuel price for minimum wage-Presidency
The Senior Special Assistant to the President of Media (Print), Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Wednesday on his X, said Tinubu never bargained with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) not to increase the price of petrol before arriving at N70,000 as the new minimum wage.
He was reacting to the allegation by the NLC’s president, Joe Ajaero, that Tinubu asked them to accept N70,000 as minimum wage for the petrol price to remain N617/litre.
Abdulaziz said: “I sat through the two meetings President @officialABAT had with labour leaders on minimum wage. At neither of the meetings was an offer made in exchange for a fuel price hike. Ajaero is once again playing his dirty politics with the emotions of Nigerians.”
In his reaction yesterday, Ajaero, through the NLC’s spokesman, Benson Upah, said, “As for Abdulaziz’s side-dig, he should stop insulting the intelligence of Nigerians as they do not need Comrade Joe Ajaero to know they have been taken for a ride and that life has never been this mean, all due to the policies of government.”
[DailyTrust]
Callistus Okafor, factional national chair of Labour Party (LP), says the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee is illegal.
Okafor said this on Wednesday in reaction to the announcement of Usman, a former senator, as chair of a 29-member committee.
The committee was set up following a stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Alex Otti, governor of Abia and the most senior elected government official of the party.
In a statement, Okafor said Otti should provide a letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that acknowledged the meeting he convened in Abia.
“Article 11 of the 2009 Constitution which is the only constitution known to the party according to the consent judgment delivered by Hon. Justice G. O Kolawole on the 20th March, 2018 categorically stated the four (4) organizations of the party; ward, local government area, state and national,” he said.
“Both Dr. Alex Otti and Mr. Peter Obi do not have the constitutional authority to convene any meeting of the party.
“We challenge Dr. Alex Otti to produce the official letter addressed to him from the Independent Electoral Commission on the aforementioned subject matter.
“Therefore, the outcome of the Umuahia gathering remains NULL AND VOID.
“We are committed to reconciling all members and groups, mobilize and conduct all inclusive and expansive congresses in wards, local government areas, states and the national convention that will achieve a unified, focused labour party that will redefine: political leadership in Nigeria.”
Julius Abure and Okafor, factional chairs of the party, had rejected calls for the stakeholders meeting, declaring it illegal.
[TheCable]