promises permanent fix soon

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Friday reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos, which had been closed for maintenance, sparking widespread public outcry and traffic chaos across the city.

Speaking to journalists during a visit to the site, Umahi assured residents that permanent repair work on the bridge will commence within the next three weeks.

He acknowledged the importance of the bridge, which links Victoria Island to other key parts of Lagos, and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure.

The reopening comes after two days of intense gridlock, with commuters and motorists expressing anger over the lack of proper traffic management and alternative routes during the shutdown.

Vanguard earlier reported how frustrated Lagosians were stranded for hours in traffic, with many describing the situation as a “nightmare.” The closure brought adjoining roads to a standstill, severely impacting daily activities in the bustling metropolis.

Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with complaints from residents who decried the absence of traffic control agencies at critical points around Victoria Island.

Motorists criticized both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government for what they described as poor planning and coordination, with users particularly highlighting the lack of presence from LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and traffic wardens to ease the congestion.

Umahi said the ministry has taken note of the public reaction and emphasized that lessons learned from this incident would inform better planning for future infrastructure interventions.

“We understand the hardship this has caused Lagosians, and we are working to ensure that permanent work begins in three weeks to restore and improve this vital bridge,” the minister stated.

The Independence Bridge is a critical component of Lagos’s road network, serving as a major gateway for both private and commercial transportation within the city.

A strong and stable currency is a crucial economic asset for any nation, particularly for countries in Africa striving for long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.

A resilient currency helps in mitigating inflation, stabilising exchange rates, and fostering investor confidence — elements that contribute to sustained economic development.

In recent months, African countries have been navigating economic shifts, emphasizing the need for stable currencies.

A robust currency reduces inflationary pressures, lowers the cost of imports, and makes financial planning more predictable for businesses and investors.

Top 10 Strongest Currencies in Africa (March 2025)

According to the Forbes currency converter, last updated on March 26, 2025, the following African currencies have the highest value against the U.S. dollar:

1. Tunisia – 3.09 – Tunisian Dinar

2. Libya – 4.83 – Libyan Dinar

3. Morocco – 9.57 – Moroccan Dirham

4. Botswana – 13.62 – Botswanan Pula

5. Seychelles – 14.37 – Seychellois Rupee

6. Eritrea – 15.00 – Eritrean Nakfa

7. Ghana – 15.49 – Ghanaian Cedi

8. Lesotho – 18.15 – Lesotho Loti

9. Namibia – 18.15 – Namibian Dollar

10. South Africa – 18.15 – South African Rand

Six banks paid N751.796 billion as income tax to the Federal and State Governments and agencies for the 2024 financial year ended on December 31, 2024.

The figure represents a 189.9 per cent increase from the N395.79 billion tax paid in the 2023 financial year.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent that monitored the banks audited statements on Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) platform reveals that the banks also recorded profits in their earnings.

The banks analysed include Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and Wema Bank Plc.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) paid N248 billion as against N69.65 billion paid in the corresponding period of 2023.

Zenith Bank Plc paid N293.956 billion against N119.1 billion paid as income tax expenses in 2023, while Fidelity Bank Plc paid N93.777 billion for 2024 FY against N24,806 billion paid in 2023.

UBA Plc paid N37.15 billion as against N149.98 billion paid in 2023, Stanbic IBTC Plc paid N78. 485 billion against N32.290 billion paid as tax in 2023.

Wema Bank Plc paid N16.2 million to the government as against N7.675 million paid in 2023.

The banks listed categories of taxes paid to include corporate tax, and withholding tax on dividend income.

Others according to them are education tax and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure- Information Technology (IT) levy, Police Trust Fund, windfall levy/tax and deferred tax among others.

Reacting to the tax increase, Mr Okechukwu Unegbu,a financial expert and a former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) said the tax increase would be beneficial to the government.

Unegbu stressed the need for more companies, especially government-owned, to list on the stock exchange market.

The financial expert who said that only about 140 companies were listed on the country’s stock market, said that no fewer than 3,000 companies were listed in the market in other countries.

He frowned at the delay by the government to list the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in the stock market.

Unegbu appealed to the government to list its owned companies in the stock market to encourage other private companies to list.

”It is so sad that rather than more companies listing at the stock market, they are exiting the market and it is not good for the economy.

”About 140 companies are listed in the stock market, it is rather very abysmal because in other markets, you have more than 2,000 to 3,000 companies being listed.

”Getting more companies to list will guarantee more taxation and then guarantee more income for the government.

”The business operating environment is not conducive for people to come and list, the government needs to do something.

”We have been talking and recommending that NNPCL should be listed on the stock exchange but up till now, that has not been done, the government is sitting over that.

”If government does that and lists their own companies, you will see that a lot of people will benefit and a lot of companies will come to the market to list,” he said.

Ms Pearl Ogbunobi, another financial expert, appealed to the government to channel the tax into the development of infrastructure and local companies in the country.

”We want to see the huge tax reflect on our infrastructures,” she said.

