President Bola Tinubu has assented to the N70,000 National Minimum Wage for workers in the country.
The signing ceremony was performed at the Council Chambers of the presidential villa and witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and other government functionaries.
Details later…
BREAKING: Tinubu Assents to N70,000 National Minimum Wage for workers
BREAKING: Tinubu Assents to N70,000 National Minimum Wage for workers
Step-by-step guide on unblocking your MTN, Airtel, others using shortcode
Nigerian telecommunication companies have provided clear guidelines to help subscribers unblock their SIM cards, following recent disconnections due to the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) -SIM harmonisation exercise.
This initiative, aimed at enhancing the integrity of the national SIM registration database, has left many users facing temporary service disruptions.
To assist affected customers, telecom companies outlined in a statement on Monday step-by-step to restore connectivity.
1. Airtel: Dial *121# and enter your eleven-digit NIN. A confirmation message will indicate that your Airtel SIM card has been successfully unbarred.
2. 9mobile (EMTS): Dial *200*8#.
3. Glo: Dial 109 followed by your NIN number (e.g., *109*12345678901#) and follow the prompts to submit your NIN.
4. MTN: Visit [nin.mtn.ng]( to check NIN status. If not linked, proceed to link it. An OTP and NIN will be required. Once linked, your line will be automatically unbarred.
5. Smile: Send your NIN
to [email protected] or call 07020444444. After providing consent and verifying your NIN, your line will be unbarred.
6. Spectranet: Call 8002345678 or email [email protected] to submit your NIN. KYC verification at a Spectranet store is required. You can also submit your NIN online but must complete KYC at a Spectranet store.
7. Ntel: Visit any Ntel store with your NIN. Your fingerprint will be used to verify your existing KYC profile. Upon verification and consent, your line will be updated and unbarred.
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Security agencies mount roadblocks, intensify patrols in Abuja
Security operatives are conducting stop-and-search operations on vehicles entering the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Our correspondent gathered on Monday, 29 July 2024, that military and police personnel set up roadblocks on the Abuja-Keffi and Abuja-Lokoja roads. These roadblocks caused significant delays in vehicular movement in the affected areas.
Additionally, some residents of Kubwa, Dutse Alhaji, Maraba, and Bwari reported noticing an unusually high number of security vehicles patrolling their areas.
The security agencies have not yet provided reasons for the increased presence of their operatives and roadblocks.
However, it might be related to the proposed nationwide protests slated to be held from 1-10 August 2024.
The protests were declared by some groups and activists in response to the economic hardship experienced by the citizens.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had stated last week that the nation’s capital was not available for the protest. To support his position, Wike mobilised some Abuja youths and other stakeholders against joining the planned protest. The minister explained that the move was to enlighten them on the ills of protests and why they should not be part of it.
The acting spokesperson for the Presidential Guards Brigade, Olokodana Odunayo, promised to get back to our correspondent.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, and the FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.
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FCT-IRS collected N126.5bn in six months
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service has announced that it collected a total of ₦126,535,768,441.30 between January and June 2024.
The Chairman of FCT-IRS, Haruna Abdullahi, disclosed this during a mid-year press briefing held at the agency’s office in Garki on Monday.
In 2023, FCT-IRS generated over ₦203bn, representing a 63% increase from the ₦124bn collected in 2022. This exceeded their target of ₦200bn for the year and set a new target of ₦250bn in revenue for 2024.
Abdullahi, represented by the Acting Director of Tax, Chinwe Anohu-Ndu, stated that the collected amount represented a 53.5% increase from their mid-year collection in 2023 and was 119.7% higher than the collection in 2022.
He said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to inform you that the FCT-IRS, in the first half of the year – between January and June – has collected and remitted the sum of ₦126,535,768,441.30.
“We are pleased to report that our mid-year collection for 2024 is 53.5% higher than our mid-year collection for 2023. The collection is higher by ₦44,076,516,599.50 compared to the ₦82,459,251,841.80 realised in the first half of 2023.
