Leke Abejide, the lawmaker representing the Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in Kogi State, has warned he may leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) if conditions within the party become untenable.
Abejide made the statement on Monday at the National Assembly Complex in response to recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu by ADC National Chairman, Mr. Ralph Nwosu.
Last week, Nwosu accused President Tinubu of mobilizing security forces to suppress the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024. Speaking in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the ADC’s state office chapter and Youth Development Centre commissioning, Nwosu expressed concerns about the government’s approach to curbing the protest amid widespread economic hardship.
Nwosu commented, “This morning (Saturday), I tweeted: Why are you people scared of protest? You are telling people who are hungry not to protest? And you have empowered security apparatuses with every arsenal to stop that protest, moving money from legislators to everywhere. The executive members of the cabinet have been giving money out to stop the protest.
“Why can’t you bring the money for people to buy food to eat? Is this a democracy or a dictatorship?” he asked.
Reacting to Nwosu’s remarks, Abejide distanced himself from the ADC National Chairman’s comments, stating that if the situation within the party continues to deteriorate, “I will return to my home.”
When asked if he would switch to the ruling party, Abejide replied, “I am not leaving the ADC but if the heat becomes too much, I will return to my home.”
Read also: Police denounce vandalism of MTN office in Lagos
He recalled his decision to move from the APC to the ADC, citing internal party issues. “I was a leader of the APC in Kogi State. It was because of the problems in the party that I landed where (ADC) I am today.
“Following the death of our leader, Alhaji Abubakar Audu, we all thought that Abiodun Faleke would take his place. But when things did not work out that way, we thought that the government (of Yahaya Bello) would work with everybody. This did not happen and we were frustrated out of the APC.”
Abejide noted his support for Tinubu in the 2023 elections, contrasting it with Nwosu’s backing of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, pointing out, “This difference has been there.”
He emphasized the importance of supporting the current administration, saying, “While I understand the concerns that have led to this call for protest, and indeed share some of these sentiments, I must firmly oppose such action at this critical juncture in our nation’s journey.
“We cannot deny that our country faces significant challenges. The cost of living has risen and many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet. These are real issues that require our collective attention and effort.
“However, it is precisely because of these challenges that we must rally behind an administration that has shown remarkable courage and vision in tackling our long-standing problems head-on,” Abejide stated.
He commended President Tinubu’s efforts, listing achievements such as economic stabilization, improved national security, and local government autonomy since assuming office in May 2023. “The president is carefully sowing seeds which will germinate and yield in both the short term and the long term, just as we have annual crops and perennial crops, thus requiring calculative patience,” Abejide concluded.
The post ADC lawmaker, Abejide threatens to leave party over criticism of Tinubu appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
ADC lawmaker, Abejide threatens to leave party over criticism of Tinubu
Assassination attempt: FBI to conduct victim interview on Trump
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, has agreed to carry out a “victim interview” on former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate.
FBI explained that the victim interview will be conducted on Trump over the failed assassination attempt on his life about one month ago in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Kevin Rojek, FBI special agent, said the interview with Trump will be “a standard victim interview like we would do for any other victim of crime under any other circumstances”.
Thomas Mathew Crooks had attempted to assassinate Trump during his presidential campaign in Butler, but missed and was subsequently killed.
In a statement on Monday, Rojek said: “We want to get his perspective on what he observed.
“We have learned the subject was highly intelligent, attended college and maintained steady employment.
“His primary social circle appears to be limited to his immediate family as we believe he had few friends and acquaintances.”
The FBI officials said Crooks’s parents have said they had no advance knowledge of their son’s plot. “We do find that to be credible at this stage,” Rojek said.
Assassination attempt: FBI to conduct victim interview on Trump
No amount of threats can stop nationwide protests
The organised Civil Society under the umbrella of United Action Front of Civil Society on Monday warned the government at all levels against any form of intimidation against protesters during the August 1 to 10 nationwide protests against hunger.
The body of CSOs in a statement signed by the Head of the secretariat, Wale Okunniyi, also urged citizens to hold the government responsible for any intended outcome.
Recall that certain activists have organised a nationwide protest slated for August 1 to 10, 2024. The planned protest has gained traction on social media, trending under the hashtags ‘#EndBadGovernance,’ ‘#TinubuMustGo’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’
The presidency and police authorities have called on youths to abandon the plan.
