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Both sides hope to end their losing streaks

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Both sides hope to end their losing streaks

The Hornets will play host to the Cavaliers on Wednesday night at the Spectrum Center Charlotte, North Carolina. The Hornets are currently on a 4-game losing streak. Can they get back to winning ways here? Our basketball betting expert, Agbeniga Ayobami, presents her top Hornets vs Cavaliers predictions.

Hornets vs Cavaliers Predictions & Tips

  • Bet 1: Cavaliers  -6.0 @ 1xbet
  • Bet 2: Hornets Under 100.5 Points @ 1xbet
  • Bet 3: Under 210 Points @ 1xbet

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Our Hornets vs Cavaliers prediction is for the Cavaliers to cover the spread.

The Charlotte Hornets’ struggles to continue

The Charlotte Hornets are currently on a losing streak, having lost four consecutive games and eight of their last ten matches. Their struggles have been evident in their recent performances. They have also failed to cover the spread in seven of their last ten games, indicating their inconsistency and difficulties in meeting expectations when seen as underdogs.

On the other hand, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in a better position, sitting just two games out of first place in the Eastern Conference. Every game is crucial for them as they aim to secure their playoff seeding, particularly to maintain the third seed to avoid facing tough opponents like the Boston Celtics in the second round.

Given these factors, the Cavaliers are likely to approach the game with more determination and focus, making them the favourites to secure a victory, especially in light of the Hornets’ recent struggles.

Bet 1: Cavaliers  -6.0 @ 1xbet

The Charlotte Hornets continue to struggle defensively

The Charlotte Hornets have struggled defensively, coupled with their recent offensive slump. This paints a challenging picture for them, especially against a defensively sound team like the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Hornets’ inability to maintain consistent scoring, highlighted by their recent trend of scoring 98 or fewer points in four consecutive games, reflects their offensive woes.

The Cavaliers excel defensively, limiting opponents to just 109.5 points per game, which ranks among the top in the league. They will pose a significant challenge for the Hornets. Additionally, the Cavaliers limit their opponents to 111 points per 100 possessions, compared to the Hornets’ concession of 118.8 points per 100 possessions.

The Hornets struggle to generate offence and face the Cavaliers, a formidable defensive opponent. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect scoring to continue to be a challenge for them in this matchup.

Bet 2: Hornets Under 100.5 Points @ 1xbet

A low–scoring game on the cards

Given the injury situations for both teams and the recent offensive struggles of the Charlotte Hornets, it makes sense to approach the over/under in this clash with caution.

The Charlotte Hornets have recently been held under 100 points in four consecutive games. When combined with their overall record of 32-28 against the over/under this season, it suggests their offensive output has been inconsistent. Similarly, the Cleveland Cavaliers record of 31-38 against the over/under this season indicates variability in their scoring output.

Considering these factors, particularly the recent offensive struggles and the absence of key scorers, going for the under bet is a wise decision.

Bet 3: Under 210 Points @ 1xbet

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Conducting elections in Nigeria is war, says Kogi CP

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Conducting elections in Nigeria is war, says Kogi CP

Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bertrand Onuoha, on Tuesday, described the off-season governorship elections that took place in Nigeria, especially his state, as a war zone that bore no semblance to what a normal poll should look like.

Onuoha made the statement at a public presentation on Nigeria’s Election Violence and Education Report of the 2023 governorship polls in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states held in Abuja.

The police commissioner lamented that he has never seen the kind of bitterness that was brought into the November 11 poll that produced the All Progressives Congress candidate, Usman Ododo, as the winner.

Ododo polled 446,237 votes to defeat his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party and Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party by 259,052 and 46,362 votes respectively.

However Ajaka and Melaye both rejected the result over what they termed irregularities that marred the election.

But Onuoha, who bemoaned the absence of internal democracy in Nigerian politics, insisted that the situation could have been worse if some drastic measures were not taken.

He said, “Conducting elections in Nigeria is war. Since the creation of Kogi State in 1991, elections in the state has always been like war. Since I was born, I have never seen the kind of bitterness that was brought into electioneering in the state towards the November 11, 2023 governorship election.

“A lot of things need to be done to co-opt people who are ready to serve their fatherland, not those who take politics as business or as a career.

