The Presidency, on Saturday, alleged that supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, are planning a nationwide protests aimed at destabilizing the country.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the protesters are the same individuals who instigated the destructive ENDSARS protest in 2020 and were now using hashtags like “EndBadGovernance” and “Tinubu Must Go” to spread propaganda.
Onanuga claimed that the protesters were not democrats but anarchists seeking to overthrow the elected government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He warned that their actions could lead to high treason and urged security agents to interrogate the protest planners.
“REVEALED: Peter Obi’s supporters are the people planning mayhem in Nigeria: Obi should be held responsible for anarchy
“Don’t be fooled: the malcontents planning to stage nationwide protests are supporters of Peter Obi, the failed presidential candidate of the Labour Party. And he should be held responsible for whatever crisis emanates from the action.
“The protest planners are also the same people who were instigated by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to launch the destructive ENDSARS protest in Nigeria in October 2020. ENDSARS began as a genuine protest by youths against the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad, notorious for its high-handedness. IPOB members planning to extricate the South East region from Nigeria infiltrated the protest and hijacked it for their own agenda. Lagos still bears the scar of the malicious destruction by IPOB elements until today,” Onanuga claimed.
READ ALSO:‘Don’t let Ngelale catch you!’ Aisha Yesufu hits back at Onanuga
The Presidency also highlighted the government’s efforts to address economic challenges, including increasing the minimum wage, providing loans to students, and promoting consumption credit.
Onanuga advised Nigerians to consider the government’s efforts before joining the protests, which he believes are aimed at causing mayhem.
He noted, “They are the people spreading the hashtags ‘EndBadGovernance’, ‘Tinubu Must Go,’ and ‘Revolution2024’. They are not democrats but anarchists. They are attempting to call out our people via propaganda because their Messiah, Peter Obi, failed to win the Presidency in the 2023 election. As bad losers, they don’t have the patience to wait for another election in 2027; they would rather destabilise Nigeria by staging a civilian coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“If they understand the meaning of their hashtags, they will realise they are clarion calls for treason. Wanting to end an elected government is high treason. Wanting revolution is a call for a coup d’etat, which is also high treason.”
This development comes as tensions rise in the country, with some groups calling for protests against the government. The Presidency’s allegations have sparked a heated debate, with some supporting the government’s stance and others defending the right to peaceful protest.
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PROTEST: Presidency accuses Peter Obi supporters of plotting mayhem
Rights group demands probe as politician is brutalized by security agents for allegedly criticizing Kaduna Gov, Sani (Video)
The United Nigerians Against Crimes (UNAC), a prominent civil society organization, has strongly condemned the alleged brutalization of a politician Alh. Abdulmajid Danbilki Komanda as captures in a viral video.
The video, which has sparked outrage online, reportedly shows individuals claiming to be security agents subjecting Komanda to severe physical abuse. UNAC believes these individuals may be affiliated with the Nigeria Police Force or the Department of State Services.
UNAC in a statement released on Friday, said it was “appalled” by the video’s content, which it said was a “flagrant violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.” UNAC emphasized that Komanda was exercising his right to criticize Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and that no citizen should face retribution for such expression.
The group demanded immediate investigations by both the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services. UNAC also urged Governor Sani to ensure that the alleged perpetrators present themselves for investigation within seven days. Failure to do so will prompt further action from UNAC, the nature of which remains unspecified.
“In the disturbing video, the victim is seen handcuffed, made to kneel down, and subjected to inhumane treatment. This deplorable act is a flagrant violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
READ ALSO:El-Rufai absent as Kaduna APC passes vote of confidence on Gov Sani
“We are shocked that security agents could descend to such lows, using their authority to perpetrate heinous crimes. The Governor of Kaduna State is not above the law and cannot be shielded from criticism. Every citizen has the right to express their opinions and beliefs without fear of retribution.