The statement read, “We wish to advise the Tinubu government to immediately take proactive steps to address the demands and concerns already raised by citizens groups participating in the planned nationwide citizens’ protests, if they are really sincere about averting the mass action beyond grandstanding and hoodwinking of Nigerians, as no amount of threats and gimmicks presently being deployed by agents of the Nigerian government can stop the nationwide mass demonstrations.
“Key among the citizens’ demands already put out by initiators of the nationwide protests is the urgent reversal of the price of fuel from ₦1,000 per litre for which it is being unofficially sold today to pre-January 2023 price of ₦167 per litre.
“Second on these demands is the drastic reduction of government profligacy and high cost of governance in Nigeria, which will require slashing of the humongous emoluments and allowances of all elected government officials in Nigeria by fifty per cent of what currently receive from state covers.”
The group noted that the government is to be held responsible for not taking steps to address the crucial concerns and interests of the Nigerians.
The statement said, “For the Nigerian Civil Society and citizens, the most fundamental of the problems of stability, insecurity and development in Nigeria are entrenched in the warped and undemocratically imposed constitution of the country by the military as decree 24 of 1999, which has been largely corruptive and divisive of the country and sadly has no remedy except it’s replaced through a democratic and legitimate process.
“In the light of the foregoing intervention of the organised civil society, the government is to be held responsible for not taking urgent steps in addressing the crucial concerns and interests of the Nigerians critical to the planned nationwide mass protest and any unintended consequences therefrom.”
Police arrest 32 suspects after violent attack in Lagos college
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, has confirmed that 32 suspects have been arrested following a violent attack on a Ministry of Education team at the Federal College of Education (Technical) in the Akoka area of the state.
According to Hundeyin, the team had been sent to mediate a three-month-long impasse between staff and the Provost, who had been locked out of his office.
However, the situation escalated when staff and students attacked the team, damaging over five vehicles and the Provost’s quarters.
He added that the rioters also blocked all entrances and exits to the college, prompting a police response.
Hundeyin made this known while reacting to a viral report by Tomisin, who identifies as #TomisinWhyte on X.com on Monday, reporting police shooting and tear gas used during the protests.
#TomisinWhyte had tweeted, “Emergency Alert. There are reports of police shooting and tear gas being used on students at Akoka Road.
“This is happening during ongoing protests. Please help spread the word.”
Hundeyin clarified the situation, emphasizing that the police intervention was necessary to maintain peace and order.
Hundeyin wrote, “For over three months, staff of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka locked out their Provost, depriving him use of his office.
“A team set up by the Minister of Education arrived the school today to mediate the ongoing impasse. However, staff of the college aided by students attacked the team from Abuja, damaging over five vehicles and the Provost’s official quarters.
“Not done, the rioting staff and students also blocked all entrances in and out of the college. The police arrived the scene and restored normalcy after being attacked with stones and sachets of water by the rioters.
“Meanwhile, 32 suspects have been arrested while men of the Nigeria Police Force from Area Command, Surulere remain on ground to ensure that the restored peace remains intact.”
Click the link below to watch the video:
Nationwide protest: Provide security for citizens – Group urges Nigerian Govt
A civil society group, Voice of Women in Nigeria Leadership Initiative, has called on government to provide security and protection for all citizens, including those participating in the planned nationwide protest.
The group urged the authorities to ensure the prevention of what happened during the #EndSARS protest, in which lives were lost and there was no accountability from government.
This was contained in a press statement made available to journalists in Jos, Plateau State capital, by the President of the group, Hajiya Halima Tijjani.
The statement reads: “In light of the current economic hardships and the growing discontent among our citizens, we find it essential to address the pressing concerns and the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria enshrines the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
“The fundamental right is a cornerstone of our democracy, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard, especially during times of crisis.
“Today, our nation faces a severe economic downturn, with widespread hunger and hardship affecting countless families. The cry of the masses cannot and should not be ignored.
“As an organisation committed to amplifying economic development, fostering community engagement, a leveraging volunteer support to make tangible impacts nationwide, we unequivocally support the right of Nigerians protest peacefully”, she maintained.
“It is their constitutional right to express their grievances and demand accountability from the government peaceful protest is a legitimate form of expression and a vital mechanism for citizens to participate governance and advocate for change.
“The government must recognise and uphold the constitutional right of the people to peaceful assembly and protest. Any attempt to suppress this right is a violation of o democratic principles and an affront to the cule of law.
“Government must provide security and protection all citizens, including those participating in peaceful protests and any attempt to repeat the unforeseen event that to place during the END SARS protest which led to mothers losing their children with no accountability from the government should be highly discouraged.