“Additionally, it is 119.7% higher than the mid-year collection of 2022; the collection in 2024 is ₦68,935,844,331.10 higher compared to the ₦57,599,924,110.20 collected in 2022. This trend indicates year-on-year growth.”
Abdullahi added that the growth in collections demonstrated the agency’s commitment and dedication to overcoming obstacles.
He noted that the FCT-IRS achieved “impressive results” by leveraging technology and building one of the most functional e-service portals in the sector.
“This stellar growth highlights our commitment and determination to overcome obstacles while striving to boost revenue generation. The Service achieved such impressive results within six months amidst economic challenges by leveraging technology and building one of the most functional e-service portals in the revenue sector.
“We also owe this accomplishment to the high compliance rate of taxpayers in the FCT. We urge everyone to continue choosing voluntary compliance over compulsion,” he stated.
National Assembly to hold emergency plenary Wednesday
The National Assembly will on Wednesday hold an emergency plenary.
According to a statement on Monday issued by the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rotimi Akin, the Wednesday plenary will focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention
The statement read, “The House of Representatives wishes to announce that, pursuant to the directive of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., a plenary session has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
“Honourable Members have been duly summoned from their respective constituencies to attend this crucial session. This directive was communicated through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday.”
It added, “The House had commenced its annual recess on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The Annual Recess provides Honourable Members with the opportunity to engage extensively with their constituencies, ensuring that the legislative process remains attuned to public input.
“This period also allows for in-depth engagements at the grassroots, facilitating a deeper understanding of the constituents’ needs and priorities.”
Akin noted that it was customary for the House to reconvene from recess to address pressing national issues.
He added, “The forthcoming session will focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention. Honourable Members are expected to make the necessary arrangements to ensure their presence.”
Similarly, a memo from the Clerk of the Senate, Francis Akubueze, to Senators, indicated that the Red Chamber would also be sitting on Wednesday.
The memo read, “The President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened.”
The memo noted that the plenary will hold by noon on Wednesday.
It added, “Distinguished Senators are requested to make all necessary arrangements to attend as issues of national importance will be discussed.
“We regret all the inconveniences that this interruption of the recess will cause. Thanks for your usual understanding.”
Both chambers of the National Assembly had last week Tuesday adjourned plenary till September 17.
CSOs defend right to protest amidst looming demonstration
Nineteen civil society groups have rallied to defend the right to peaceful protest in the country.
The groups say this remains the cornerstone of democracy and no threat or intimidation should be meted out to suppress the people from protesting.
This is coming less than 72 hours into the planned August 1 protest against hunger and hardship.
These groups collectively advocate for the protection of protesters’ rights and urge the Nigerian Judiciary and National Human Rights Commission to ensure a fair and just response to any related charges.
All these were contained in a Monday Press Statement issued in Abuja by Rapid Response Group.
It was titled, “The Right to Peaceful Protest: A Pillar of Democratic Governance as Constitutionally Guaranteed.”
According Online reports that some of the groups that undersigned the statement are international groups with their wings spread beyond Nigeria.
“In light of recent events and ongoing discussions surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with government policies and actions, we, the undersigned civil society organisations, are compelled to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance.
“This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change,” it said.
According to the statement, the societies maintained that protesting is a fundamental right protected by international laws and Nigeria’s Constitution.
“Protesting is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others.
“It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process.
“Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people.
“History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in government policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address grievances and promote good governance,” it added.
However, they stressed that protests should be peacefully and responsibly carried out without violating the rights of others.
It read further, “While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others.
“Accordingly, we urge all parties engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law.
“Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order. Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or threaten public safety.”
Meanwhile, they also added that suppressing protests with intimidation or excessive force is unacceptable.
Protests should be assumed peaceful, and any threats should be managed by targeting saboteurs, not organisers, they insisted
The statement also noted, “Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive.
“Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and arrest them immediately.
“Arresting protest organisers shows a lack of understanding of the enemies of the state.”
Similarly, they called on the Nigerian Judiciary and National Human Rights Commission to protect #August1 protesters’ rights and quickly address and dismiss any unjust charges against them.
