Regional News
“He hit me with a gun butt,” Premium Times newspaper reporter Yakubu Mohammed told the Committee to Protect Journalists, recalling how he was struck by a police officer while reporting on cost-of-living protests in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja on August 1.
Four years after the World Health Organization declared Nigeria wild poliovirus-free, a related case has been detected in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. The state’s Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Prof. Baba Malam-Gana, confirmed the outbreak to HumAngle following rumours circulating within the state.
“We have discovered a single case of wild circulating polio,” said Prof. Malam-Gana.
The Air Component of Operation ”Hadin Kai” has eliminated five key terrorist commanders, alongside more than 35 foot soldiers, in successful operations in Arina, Southern Tumbuns of Borno. This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Edward Gabkwet, on Wednesday in Abuja.
This voluntary repatriation operation, carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian government, underlines the solidarity and cooperation between the two countries. Last August 10, 2024, the governor of the Far North region, Midjiyawa Bakari, presided over a farewell ceremony for more than 50 families of Nigerian refugees who had decided to return home. This voluntary repatriation operation is the result of a joint effort by the Cameroonian and Nigerian authorities to find lasting solutions to the refugees’ problems. It demonstrates the willingness of both countries to work together to promote peace, stability and development in the region.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, says its President, Joe Ajaero will honour the invitation by the Nigeria Police Force for investigation over alleged terrorism, subversion. Kabiru Sani, NLC Deputy President said the Congress arrived at the decision at its emergency National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja with some executives joining virtually.
Labour unions urged to join Nigerian govt in enforcing LG autonomy – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Ayoola Lawal, former Secretary, APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, says that organised labour and Nigerians must join the Federal Government in forcing state governments to comply with council autonomy. Lawal, the immediate past chairman of APC in the Scandinavian countries, said in a statement on Wednesday that organised labour should shut down states refusing to comply with the Supreme Court’s council autonomy judgment.
Chad schedules legislative, provincial, and municipal elections for December 29 | Africanews
Chad’s National Election Management Agency (ANGE) has announced that legislative, provincial, and municipal elections will be held on December 29, 2024. The announcement, made on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, by ANGE President Ahmed Barticheret, outlines that candidates can submit their nominations between October 19 and 28, with final election results expected on February 3, 2025. This election schedule comes just days after the promulgation of the organic law defining the composition of the new Parliament.
Troops kill Boko Haram commander, Abu Rijab, Others in Borno – PRNigeria News
The Nigerian Army announced on Sunday that its troops had neutralised a notorious Boko Haram commander, Abu Rijab, and other terrorist fighters in an offensive operation on Saturday. This was made known in a post on the Nigerian army’s official X Handle, saying the operation took place in Bula Daloye, Bama Local Government Area of Borno. It said the successful operation was in addition to the surrender of numerous terrorists and their families to the troops as a result of sustained pressure against their enclaves.
Mali: Deadly Clashes Between Army and Jihadists in Mopti Region | Africanews
At least fifteen members of Mali’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS) were killed on Thursday during a fierce clash with jihadists in the Mopti region, near the town of Diallassagou. The soldiers were on patrol, tasked with securing local farmers heading to their fields when they were ambushed by jihadists affiliated with the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). The attack took place near a hillside, where the jihadists, equipped with motorcycles, vehicles, and on foot, launched a sudden and intense assault. The Malian army responded with heavy gunfire, leading to a prolonged and deadly exchange
NLC threatens nationwide strike, protests over Ajaero’s invitation by police (premiumtimesng.com)
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike and protests over the police invitation to its president, Joe Ajaero.
It said the industrial actions would kick off immediately should the police detain or harm Mr Ajaero or any of its leaders in the aftermath of the invitation.
Borno Gov, Customs CG Hold Talk on Improved Border Security, Trade – PRNigeria News
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, earlier today, Friday, August 16, 2024, to express gratitude for the Nigeria Customs Service’s continued support to the State in the aspect of trade facilitation and border security. During the meeting, Governor Zulum acknowledged the strategic importance of Borno State, which shares borders with three countries. He emphasised the need for strategic collaboration to enhance security and trade within the State.
Kidnapper nabbed after collecting N1.5m ransom in Jos – Daily Trust
Residents of Nepa community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State have caught a suspected kidnapper who collected N1.5 million ransom from the relatives of his victims in Jos, Plateau State capital. The spokesman of the state police command, DSP Alabor Alfred, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said the suspect was being investigated at the anti-kidnapping unit. A vigilante in the Nepa community, who wished to remain anonymous, told Daily Trust on Thursday, that the suspect, after being caught by the residents was immediately handed over to the vigilantes in the area.