“We urge the security agencies to act with restraint, professionalism, and respect for human rights, ensuring the safety of all protesters.
“We stand with the people in their rightful demand for good governance, transparency, and accountability.
“It is not to late for the government to heed the call of the masses and take decisive action to address the pressing issues faci our nation.”
Nationwide protest: Provide security for citizens – Group urges Nigerian Govt
ADC lawmaker threatens to dump party over attack on Tinubu
The lawmaker representing the Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency, Kogi State, Leke Abejide, has threatened to leave the African Democratic Congress for the All Progressives Congress if the former becomes inhabitable.
Abejide stated this on Monday at the National Assembly Complex while reacting to the recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu by the ADC National Chairman, Mr Ralph Nwosu.
Last week, Nwosu accused the president of deploying security agents across the country to stop the nationwide protest slated for August 1, 2024.
Nwosu, who spoke in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, at the official commissioning of the ADC’s state office chapter and Youth Development Centre, expressed worry over the Federal Government’s plan to stop the protest given the economic difficulties being felt across the country.
Nwosu said, “This morning (Saturday), I tweeted: Why are you people scared of protest? You are telling people who are hungry not to protest? And you have empowered security apparatuses with every arsenal to stop that protest, moving money from legislators to everywhere. The executive members of the cabinet have been giving money out to stop the protest.
“Why can’t you bring the money for people to buy food to eat? Is this a democracy or a dictatorship?” he asked.
Not happy with the comments credited to the ADC National Chairman, Abejide, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, distanced himself from Nwosu’s remarks, saying if things continue the way they are, “I will return to my home.”
Asked if he would leave his party for the ruling party, Abejide said, “I am not leaving the ADC but if the heat becomes too much, I will return to my home.”
He recalled the events that culminated in his decision to swap APC to join ADC.
“I was a leader of the APC in Kogi State. It was because of the problems in the party that I landed where (ADC) I am today.
“Following the death of our leader, Alhaji Abubakar Audu, we all thought that Abiodun Faleke would take his place. But when things did not work out that way, we thought that the government (of Yahaya Bello) would work with everybody. This did not happen and we were frustrated out of the APC.”
Abejide added that in the 2023 elections, he supported Tinubu while Nwosu rallied support for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, noting that “this difference has been there.”
According to him, there are cogent reasons to support Tinubu to move the nation forward.
Highlighting the reason for the briefing, the Kogi-born lawmaker said, “While I understand the concerns that have led to this call for protest, and indeed share some of these sentiments, I must firmly oppose such action at this critical juncture in our nation’s journey.
“We cannot deny that our country faces significant challenges. The cost of living has risen and many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet. These are real issues that require our collective attention and effort.
“However, it is precisely because of these challenges that we must rally behind an administration that has shown remarkable courage and vision in tackling our long-standing problems head-on.”
Abejide noted that the president “is carefully sowing seeds which will germinate and yield in both the short term and the long term, just as we have annual crops and perennial crops, thus requiring calculative patience.”
He listed Tinubu’s achievements since assuming office in May 2023 to include economic rebirth and stability, improved national security and local government autonomy, among others.
Leadership crisis: ASCSN President accuses Police of undermining court order
President of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Innocent Bola Audu, has accused the Nigerian Police Force of undermining a recent judgment of the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja, which reinstated him as the president of the association.
TVN gathered that the court presided over by Justice Oyewumi Oyebiola, had on July 9, 2024, voided the purported suspension of Audu.
The court subsequently ordered his return as President of ASCSN till when his tenure will be completed.
Justice Oyebiola, in the judgment, held that Audu’s suspension by the Central Working Committee of ASCSN and his subsequent expulsion by the National Working Committee of the association was “unlawful, illegal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever”.
Our correspondent however gathered that since Audu got the certified true copy of the court order, all efforts to assume duty as president of the association had been unsuccessful.
In a statement made available to TVN on Monday, Audu expressed dismay at the way the police is handling the issue.
He alleged that rather than upholding the order of court, the police are being complicit in the matter.
He urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and ensure that justice prevails.
Audu said, “Regrettably, those responsible for my ordeal have refused to respect the court’s judgment, seeking to frustrate its implementation. I have drawn the attention of relevant law enforcement agencies to this matter to no avail.
