General news

• Governor Sani approves ₦72,000 minimum wage for civil servants

  31-10-2024 15:11 via pulse.ng
  
  The move is aimed at improving the living conditions of the low-income, vulnerable and underserved communities.Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has approved a new minimum wage of ₦72,000 for civil servants in the state, with effect from November.Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday.Musa said that the approval of the new minimum wage was part of the Sani-led administration’s commitment to workers&rsquo
  
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• Umahi reveals why 'Tinubu is a gift to Nigeria'

  31-10-2024 18:25 via pulse.ng
  
  A representative of the Riverine communities, Banji Okunomo, appreciated President Tinubu for deeming it important to ensure the road passes through their domain.The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has said the current administration met over 2,000 incomplete road projects running into trillions of naira.The minister said his ministry was not afraid of taking big decisions and had wielded the big stick by terminating 10 contracts of erring companies.Umahi said this on Thursday in Akure du
  
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• Governor Diri unveils ₦689.4 billon 'Budget of Assured Prosperity' for 2025

  31-10-2024 17:07 via pulse.ng
  
  The governor said the overall outcome of the 2025 budget would significantly depend on the level of fiscal and recurrent policy coordination. Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa on Thursday presented a total budget of ₦689.4 billion christened, Budget of Assured Prosperity, for the 2025 fiscal year.Diri, who made the presentation at the plenary of the assembly, said that implementation of the 2025 budget would require some level of efficiency and synergy in government activities across ministries,
  
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• Google Awards ₦2.8bn grant to strengthen Nigeria’s AI workforce

  31-10-2024 16:35 via pulse.ng
  
  The program will offer the opportunity to train, empower and also place these young people in meaningful jobs.The Minister of Communications Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani says that the grant of ₦2.8 billion from Google is timely for the renewed hope agenda.Tijani spoke at the press briefing where Google announced the grant to support the Federal Government’s science lab drive on Thursday in Abuja. He said the program would offer the opportunity to train, empower an
  
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• Presidency defends 'Tax Reform Bill' amid Northern governors' opposition

  31-10-2024 16:11 via pulse.ng
  
  The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill also proposes renaming the Federal Inland Revenue Service as the Nigeria Revenue Service to reflect its broader mandate. The Nigerian Presidency has responded to the recent rejection of the proposed tax reform bills by the governors of 19 Northern States, asserting that the reforms are intended to benefit all states rather than unfairly target the North. Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, explained t
  
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• Wike declares new rules for FCT commercial vehicles starting 2025

  31-10-2024 15:37 via pulse.ng
  
  The minister added that unapproved and unregistered vehicles will be barred from operating in Abuja, and all drivers must have their details, including vehicle number and name, logged in security databases.Minister Nyesom Wike has announced that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will implement new security rules for commercial vehicles starting January 2025. The new regulations will require the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS) to profile all commercial buses and taxi
  
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• NDLEA cautions motorists on drug misuse to reduce traffic crashes

  31-10-2024 15:08 via pulse.ng
  
  The advice has become imperative due to the spate of avoidable road traffic crashes, characterising every year-end.The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun command, has cautioned motorists against drug abuse, to prevent road traffic crashes.The state Commander of the NDLEA, Tijani Rabe, advised on Thursday in Abeokuta during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).Rabe said that the advice had become imperative due to the spate of avoidable road traffic crashes, characte
  
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• Reps move to expand membership from 360 to 366

  31-10-2024 15:00 via pulse.ng
  
  Under the proposal, these six seats would be distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with one seat for women and one for PWDs in each zone. The Nigerian House of Representatives has proposed a bill to amend Section 49 of the 1999 Constitution, introducing six new seats exclusively for women and persons living with disabilities (PWDs). The bill, known as the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Six Special Seats for Special Interest G
  
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• Sanwo-Olu, Eno launch 'Ibom Towers' to boost Lagos-Akwa Ibom economic ties

  31-10-2024 14:39 via pulse.ng
  
  Located strategically in the heart of Lagos, Ibom Towers will provide upscale living options and generate revenue through property leases and tourism, boosting the GDPs of both states. In partnership with Lagos, the Akwa Ibom State Government has launched the construction of the 18-storey Ibom Towers, which will stand in Victoria Island and is set for completion within 24 months.The launch, conducted by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, drew prominent dignitaries, including former Akwa Ib
  
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• Court dismisses suit against Tinubu over Ebie's NDDC Chair appointment

  31-10-2024 14:14 via pulse.ng
  
  The court held that since the suit was not properly initiated, it lacked the requisite jurisdiction to grant any of the reliefs that were sought by the plaintiffs. A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a suit filed against President Bola Tinubu and others over the appointment of Chinedu Ebie, as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that others joined in the suit were the Senate President, the Attorney-General of the Fede
  