The statement concluded, “We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these protests.
“The demands include reducing the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing the cost of governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional reform, which are all recurring themes in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthy democracy.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights and stand in solidarity with those who decided to exercise the right to peaceful protest.
“We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and accountable society, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”
According Online reports that 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) Uganda, and BudgIT Foundation, were among the listed organisations that countersigned to endorse the statement.
Others include Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development, Centre for Inclusive Social Development, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Dataphyte Foundation, DigiCivic Initiative.
Others are: Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, Farnnel Women Foundation, Gee Foundation for Social Justice and Development, Global Rights, Health Education and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative, HIFWAC Relief, Hope Behind Bars Africa, Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation, and International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre.
Phone line blockages not linked with August 1 protest — Telcos
The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria has stated that the recent disconnection of SIM cards by mobile operators is unrelated to the planned national protest.
A nationwide protest is set to commence on August 1 to draw attention to the country’s economic challenges and demand improved living conditions.
The statement, obtained by The According on Monday, clarified that the disconnections are part of a scheduled exercise to align National Identification Numbers with SIM registration records, set to conclude on July 31, 2024.
Initially planned for April 15, 2024, the disconnection was postponed to July 31 by the Nigeria Communications Commission following requests for extensions due to subscriber challenges.
The Federal Government mandated SIM card blocks for those not linked to NINs in 2020, a measure introduced in response to increasing terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and banditry during the final months of President Buhari’s administration.
“The fact of the matter is that the harmonisation exercise of the SIM registration database and National Identity database has been ongoing for several months,” the telcos association stated.
ALTON, chaired by Gbenga Adebayo, explained that this harmonisation process had been underway for several months and aimed to enhance the accuracy and integrity of the National SIM registration database.
“Customers who had their lines blocked recently are those whose service providers found a mismatch between their records on both databases.
“We advise such customers to contact their service providers through communicated channels for resolution of the issue,” the group explained.
ALTON emphasised its commitment to supporting government efforts and safeguarding communication rights, data privacy, and security.
On Sunday, human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa cautioned telecom companies against attempting to stifle the upcoming demonstration against economic hardship by limiting internet access for Nigerians.
In a statement, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged the NCC to ensure uninterrupted internet access during the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Adegboruwa warned that any attempts to restrict internet connectivity would be perceived as an infringement on citizens’ rights to free speech and assembly. He stressed the importance of allowing Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights without obstruction during the protest.
“For the past few days, some telecom companies have been disconnecting their subscribers for flimsy and untenable reasons.
“Some claim it is due to a lack of NIN registration or linking, while others have provided no reason at all. This action coincides with the people’s struggle against hunger, poverty, suffering, and the oppressive economic policies of the Tinubu administration,” he said.
Nigerian army urges military wives, soldiers to give their children decent education
The Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Brigade, Nigeria Army in Sokoto, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose has described education as the pillar of development in any society.
He said most of the youths perpetrating crimes in the country are not educated, urging the wives of soldiers to give their children a decent upbringing to protect the image and reputation of the Nigerian Army.
Ajose stated this when he commissioned the Army Cantonment primary school in Gusau Zamfara State capital.
He said that banditry activities and other forms of criminalities ravaging the north and other parts of the country were due to a lack of education among young people.
“Education is a vital instrument for the development of a society and the Army will not treat the issue of education with a mere wave of hand’, he added.
Earlier, the Commanding officer of 1 Brigade, Brigadier General Sani Ahmed said the State’s Universal Basic Education Board, ZSUBEB started the construction of the school in 2021 and later abandoned it but the Army took over and reconstructed the school.
He said he had already promised the families of the Army officers that he would carry on from where the ZSUBEB stopped.
He asked parents not to worry over payment of fees, and uniforms as all that will be sponsored by the Army authority.
Nigerian army urges military wives, soldiers to give their children decent education
LemFi Expands its International Payment Services to Brazil and Mexico
LemFi launches Latin America services from the US, UK & Canada, offering the best exchange rates, zero transaction fees and within minutes transactions.
