The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has urged the Federal Government to implement policies that would alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
President of NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero, said this in a communiqué jointly signed by Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, NLC General Secretary at the end of an emergency meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
The communiqué was issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council, NEC, to assess the welfare of Nigerian workers and the general populace in light of the hardship.
Ajaero said that the NECin session demanded the reversal of all the “ill-conceived policies” that have led to the current economic crisis.
He said that for accountability, NEC calls for an independent investigation into the killings and maiming of protesters.
“Those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families.
“All the peaceful protesters held illegally and unconstitutionally in government’s custody must be free without delay,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
Ajaero called on the government to implement immediate relief measures to alleviate the suffering of workers and the general populace.
He said these include the provision of direct food aid, subsidies on essential commodities, and other social safety nets.
He added that NEC directs all workers across the country to continue to keep themselves safe in the posttest as the masses try to make their voices heard.
“You must maintain our commitment to non-violence and ensure that our actions are lawful and disciplined as the people protest,” he said.
Hardship: Prioritise Nigerians’ welfare – NLC tells federal govt
Hardship: Prioritise Nigerians’ welfare – NLC tells federal govt
Net FX flows increase by 55% to $25.4 billion in six months
The Central Bank of Nigeria has revealed that the net foreign exchange flows into the country increased to $25.4bn in the first six months of 2024, marking a 55 per cent increase from the figure recorded year-over-year.
It stated that the evident progress is a result of its policy measures.
This new development comes against the backdrop of its $876m auction to 26 banks to resolve unmet FX demands.
A statement from the apex bank on Thursday noted that this growth has been fueled by a rise in capital importation, which reached $6bn in June 2024, and record inflows from diaspora remittances through formal channels.
The statement read, “The CBN’s policy objectives are yielding tangible results and bolstering market confidence. Net foreign exchange flows rose to $25.4bn between January and June, marking a 55 per cent year-over-year increase.
“This growth has been driven by a rise in capital importation, which reached $6bn in June 2024, and record inflows from diaspora remittances through formal channels.”
The CBN further noted that over $305m of foreign exchange has been sold to authorized dealers in the last three weeks through a two-way quote system, which has been deployed over the past few months to enhance liquidity in the interbank market.
According to the statement, the CBN offered $876m to meet bids submitted by customers during an auction concluded on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
This was done through the Retail Dutch Auction System, which is designed to facilitate FX sales to end users directly, promoting a more transparent market, reducing information asymmetry, and aiding in price discovery.
The statement read: “In the latest testament to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to support the proper functioning of the foreign exchange market by enhancing liquidity when necessary, the apex bank offered $876m to fulfil bids submitted by customers at an auction concluded on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
“In line with its pledge to provide transparent access to foreign exchange for all legitimate customers, the CBN’s leadership has introduced an additional mechanism through the Retail Dutch Auction System to directly facilitate FX sales to end users.
“This approach aims to foster a more transparent market, reducing information asymmetry and supporting price discovery. It complements the two-way quote system deployed over the past few months to enhance liquidity in the interbank market, through which over $305m of foreign exchange has been sold to authorised dealers in the last three weeks.”
The apex bank also said that it contributed less than 5 per cent of the $43bn foreign exchange turnover recorded on the official market as of July 2024.
In its statement, the CBN noted that the FX market is showing signs of improvement and increased depth, with more robust and diversified sources of liquidity contributing to the sustained convergence of exchange rates across all market segments.
The statement added, “The foreign exchange market is also showing signs of improvement and increased depth, with more robust and diversified sources of liquidity contributing to the sustained convergence of exchange rates across all segments of the market. The official market recorded a turnover of $43 billion in customer transactions by the end of July 2024, with CBN-supplied liquidity representing less than 5 per cent of total market activities.”
The CBN also stressed that it is committed to fostering a transparent, market-driven foreign exchange environment and will continue to strengthen the market’s capacity to meet the needs of all legitimate participants.
Since he assumed office last year, the CBN under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso, has employed a variety of policies to stabilise the foreign exchange market and boost productivity.