Army reacts to alleged invasion of churches by personnel in Anambra – Daily Trust
The Nigerian Army has dismissed a report that its personnel invaded churches and dispersed the congregation in their places of worship at Umunze in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some media outlets had reported the alleged invasion of some Catholic Churches in the town, creating panic among the people.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday condemned the tragic circumstances leading to the passing of Isa Bawa, the District Head of Gatawa District, Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State. In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, his spokesman, the president described the attack on Mr Bawa as deeply disturbing and a heinous act that would not go without a decisive response. The president extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the Gobir Emirate and Sokoto State Government.
Villagers accuse soldiers of killing 3 persons, 100 cows in Kaduna market – Daily Trust
Villagers in Sabon Birnin, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State have accused soldiers of killing three persons and over 100 cows during an incident at a local cattle market on Sunday afternoon. According to reports, the incident occurred as villagers were engaged in buying and selling at the weekly market. Eyewitnesses claim that soldiers opened fire on the cattle, leading to the deaths of at least three people as traders fled for safety.
Africa’s health agency says could start mpox vaccinations within days | Africanews
Africa’s top public health agency says the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other countries on the continent could start vaccinating against mpox within days. The DRC is the epicentre of a more deadly strain of the virus that emerged last year and has subsequently spread to some 12 other African states, with confirmed cases in at least 3 countries outside the continent. Last week, the World Health Organization declared the spread of the new strain a public health emergency of international concern.
Amnesty International condemns Ajaero’s police invitation (premiumtimesng.com)
Amnesty International has condemned the terrorism-related allegations levelled against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Joe Ajaero. The internal human rights group said the allegations are an attempt by the federal government to silence the union’s right to question governmental policies that affect them.
Nigerian govt increases International passport fees by 30% – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Federal Government has approved an upward review of the Passport fees as part of its efforts to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport effective. This is contained in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, SPRO, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Kenneth Udo on Wednesday in Abuja.
The stray bullet that killed Yahaya Isah, a 32-year-old resident of Church Road, Suleja, Niger State, pierced through his left ear and exited around his right cranium. Its destructive path would have continued had it not hit a concrete wall behind a container across the road where Mr Isah was standing. Mr Isah, a father of one, was not participating in the protest. He had gone to withdraw some cash from a Point of Sale (POS) vendor down the street, the deceased’s family members, including Aisha, his ailing mother, and his pregnant wife, Rihanatu, told PREMIUM TIMES.
The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, said the death toll from floods caused by rainfall has risen to 28 in the state. PREMIUM TIMES reported how 16 people were killed and more than 3000 displaced in flood disasters in 10 local government areas of the state.
Africa could start mpox vaccinations within days, health agency says | Reuters
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other African countries could start vaccinating against mpox within days, Africa’s top public health agency said on Tuesday. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has been working with countries experiencing mpox outbreaks on logistics and communication strategies to roll out vaccine doses that are due to arrive following pledges by the European Union, vaccine maker Bavarian Nordic BAVA.CO, the United States and Japan.
A presidential audit revealed that the Nigerian government wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars at COP 28 in Dubai last year including nearly $500,000 spent on a showcase pavilion in addition to a number of wasteful sub-contracts and consultancies, among many other avoidable expenses, an official has said. President Bola Tinubu‘s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, stated this while briefing journalists in Abuja, according to an official statement.
Burkina Faso conscripts magistrates for acting against junta, unions say | Reuters
Aug 16 (Reuters) – At least six Burkina Faso magistrates have been conscripted to serve in the military this month for taking action against pro-junta activists and other individuals, three unions of magistrates said in a joint statement. The West African country’s ruling military junta, which seized power in a 2022 coup, is accused of suppressing dissent by kidnapping and conscripting critics, and urging citizens to report suspicious neighbours in the name of national security.
Nigeria’s Titanic struggle: Waterline realities, upper deck illusions? | Politics | Al Jazeera
Discover how Nigeria’s economic crisis provoked nationwide protests, with voices from every layer of society. A year after Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, the nation faces soaring inflation, a devalued currency, and tripled fuel prices, turning daily life into a battle for survival. Despite government claims that no lives have been lost, Amnesty International reports 22 deaths among protesters. As similar frustrations spread across Africa, analysts warn of a potential “African Spring”. In this episode of Talk to Al Jazeera, Ahmed Idris explores the realities on the ground.
Domestic refining will address fuel scarcity, queues – NBA – Daily Trust
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the full implementation of the directive of President Bola Tinubu on the supply of crude to Dangote refinery and modular refineries in the country. Yakubu Maikyau, President of the NBA and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said this on Wednesday in Lekki, Lagos State.
