The naira recovered marginally against the United States dollar at the official window on Thursday.
Data from the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) revealed that the domestic currency gained N7 to trade at N1, 554/$1, down from N1,561/$1 it traded on Wednesday.
The intra-day high and low recorded during the day were N1, 590/$1 and N1, 465/$1 respectively, representing a lean spread of N125$1.
The naira lost N15 against the dollar at the parallel section of the market to trade N1, 565$1, as against N1, 500/$1 recorded the previous day.
READ ALSO: Naira slumps to N1,523/$1 at official window
The naira shed N30 against the British Pound to trade at N2, 050£1 as against the previous N2, 020£1.
The Canadian dollar continues to close flat against the naira to trade at N1,200 | CA$1.
The naira shed N15 against the Euro to trade at ₦1,680/€1 as against the previous day’s ₦1,665/€1.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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Naira recovers marginally to trade N1, 554/$1 at official window
LG autonomy: Supreme Court has restored hope in democracy
The Nigeria Labour Congress has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming fiscal autonomy for local government councils across the country.
In a statement on Thursday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the apex court’s ruling is a restoration of hope in the country’s democracy and judiciary.
Ajaero asserted that the apex court’s verdict is “both courageous and salubrious” and recalled the “tortuous” journey to the local governments’ freedom.
He said, “It’s an epochal pronouncement on Thursday, July 11, 2024, directing that financial allocations be made directly to Local Governments as well as divesting state governments of the power to remove local government executives is both courageous and salubrious.
“The Supreme Court, through this landmark judgment, has not only restored our democracy but possibly hope in democracy.
“For years we had watched with dismay and discontent the remorseless and mindless erosion of the powers of the local governments and had embarked on a series of national protests as workers.”
Ajaero also commended the 9th National Assembly, the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, and President Bola Tinubu for their efforts leading to the ruling.
He added, “We also note the effort made by the Buhari Administration to prise off the strangle-hold of governors on local governments. We must also mention the commendable role on this matter by the 9th Assembly.
“This statement will not be complete without paying tribute to the Tinubu government for its presence of mind to institute this action at the Supreme Court. We specifically commend the President and the Attorney General of the Federation.”
Ajaero, however, wants the Supreme Court ruling implemented and questions the conduct of local government elections by state electoral commissions.
“Should SIECS be allowed to conduct ‘elections’ or should NEC take over (even as they are over-burdened and are not exactly the best example)? Should there be a regulatory agency or commission with oversight over SIECs? We will find the devil in the details through a stakeholder conversation,” he said.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.
The seven-man panel, in the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.
The apex court held that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.
The court further declared that a state government has no power to appoint a caretaker committee and a local government council is only recognisable with a democratically elected government.
D’Tigress in great spirits, will do well in Paris —Coach Wakama
Ahead of the Olympic Games, Rena Wakama, the head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, has expressed confidence in her team.
In a chat with the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), Wakama talked about the rigorous training the team have undergone since arriving in their Germany camp.
In preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled for July 26 to August 10, D’Tigress have been camping in Saarbrucken, Germany.
Coach Wakama assured that her players would not become complacent, emphasizing that they are ready to compete fiercely against their opponents.
Read Also: D’Tigress to play three warm-up games ahead of Paris Olympics
“Things have been going well in the camp in the last few days, as we have had great practice sessions and the girls are in great spirits,” Wakama said.
“The girls are responding well to training and getting better, everyday. And that’s what matters.
“I am confident that the girls will be able to display their talents when we get to Paris. I’m excited and looking forward to the games.”
Meanwhile, the team are set to face Germany in Berlin on July 19, take on Serbia in Belgrade on July 21, and later, Japan in Lille, France on July 24.
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Sokoto gov signs law stripping Sultan power to appoint district, village heads
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has assented to six new laws, including the amended Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law, which generated controversy across the country.
The new law stripped the Sultan of the power to appoint district and village heads in the state.
Speaking during the ceremony held on Thursday, Aliyu noted that the new laws were not meant to witch hunt any individual or group but to strengthen good governance in the state
The governnkr said, “We note with concern the unnecessary tension created by our proposal to amend some of these laws.
“Some of the reactions were politically motivated while others were done ignorantly without care to inquire from the right quarters on the details and intention of the amendment.
“It is a known fact that in every society, laws are enacted and amended to suit the needs of time and interest of the governed in line with circumstances at hand. Previous administrations had amended one law or the other in the state with a view to giving the state laws the needed touch that would fast track peace and development.