“If not for the series of meetings we have held with stakeholders, believe you me, if not what we have done (such as) pre-election issues, meetings with stakeholders, I don’t think even election would have held in that state. When you look at the political parties in Nigeria, there is nothing like internal democracy. That is why most of the pre-election violence cropped up from lack of internal democracy, intra-party activities, where you will see bitterness amongst the same family of the same political party.

“The type of election being held in Nigeria now is not sustainable. During off-cycle elections, you can deploy enough personnel that cuts across all the security agencies. Was it possible during the general elections? We have to go back to the grassroots and get it well. The worst scenario is lack of deterrence. Since 1999, how many people have been taken to court because of election violence or malpractice?”

Earlier in her address, Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, Bukola Idowu, told the audience that the data-driven advocacy organization has spent six months monitoring the electioneering campaigns and tracking activities of each actor involved in the Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa off-cycle elections.

Idowu also recommended that the Federal Government and law enforcement agents should go beyond mere arrest to ensure ballot box snatchers and other electoral offenders are prosecuted.

“We have been tracking and monitoring the three states that had off-cycle elections in 2023 such as Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa. We started tracking the environment, actors and possible issue of electoral violence six months before the elections.

“We found out that there are dynamics in each of the three states. We have the politics of identity that fuelled violence in Kogi, cultism that fuelled violence in Bayelsa and in Imo, you have intimidation, segregation and secessionist agitation in that place.

“We recommend that perpetrators of electoral violence who have been going about freely should be brought to book, prosecuted, charged and tried. We are also asking for clarity of legislative framework about who should arrest or prosecute,” she appealed.

100,000 Nigerians return from Niger in seven years – Zulum

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100,000 Nigerians return from Niger in seven years – Zulum

At least 100,000 Nigerians displaced to Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, by terrorism in the Northeast, were returned to their homes in the past seven years.

The Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, disclosed this to State House correspondents after closed-door talks with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday

Zulum, who said he discussed plans to resume the repatriation of Nigerians in the neighbouring countries, announced that the President has approved the immediate take-off of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza.

He explained, “We talked about the issue of repatriation of Nigerians living in the Republic of Chad, Niger and Cameroon. We started repatriating them during the last administration, but because of the election period and rainy season, we stopped the repatriation exercise.

“Again, Mr. President has given me his commitment that the Government of Nigeria will resume the repatriation exercise. So far, so good. Within the last six to seven years, not less than 100,000 people were repatriated.

“This is the official figure; the unofficial figures might be more than this. But I want to inform you that we still have remnants of people living in Chad, Niger and Cameroon. I need to discuss with the National Commission for Refugees as well as NEMA and other organizations before coming out with a figure.

“But the most important thing that I want to tell you is that we have started the repatriation. This administration is committed to ensuring that all our refugees living in our neighbouring countries are repatriated before the end of this administration, inshallah.”

On the Federal College of Education in Gwoza, Zulum cited President Tinubu’s approval for the staggered take-off of six universities on October 18, 2023, after the Federal Executive Council meeting that day.

The Buhari administration had approved the establishment of no fewer than 75 universities, encompassing federal, state, and private institutions.

However, the Federal Government lacked the funds and qualified staffing to kick start all institutions at once as they are capital intensive, the Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, disclosed at the time.

But Zulum said, “I wrote to Mr. President on the need for the take-off of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, a few months ago.

“I’m pleased to notify you that the President has given approval for the immediate take-off of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza.

“That is something that is very important and very dear to the entire people of Borno State.”

The governor also revealed plans to resuscitate two fallow irrigation projects in the state— South Chad Irrigation Project and the Yauri Irrigation Scheme—saying he suggested the establishment of a vibrant security outfit around the South Chad Basin area.

“Secondly, we spoke about the Lake Chad Basin. Now that we are having relative peace in Borno State, there is a need for the government to ensure re-establishment of the South Chad Irrigation Project.

“South Chad Irrigation Project has tremendous potential to produce food to cater for the needs of the entire northern Nigeria, or I can say even the entire country. But as a result of insecurity in the region, the irrigation scheme is not functioning very well for the last decade or more than a decade. I spoke with Mr. President and he will look into the possibility of establishing a very strong security outfit in the Lake Chad Basin so that people shall have access to the agricultural lands.

“Again, we spoke about reestablishing the Yauri Irrigation Scheme, also in northern Borno state. I think this is very important since the country is looking to ensure food security in terms of quantity and quality. Inshallah, when these two irrigation projects are reestablished, I believe the issue of food security will be addressed not only in Borno State but also in Nigeria,” he noted.