While government officials claim there have been massive improvements, the lives of average citizens have yet to improve due to soaring inflation and the high cost of living.
Tinubu’s aides at war over old video
Two of President Bola Tinubu’s aides, Bayo Onanuga and O’tega Ogra are at logger heads following an old video that was posted on X yesterday by Ogra who is a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media.
In the video posted on Ogra’s X handle on Wednesday afternoon, President Tinubu is seen urging Nigerians to be patient as he is working hard to turn around the pains and hardship in the country.
Ogra had captioned the video,
“A Passionate Plea from President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT to all Nigerians,” making it look like it was a recent video by Tinubu.
“As we navigate through these temporary pains, please remember that every effort is being made to ensure a stable and prosperous future for all Nigerians,” Tinubu is heard saying.
READ ALSO:Tinubu appoints new governing councils for varsities, institutions
“Our collective strength and unity will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. We are in this together, and we will overcome.”
A Passionate Plea from President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT to all Nigerians.
: STATEHOUSE pic.twitter.com/Jz5gUR3xdA
— O'tega Ogra (@otegaogra) August 7, 2024
However, on Wednesday night, there was a twist to the video when Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, posted the same video with a different text, this time saying it was an old video as Tinubu has not spoken since his nationwide address on Sunday.
“Trending video of President Tinubu is an old video,” Onanuga wrote.
He went on to explain further:
“A trending video of President Tinubu which came out on Wednesday is not a new video. It’s a clip from the broadcast he made last year.
“President Tinubu has not made any other public statement since his last broadcast on Sunday,” he added.
The post Tinubu’s aides at war over old video appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Nigerian govt takes delivery of Jet Motor hybrid vehicles for mass transit
In continuation of efforts to provide affordable and comfortable transport solution for Nigerians, the federal government on Wednesday received fleets of hybrid Jet Mover buses from Jet Motor Company, an indigenous car manufacturing company.
The hybrid Jet Mover runs on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) commonly called PMS.
The vehicles were handed over to a team made up of officials from the Ministry of Finance and representatives of the Presidential Initiative for Compressed Natural Gas (P-CNGi) during a brief ceremony at the company’s plant in Ajah area of Lagos State.
Speaking at the event, Dimas Hamidu, the Technical Assistant to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance acknowledged the good quality of the Jet Mover vehicles, and commended the company for its good work.
He said the hybrid vehicles were a testimony to the commitment of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu administration to alleviate the hardships that may have been brought on with the removal of fuel subsidy.
According to him, the vehicles will go a long way in helping to solve the transportation needs of the citizens, and help to cushion the impact of rising costs in the economy.
“I’m happy with what I’ve seen here. This will go a long way in alleviating the pains and sufferings of the people with the removal of fuel subsidy”.
Hamidu recalled, “I was here earlier with the Honorable minister of finance, and we were taken round the plant. The minister even drove one of the vehicles, and he was very impressed.”
READ ALSO:Jet Motors intensifies clean mobility push, delivers locally-produced electric vehicles to Nigerian govt
He also noted that the federal government had awarded contract of the CNG vehicles to different companies to deliver different number of units.
“Nigerians were becoming agitated, and asking why they were not seeing these vehicles on the road. This is why the ministry of finance decided to have a tour of the factories, and their facilities to see how soon they can deliver. We are impressed with Jet Motor for sticking to the terms of the contract, and the vehicles are in accordance with specification”.
Hamidu, while noting that some contractors had complained of challenges, said the ministry was ready to step in to ensure that the CNG vehicles were delivered on time.
“A few weeks ago when we had a meeting with the contractors, they complained of a number of challenges. Some complained of SON (Standard organisation of Nigeria), others complained about issues with Customs to clear their goods, but Jet Motor did not lodge any complaints because they were on top of their game.
“And, we hope that very soon they will invite us again to take delivery of more of these vehicles that the president can use to alleviate the transportation challenges of the country”.