“Let me make it clear that the just amended laws are not meant to winch-hunt any individual or group but rather to promote good governance and to remove the ambiguity and inconsistency with the nation’s constitution.”
The governor further advised Muslim clerics against allowing “lazy politicians” to use them in scoring their political goals.
He, however, assured all that his administration would continue to listen to the yearnings and aspirations of its citizens.
“Whenever we come across any law that does not suit the interests of our people, we will not hesitate to replace it,” he added
The other laws include Sokoto State Tenancy Law, Zakkat, and Waqf Law, among others.
NIPR sets up committee to study Samoa Agreement
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has inaugurated a technical team to examine and analyse the Samoa agreement and its impact on the nation following its recent signing by the Federal Government.
President and Chairman of Council of the NIPR, Ike Neliaku, disclosed this at the agency’s Special Diamond Anniversary Induction for Media and Allied Practitioners, in Abuja on Thursday.
540 journalists and allied media practitioners from the Nigerian Television Authority, African Independent Television, News Agency of Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria, Channels TV, and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, among others, were inducted as new associate members of the NIPR.
The initiative evaluates the agreement’s impact on the nation’s reputation and citizens.
“The institute decided to set up a technical team of experts to study the Samoa agreement and come up with the reputation and perception implication of signing that agreement to Nigeria as a nation and to the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Neliaku said.
He highlighted the importance of the nation’s reputation.
“What is important to us is the reputation of our country. The perception of our country, because our reputation is our core asset. And this is what we have done.
“The NIPR has assembled a team of experts, including lawyers, scientists, and professional engineers, to undertake this task.
“NIPR has the biggest body of knowledge to do this. We have lawyers, scientists, professional engineers, and so on. So we have all that is required to get the nation at every point in time what will help them,” Neliaku emphasised.
He noted that the committee is set to begin work immediately, with plans to advise the government on the findings.
“Therefore, this committee will start work tomorrow and at the end of the day, we will advise the government on the reputational implications of what has happened. So that where we need to re-navigate, we will re-navigate,” he explained.
The analysis will focus on three core values: professional, reputational, and financial.
“There are three values we pry on, as the case may be. The first is professional value. What professional value does the Samoa Agreement offer Nigeria? The second is reputational value. And third is the financial value,” he added.
Neliaku further stressed the importance of prioritizmsing reputation over financial gain, saying “You see that financial value is number three and not number one because when your reputation is intact, when your professionalism is valid, resources will flow naturally.”
The NIPR has also planned a series of chats with former Ministers of Information.
“I want to tell the Chairman of FCT, who is the Director of Public Relations, that we have accepted your challenge that the institute will convene fireside chats with all former ministers of information.
“We want you to come and sit down and share with practitioners because listening to you this afternoon, you have shared your different perspectives,” he announced.
Ajaka rejects Appeal Court’s verdict on Kogi gov poll
The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka, has alleged that the Appeal Court judgment in the governorship poll dispute between himself and the state governor, Usman Ododo, was influenced by some irregularities and manipulations.
Ajaka and his party, SDP, had approached the Appeal Court to set aside the judgment of the state election petition tribunal which upheld the election victory of Ododo of the All Progressives Congress.
While delivering judgment in the appeal on Thursday, the appeal court upheld the tribunal judgment which dismissed his petition for lacking in merit.
Ajaka, in a statement made available to newsmen after the judgment on Thursday, said he will appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal.
He also said the journey to reclaiming his mandate is not limited to the decision of the appellate court.
He said, “We must remain relentless in our pursuit of justice. We cannot afford to be deterred by setbacks or disheartened by temporary defeats. Our cause is justice and our determination will not waver. We must stand united and continue to support our legal team as they navigate these complex legal waters on our behalf.
“I want to assure you, our political followers, that victory is within our grasp. We firmly believe that the truth will prevail, and justice will be served. We have full faith in the Nigerian judicial system, and we are confident that the apex court will rectify the injustices that have been inflicted upon us once again.”
He called on all his supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the face of disappointment and injustice.
“We understand the frustration and anger that may arise from this situation, but resorting to violence or any form of unlawful behaviour is not the solution. We must continue to uphold the principles of democracy and fight for justice through legal means,” Ajaka said.
While commending his legal team for working diligently and tirelessly throughout the legal battle, he said their brilliance, dedication and unwavering commitment to justice have been evident at every step of the way not minding the disappointing outcome so far.