NAN reports that the banks also posted N3.41 trillion as Profit After Tax (PAT) for the year 2024 ended against the N2.1 trillion recorded in 2023 financial year.

The figure represented a 62.38 per cent increase from the amount recorded during the 2023 financial year (FY). (NAN)

Nigerian comedian and content creator, Ijoba Lande, has alleged that he was paid only N90,000 after spending an entire month working on a set with renowned actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele.

In a video shared online, the skit maker recounted his experience, revealing that he had joined Akindele’s production team at Amen Estate with excitement but did not negotiate a fee beforehand.

He had hoped that the opportunity would provide him with greater exposure and lead to more collaborations in the future.

According to him, upon his arrival on set, a team member identified as Wendy handed him a document outlining his payment terms.

“I will not lie; I was excited that I wanted to go and work with Aunty Funke, so I didn’t bother to charge her, so it won’t look like she won’t work with me again,” he explained.

He said he was surprised when he discovered the document stated his monthly salary would be N90,000.

Despite his reservations, he signed it, believing the issue might be reconsidered later.

However, at the end of the month, he received only the agreed-upon amount, with no adjustments.

“Aunty Funke Akindele, when I went to work for her for a whole month at Amen Estate. For a whole month, Funke Akindele did not give me 150,000. I swear by the name of Almighty God,” he stated.

He advised aspiring entertainers not to idolise established figures at the expense of their own worth.

“The reason why I am saying this is for all you upcoming. Anybody that wants to use you, don’t see them as God,” he cautioned.

Reflecting on his decision, he noted that a lack of formal education contributed to his situation.

“When I got there, someone who introduced self as Wendy brought a document, and I was asked to sign. After reading, I saw that every month, I would be collecting 90,000, and I was already there. It is good to be educated. Had it been I am properly educated, I wouldn’t have signed it. At first, I thought it was nothing until the month ended and they paid me 90,000 for a whole month.”

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order preventing parties involved in the lawsuit filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and three others from granting press interviews concerning the case.

Justice Binta Nyako made the ruling on Friday after Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), complained that the plaintiff had been granting interviews on the matter, visiting multiple television stations despite the case being pending in court.

In her ruling, Justice Nyako stated that there would be no press interviews by any of the parties or their lawyers regarding the case. Additionally, she prohibited the parties and their lawyers from streaming court proceedings on social media.

Recall that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, had recently reassigned the case filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio and others to Justice Binta Nyako.

Naija News reports that the case, which was previously before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, proceeded under Justice Nyako, with the hearing held on today (Friday).

The suit, filed by the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, challenges the Senate’s investigation of her alleged misconduct. It seeks to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from continuing its disciplinary proceedings over her alleged actions during a plenary session on February 20, 2025.

The case was earlier heard by Justice Egwuatu, but he recused himself from the matter on March 25, 2025, after allegations of bias were raised by the Senate President (the 3rd defendant). Justice Egwuatu, in his withdrawal statement, noted that a litigant’s belief in a judge’s bias could hinder the pursuit of justice, and thus, he decided to step down from hearing the case.

Following the withdrawal of Justice Egwuatu, Justice Nyako is handling the suit.

A tragic incident occurred in Ikobi, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday night when gunmen hijacked a fully loaded Benue Links bus, killing the driver and abducting all passengers on board.

Eyewitnesses revealed to Daily Post that the attackers ambushed the vehicle along the highway, fatally shooting the driver before leading the passengers into the bush. However, a toddler was reportedly left behind by the kidnappers.

Although security agencies have been alerted, authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Efforts are reportedly underway to track the victims’ whereabouts.

Reacting to the attack, the president of the Ochetoha K’Idoma youth wing, Mike Magaji, expressed frustration over what he described as government inaction in addressing insecurity in the state.

“It is heartbreaking that our people continue to live in fear while the government remains silent. How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken?” Magaji stated.

He also criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia’s recent visit to Otukpo, saying it lacked any substantial measures to tackle the crisis.

“The governor’s visit to Otukpo was a disappointment. Our people expected leadership, not vague reassurances. We need a clear plan to end these attacks.

“The government must rise up to its responsibilities. We cannot continue to mourn our people daily while those in power look the other way,” he added.

When contacted, the Benue Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, stated that she was yet to confirm the incident at the time of filing this report.

A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has issued an order restraining associates of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from holding a mega rally in the state pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The high court presided over by Justice I.A. Uzakah on Thursday granted the motion ex-parte in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025 stopping the proposed rally which was scheduled to hold in Yenagoa on April 12, 2025.

The suit which was filed by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo SAN, listed as the first and second defendants/respondents the NEW Associates, organisers of the rally, Mr. George Turnah, and the FCT Minister, Wike.

The other defendants are the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Police Command.