Also speaking at the event, Derek Ewelukwa, managing director of Jet Motor Company thanked the team for the opportunity to contribute in the delivery of an efficient and comfortable transport model to the citizens of the country.
He explained that each of the hybrid vehicles had two CNG tanks with a combined capacity of 220 liters of gas and capable of doing 300 kilometres, and a petrol tank with capacity for 80 litres.
According to him, the CNG tanks have a lifespan of 15 years, and the engine switches from gas to petrol and back seamlessly.
Other members of the team from the Finance ministry included, Balarabe Tukui, representing the director, Finance and Account; Okeke Osita Gabriel, also a Technical Assistant to the Minister of Finance and Mr Suleman, representing the Director, Legal Services, while Oluwole Akinwunmi represented the Pi-CNG.
The post Nigerian govt takes delivery of Jet Motor hybrid vehicles for mass transit appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Immigration suspends officer seeking bribe from traveller
The Nigeria Immigration Service has suspended an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II, Okpravero Ufuoma, for allegedly soliciting financial gratification from a traveller.
NIS Comptroller General, Mrs Kemi Nandap, made this known in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Kenneth Udo, on Thursday in Abuja.
According to Nandap, the officer’s conduct, captured in a video circulating on social media, does not reflect the values and ethics of professionalism upheld by the NIS.
She condemned the alleged misconduct, saying that it undermined the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing service standards.
She, however, assured all that the officer had been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures, in accordance with the law and Public Service Rules.
She said NIS received a video currently circulating on social media titled “This is how immigration officers treat tourists in Nigeria,” showing one of its officers soliciting financial gratification from a traveller.
“This disgraceful act is not a representation of our commitment to hospitality, reception, and courtesy.
“As a result, the officer in question has been indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary procedures,” she said.
The NIS boss also reiterated the NIS commitment to identifying and removing corrupt elements within its ranks, in line with its zero-tolerance for corruption policy.
The comptroller general further assured all that the NIS would continue to strive for excellence in service delivery, in alignment with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the Federal Government.
Nandap added that electronic gates (e-gates) are being installed at all international airports to facilitate smoother travel for passengers and prevent incidents like the one involving the suspended officer.
She urged the public to report any form of misconduct or corruption by its officers to the appropriate authorities.
(NAN)
Nigeria behind in global passport power, ranks 92nd
Nigeria has been ranked 92nd on the Henley Passport Index, highlighting the challenges its citizens face regarding international travel freedom.
The index, which ranks countries based on the number of destinations their passport holders can access without a prior visa, shows Nigeria lagging behind many other nations.
The Henley Passport Index, recognised as the authoritative ranking of global passports, is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association and enhanced by Henley & Partners’ research team. This is according to its website.
It includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations, making it the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states assessing passport power.
According to the latest update, Singapore tops the list, boasting the world’s most powerful passport.
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Japan share the second position, followed by South Korea, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Ireland, Netherlands, and Luxembourg in the third spot.
European countries dominate the top positions, with Denmark, Belgium, New Zealand, the UK, Norway, and Switzerland all tied for fourth place.
Australia and Portugal rank fifth, while Greece and Poland come in sixth. Malta, Canada, Czechia, and Hungary share the seventh position, followed by the United States in eighth.
Other notable rankings include the UAE, Estonia, and Lithuania in ninth place, with Iceland, Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia rounding out the top ten. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia ranks 56th, and Iran is positioned at 94th, just beneath Nigeria.
African countries also feature in the lower half of the index, with South Africa ranking 47th and Egypt at 87th. The lowest ranks are occupied by war-torn and politically unstable countries, with Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan positioned at the bottom of the list.
“With historical data spanning 19 years, the Henley Passport Index is the only one of its kind based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations. Updated monthly, the Henley Passport Index is considered the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport ranks on the global mobility spectrum,” the Henley Passport Index site said.
Meanwhile, According editorial board, on Thursday, assessing the ranking provided suggestions to which the Federal Government can make investments to improve the Nigerian passport.