Magic vs Warriors Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

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Magic vs Warriors Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

{ The Orlando Magic will host the Golden State Warriors at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday night. The Magic have won the last 5 games against the Warriors at this venue. Can the Magic continue their home dominance over the Warriors? Our basketball betting expert, Agbeniga Ayobami, presents her top Magic vs Warriors predictions.

Magic vs Warriors Predictions & Tips

  • The Thunder Moneyline @ 1xbet
  • Over 220.5 @ 1xbet
  • Stephen Curry Over 30.5 Points @ 1xbet

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Our Magic vs Warriors prediction is for the Thunder to win.

The Thunder to extend their home dominance over the Warriors

The Orlando Magic are in excellent form, winning 13 of their last 17 games and holding the top spot in the Southeastern table with a 42-29 record. They have also been solid at home, with a 25-10 record at the Kia Center. Despite a narrow loss in their last outing, they aim to clinch their sixth win in their last seven games.

On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors have struggled recently, sitting 10th in the Western Conference with a 36-34 record. Their away record has also been average at 18-15  and they have lost their last two games. Moreover, they’ve only managed four wins in their last 11 games.

Looking at their head-to-head record, the Golden State Warriors haven’t secured an away win over the Magic since 2017. During this time, the Magic have won five times. Additionally, the Magic have won three of the last four meetings between the two teams. Considering the current form and the historical head-to-head record, the Orlando Magic are the favourite to be the winner against the struggling Golden State Warriors.

Bet 1: The Thunder  Moneyline @ 1xbet

Both sides to put in the effort

The Orlando Magic and the Golden State Warriors are superb in various aspects of their game. The Magic excel offensively, averaging 110.8 points per game. Furthermore, they demonstrate efficient shooting and boast a field goal percentage of 47.8% and a three-point shooting percentage of 35.3%, both of which contribute to their high-scoring offence. Additionally, the Magic’s accuracy from the free-throw line stands at 75.4%.

Defensively, the Magic allow 108.8 points against them, ranking 3rd in the NBA. However, they compensate with strong defensive metrics, such as averaging 8.1 steals per game (4th in the NBA).

Meanwhile, the Warriors average 118.3 points per game, placing them 7th in the NBA. They excel in rebounding, leading the league with 46.8 rebounds per game. In addition, they are 4th in assists with 29.1. However, defensively, they allow opponents to score 116.8 points per game, which ranks 19th in the NBA.

Bet 2: Over 220.5 @ 1xbet

Stephen Curry to Shine Again

Stephen Curry’s impressive performance against the Magic is evident from his career stats against them. Stephen Curry has maintained an average of 27.0 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 21 games and this has consistently been a significant value against the Magic.

In his recent encounters with the Magic, he has displayed exceptional scoring prowess, recording 31, 39 and 36 points in the last three games respectively. Remarkably, he has scored 30 or more points in five of his last six clashes against the Magic.

Curry has an average of 26.8 points per game this season and a strong track record against Western Conference opponents. Therefore, he is expected to play a crucial role in securing points for his team in the upcoming clash.

Bet 3: Stephen Curry Over 30.5 Points @ 1xbet

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Wizards vs Nets Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

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Wizards vs Nets Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

While these teams might currently occupy positions at the bottom of the standings, there’s still a lot to consider when making Wizards vs Nets predictions. Brooklyn are the pre-game favourite, though there have been some promising signs from the Wizards of late.

Our betting expert has prepared Wizards vs Nets predictions and tips for their clash on Wednesday.

Wizards vs Nets Predictions & Tips

  • Nic Claxton over 10.5 rebounds @ Bet9ja
  • Brooklyn Nets -5.5 @ Bet9ja
  • Cam Thomas over 22.5 points @ Bet9ja

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The Nets should be expected to beat the Wizards by around seven or eight points.

Claxton controls the glass

Nic Claxton might only be averaging 9.7 rebounds per game this season, but we still fancy his chances of hitting the over here. Once again, the stats highlight the Wizards as one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, ranking dead-last in rebounding rate since the break.

Claxton is coming off a 16-rebound performance against the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. His athleticism is bound to pose a problem for the Wizards on the interior, especially considering their recent struggle against Nikola Vucevic, who grabbed 16 boards against them on Monday.