“We demand an immediate investigation into this matter by the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of Department of State Services. We also urge the Governor of Kaduna State to produce those people or direct those involved to present themselves to security agents for investigation within seven days of this press release or face possible further actions to be taken by this organisation that he might not find palatable,” the statement reads.
Dr. Abdullahi Yunusa Bayawo, Director General of UNAC, emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to protecting citizens from such acts.
He declared that, “UNAC will not stand idly by while citizens are brutalised and intimidated by those who claim to uphold the law.”
The statement concludes with a call to action for all Nigerians to condemn the violence and demand justice for Komanda. UNAC further reiterated its dedication to combating impunity and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their position or affiliation.
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Nigeria unveils strategy to lead Africa’s digital trade charge
Nigeria on Friday took a bold step towards becoming the digital trade leader of Africa.
This is as the Federal Government launched a comprehensive strategy aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) framework. This initiative aims to spearhead a digital trade revolution across the continent.
The strategy, unveiled by Vice President Kashim Shettima, is a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” This agenda emphasizes trade as a catalyst for economic growth and continental unity, reflecting the goals of the AfCFTA.
He stated this while delivering a keynote address during a stakeholders summit with the theme “Digital Trade in Africa: The Renewed Hope Strategy,” at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“Nigeria is in a unique position to spearhead the continent’s technological transformation,” Vice President Kashim Shettima said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s unique position to lead this transformation. The specifics of the strategy include:
• Implementing the AfCFTA’s Digital Trade Protocol: This protocol aims to eliminate barriers to digital trade within Africa, such as electronic customs procedures and harmonized digital regulations.
READ ALSO:EU doubles down on Meta, says its ‘Pay or Consent’ model violates Digital Markets Act
• Developing Technical Talent Hubs: Building a strong workforce with the skills needed for the digital economy is crucial. These hubs will likely focus on areas like software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
• Enhancing Digital Infrastructure Investments: This includes improving internet access, expanding broadband coverage, and investing in data centers. Robust infrastructure is essential for facilitating a thriving digital trade ecosystem.
• Promoting Disruptive Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encouraging creativity and fostering a supportive environment for startups will be vital in driving digital trade growth.
The success of this strategy hinges on strong public-private sector collaboration. Shettima emphasized the need for synergy between these groups, particularly in implementing the AfCFTA’s Digital Trade Protocol.
This move by Nigeria is a significant development for Africa’s digital future. Whether Nigeria can truly become the digital trade leader of the continent will depend on the effective implementation of this strategy and its ability to foster a vibrant digital trade environment across Africa.
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FEATURE: Kwara school suffers as contractor fails to deliver on classroom project
Once renowned for its high-quality education and abundant facilities since its establishment in 1974, Ojoku Grammar School in Oyun Local Government of Kwara used to attract many parents for the enrollment of their children. However, all its remarkable qualities have been lost due to severe neglect and underfunding over the years.
Its entrance arch resembles that of a barren settlement desperately in need of government attention for comprehensive rehabilitation. The collapsing classrooms have led to a significant decline in student enrollment compared to what it once had.
The decay in infrastructure and inadequate learning facilities have extinguished the flame of quality education in the school, causing many parents to lose interest in enrolling their children due to the potential collapse of the remaining classrooms. A few parents have also withdrawn their children from the school.
The entrance of Ojodu Grammar School
Abdulhayi Isiah, an ex-student of the school, said while he was in primary school, the crowd and high level of learning at Ojoku Grammar School motivated him to inform his parents that he would like to enroll in the school for his secondary education. However, a few years after his enrollment, the school started losing students due to a lack of teachers and conducive classrooms.
“They had many students back then, and if you saw them coming out after their closing time, you’d feel amazed by their numbers and very neat appearances. It was still better when I was their student, but we had challenges like not enough teachers, so some students stopped coming, and we also saw some of us attending a new school.