LemFi is a leading financial technology platform revolutionising how people move their money globally. LemFi serves over 1 million customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada through its innovative products and services. Currently, LemFi supports international payments to over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.LemFi is set to enter the Latin American diaspora market following recent expansions, starting with Brazil and Mexico.
Thousands of Latin Americans venture to North America and Europe every year for different living opportunities. One persistent challenge for these individuals is accessing reliable, fast, cost-effective financial services, a problem LemFi is already solving.
This leading region for global remittances, sees Mexico as the top recipient, with Brazil just a little behind. LemFi solves this problem through the LemFi mobile app; within minutes of signing up, customers can send money to their home countries at the best exchange rates, directly to the recipient in various payout methods and at zero transaction fee.
“Since our inception in 2020, we have been committed to reshaping how people move their money internationally,” says Rebeca Wignall, LemFi’s General Counsel.
“Our expansion to serve the Latin American diaspora underscores our global growth ambitions and our desire to be the choice remittance platform for everyone, everywhere”, she concludes.
With a recent launch in the United States, a US$33 Million Series A raise, recent expansions to China, India, and Pakistan, and planned expansions to other diverse markets, LemFi has proven to have the team, resources, and strategies to deliver on the promise of reliability, cost-effectiveness, and value, helping the Latin American diaspora be more financially connected to home.
mockup of phone, showing currently supported destinations in Latin America>
LemFi invites everyone who needs to stay in touch with their homes in Mexico, Brazil, and beyond to experience innovative products and services through its Mobile App, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or the website.
LemFi will continue to expand to diverse markets and innovate, delivering easy-to-use and cost-effective ways to move money safely across the globe.
To learn more about LemFi, visit the website at www.lemfi.com, for enquiries, reach out to [email protected].
About LemFi
LemFi is the preferred international payment app for everyone. Send money to India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and 16 other countries. Receive and manage your money without stress.
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Ondo gov appoints Seyi Law, others as aides
The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has appointed popular comedian Oluseyi Aletile, also known as Seyi Law, as his Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment and Tourism.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, made this known in a statement on Monday in Akure, the state capital, stating that the appointments are effective immediately.
Adeniyan added that the appointments are part of the governor’s efforts to enhance governance and service delivery in the state.
Others appointed as Senior Special Assistants include Alonge Felix Kolawole (Social Investment), Hon. Tomide Akinribido (ICT), Allen Sowore (Strategic Communication), Femi Lawson (Public Enlightenment), and Rotimi Agbede (Citizen Orientation).
Also appointed were Muyiwa Ogunleye (Community Integration), Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola (Agric & Agribusiness), Uzoma Egbulefu (Non-indigenes), and Chief Olufunke Adu (Market Women Relations).
Others are Mrs Eko Davies (Traders Affairs), Kike Isijola (Digital Media), Mrs Dupe Adetuwo (Arts & Culture), Oriade Adebanwo (Emergency Response), Fadesola Ojamomi (Inter-Party Affairs), Oladimeji Olawale (Intra-Party Affairs), Akinboni Samuel (Party Affairs), and Bello Titus Abiodun (Innovation).
Special Assistants for mobilization and representation of non-indigenous communities in the state include Hon. Ejor Agagu (Mobilisation), Oluyemi Damilola Grace (Mobilisation), Isaiah Igwe (Non-indigenes for Igbo – North), Francis Belohun (Non-indigenes for Igbo – Central), Uche Okafor (Non-indigenes for Igbo – South), Mohammed Jamil (Non-indigenes for Hausa – North), Goniya Garuba (Non-indigenes for Hausa – Central), Issa Umar Mohammed (Non-indigenes for Hausa – South), Tenuche Fatai (Non-indigenes for Ebira – North), Alhaji Abdulkadir Adinoyi (Non-indigenes for Ebira – Central), Alhaji Abdulkareem Ododo (Non-indigenes for Ebira – South), and Imo Owoh (Non-indigenes for others).