With a night to rest before taking on the Wizards, Claxton should be fresh for this contest. He’s one of the bouncier centres in the Association and will fancy his chances of overpowering a small Wizards team.

These odds are very appealing. Washington is playing small. Claxton is posting the best rebounding rate of his NBA career.

Bet 1 : Nic Claxton over 10.5 rebounds @ Bet9ja

The Nets to cover the spread

The Nets might be bad, but the Wizards have had the worst net rating since the All-Star break. Washington have been getting blown out on a regular basis prior to their three-game winning streak. While Brooklyn are lacking top-end talent, they are still capable of beating the teams below them in the standings.

Brooklyn have a raft of solid NBA rotation guys. Washington are still figuring plenty of stuff out, and remains without Kyle Kuzma. It might be unclear what the future holds for the Nets, but there’s sufficient quality on this roster to overcome a team like Washington.

Both teams have covered the spread in under 45% of their games this season. Brooklyn, though, is 10-4 against the spread on their home floor.

Although it’s true the Wizards are 21-15-1 against the spread as a road underdog, many of those have been massive spreads. This is a small line in favour of the Nets, who returned to winning ways with an eight-point victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday.

Bet 2: Brooklyn Nets -5.5 @ Bet9ja

Cam Thomas gets going

Is anyone as trigger-happy as Cam Thomas? The scoring guard has never seen a shot he doesn’t like. Facing a dreadful Wizards defence, he will be eyeing another big-time offensive performance.

Thomas is 13th in usage rate this season, putting him ahead of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic. Taking up so many shots might not always be beneficial to the team, but it doesn’t seem to stop the third-year guard from taking over the offence. Up against a fellow lottery team in the Wizards, Thomas will be desperate to put up some numbers here.

Missing Monday’s game with back stiffness is a slight concern for this prop. Thomas, though, had played eight games in a row and it’s fair to assume that was no more than a precaution at this stage of the season.

While he hasn’t had his best games against the Wizards earlier this season, we still love the value of the Yokosuka native to get into the mid-twenties in scoring at the very least.

Bet 3: Cam Thomas over 22.5 points @ Bet9ja

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76ers vs Clippers Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

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76ers vs Clippers Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

After going head-to-head on Sunday, it’s time for more 76ers vs Clippers predictions as we look ahead to Wednesday’s contest. Despite their loss at the weekend, the game winner odds make the Clippers the favourite here. Read below for our Sixers vs Clippers tips and picks.

76ers vs Clippers Predictions & Tips

  • Tobias Harris over 19.5 points @ Bet9ja
  • Clippers -6 @ Bet9ja
  • Ivica Zubac over 9.5 rebounds @ Bet9ja

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The Clippers should be expected to win by five or more points against the 76ers on Wednesday night.

Harris keeps cooking

Tobias Harris dropped 24 points on 19 shots against the Clippers on Sunday. Despite struggling a lot since Joel Embiid was sidelined through injury, Harris seems to have dug deep and found his best form against his former team. He’s also not the only frontcourt player to succeed against the Clips in the last few days.

Pascal Siakam dropped 31 and Myles Turner scored 24 as Los Angeles fell to the Pacers on Monday. After playing like title contenders for a few weeks, the Clippers suddenly appear vulnerable and their defence has seriously faltered, ranking 26th since the break.

The stats don’t make for pretty reading. Harris has only cleared this line twice since the 2nd

March. The Clippers are in a bit of a slump, though, and we expect Harris to have a sizable shot volume to get into the twenties in points.

Backing Harris’ overs hasn’t been a profitable strategy so far this season. However, this one is worth the gamble given just how poor the Clippers have been on the defensive end.

 Bet 1: Tobias Harris over 19.5 points @ Bet9ja

Clippers to return to winning ways

The Clippers are only 18th in net rating with an 8-9 record since All-Star. It’s been a bit of a rut

for this veteran team after initially appearing as an elite unit.

Despite their recent struggles, they are rightly favoured over the Sixers again here. Philadelphia have been 7-10 since the break with a -4.7 net rating. They are playing like a lottery team without Embiid, and it will take another scorching-hot shooting night for them to avoid defeat to the Clippers.