“I think it is even worse now, judging from their entrance you see the school needs attention. The government hasn’t done enough to revamp the school to its heyday. Even though the community is growing with more population, the school is losing students,” Mr Isiah expressed.
In Nigeria, there has been conflicting data on the number of out-of-school children, oscillating between 10.2 million and 20 million. However, in 2022, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recorded that the total number of out-of-school children had surpassed 20 million. This places the country among the nations with the highest number of out-of-school children, with Kwara State contributing 22 percent.
To facelift the dire infrastructure and prevent its decline towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of quality education for all children, an intervention stepped in to revamp the school with new classrooms.
The project signage at Ojodu Hrammar School
The project
In 2022, the federal government under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) earmarked N30 million for the construction of three blocks of three classrooms in Ojoku Grammar School to ameliorate the lack of classrooms and improve quality learning in the school.
Facilitated by the former clerk to the National Assembly of Nigeria, Ojo Amos, the Federal Ministry of Education awarded the contract to Skidoo Construction & Engineering Limited.
However, an investigation by this reporter revealed some irregularities that contravene the project’s scope.
According to the document obtained, the Ministry of Education only paid the sum of N20.6 million, and awarded the contract to Skidoo Construction & Engineering Limited to construct two blocks of two classrooms, which fell short of the initial approval.
Shockingly, during the reporter’s visit to the school in June, it was discovered that the contractor had only completed one block of two classrooms, despite being contracted for two blocks of two classrooms. This discrepancy raises questions about when the project scope was altered and how well the current state of the project aligns with the original specifications.
The floor of the building has started cracking and the furniture has started dusting off due to poor construction.
A block of two classrooms the contractor executed at the school
Bilkis Adam, a parent of a student in the school, told this reporter that the school has lost the high heritage it once possessed. She added that the school has always been the top choice for secondary education in the community.
“The school wasn’t like that, but you know the issue with the government, they often don’t care to maintain and pay attention to things. Due to a shortage of teachers, the school has been losing students. If attention had been paid to the school earlier, it would still be functioning well today”, she said.
Speaking about the project, Mrs Adam said the block of classrooms this reporter described has always remained locked whenever she visited the school. She added that there is a need to fully open them to create more classrooms for them.
“I don’t think they’ve started using it because I’ve never seen it open. But if it’s a government project and has been completed, they should start using it, especially since the school doesn’t have enough classrooms to accommodate more students“, she added.
READ ALSO:FEATURE: Despair, disillusionment as Akwa Ibom community battles effects of flooding
The Vice-Principal of the school, Bolaji Akande, who spoke on behalf of the principal, stated that the classrooms have been standing but are only used for departmental classes. He explained that students from the arts, sciences, and commercial departments share a classroom, but they are separated into the new classrooms during department-specific subjects.
The supplied furniture inside one of the classrooms
He, however, expressed reservation on the changes in the scope of the project and poor construction in the supplied facilities, describing the work as ‘shoddy.’ He added that the contractor didn’t engage the school management with the design of construction to ensure its commensuration.
“To my own best of knowledge, we just heard one of the ex-students in Abuja facilitated the project to this school, we don’t even see him, they (contractor) just came and started the work, and throughout the execution the contractor didn’t interact with the school management then.” Mr Akande lamented.
“We heard it should be more than this, it should be three blocks but this is only what is here. The floor is not ok, it doesnt suppose to sound like this, it is not well done at all”, he stated as he knocked the floor to demonstrate the poor work done by the contractor.
Abdullateef Faruk, a community elder, expressed concerns over the state of the school and the new project, and said if the government has started to give the school attention, they should ensure close supervision of the contractor.
“We’ve been crying for rehabilitation of this school for a few years. It has been a good community school our children always wanted to attend, but seeing the sight of the buildings, the quality of education the school offered in its early days can not be compared to the one of now.
“But we’ll always have some kind of corruption, if government wants to embark on any project they should engage the community, and school management to keep their eyes on what is going on, and they should also supervise it so that the contractor won’t deliver another thing different from what he was asked to do.” Mr Faruk expressed.