Donkey carts used to collect household garbage in Bamako | Africanews In Mali’s capital, Bamako, donkeys are being put to work picking up garbage. Yacouba Diallo uses two donkeys, Keita and Kanté, to pull his cart around the city. It is drowning in waste, and he is one of many people paid by directly by households to collect their trash, earning up to $165 a month. And donkey carts are a more affordable transport method than motorised vehicles. “I want to do this work with a truck, but I don’t have the means to buy one, so I use the donkeys and the cart,” he says. Like other garbage collectors, he takes his haul to dumps sites like the one at Badalabougou with its mountains of waste.
Nigeria battles rampant drug abuse (voaafrica.com)
Annual statistics released by Nigeria’s Drug Enforcement agency show that over 14 million people, including children and teenagers, in the West African nation misuse drugs.
Police Chief unveils special squad for tackling banditry, kidnapping, other crimes – PRNigeria News
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday, inaugurated no fewer than 169 officers of the newly established Special Intervention Squad to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other crimes in the country. Speaking during the graduation ceremony of the officers at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills in the Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the IG explained that the SIS signified a significant advancement in its operational strategy, drawing upon the best practices of globally successful law enforcement models.
Mpox: Europe must support Africa in getting vaccines – WHO – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
European governments need to show strong political commitment to eliminate Mpox, while standing in solidarity with Africa, a top official of the UN World Health Organisation, WHO, said on Tuesday. Briefing journalists in Geneva, Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, insisted Mpox is which “not the ‘new COVID’” and that the risk from mpox to the general population was “low”. He rejected comparisons between the fast-spreading viral disease which the agency declared an international public health emergency last week, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
MNJTF Nabs Terrorists Logistics Supply Syndicate – PRNigeria News
MNJTF Troops deployed in Sector 3 Mongunu in conjunction with intelligence operatives and Civilian Joint Tasks Force have successfully intercepted Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists logistics supply syndicate at Cross Kauwa Market in Mongunu, Borno State. The arrested logistics supply syndicate, identified as Mr Modu Gana, Mamman Saleh and Babagana Muktar were apprehended while on transit to deliver supplies to the terrorists in their enclaves.
In a display of unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD. NPM., today paraded several suspects apprehended for different heinous criminal acts. This decisive action underscores the Police Force’s relentless efforts to combat crime and bring perpetrators to justice.
Peace and Security
U.S. govt announces $27m humanitarian aid for Nigeria – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The U.S. government has announced a 27-million-dollar humanitarian aid package for Nigeria to assist vulnerable populations and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria which stated this on Tuesday in Abuja, said the funding was part of the U.S. government’s 536 million dollars humanitarian aid package to Sub-Saharan Africa. The mission said the aid was officially unveiled by Uzra Zeya, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.
West African juntas write to UN over Ukraine’s alleged rebel support | Reuters
The juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have written to the United Nations Security Council to denounce Ukraine’s alleged support of rebel groups in West Africa’s Sahel region, a copy of their letter showed.
Mali cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine at the start of the month over comments by a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency about fighting in Mali’s north that killed Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner mercenaries in late July.
The United Nations Children Fund’s (UNICEF) on Wednesday deplored the alleged diversion of nutrition supplements in some communities in Sokoto State. UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, Micheal Juma, expressed concerns during the quarterly policymakers’ meeting on Wednesday in Sokoto.
UK Boosts Army’s Counter-Insurgency Capabilities with Training Facility – PRNigeria News
The United Kingdom government has handed over a cutting-edge Counter Insurgency (COIN) training facility to the Nigerian Armed Forces to enhance their operational readiness and effectiveness. A statement by the UK High Commission in Nigeria, said the facility was funded by the UK Ministry of Defence and constructed through a collaborative effort between Royal Engineers from the British Army and Nigerian Army engineers. The statement said the advanced training hub is designed to simulate real-world scenarios, providing Nigerian soldiers with immersive and realistic training experiences.
Nigerian govt set to launch National Youth Dialogue – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, says arrangements have been concluded to launch National Youth Dialogue to promote patriotism among youths. He made this known in Abuja on Wednesday, adding that the dialogue would provide avenue to enhance entrepreneurship, cooperative training, access to resources and networking among youths. He said “the dialogue is also an avenue to discuss problems and issues that affect youths and how they can be solved.
Army gets new counter-insurgency training facility – Daily Trust
The UK government has donated a Counter Insurgency (COIN) training facility to the Nigerian Armed Forces, to help enhance their training and better prepare the force for such operations. A statement by the UK High Commission in Nigeria, on Tuesday, said the UK funded the training facility through its Ministry of Defence and built it with a team of Royal Engineers from the British Army working alongside Nigerian Army engineers.