“Ironically, the Police, who should be providing protection, are now hindering my resumption of office. I am aware of plots to frustrate the court’s judgment and I therefore call on the Inspector General of Police to withdraw his men from our office as requested by our members.
“We were invited by the FCT Commissioner of Police last Sunday for a meeting. Luckily, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (Simon Lough), who is a police officer was present as an arbiter.
“He read the judgment for all of us, we were about 40 or more in the office of the Commissioner of Police. After reading, the judgment, he told the cabal who has been resisting me from assuming my office that what they were doing is wrong.”
Leadership crisis: ASCSN President accuses Police of undermining court order
Promoting new vista of opportunities for investment
The Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest), in line with its mandate to sustain the state as an investment destination of choice in Nigeria and beyond, last week, organized an investment webinar in collaboration with international chambers of commerce.
The aim of the seminar was to, among other things, attract new investments by showcasing opportunities in Ogun State to potential investors, promote the State as an investment destination, highlight the benefits and strategic advantages of investing in the state to a global audience and enhance its reputation as a premier investment destination.
The event not only provided a platform for direct interaction between potential investors and key government officials to foster a better understanding of the investment climate in the State, it also served as a unique opportunity for participants to explore key sector areas offering high prospects of investment returns within the state’s economic landscape. These sectors include: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Energy, Transport, Housing, Information & Communication Technology (ICT) et cetera.
It essentially addressed the concerns of foreign investors by highlighting key sectors, detailing insights into the most promising choices available within Ogun State as well as their potential for high returns on investment. While identifying the challenges investors may likely face, it also offered solutions and support mechanisms available to overcome any obstacle.
For the successful hosting of the event on Friday, July 26, 2024, kudos has been given to Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose initiative gave birth to the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest), the organizer of the interactive forum.
The objectives of the seminar align with the mandate of the facilitating agency. Primarily, the idea behind OgunInvest, under the able leadership of Miss Sola Arobieke, Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor, is to foster stronger economic ties between Ogun State and international business communities, provide information on government support, inform investors about various policies, incentives, and other support services available to facilitate investment. Since the idea came into being, OgunInvest’s role has tremendously increased its visibility, awareness and services among the global investment community.
Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest) was established by law in 2019, with Governor Dapo Abiodun CON as its Chairman. The vision of the agency is to firmly establish Ogun State as the industrial and logistics hub of Nigeria and the preferred investment destination in the region. Its mission is to create an investor-friendly environment that attracts and retains domestic and international investments, fostering economic growth.
In line with its mandate to attract and facilitate new investments into Ogun State, OgunInvest is dedicated to enhancing the state’s economic growth and promoting it as the premier investment destination in Nigeria. Its mission is to provide comprehensive support and services to investors, ensuring a smooth and successful investment journey.
Beyond that, OgunInvest provides comprehensive support services to investors, offering a one-stop solution for investment facilitation. This includes assisting with initial inquiries, providing detailed information on investment opportunities, guiding investors through regulatory requirements, and offering aftercare services to ensure successful investment operations.
The agency also plays a key role in enhancing the state’s business environment through policy advocacy and reforms, aiming to create a conducive atmosphere for investment.
The overall objective of OgunInvest aligns with the desire of the South Africa-Nigeria Business Chamber to foster and promote business relationships between South Africa and Nigeria. Established to facilitate trade and investment between these two key African economies, the chamber provides a platform for businesses to explore opportunities, share insights, and build strategic partnerships. The chamber’s mission is to support and enhance bilateral economic ties, advocate for conducive business environments, and promote sustainable growth in both countries.
Led by a renowned business analyst, Dianna Games, with extensive experience in African markets, over the years, the South Africa-Nigeria Business Chamber has strengthened economic cooperation between South Africa and Nigeria, providing valuable support to businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of these markets. Her commitment to fostering sustainable economic development and cross-border collaboration has made her a respected figure in the business community.
For these reasons, therefore, OgunInvests decided to organize the recent interaction between the Ogun State government and the South Africa-Nigeria Business Chamber to serve as a precursor to other series of events that have already been laid in the pipeline to showcase the conducive business and industrial environment the present administration of Abiodun had created to attract both local and direct foreign investments. The 90-minute webinar featured, among others, a keynote address by the Hon. Commissioner of Finance and Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Governor, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, while the Hon. Commissioner of Industry, Trade & Investment (ITI), Mr. Adebola Sofela, and the Hon. Commissioner of Transport, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, participated as a panellist, providing valuable insights into the key sectors and growth areas within Ogun State.