The cracking floor of the new classroom block
Fatal consequences, scary data
In Nigeria, inadequate infrastructure has influenced the education sector, leading to the soaring number of out-of-school children and lack of quality learning across the states, including Kwara State.
In Kwara State, the lack of quality education, influenced by underfunding and understaffing, has hindered students’ progress and encouraged malpractices in senior secondary certificate examinations such as WAEC and NECO, placing the state among the lower-performing states.
In 2021, Kwara State recorded recorded 54 percent pass of students with five credits, including English and Mathematics in WASSCE, putting the state at 34th national wide by the number of credit passes.
Meanwhile, the state in 2019 recorded 165 schools blacklisted by WAEC for exam malpractices.
While Ojoku Grammar School is affected by poor infrastructure, hindering conducive learning, the school is in dire need of comprehensive rehabilitation and additional classrooms to help it function in its capacity.
However, an FOI letter sent via mail to Skidoo Construction & Engineering Limited inquiring about the alleged shortages in the project was ignored as it was not attended to as at the time of filing this report. A search on NG-Check revealed that the company may not have sufficient experience for construction projects, as it was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in the mid-2019, indicating three years of experience in the construction industry.
A similar request, addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, asking for detailed information and clarification of discrepancies in the execution of the project, was not responded to as at the time of filing this report.
By: Abubakar Abdulrasheed
This story was support by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusivity and Accountability Project (CMEDIA) funded by the MacArthur Foundation
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Crude oil thieves days are numbered – CDS Musa vows
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, says the days of crude oil thieves are numbered.
He assured that the military was taking steps to crack down on the crude oil thieves.
Speaking to newsmen on Friday after he briefed President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, he lamented that for over two decades, Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest oil producers, has grappled with a significant oil theft challenge.
CDS Musa also assured Nigerians that the military would play its part to ensure that the country meets its crude oil production target of 2.1 million barrels per day.
He vowed, “For the criminals, those that are hell-bent on stealing our infrastructure, stealing our crude for whatever reasons, their days are numbered they should be rest assured that we are coming after them.”
CDS Musa lamented that the country loses an estimated 200,000 barrels of oil per day to theft, representing about 10% of its daily production, explaining that it occurs primarily through pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering, where oil is siphoned off and sold in the black market.
Crude oil thieves days are numbered – CDS Musa vows
Security operatives arrest seven suspected illegal miners in Kogi
Security operatives have arrested seven suspects for alleged involvement in illegal gold mining in a community within Yagba East Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.
A statement released on Friday by Segun Tomori, the media aide to the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, detailed that the operation leading to the arrests was executed by mining marshals in Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA.
According to Tomori, the operation targeted illegal miners whose activities have obstructed lawfully authorized miners with licenses covering four cadastral units from accessing the site for the past 16 years.
TVN findings indicate that these unauthorized activities have persisted for over 20 years.
“The well-coordinated operation, led by Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, resulted in the arrest of seven suspects heading different groups of illegal miners in the area,” the statement read.
Following the successful operation, site workers were given a five-day ultimatum to vacate the premises. This move is part of continued efforts to secure the area and ensure it is fully recovered for lawful mining activities.
This operation follows a similar one carried out by the marshals in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, which led to the arrest of eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian suspected of illegal mining.
The trial of these suspects commenced last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja division. They have been remanded in Kuje prisons until the next adjourned date.
Security operatives arrest seven suspected illegal miners in Kogi
Shuaibu: Notice of Appeal doesn’t amount to stay of execution – Lawyer
A lawyer and public activist, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has reminded the Edo State Government that an appeal filed against judgment of a High Court does not mean that the judgement of the lower court must not be obeyed in the interim.
He issued a statement in Calabar on the backdrop that the reinstated Philip Shuiabu as deputy governor of Edo State by the federal High Court can not function pending outcome of their appeal at the Appeal Court.