“President Bola Tinubu should evaluate and invest in Nigeria’s perception management. He should combat corruption, improve the various developmental indices, tackle insecurity, and improve living standards to curb the pull-and-push factors of irregular migration,” the assessment said.
See full list
1. Singapore 🇸🇬
=2. France 🇫🇷
=2. Germany 🇩🇪
=2. Italy 🇮🇹
=2. Spain 🇪🇸
=2. Japan 🇯🇵
=3. South Korea 🇰🇷
=3. Finland 🇫🇮
=3. Sweden 🇸🇪
=3. Austria 🇦🇹
=3. Ireland 🇮🇪
=3. Netherlands 🇳🇱
=3. Luxembourg 🇱🇺
=4. Denmark 🇩🇰
=4. Belgium 🇧🇪
=4. New Zealand 🇳🇿
=4. UK 🇬🇧
=4. Norway 🇳🇴
=4. Switzerland 🇨🇭
=5. Australia 🇦🇺
=5. Portugal 🇵🇹
=6. Greece 🇬🇷
=6. Poland 🇵🇱
=7. Malta 🇲🇹
=7. Canada 🇨🇦
=7. Czechia 🇨🇿
=7. Hungary 🇭🇺
8. USA 🇺🇸
=9. UAE 🇦🇪
=9. Estonia 🇪🇪
=9. Lithuania 🇱🇹
=10. Iceland 🇮🇸
=10. Latvia 🇱🇻
=10. Slovakia 🇸🇰
=10. Slovenia 🇸🇮
~
=17. Argentina 🇦🇷
=17. Brazil 🇧🇷
22. Mexico 🇲🇽
30. Ukraine 🇺🇦
42. Venezuela 🇻🇪
=45. Russia 🇷🇺
=45. Turkey 🇹🇷
47. South Africa 🇿🇦
56. Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
59. China 🇨🇳
65. Indonesia 🇮🇩
73. Philippines 🇵🇭
82. India 🇮🇳
83. Niger 🇳🇪
87. Egypt 🇪🇬
92. Nigeria 🇳🇬
94. Iran 🇮🇷
96. North Korea 🇰🇵
=97. Bangladesh 🇧🇩
=97. Palestine 🇵🇸
100. Pakistan 🇵🇰
101. Iraq 🇮🇶
102. Syria 🇸🇾
103. Afghanistan 🇦🇫
Ekiti varsity asks female students, staff to remain indoor
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti has issued an urgent directive advising all female staff and students on the Ikole campus to remain indoors from 7th to 9th August 2024 due to the Oro festival scheduled to be held in the Ikole-Ekiti community.
According to a statement from the registrar’s office dated August 6, the measure is intended to ensure the safety of the university’s female members during this traditional event.
In a memo signed by Senior Assistant Registrar Ibukunoluwa O. Alamu, the university stressed the need for this precaution due to the “Oro” festival.
The notice was titled, “Notice to All Female Staff and Students on Ikole Campus.”
The memo read: “This is to inform all female staff and students on the Ikole campus of the University that they are requested to stay indoors between Wednesday, 7th August, and Friday, 9th August 2024 due to the ‘Oro’ festival scheduled to hold within the Ikole-Ekiti community. This is for your kind noting.”
The Oro festival, typically characterised by the presence of masked men and restrictions on movement for women, is an indigenous cultural practice observed in various Yoruba communities.
The notice aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all female members of the university community during this period.
The university urges all affected individuals to comply with this directive and remain indoors for the duration of the festival.
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Places available at the UK University of the Year!
The University Sheffield offers a world-class education in a vibrant and welcoming city in the heart of the UK. Voted University of the Year at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, their undergraduate courses are informed by their world-changing research.
More than 30,000 students from over 150 countries choose Sheffield every year and one of the best things about the University of Sheffield is the unique combination of academic excellence and an amazing student experience, the heart of which is the Students’ Union which has been voted the best in the UK (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2017-2024). Whilst here you can join one, or all, of over 400 student societies and 60 sports clubs and explore part-time work and volunteering opportunities.