“We have tirelessly fought for the rights and interests of the people of Kogi State and we will not let this temporary setback deter us from our mission.
“We understand that this decision may have brought about feelings of disappointment and frustration among our supporters, but we want to assure you that this setback will not stop our determination to use all legal means to reclaim our stolen mandate,” he said
WHO prequalifies first self-test kit for hepatitis C virus
The World Health Organisation has prequalified the first hepatitis C virus self-test which can provide critical support in expanding access to testing and diagnosis, accelerating global efforts to eliminate hepatitis C.
The product, called OraQuick HCV self-test, manufactured by OraSure Technologies, is an extension of the pre-qualified, OraQuick® HCV Rapid Antibody Test, which was initially prequalified by WHO in 2017 for professional use.
The UN agency, who disclosed this in a press statement on Wednesday, noted that the self-test version, specifically designed for use by lay users, provides individuals with a single kit containing the components that are needed to perform the self-test.
WHO recommended HCV self-testing in 2021, to complement existing HCV testing services in countries. The recommendation was based on evidence demonstrating its ability to increase access to and uptake of services, particularly among people who may not otherwise test.
It said the national-level HCVST implementation projects, largely supported by Unitaid, have shown high levels of acceptability and feasibility, as well as empowering people through personal choice, autonomy and access to stigma-free self-care services.
“Every day, 3,500 lives are lost to viral hepatitis. Of the 50 million people living with hepatitis C, only 36 per cent had been diagnosed, and 20 per cent have received curative treatment by the end of 2022,” says the WHO Director for the Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, Dr Meg Doherty.
Doherty added, “The addition of this product to the WHO prequalification list provides a safe and effective way to expand HCV testing and treatment services, ensuring more people receive the diagnoses and treatment they need, and ultimately contributing to the global goal of HCV elimination.”
WHO’s prequalification programme for in vitro diagnostics evaluates a range of tests, including those used for the detection of antibodies to HCV. The programme assesses IVDs against quality, safety and performance standards. It is a cornerstone in supporting countries in achieving high-quality diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
“The availability of a WHO prequalified HCV self-test enables low- and middle-income countries to have access to safe and affordable self-testing options, which is essential to achieving the goal of 90% of all people with HCV to be diagnosed,” says the WHO Director for the Department of Regulation and Prequalification, Dr Rogério Gaspar.
“This achievement contributes to improving access to quality-assured health products for more people living in low-income countries,” Gasper added.
The global health body pledged to WHO to continue to assess additional HCV self-tests, support evidence-based implementation, and work with communities to expand available options to all countries.
Ebonyi Assembly passes Electricity Bill into law
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed into law a bill to establish state electricity and other matters connected thereto.
The passage of the bill into law took place at a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Moses Ije-Odunwa.
The law, which is deemed to have come into force on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, was cited as the Ebonyi State Electricity Law 2024.
Speaking on the bill, the Leader of the House, Kingsley Ikoro, urged the members to support the passage of the bill, which he said provides a legal framework to guide the operations of electricity generation in Ebonyi State.
The member representing Ebonyi North West, Aloysius Nwodo, emphasised that the passage of the bill will provide for a holistic integrated resources plan and policy and a competitive electricity market in Ebonyi State.
The bill, which was exhaustively deliberated in the Committee of the Whole was read page by page where errors of syntax and morphology were corrected.
Also, the House equally passed into law a bill to establish the Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited Board.
Consequently, the Ebonyi State Fertiliser and Chemical Company Limited Board Law 2024 was deemed to have come into force on Tuesday, July 9.
After the debate on the bill, the Speaker, Ije-Odunwa, put the passage to vote and it was unanimously adopted.
Ebonyi Assembly passes Electricity Bill into law
I’m concerned about Nigerian workers, committed to realistic minimum wage, says Tinub
President Bola Tinubu has said he is concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and that his government is committed to a fair and realistic minimum wage.
According to a statement by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President stated this on Thursday during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress led by Joe Ajaero and that of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria led by Festus Osifo, at the State House in Abuja.
The President stated that Nigerian workers deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions as the driving force of the nation.
President Tinubu said he is concerned about the plight of Nigerian workers and that his administration is prioritizing their concerns.
“I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker. And society depends on the productivity of the happy worker,” the President said.
However, the President called for realistic expectations as regards the minimum wage question, stating: “You have to cut your coat according to available cloth. Before we can finalize the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure.”