“Fragrant disobedience to and refusing to recognize the Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu by the Edo State Executive Governor as ordered by the Federal High Court’s amounts to violating the principle of rule of law.
“There is no law in Nigeria that empowers the Edo State Government to act in such a degrading manner just because there is a Notice of Appeal filed at the Appeal Court challenging the judgement of the Federal High Court.
“There is nothing to suggest that a Notice of Appeal amounts to stay of execution. Anything to the contrary is an affront on the judiciary.
“Until and unless the Appeal Court reverses the judgement of the Federal High Court, Com. Philip Shaibu remains the authentic and recognized Deputy Governor of Edo State by virtue of the Federal High Court judgement.”
Ahiakwo advised that Nigerians must rise in defense of the Nigerian Constitution and condemn such wanton disregard for judicial orders or disobedience of court decisions by the executive or the legislative arms of government.
The lawyer reiterated that the Federal High Court’s judgment reinstating Shaibu was consistent with upholding the 1999 Constitution and the rule of law.
According to him, the court order is a demonstration of the judiciary’s role in preventing illegality and a clear message that thorough investigation into serious infractions of the constitution must be considered in impeachment proceedings.
He maintained that the judiciary is crucial in maintaining the balance of power and promoting good governance.
He went on to argue that the impeachment process of Shuaibu abinitio ought to have garnered substantive evidences, and not mere allegations or frivolities.
Shuaibu: Notice of Appeal doesn’t amount to stay of execution – Lawyer
Reps probe Dangote, Lafarge over rising price of cement
The Joint Committee of the House of Representatives is investigating the arbitrary rise in cement prices in the country.
Major producers in the industry, including Dangote Cement Company and Lafarge Africa PLC, have been asked to submit documents detailing their production costs to justify the current market price of cement.
The committee, led by Chairman Rep. Jonathan Gaza (APC-Nasarawa), resolved to visit the production plants of these companies after reviewing their financial records. The goal is to ascertain the cost of production and determine a fair price of cement for all Nigerians.
Gaza made this demand on Friday during a public hearing in Abuja. He stated that the committee is interested in the cost of production from 2020 to the present, which has led to the current price of cement exceeding N10,000 in many parts of the country.
He said the companies have been requested to provide detailed information on their average daily consumption of coal, gas, gypsum, limestone, clay, and laterite, as well as their average daily production of cement from 2020 to date.
He added that they must submit details of all imported components for cement production and their prices, as well as local components and their costs in both naira and dollars.
The companies are also required to provide a summary of monthly prices and quantities of cement produced from 2019 to date, along with their audited accounts, bills of lading, and customs duties paid during the reviewed period.
Furthermore, they should disclose any tax waivers and other incentives received, plus contracts for gas and explosives.
Rep. Dabo Ismail (APC-Bauchi State), a committee member, pointed out that Dangote Cement Company has continued to make significant profits despite sourcing most of its raw materials locally.
Dabo noted that the company declared a profit of N524 billion in 2022, N553 billion in 2023, and has already made N166.4 billion in 2024.
He questioned why the price of cement keeps rising, causing hardship for Nigerians, while producers continue to profit.
In response, Dangote Cement Company’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Arvind Pathack, explained that 95 percent of production costs are either imported or linked to foreign exchange.
Pathack cited a 100 to 333 percent increase in the price of major cement input materials, such as gas, AGO, gypsum, imported coal, spare parts, new trucks, and tyres.
He further mentioned that the company pays in dollars for some contracts to access gas and explosives, due to insufficient provision by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
He also pointed out logistics issues, such as the poor state of key roads, which increase delivery times and truck maintenance costs.
The MD pointed out the lack of sufficient forex to settle trade obligations, resulting in forex losses of N150 billion per annum and a 30 percent interest rate on loans.
Pathack noted the over 220 percent devaluation of the naira between May 2023 and June 2024, along with challenges like insecurity and inadequate public power supply.