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• Nigerians urge FG to adjust economic policies to reflect current realities

  31-10-2024 13:59 via pulse.ng
  
  The government was also advised to enhance transparency in the oil sector, allocate funds to targeted poverty programs, and adhere to realistic budgets to prevent unplanned spending.Many Nigerians have appealed to the Federal Government to review its economic policies, saying they are causing severe hardship for citizens.Their appeal is against the backdrop of the World Bank’s recommendations for the Federal Government to sustain its economic policies for the next 10 to 15 years to achieve
  
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• Ekiti lawmakers plan Canadian retreat despite nationwide hardship

  31-10-2024 13:58 via pulse.ng
  
  The lawmakers expressed their intention to use the trip as a platform to encourage members of the Ekiti diaspora to invest in their home state.In the face of mounting economic challenges nationwide, lawmakers from Ekiti State are planning an international retreat to Brampton, Ontario, Canada, scheduled for November 2024.The purpose of this trip, detailed in a letter signed by Titilope Agbede, Clerk of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, is to bolster legislators' skills in navigating policy compl
  
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• Ibadan building collapse leaves 10 dead as rescue effort begins

  31-10-2024 12:53 via pulse.ng
  
  The seven injured survivors were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, though details on their conditions remain unconfirmed.A devastating building collapse in Ibadan, Oyo State, has claimed the lives of 10 people, while seven others were left injured in the early hours of Thursday, October 31. The Oyo State Fire Services Agency confirmed the tragic incident, reporting that the collapse occurred around 2 a.m. at Jegede Oluloyo in the Ona Ara Local Government Area.The agency&
  
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• Abuja fuel prices rise to ₦1,100 - ₦1,200 as motorists protest amid scarcity

  31-10-2024 12:48 via pulse.ng
  
  This marks the third increase in one month, yet the product remains scarce.Many motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are questioning the recent ₦30 increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol.The motorists told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that the increment was the third time within one month, lamenting that the product was scarce in spite of the increase. They described the situation as frustrating, adding that it wa
  
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• Here's how to access the free EKEDC 2.0 meter upgrade

  31-10-2024 12:24 via pulse.ng
  
  The transition aims to provide customers with a more advanced and efficient metering system.Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has launched the Standard Transfer Specification (STS) 2.0 meter upgrade for its metered customers.Babatunde Lasaki, General Manager, Corporate Communications, and Strategy of the company, disclosed the upgrade in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.Lasaki said that the upgrading is necessary due to the impending expiration of the current vending platform. He said
  
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• Senator Ned Nwoko backs arms carrying by citizens to fight insecurity

  31-10-2024 12:16 via pulse.ng
  
  While Senator Nwoko’s proposal is seen as controversial, it underscores the growing concern over Nigeria’s security challenges and raises questions about the best methods to protect citizens amid rising crime rates.Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has again advocated for Nigerian citizens to bear arms, citing it as a potential solution to curbing the country’s escalating insecurity. Appearing on Channels Television, Nwoko defended a proposed bill
  
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• TCN restores power in Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi & Gombe after prolonged blackout

  31-10-2024 11:50 via pulse.ng
  
  The company said that power supply was restored to Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe States.The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that bulk power supply has been restored to parts of Northern Nigeria after weeks of blackout.The company said it successfully restored bulk power supply through its 330 Kilo Volt (kV) Ugwuaji-Apir transmission line I as at 4:56 pm on Wednesday. The TCN made this known in a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manage
  
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• Kano residents rejoice as power restored after days of blackout

  31-10-2024 11:04 via pulse.ng
  
  Many of the residents who spoke on the restoration of the power supply expressed appreciation for what they described as a big relief given the hot weather.There was wild jubilation as electricity was restored to the ancient Kano city and its environs, North’s commercial hub, after days of blackout due to a grid collapse.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria had obnoxiously witnessed many national grid collapses in 2024.They included those on February 4, March 28, April 15
  
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• NCAA debunk claims on crashed helicopter’s airworthiness

  31-10-2024 10:46 via pulse.ng
  
  The government regulatory agency confirmed that the helicopter, owned by EASTWIND Aviation Logistics Services Limited, was fully certified.The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has refuted allegations surrounding the airworthiness of a helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt last Friday, October 25.The NCAA called recent reports by an online outlet, Sahara Reporters, “misleading,” clarifying that the helicopter had a valid airworthiness certificate and had not been scrapped.I
  
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• Atiku on Rivers verdict: Nigerians losing faith in judiciary