There are still spaces available for excellent candidates for 2024 entry through UCAS Clearing, which is open as of 5 July. If you have your results you can apply directly via UCAS or if you are still waiting for results you can ‘Advance Register’ your interest in a place. Accommodation is guaranteed for students who gain a place through Clearing as long as they accept their offer and submit their accommodation application by 31 August 2024.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Visit sheffield.ac.uk/clearing for more information.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
Nigerian Native, Angela Afieghe, Advances Public Relations for Toastmasters District 71, UK & Ireland
Angela Afieghe, from Oghara, Delta State, has been appointed as the Public Relations Manager for Toastmasters District 71, covering Ireland, Scotland, and part of England. Since assuming her role on July 1, 2024, Angela has made significant contributions to the district, which boasts approximately 4,700 members across over 197 clubs.
Since relocating to Ireland, Angela is a published author of Blister to Bliss, a successful entrepreneur spearheading a Public Relations and Social Media management company called Nuvie Consulting that has helped grow businesses online and offline across Ireland and UK.
She is also the visionary founder of EventBooth Group, a top notch online event Management Solution that provides eventlisting, ticket sales, ticket validation, merchandise sale and attendee management. She is been successful with her business by strategic partnership with international organisations such as Business Network International (BNI), Network Ireland and Toastmasters International.
With four years of active participation in Toastmasters, Angela has held various leadership positions at the club, division, and district levels. Her leadership has been transformative, particularly in this centenary year of Toastmasters. “I am immensely proud to serve as the PR Manager in the 100th Year of Toastmaster and I am supported by a strong team of PR Ambassadors at the division level, a cornerstone of our strategy for success,” Angela stated.
One of Angela’s hallmark initiatives is the launch of the free PR Master Class Series, which commenced with a Canva training session attracting over 340 participants worldwide. This unprecedented attendance was highly praised by the District Director, who remarked, “This is the best attendance we’ve ever had for a training session in our District.”
Angela’s public relations efforts are propelled by her firm belief in effective communication and her dedication to broadening the understanding and reach of Toastmasters in both community and corporate settings. She champions the Toastmasters’ philosophy of ‘learn-by-doing,’ which fosters a supportive environment conducive to enhancing public speaking, communication, and leadership skills.
Under Angela’s guidance, there has been a notable increase in district engagement and participation, demonstrating her ability to deploy innovative strategies that effectively resonate with the audience. “Connecting with people and helping them unlock their potential through better communication is what drives every initiative we launch,” Angela explains.
Toastmasters International, headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, is a global non-profit educational organization dedicated to empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Established in 1924, it now supports over 364,000 members in more than 16,200 clubs across 145 countries.
For those interested in improving their communication skills, information on local club meetings and how to join is available by searching for ‘Find A Club’ on the Toastmasters International website or on Meetup.
For more information on how to join or visit a club, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter for the latest updates and resources.
[email protected]
Toastmasters International
Englewood, Colorado
For more information on Nuvie consulting, please contact [email protected]
For more information on EventBooth, please contact [email protected]
Nigeria’s electricity generation hits three-year high of 5,105mw – Adelabu
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has said electricity generation reached a three-year high of 5,105 megawatts as of July 27, 2024.
Adelabu announced this at the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Power Sector Working Group in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to him, the 5,105mw electricity generation is a significant increase from the 4,000mw previously recorded.
He reiterated that the country targets 6000mw electricity generation and transmission by December 2024.
“Just a few days ago, on July 27, we successfully generated and transmitted 5,105MW of power, the highest in the last three years. This is an improvement from the previous capacity of around 4,000MW or below.
“Our target is to achieve a landmark generation and transmission of 6,000MW by December,” he stated.
However, the latest data from Generation Companies, GenCos, showed that Nigeria’s electricity dropped by 668.5mw from 5,105mw to a peak of 4,436.50mw as of August 5, 2024.
Nigeria’s electricity generation hits three-year high of 5,105mw – Adelabu