He also stated that while cement is sold at an average cost of N7,200, any price over N10,000 is due to retailers, not the company. He compared cement prices across countries, showing that Nigeria’s price is among the cheapest in Africa.
The committee urged the companies to review their policies and operations to reduce cement prices in the country.
In an interview with newsmen, the Chairman of the committee expressed hope that the engagement would lead to a price reduction, blaming the high prices on the inaction of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
“We are extremely hopeful that this engagement will lead to a reduction in the price of cement. FCCPC has slept on their functions so far; their inactivity and non-responsiveness to price is what has put Nigeria where we are today,” Gaza said.
Reps probe Dangote, Lafarge over rising price of cement
10 ways to get a good deal on your home in Nigeria
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. In Nigeria, where the real estate market can be tricky, it’s important to be smart and careful when looking for a good deal. This article you are about to read will give you 10 useful tips to help you make sure you’re getting the best value for your money when buying a home in Nigeria.
1. Do Your Homework on the Area
Before you even start looking at houses, it’s crucial to learn about the area where you want to live. Different parts of Nigeria have different prices and benefits. Some areas might be cheaper but far from good schools or markets. Others might be more expensive but safer or closer to your work.
Take time to visit different neighborhoods. Walk around, talk to people who live there, and get a feel for the place.
Ask yourself:
– Is it safe?
– Are there good roads?
– How’s the electricity supply?
– Is it close to important places like hospitals, schools, or your workplace?
– What’s the community like?
2. Set a Realistic Budget
It’s easy to get carried away when you’re looking at beautiful homes, but it’s important to stick to what you can afford. Before you start house hunting, sit down and figure out your budget.
Think about:
– How much money you have saved
– How much you can borrow from a bank
– Your monthly income and expenses
Remember, buying a home isn’t just about the price tag. You’ll need to think about other costs too, like:
– Lawyer fees
– Taxes
– Repairs or renovations
– Moving costs
Make sure you have some extra money set aside for these things. It’s always better to buy a slightly cheaper house and have money left over than to spend everything on the house and struggle later.
3. Use a Trusted Real Estate Agent
A good real estate agent can be your best friend when you’re looking for a home. They know the market, they have connections, and they can help you find deals that you might miss on your own.
But be careful – not all agents are trustworthy. Here’s how to find a good one:
– Ask friends or family for recommendations
– Look for agents with good reviews online
– Check if they’re registered with the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV)
– Meet with a few different agents and see who you feel comfortable with
4. Don’t Rush – Take Your Time
Buying a home is a big decision, so don’t feel pressured to make it quickly. Some sellers or agents might try to rush you, saying things like “This deal won’t last long!” or “Someone else is interested in buying this house!”
Don’t fall for these tricks. It’s better to take your time and make sure you’re making the right choice. Visit the house more than once, at different times of the day. This will help you notice things you might miss on a quick visit, like noisy neighbors or bad traffic at certain hours.
If you feel rushed or pressured, that’s often a sign that something isn’t right. A good deal today will still be a good deal tomorrow.
5. Get a Professional Inspection
Never buy a house without having it checked by a professional inspector. This might cost a bit of money, but it can save you from much bigger costs in the future.
An inspector will look at things like:
– The foundation of the house
– The roof
– Electrical systems
READ ALSO:Recognizing market potential in Lagos Real Estate
– Plumbing
– Signs of pests or termites
They might find problems that you can’t see with your own eyes. If they do find issues, you can use this information to negotiate a lower price or ask the seller to fix the problems before you buy.
6. Check All the Legal Documents
In Nigeria, it’s very important to make sure all the legal papers for the house are in order. This can be confusing, but it’s crucial to avoid problems later. Here are some key documents to check:
– Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): This shows that the government has given permission for the land to be used for housing.
– Survey Plan: This shows the exact boundaries of the property.