  31-10-2024 08:31 via pulse.ng
  
  He further questioned the ruling's timing, pointing out that the Rivers State government had already filed a notice of appeal to bring the case before the Supreme Court.Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned a recent court ruling suspending financial allocations to Rivers State, warning that it could erode public trust in Nigeria's judiciary. The Abuja Federal High Court's order restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing funds to Rivers has sparked fierce reactions,
  
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• Rivers Ruling: Fubara blames Tinubu's peace accord, gives reason

  31-10-2024 08:04 via pulse.ng
  
  Justice Abdulmalik's ruling pointed to a breach of the 1999 Constitution due to Fubara's continued allocation disbursements since January, despite political unrest in the state. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reacted indifferently to a Federal High Court decision that halted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing monthly financial allocations to the state. The ruling, issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in Abuja, cited alleged constitutional breaches regarding the presentat
  
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• Senator Ndume vows to campaign against Tinubu’s proposed tax bill

  31-10-2024 07:03 via pulse.ng
  
  Ndume asked the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to stop misleading the president.Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, has aligned with his fellow Northern leaders to oppose President Bola Tinubu’s alleged plan to increase taxes through the proposed tax bill.Ndume argued that the Federal Government ought to get things right before any upward review of taxes.The senator in a statement on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, said the government needs to ensure Nigerians live and not just
  
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• Rivers governor told to refund illegally spent funds after court ruling

  31-10-2024 06:38 via pulse.ng
  
  Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a judgment, held that the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January 2024 by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers is a constitutional somersault and aberration that must not be allowed to continue.The National Democratic and Change Coalition (NDCC) has called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to refund state funds allegedly spent without approval, following a Federal High Court ruling. The court recently ordered a freeze on further disbursemen
  
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• North erupts in jubilation as power is restored in some parts

  30-10-2024 23:10 via pulse.ng
  
  Several states in the North have been thrown into darkness for 10 days following the tripping of the 330kV transmission line between Benue and Enugu states.Jubilation has erupted in some states in the north after the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) restored electricity to consumers under its service.The JEDC serves Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Benue States.It was gathered that power was restored at approximately 7:20 pm on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, causing a rapturous reaction from
  
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• Nigeria must adopt local culture to strengthen democracy, Obasanjo insists

  30-10-2024 22:15 via pulse.ng
  
  The former president noted that Western liberal democracy was not working for the country.Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that adopting local culture in Nigeria’s democracy will go a long way in strengthening the country’s democracy.Obasanjo spoke on Wednesday in Abeokuta during the valedictory service organised in honour of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. Chinedum Babalola.He stressed the need for rethinking democracy, saying that
  
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• Nigerian women now give birth to fewer babies as fertility rate drops to 4.8

  30-10-2024 22:12 via pulse.ng
  
  Health experts are urging the government and NGOs to intensify efforts to provide accessible reproductive health services, particularly in rural areas and high-fertility states.Nigeria’s fertility rate has declined in recent years, with the 2023–24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) showing women now bear an average of 4.8 children, down from 6.3 in 2008.The NDHS report, released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, reflects progress in family planning
  
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• Shettima supports carnival to boost economic growth

  30-10-2024 21:59 via pulse.ng
  
  Shettima also underscored the immense potential of the five billion dollar global carnival market to assist in Nigeria’s economic growth agenda.The Federal Government is positioning the country’s carnival industry to tap from the global carnival market, estimated at five billion dollars.Vice-President Kashim Shettima said this on Wednesday during a meeting with a delegation from the Abuja International Carnival at the Presidential Villa.Shettima noted that beyond promoting the nation
  
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• How Emefiele paid money into niece’s account - Ex-CBN Secretary

  30-10-2024 21:52 via pulse.ng
  
  The witness said that all emails he sent to the bank account officer and instructions given were as directed by Emefiele.A former Secretary at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), John Ogah, on Wednesday told an Ikeja Special Offences Court how the immediate past CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, allegedly directed payment of money into his niece’s bank account.Emefiele is standing trial for abuse of office and $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud while in office.He is being prosecuted by the Ec
  
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• Tinubu appoints Maj-Gen Oluyede as acting COAS pending Lagbaja's return

  30-10-2024 21:40 via pulse.ng
  
  Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia.President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday appointed Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement.Until his appoi
  
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• Senate confirms Bianca Ojukwu, Oduwole, others as ministers

  30-10-2024 19:37 via pulse.ng
  
  In her presentation, the nominee from Anambra, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, lamented the state of the country’s embassies abroad.The Senate has confirmed the appointment of seven ministerial nominees forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu.The nominees were confirmed after hours of screening during the Senate plenary on Wednesday.However, some of them who had served the country in different capacities in the past, and were confirmed by the Senate, were simply asked to introduce themselves and
  
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