The 76ers have had a -1.6 net rating in minutes without Embiid this season. That’s not a new trend, of course, but it goes to show how unusual their win in Los Angeles at the weekend was. Despite Tyrese Maxey playing and Harris finding some offensive rhythm, the Sixers are short on talent without the reigning MVP.

Look for Los Angeles to assert themselves early on and get the win.

Bet 2: Clippers -6 @ Bet9ja

Zubac gets his rebounds

As has been the case for years, the Sixers are a woeful rebounding team without Embiid. They have been bottom four in rebounding rate since All-Star, and they allowed Ivica Zubac to grab 10 boards on Sunday night.

Zubac followed that up with 11 boards in 24 minutes against the Pacers on Monday. Even without the presence of Embiid in the paint, the Clips still need Zubac’s interior presence to deter Maxey’s drives and help them hammer home their rebounding advantage. The former Laker is one of the league’s most underrated players. He played a major role in the Clippers’ surge up the Western Conference standings earlier this year.

Zubac’s rebounding returns can be inconsistent, and his minutes fluctuate. Still, we could see him getting to this over even if he plays 22 or so minutes. That’s how bad

the Sixers are on the boards.


Bet 3: Ivica Zubac over 9.5 rebounds @ Bet9ja

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Nuggets vs Suns Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

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Nuggets vs Suns Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

As the pick of the games on Wednesday, NBA fans are bound to be looking for Nuggets vs Suns predictions. After Phoenix’s loss to the Spurs, it’s no surprise pre-game odds price the Nuggets as the game-winner favourite. Read below for our Nuggets vs Suns tips.

Nuggets vs Suns Predictions & Tips

  • Nuggets -6.5 @ Bet9ja
  • Michael Porter Jr over 17.5 points @ Bet9ja
  • Bradley Beal under 15.5 points @ Bet9ja

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The Nuggets should be expected to beat the Suns by a few points on Wednesday night.

Denver blow past the Suns

With all of their big three on the court, Phoenix just lost to the Spurs without Victor Wembanyama. Denver are rolling, having gone 15-2 since the All-Star break. The defending champions seem to be hitting their stride at just the right time.

Although the Suns got an overtime win against the Nuggets earlier this month, Denver have been obliterating opponents since then. Phoenix are still searching for the right formula, and have posted just a +2.2 net rating following the midseason break.

Phoenix’s 6-6 record against the spread when playing away as underdogs illustrates how tough a challenge they face. While previous success against the Nuggets might make some bettors wary of backing the favourites, there are very few teams we would take against Denver at the moment, particularly with a spread in this range.

Bet 1: Nuggets -6.5 @ Bet9ja

MPJ gets rolling

Michael Porter Jr has scored 12 and 11 points in his last two games, which has brought his points line down to a level where taking the over makes sense. Porter has gone over this line in both head-to-head matchups with the Suns this season, and fired off 12 three-point attempts when the teams duelled earlier this month.

The Suns have been below league average by defensive rating since All-Star. They just saw Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell combine for 52 points, and it’s no secret they lack defensive personnel on the wing. Even if Jamal Murray is unavailable again, Phoenix’s defence will inevitably be focused on Nikola Jokic. This should open up opportunities for Porter to launch his long-range shots flying off screens and attack the basket off cuts.

It’s always a risk-taking Porter’s over because of his inconsistent performance, but the stats show he can flourish in this matchup.

Bet 2: Michael Porter Jr over 17.5 points @ Bet9ja

Beal to extend his slump

Bradley Beal has scored a grand total of 37 points over his last four games. Despite the Suns picking up some wins along the way, Beal’s usage has diminished as he’s taken 11 or fewer field goal attempts in all four of those games.

While his minutes totals are still high, Beal’s role within the Suns’ offence has been reduced. He has wilted into no more than a role player. As is so often the case with a big three, it is the third option who has to sacrifice the most. That is why Beal is still looking for his place in the hierarchy alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

He’s taking on more of a playmaking role, which at least keeps him involved. Still, it’s now 20 games with 15 or fewer points this season, which is quite a change for a guy who averaged over 30 points per game in 2019-20 and 2020-21.

Denver’s defence ranks seventh in the NBA since All-Star. Therefore, we think they can keep Beal quiet on Wednesday night.