– Deed of Assignment: This shows that the current owner has the right to sell the property.
– Tax clearance: This shows that all taxes on the property have been paid.
It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer who specializes in real estate to help you check these documents. They can spot any problems and make sure everything is legal and correct.
7. Negotiate the Price
Don’t be afraid to negotiate! The first price the seller asks for is often not their final price.
Here are some tips for negotiating:
– Start lower than you’re willing to pay. This gives you room to go up.
– Point out any problems with the house that might lower its value.
– Be ready to walk away if the price is too high. Sometimes, showing that you’re willing to look at other houses can make the seller more flexible.
– If the seller won’t lower the price, see if they’ll include other things, like furniture or appliances.
Remember, negotiating isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about finding a price that’s fair for both you and the seller.
8. Consider the Future
When you’re buying a home, don’t just think about your needs right now. Think about the future too.
Ask yourself:
– Will this house still be good for me in 5 or 10 years?
– If I have children, will there be enough space?
– Is the area likely to improve or get worse over time?
– Could I easily sell this house if I need to move?
Buying a home that will still be good for you in the future can save you money and stress in the long run.
9. Compare Prices of Similar Homes
To know if you’re getting a good deal, you need to know what other similar houses cost. This is called “comparing comparables” or “comps” for short.
Look at houses that are:
– In the same area
– About the same size
– In similar condition
You can find this information online, through your real estate agent, or by visiting open houses in the area. If the house you want is much more expensive than similar houses, that’s a sign that it might be overpriced.
10. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your gut feeling. If something feels wrong about a deal, even if you can’t explain why, it’s okay to step back and think more.
Maybe the seller seems too eager to sell quickly. Maybe the price seems too good to be true. Or maybe you just don’t feel comfortable in the house.
These feelings are important. Buying a home is not just a financial decision – it’s also an emotional one. You should feel good about your choice.
By: Dennis Isong
The post 10 ways to get a good deal on your home in Nigeria appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Power outages threaten Abuja, three states as TCN suspends AEDC
Residents in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, and three neighboring states – Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger – face potential blackouts following a suspension order issued by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
The TCN, a government-owned entity responsible for transmitting electricity across the country, accused AEDC of non-compliance with market regulations. Specifically, the suspension notice cites AEDC’s failure to provide an adequate bank guarantee, a violation of Section 15.3.3 of the Market Rules.
This development raises concerns about the financial health of AEDC and its ability to meet its obligations within the Nigerian electricity market. The suspension order, with the reference number TCN/ISO/MO/2024/002, outlines a five-day window for AEDC to rectify the situation before facing disconnection from the national grid. The proposed disconnection date is July 28th, 2024.
“This is a formal suspension notice to Abuja Electricity Distribution Company due to noncompliance with provisions of the market rules and failure to provide the Market Operator with an adequate bank guarantee in line with section 15.3.3 of the Market Rules.
READ ALSO:Nigerian govt threatens to revoke DisCos licenses over power outages
“The MO had previously notified AEDC in writing of its default of the Market Rules via; 1. Request for Fulfillment of Prudential Requirement dated February 13, 2024. 2. Notice of Event of Default: Non-Fulfillment of Prudential Requirement dated March 22, 2024 and, 3. Notice of Intent to Issue a Suspension Order: Non-Provisions of Adequate Bank Guarantee dated April.8, 2024.
“The MO in these notices requested that corrective actions be taken within a specified period to cure the default. In spite of all notifications, AEDC failed to cure this default. In view of this non-compliance, AEDC is hereby suspended from the MO administered electricity market. No new contract or agreement shall be entered into with AEDC within the suspension period,” TCN stated.
The potential impact is significant. AEDC is the sole electricity distributor for Abuja, a major metropolis with a population exceeding three million. The company also serves the aforementioned states, affecting millions more residents and businesses. A complete blackout in these areas would severely disrupt daily life, impacting everything from homes and hospitals to businesses and essential services.
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