“Why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not two? Why not three years? What is a problem today, can be eased up tomorrow. There is much dynamism to this process if we are not myopic in our approaches. We can take a surgical approach that is based on pragmatism and a deep understanding of all factors.”
In his remarks, the NLC President emphasized the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage due to the current economic situation of the country.
He said, “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.”
Ajaero congratulated the President on the judgement of the Supreme Court affirming the constitutional rights of local governments as regards financial autonomy and other salient principles.
“I have to congratulate you on the issue of local government autonomy. We have been in the streets protesting for local government autonomy. Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel, it will amount to ungratefulness if we fail to commend you,” he said.
In his remarks, the TUC President said inflation has adversely affected the value of the naira and that the measures initiated by the government to address the rising cost of food and transportation need to kick in to give citizens relief.
He said the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses will help in checking the high cost of transportation, while the recent directive on the suspension of duty on certain food imports will bring down the prices of food items, if properly implemented.
“We commend you on the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court. History will not forget what has happened today. With this judgement, we believe Nigeria will make progress,” the Osifo said.
The statement added that further talks were adjourned until next week to allow for wider consultation with all stakeholders.
140,000 children under 14 living with HIV
The Federal Government on Thursday, inaugurated a Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan Committee to reduce mother-to-child transmission, eliminate HIV/AIDs and scale up the implementation of early testing and treatments for exposed infants.
This was as the FG said 140,000 children under 14 are living with HIV as of 2023, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded among children.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa said the government will be providing high-quality treatment and care for children, and adolescents living with HIV.
Alausa, the Chairman of the committee, noted that the committee is also tasked with ensuring the sustained commitment of all parties involved, including timely implementation of planned activities, addressing implementation bottlenecks, and monitoring performance against set targets.
He said, “A popular maxim states that doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results is futile. That is why the Ministry of Health is focused on a health sector renewal initiative. This initiative is centred on four main pillars: effective governance, an efficient, equitable, and quality health system, unlocking value chains, and health security.
“Achieving these goals is impossible if our children remain vulnerable to HIV. Through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, we will provide effective governance for this programme.
“This will ensure that no child is born HIV positive and that those who are positive receive quality care. We will also unlock value chains by collaborating with those willing to commence domestic production of HIV commodities, ensuring health security for our children.”
In her welcome remarks, the Director General of NACA, Temitope Ilori said Nigeria faces a critical challenge in PMTCT of HIV and ensuring access to care for children living with HIV.
Ilori said, “Our epidemiological estimates say 140,000 children under 14 are living with HIV as of 2023, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths in children. Current PMTCT and paediatric HIV coverage remain alarmingly low at less than 33 per cent, far short of the 95 per cent target.
“In 2021, national and state-level data analysis with consultations with states led to the development of Nigeria’s Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children Action Plan. This was designed to scale up PMTCT efforts and paediatric HIV addressing the coverage gaps.
“Despite this comprehensive strategy and accompanying financial commitment, our PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remains critically low.
“Consequently, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare constituted this acceleration plan committee to drive the implementation of this crucial initiative in line with the sector-wide approach to health care in Nigeria.”
On her part, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum and wife of the Kwara State Governor, Olufolake AbdulRasaq applauded the Federal government’s efforts and emphasized the role of sub-national initiatives.
“The statistics surrounding the MTCT of HIV and paediatric AIDS in Nigeria from all accounts are alarming; hence the propriety of today’s event as it would no doubt bolster efforts and improve interventions in this regard,” AbdulRasaq said.
While pledging the support of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum to the initiative, she disclosed plans to enrol women living with HIV in the state’s health insurance programme and expand on her earlier initiative that included sickle cell patients.
The Nigeria Coordinator, US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Funmi Adesanya said remarkable progress must be recorded in Nigeria for the world to achieve the global target of eliminating the epidemic.
Adesanya called for increased partnership across all levels of government and between public, and private institutions, noting that all stakeholders must commit to ending the epidemic by 2030.
“No child in Nigeria should be born with HIV and the US Government is committed to our partnership to ensure that this is a reality. Now is the time and we believe we have the right leadership represented in this room to achieve this goal,” she added.
The Country Director and Representative of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Leo Zekeng assured of the support of UN agencies in Nigeria to the initiative while urging other stakeholders to recommit to the cause and fully support the initiative.
The Chairman of the Commissioners of Health Forum, Oyebanji Filani, emphasised that the goals are achievable if resources are properly invested.
Filani urged stakeholders to remain steadfast in supporting the programme, assuring that sub-national governments would do their part to ensure the success of the initiative.