President Bola Tinubu on Monday signed the minimum wage bill into law.
The president signed the bill at the State House, Abuja, with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudden Abbas, in attendance.
Details later…
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JUST IN: Tinubu signs minimum wage bill
Osun residents protest SIM blockage, cause traffic gridlock
Some angry residents of Osun State on Monday blocked the Oke Fia/Dele-Yes-Sir dual carriageway in Osogbo, the State capital, over MTN officials’ alleged refusal to attend to them early following the barring of their mobile lines.
Some of the displeased customers residing in the state who spoke to The According at the MTN Connect Store, which serves as the head office of the organisation in the state, located along the Oke Fia/Dele-Yes-Sir dual carriageway in Osogbo, said they came from different towns across the state when their lines were barred from the network.
They, however, said despite the fact that some of them arrived at the premises as early as 1:00 am, the officials of the organisation did not attend to their complaint early enough.
Venting their anger, the residents blocked the road, forcing many road users on the route to make a detour.
The arrival of operatives of Department of State Security, however, restored normalcy, as they directed the protesters to remove the barricade.
During a visit, our correspondent was told that those who were allowed inside the premises of Osogbo MTN Connect Store were those who registered their names on Saturday, while names of those coming to restore their lines on Monday were being compiled.
Aged, visibly sick, and pregnant women were, however, allowed into the premises to sit, waiting for their turn to be called inside the office to lodge their complaints.
Our correspondent also observed a vehicle belonging to DSS with about 5 operatives in uniform parked beside MTN premises
During an interview with our correspondent, a resident of Ikire, simply identified as Mrs Korede, said she arrived at the Osogbo MTN Connect Store around 5: 00 am and met a large number of people already waiting to be attended to.
“I got here around 5: 00 am. I came from Ikire. When I got here, I was told 114 people had registered before me. I didn’t see any list where names were written, but I was told I was number 114.
“This kind of experience is uncalled for. I have my NIN and linked it to my mobile line. I don’t know why my line was barred. Those you saw on the premises are those who wrote their names on Saturday. I was told some of us that came early today may still get our chance,” she said.
Also commenting, a commercial motorcyclist from Ikirun, Osun State, who refused to disclose his name to our correspondent, said at the MTN office in his town, there was already a large crowd when he got there around 7:00 am.
He further said, “Because of that, he decided to come to Osogbo, hoping I wouldn’t meet many people. I made the wrong conclusion. I have been here since 8:00 am. I was part of the protesters that blocked the road. I was told they started (the protest) around 7:00 am. We didn’t open it until around 9:00 am when DSS people came around and told us to remove the barricade.
“Some soldiers earlier came around but they didn’t wait. You can see the tension is high but the presence of security men is keeping the situation under control.”
Efforts by our correspondent to speak to the most senior officer in charge of the Osogbo MTN Connect Office failed as those approached with the request all claimed not to be employees of the organisation.
Police beef up security in Benue
The Benue State Police Command has deployed its men to strategic places in Makurdi, the state capital.
Our correspondent, who went around the city on Monday, reported the presence of policemen.
The presence of policemen in the capital city may be connected to the planned hunger protests across the country, which are expected to commence on August 1.
The state governor, Hyacinth Alia, said on Sunday that he had the assurances of various groups, including student unions, market groups, organised labour, and other civil society organisations, not to participate in hunger protests in all parts of the state.
Alia said that the state has experienced enough insecurity in recent times and that it would no longer be in its interest to witness another protest that may be hijacked by hoodlums.
“And I’m grateful to organised labour in the state, student union, market union and others for being considerate not to participate in any protest that at the end of the day might be hijacked by hoodlums and our entire peace destabilised,” Alia had said.
While reacting, the state command’s spokesperson, Catherine Anene, allayed the fear of Benue residents due to the huge presence of policemen within the town.
Anene said, “The presence of police officers across Makurdi today is not to scare citizens but to assure them of police presence and warn any hoodlum who intends to cause a breach of peace in the name of protest.”
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Commuters, motorists decry delays in completion of Calabar-Uyo federal highway
The perennial delays witnessed in the reconstruction of the failed Calabar-Uyo federal highway have taken a toll on the health and resources of motorists, travellers and even residents of the road.