The panel offered participants a comprehensive understanding of the investment opportunities available in Ogun State, while Mr Tilewa Adebajo, an Investment Banker and Economist and CEO, CFG Advisor, moderated the proceedings.
On the overall, the state government used the occasion of the webinar to promote investment in Ogun State across several key sectors, each of which plays a crucial role in the state’s economic development. Leveraging technology for investment promotion, the webinar provided opportunity to reach a wider, more diverse audience, to promote investment opportunities abound in the state.
With the theme: “Navigating the Investment Landscape in Ogun State, Nigeria: Key Sectors and Growth Areas”, webinar used the advantage of platforms like Zoom, YouTube Live, and Facebook to showcase conducive environment Ogun State offers as an investment destination with an assurance of high returns on investments.
The state Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, while addressing the audience, stated that Ogun State Government had invested massively in the security architecture by providing security agencies with modern crime-fighting tools to secure lives and properties in the State.
Okubadejo, who is also Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to Governor Dapo Abiodun, further added that the State Government had created a conducive business environment for both local and international investors to operate in the State. He disclosed the opportunities available in the agriculture sector, stressing that the State has over 16,000 square kilometers of land mass, of which about 65 percent is suitable for farming business. He, therefore, called on commercial farmers to take advantage of the all-year farming and the conducive climate to go into food or cash crops cultivation.
Also speaking on other business opportunities that abound in the State, Okubadejo said sectors like infrastructure, education, real estate, transportation and ICT were open for investment, adding that with international border and its closeness to the nation’s economic capital, Lagos, Ogun State provides the best destination of choice for Investors.
His words: “In the area of solid minerals, Ogun State is probably number one in the country as we have several minerals from limestone to bitumen, sulphate, granite and clay, among others.
“Of all these minerals, only a few are currently being exploited and developed and, of course, the most developed is the limestone where we have the largest cement companies in the country.
“We have a strong relationship with the Federal Government to be able to embark on a joint venture or partnership with any foreign investor that is interested in developing out mineral opportunities.”
He explained that the state government had opened up business clusters and also built an aerotropolis, not just as a processing zone, but provided with greenhouse, residential, hospitality business, which were opened for investors.
The Chief Economic Adviser further pointed to the opportunities that abound in the power sector, especially now that the Federal Government’s attention had shifted to sustainable electricity generation as a critical factor in the country’s march toward industrial and economic growth as core objectives of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Accordingly, he encouraged investors to go into solar panel production, independent power generation and distribution. He also disclosed that the Ogun State government had been working on Free Trade Zones (FTZ) at Olokola, Ogun Waterside and a Dry Port at Kajola, Abeokuta, to enhance industrial transformation of the state.
While speaking on the steps taken to ensure the ease of doing business in the State, the commissioner said an investment facilitation agency has been set up to provide a one-stop solution, including assisting with inquiries, providing detailed information on investment opportunities, guiding investors through regulatory requirements, to ensure business operations.
Okubadejo, while assuring of adequate manpower as a result of numerous higher institutions of higher learning in the state, said investors interested in doing business would benefit from tax waivers, rebate and other incentives that benefit their investments.
In the same vein, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, said the state government had put in place a multi-modal transportation plan that incorporated road, rail, sea, adding that investors could invest in rail, airport management and the use of technology as an enforcement tool in the transportation sector. Dairo also stressed the need for investors to look into the tourism sector of the state economy as it provides a good opportunity.
His counterpart in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, said a lot had been done on land administration to complement the State’s investment in security to ensure a conducive business environment for investments. He said a lot had been done to expose the ‘adire’ fabric to the outside world, noting that more could be achieved if modern technology is used in producing the fabrics.
Ogbonnikan writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital
New minimum wage for all Nigerian workers
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, announced on Monday that the new national minimum wage applies to the entire nation.
Akpabio made this remark during the signing ceremony of the Minimum Wage Act (Amendment) Bill into law by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
He stated that the new national minimum wage applies to the Federal Government, state and local governments, the private sector, and even individual employers.
“So, I think this is a great day for the workers in the country. We are not only doubling the minimum wage, but we have also added something on top. Initially, it was N30,000; now it is N70,000.
“Like I said, this is minimum, not maximum. Any employer that has the capacity can pay as much as they want. But no Nigerian worker will offer services and be paid anything less than N70,000 from today.
“That is the implication of this act. It applies all over the nation. And we are excited that this is happening at a time like this through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man who cares for Nigerian workers,” he said.