Bet 3: Bradley Beal under 15.5 points @ Bet9ja

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APC constitutes nine-man committee for Ondo gov primary

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APC constitutes nine-man committee for Ondo gov primary

The National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress has set up a nine-man committee to oversee the primary election for Ondo governorship aspirants.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

The development comes barely a day after 15 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, endorsed the governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to clinch the party ticket and win the November 2024 governorship election.

The APC statement partly read, “By a resolution adopted at its 144th meeting held on March 6, 2024, the National Working Committee of our great party constituted a governorship primary election committee of its members for the smooth running of election processes in Ondo State.”

However, the primary election committee members comprised only the APC NWC members.

They include Emma Eneukwu (Chairman), Festus Fuanter, Victor Giadom, Prof. Abdulkarim Kana, Sulaiman M. Argungu, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, Aare Durotolu Bankole, Nze Chidi Duru and Morka.

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Africa’s democracy fragile, says Shettima

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States, FCT owe FG N1.7tn budget support loans

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Africans to question the kind of democracy run in their various countries.

He said Africa as a whole had its issues with the world, such as why its democracy is fragile.

Shettima spoke at the 6th Annual Lecture/Conference of the Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday.

The vice president, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, noted that until democracy in Africa is questioned, the problems could not be fixed.

He said, “Africa as a whole has its issues with the world such as why our democracy is so fragile. This is our problem.

“The task we have is to put it on the table and ask why it is so difficult to sustain the democratic process in Africa.

“To stay within the democratic framework, it will be our decision as Africans to question the type of democracy we run and to ask what we need to do to fix it.

“If we cannot do it, we will all go our way because Africa shares fundamentals like its economy and political processes that we run.”

The special adviser assured all that Nigeria will play its part in restoring peace in the Economic Community of West African States.

“We have issues in terms of membership in the ECOWAS, and Nigeria will do anything within its power to try and reintegrate and move beyond the problem that we have,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said all hands must be on the deck to achieve a better democracy.

Tuggar noted, “Democracy is ideal. There is no perfect democracy. We must constantly work to achieve a great democracy.

“One of the 4Ds of President Bola Tinubu is Democracy and Nigeria is non-threatening to its neighbours.”

The 15-nation bloc ECOWAS,  formed in 1975 to promote economic integration in member states,  has struggled in recent years to reverse a wave of military takeovers in the region, including Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Niger last year.

The exit of three countries from ECOWAS threatened the African Continental Free Trade Area aimed at accelerating intra-African trade and boosting the continent’s trading position in the global market.

Earlier, ECOWAS imposed economic sanctions on the countries.

The sanctions were, however, lifted a few weeks ago following the intervention of Nigeria’s ex-military head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon.

The President, ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said the decisions were taken in the interest of unity and security in the African sub-region.

NLC laments worsening power supply, inflation

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NLC laments worsening power supply, inflation

The Nigeria Labour Congress has lamented the poor power supply in the country, saying this is not good for business and national development.

The labour union said 12 years after the sector was privatised by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the power supply has not improved.

The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, who said this during the 13th quadrennial national delegates conference of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday, lamented that while tariff is on the increase, power supply had nosedived.

He recommended a policy change to drive the power sector.

Ajaero said, “I was one of the persons who said privatisation was not the solution to the power crisis in the country. Twelve years later, we are worse off. While tariffs are on the increase, power supply is nosediving. We need some intervention in the sector because no sector can survive in this present situation.

“Each time we hear of billions in the power sector, it is not making any impact. Even after privatisation, the power sector has been subsidised with over N2trn. We need policies in the power sector because that is the driver of industrialisation and development. This is very important.

“In Nigeria today, there are many power plants that do not serve their purpose. This has affected us. That is why we need a new policy in the power sector that will assist everybody.”

The NLC president also lamented the rising inflation in the country.

Ajaero said with the current inflation of 31. 70 per cent, even if the national minimum wage was increased to N1m, it would not be enough for workers.

He added, “No matter the minimum wage we pay in this country today, if the issue of the devaluation of the currency continues, even if you pay N1m, it will lose its value the following day. If we don’t check inflation, if you don’t check the exchange rate, if you pay workers N1m today, we won’t be able to buy much.

“We need to look at all variables in the determination of the new minimum wage. No matter what you pay workers today, the value will go down in the next year.”

The NLC president also lamented the poor state of the textile industry, noting that no nation could survive without developing the textile industry.

Ajaero said the fortune of the textile industry had not improved despite pronouncements by the Federal Government to revive the sector.

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