In the last two months, there have been vehicular breakdowns which compounded traffic snarls on the road as it has been for over ten years.
As a result, travellers have often spent five or six hours to Uyo from Calabar or from Calabar to Uyo in a journey that used to be one hour.
Over three weeks ago, following this heartrending and tortuous journey on this road, the Minister of Works, David Umahi took journalists to assess the extent of failures on the road.
Pained by the slow pace of work, he had ordered that contractors return to site within a week and resume work to ameliorate the plights and suffering of Nigerians on the only connecting link road to southeastern states.
One of the motorists, Akpan Moses, a frequent traveller on the road, said ever since the minister returned to Abuja, the contractors hardly work.
Moses said the rains have helped to completely make the dilapidated road impassable.
He said hundreds of trucks bearing bags of cement, granites, rods and other heavy objects often fall due to the terrible state of the road.
“And when this happens, traffic flow is blocked. Long queues of trucks and other vehicles would be seen and the health of passengers are usually threatened having spent hours on bad spots”, he said.
A community leader on the Odukpani axis of the road, Etinyin Ekpenyong Effiom said some of the land owners who protested nonpayment of compensations which partially accounted for delays, have now been paid, and they were no longer threatening the construction workers.
The motorists and commuters strongly appealed to the federal government to release outstanding funds to contractors to mobilize back to the portions which the different tractors are working on.
The minister had assured that the road would be completed by December 2024, but an official of one of the construction firms who pleaded anonymity said the government has not paid a substantial a substantial enough amount to enable them work effectively.
Commuters, motorists decry delays in completion of Calabar-Uyo federal highway
Okonkwo, others free to leave Obidient movement
The Peter Obi Support Network has acknowledged the recent departures of key supporters, such as Doyin Okupe, Isaac Balami, and Kenneth Okonkwo, from the group.
In a press statement on Sunday, co-convener of POSN, Tochukwu Ezeoke, stated that the group respects their commitment to a better Nigeria and recognises their freedom to leave the ‘Obidient’ movement.
Ezeoke affirmed that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, remains committed to advocating for a grassroots political party and a decisive leader with integrity.
He added that the Obidient movement anticipates further resignations from the ranks of 2023 campaign leaders. Obi’s stance is that leadership must avoid actions that could plunge the country into chaos.
The statement follows the recent departure of Okonkwo and others from the Labour Party.
The statement read in part: “Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement did not have access to unlimited state resources during the 2023 election, relying instead on the support of Nigerians at home and abroad.
“Peter Obi’s primary concern is the safety and well-being of ordinary Nigerians, even above his political aspirations. The stability of Nigeria is more important than the ambitions of any single candidate.
“In response to the 2023 election results, while some supporters called for radical action, Peter Obi wisely chose to engage with the system, thereby exposing its flaws. His message on 5 June 2024 reaffirmed the Obidient movement’s independence from the Labour Party, ensuring the continuity of our goal to transform Nigeria from a consumer to a producer nation.
“Our focus remains on ending the misgovernance of Tinubu’s APC government, as they cannot lead Nigeria to the promised land. Peter Obi is actively building strategic alliances aimed at unseating Tinubu and rebuilding Nigeria in the near future to position Nigeria among the global community of productive nations.”
The group insisted that the philosophy behind the Obidient Movement, established in 2018, guided its efforts from the Atiku/Obi campaign in 2019 through the LP/Obidient campaign in 2022-2023.
“Despite the Obi/Datti mandate being stolen in February 2023, our structure is diligently working towards future elections.
“We urge all Obidients who desire a new and better Nigeria to remain steadfast, and continue and deepen their engagements with families and neighbours on what a new Nigeria should look like and the path to achieving it.
“We expect more resignations from the ranks of 2023 campaign leaders. Nevertheless, we are confident that we speak for our partners and other groups in this struggle, assuring Nigerians that hope and engagement in the political process are vital. Our collective efforts and determination are crucial to Nigeria’s future.
“Long live the Obidient Movement. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the group added.
BREAKING: Tinubu Assents to N70,000 National Minimum Wage for workers
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
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.