He mentioned that the entirety of the National Assembly moved quickly and passed the bill in one day out of excitement.
“We felt that this was not something we could delay. So, I think the workers are happy. I want to use this opportunity to call on those who are attempting to foment trouble; you have a right to protest. It is your fundamental right. It is there in the constitution.
“But you don’t have a right to destabilise the country. The right to protest should not be turned into the right to unleash violence. It’s clear that people behind this are very amorphous, very faceless,” said Akpabio.
He asserted that the current hardship experienced by Nigerians was not caused by the Tinubu administration, which is just one year old.
“It is the outcome of years of insecurity. Many people could not go to farms for almost 10 years, and the President has risen to the occasion.
“Every food item that is coming in now will come in without any restrictions; bring in food because Nigerians need to eat. And at the same time, most things are coming in with a lot of waivers.
“So, for me, I’m excited that, yes, indeed, the government is doing what it should. And we, the leaders in the National Assembly, are touching our various constituencies,” he said.
He appealed to the youth not to allow any group to mislead them politically, noting that the destruction of any property would cost Nigeria money.
He mentioned that the bill to finance the new minimum wage had progressed significantly, and he expected it to be signed into law by Wednesday.
The House leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the President’s signing into law of the minimum wage bill showed that he cared about the Nigerian people.
“So, I think this movement from N30,000 to N70,000 and reducing the negotiation period from five to three years is a clear demonstration of a commitment to redirect, refocus, and reposition Nigeria for greatness,” he said.
President Tinubu had on July 18 increased the Federal Government’s offer on the national minimum wage from N62,000 to N70,000, with an assurance that it would be reviewed after three years instead of five years.
The Federal Executive Council mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning to prepare a bill to amend the 2024 Budget.
A week later, Tinubu wrote the Senate requesting it to amend the 2024 Appropriation Act and the 2023 Finance Act by increasing the budget by ₦6.2tn.
Tinubu’s letter was addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary. The President said the move was under Section 58, sub-section two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
The Senate approved the ₦6.2tn amendment to the 2024 Appropriation Act, raising the year’s national budget from ₦28.7tn to ₦35.055tn.
Pilgrimage: Retired administrators seek more transparency in Hajj affairs
The National Association of Retired Hajj Administrators of Nigeria, (NARHAN) has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of 2024 Hajj operation despite the challenges that heralded the pre-Hajj activities.
NARHAN is an association comprising former Executive Secretaries of States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and veterans of Hajj operations at the national level.
The association, in a statement jointly signed by its chairman who was also the immediate past chairman of Yobe State Pilgrims Commission, Alhaji Bukar Kime Dapsa, Secretary Bako Apapa, also a former Executive Secretary of Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, and the Group’s Technical/Media Adviser, Ibrahim Muhammed, and issued after the 2024 review meeting by its executives held on July 20, highlighted the areas of success in this year’s Hajj as well as critical areas that need further improvement in next coming exercise.
“We applaud NAHCON, airlines and relevant stakeholders for successfully conducting 2024 hajj airlift operations with minimal challenges.
“This has shown that the Nigerian Hajj Industry is moving forward progressively. We are also aware of the difficulties in health services due to the record-breaking heat wave experienced by 2024 hajj pilgrims, especially in Masha’ir areas.
“The medical team has done a great service to Nigerian Muslims in this year’s hajj, and we pray that Almighty Allah rewards everyone involved,” the association stated.
The group also acknowledged the improvement in feeding and a relative increase in Tent ‘D’ spaces in Mina this year compared with last years’ experience.
“We, however, call for a more proactive approach towards a better mapping of the numbers of pilgrims performing hajj and how to effectively cater for their services, especially when pilgrims pay for all the services they receive during Hajj.
“We also called for more transparency on the issue of financial interventions during Hajj operations and for the commission to close the gap that creates room for uncertainty that made it possible for states to pay different sums of BTA to their pilgrims this year,” the statement added.
The retired administrators promised to take appropriate measures to monitor 2025 Hajj preparations within the scope of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and also contribute their experience and expertise in educating Nigerian pilgrims and Hajj administrators on how to avoid operational conflicts during Hajj.
“As part of our mission, NARHA will soon organize a Hajj press conference to highlight critical areas that need a quick response from the apex Hajj regulatory body to ensure a more transparent approach towards the 2025 Hajj exercise,” they promised.
Pilgrimage: Retired administrators seek more transparency in Hajj affairs