The enrolled court order states that: “An order of the interim injunction is hereby made or granted restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, associates, privies, representatives (or any person whatsoever acting at their behest), from conducting, convening, coordinating, engaging in, organizing, participating in, holding, hosting, or facilitating any political assembly, rally meeting, or gathering within Bayelsa State, for
the purpose of solidarity, hosting, and celebrating the 2nd Defendant in Bayelsa State, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”

The matter has been adjourned to April 11, 2025, for hearing.

Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on Thursday said that his ancestors brought Governor Monday Okpebholo to restore the lost glory of Edo State.

Oba Ewuare made the remarks during a solidarity visit by Governor Monday Okpebholo to his palace in Benin after his victory at the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal that upheld his election as governor of the state.

He described the governor as a true traditional son of the land and called on his ancestors to bless him and members of his household for not allowing the machinations of evildoers to destroy the state.

In a rare move, the Oba lifted Okpebholo up from his kneeling position, predicting that Okpebholo’s administration would attract more development to the state.

Oba Ewuare, who spoke in Edo language, said, “It shall be well with you, your wife, and children. Your journey to Edo, our ancestors approved it.

“Our ancestors brought you to restore the lost glory of Edo State, which evil doers wanted to ruin. We have been praying, and we will continue to pray for you, not to allow evil forces to destroy Edo.”

Responding, Okpebholo thanked Oba Ewuare for his affection and intercession for him and the Edo State.

He described his election victory at the tribunal as historic and the “sweetest judgement ever” in history, noting that the three-member panel were unanimous in the judgement.

“This it the first time we have seen a judgment where all the judges agreed that Monday Okpebholo won the election,” the governor added.

The Anambra Government said it recorded 102,643 deliveries and 343 Cesarean Sections in 18 months since the introduction of its free antenatal care and delivery policy.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, made this known in Awka on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that on Sept. 5, 2023, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo launched free antenatal care and delivery for expectant mothers for the remaining period of his administration.

The commissioner said that the state government was making significant investments in the healthcare sector to improve access for residents.

”Anambra is now one of the states with the lowest maternal mortality. Pregnant women from other states even come to register in Anambra.

“Over 1000 health workers were recruited, new hospitals were constructed, and existing ones were upgraded and equipped to ensure unhindered access to quality and affordable healthcare in the state.

”Each of the health officials, particularly consultants, doctors, and nurses receive half a million, almost a quarter of a million and over N100,000 respectively, as a monthly salary,” he said.

The commissioner said the government also made investments in the education sector by recruiting 8,115 teachers, upgrading public schools, and empowering youth through the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ acquisition programme.

“Gov. Soludo’s administration has hired more than 9,000 workers, who will be part of the state’s budget until they retire and start receiving pensions.

“So, no government, since the state’s creation, has invested in human capital development as sustainably as this administration,” Obidike said.

NAN reports that in September 2023, Soludo launched free antenatal care and delivery for expectant mothers for the remaining period of his administration.

Soludo described the gesture as part of his government’s palliative measures to cushion the effect of hardship on the Anambra people.

The governor said that his administration was committed to ensuring unhindered access to healthcare, especially at the grassroots level.

NAN

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted claims of a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, dismissing speculation that Tinubu is considering a new running mate for the 2027 elections.

Despite Tinubu not formally declaring his bid for a second term, his loyalists and key party stakeholders have begun mobilising support for his re-election.

Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, APC National Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the reports as baseless.

“This is pure speculation without foundation. These are beer-parlour discussions that should not be taken seriously.”

“Even if, for any reason, the president were to consider replacing the vice president, he cannot do so singlehandedly. Such a decision would require extensive consultation with critical stakeholders,” he said.

N/Central pushes for presidency or VP slot

Meanwhile, political stakeholders from the North Central geopolitical zone have renewed their call for either the presidency or vice presidency in 2027.

At a press conference in Abuja, representatives from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states, led by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, urged major political parties to zone their presidential or vice-presidential tickets to the region.

In a communiqué issued after their meeting, the stakeholders argued that if APC grants Tinubu the “right of first refusal” for the presidential ticket, the vice-presidential slot should be allocated to North Central.

Prof. Nghargbu, flanked by other regional leaders, noted that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, North Central has yet to produce a democratically elected president or vice president.

“Of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, only North Central and South East have not occupied the positions of president or vice president in the past 26 years of the Fourth Republic.

“The situation for North Central is even worse than that of the South East, which at least had Dr Alex Ekwueme as vice president from 1979 to 1983,” he said.

He stressed that the region must now demand equal support from other northern zones.

“This is about fairness. We want to be recognised not as mere political adjuncts but as full stakeholders in the ‘One North’ project,” he said.

APC: N/Central’s demand is unrealistic

Reacting to the demand, APC’s Bala Ibrahim dismissed it as unrealistic and “dead on arrival”.

“The North Central should not see the presidency or vice presidency as a right, especially given its relatively lower electoral contribution compared to zones like the North West.

“They have made similar demands in the past, but these are often irrational and only serve to create unnecessary political tension,” Ibrahim told Daily Trust.