Amnesty International Nigeria has accused Nigerian security agencies of failing to account for the whereabouts of many residents who were arrested in the South-east. In a series of posts on its X handle on Monday, Amnesty said the arrested victims were often accused of being members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Alleged Terrorism Financing: Police Invites NLC President, Ajaero for Questioning – PRNigeria News
The Nigeria Police Force has summoned Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, for questioning over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, and other related offences. The invitation letter, signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team, warned that a warrant of arrest would be issued if Ajaero fails to comply.
Ukraine is losing the plot in Africa | Opinions | Al Jazeera
On August 5, the government of Mali announced its decision to cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine, citing a Ukrainian official’s boastful admission that Kyiv provided Malian rebels with crucial intel for a rebel assault that killed many Russian Wagner Group mercenaries and Malian soldiers. The northern Tuareg rebels claimed responsibility for the deaths of at least 84 mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers over three days of fighting in late July in what proved to be Wagner’s heaviest defeat since its controversial 2021 entry into the Sahel conflict on the side of the Malian government.
Humanitarian
The Federal says more than four million children in the Northeast and Northwest regions are malnourished. Ladidi Bako-Aiyebusi, the Director of Nutrition Department in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare , made this known on Wednesday at a five days meeting with nutrition experts and stakeholders in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa state. The ministry is holding the meeting in partnership with Civil Society -Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) and other nutrition partners on a strategic advocacy policy for nutrition in Nigeria.
Chad appeals for aid as dozens killed in floods linked to climate change (rfi.fr)
Most of those dead and missing in Chad are believed to be foreign informal gold miners working in the province, said Brahim Edji Mahamat, head of a local association. The flooding, which followed rainfall from last Friday to Wednesday, has swept away thousands of shops and vehicles. The torrential rains are a climate event that strikes the region every five to 10 years, said Idriss Abdallah Hassan, head of the national meteorological agency. He added that the area usually struggles to receive 200 millimetres of rain annually. Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti is a vast, mountainous desert region spanning three northern regions of Chad, reaching up to the border with Libya.
Emergent to donate 50,000 vaccine doses to address mpox outbreak in Africa | Reuters
Aug 19 (Reuters) – Emergent BioSolutions (EBS.N), opens new tab said on Monday it would donate 50,000 doses of its smallpox vaccine to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other impacted countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to address the current mpox outbreak. The World Health Organization last week declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years as a new variant of the virus, known as clade Ib, spread rap
idly in Africa. At least one person in Sweden has been confirmed with the infection, marking the first time the new variant has been seen outside of Africa.
More than a dozen aid trucks cross into Darfur from Chad | Africanews
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that more than a dozen aid trucks – including some from the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Organization for Migration – have now crossed into Darfur from Chad via the Adre border crossing, according to a UN spokesperson. Stéphane Dujarric said in New York on Wednesday that WFP trucks were carrying sorghum, pulses, oil and rice that will benefit some 13,000 people who are at risk of famine in the Kereneik area of West Darfur. “For its part, IOM says the essential relief items delivered to Sudan will support more than 12,000 people in need,” he added.
Nigeria police working to secure release of 20 kidnapped medical students | Crime News | Al Jazeera
Nigerian police and security agencies are working to secure the release of 20 medical students who were kidnapped in the eastern part of the country, officials say. The medical students were on their way to an annual convention when they were abducted in Benue State on Thursday evening, police and university sources said on Saturday.
Concerns as 43 die of food poisoning in 2wks – Daily Trust
Multiple cases of suspected food poisoning in some states in the country have recently raised serious concerns among the populace about possible chemical contamination as well as the hygienic conditions under which most consumables are being processed in Nigeria. At the last count, the casualty figures arising from suspected food poisoning across the country have hit 43 with several others still lying critically ill in hospitals from such incidents in the past few weeks.
Malians suffer economic hardship after four years of military rule | Reuters
Four years after the military ousted Mali’s then-president and came to power, many residents say economic troubles are worsening and constant power cuts are hurting businesses. The August 2020 coup in the troubled West African nation was set off by public anger with corrupt rulers backed by former colonial power France, a spreading jihadist insurgency and economic hardship. Many are still waiting for life to improve.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated essential medical and nutritional supplies to the Borno State Government, aiming to save the lives of thousands of children threatened by malaria, malnutrition, and cholera. The donation comes just days after news about a malnourished family whose children were blinded by unexplained ailments went viral on social media. In 2023, FHI 360, a non-governmental organisation operating in Nigeria’s northeastern region, reported over 15,000 cases of child wasting a 160 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The situation continues to deteriorate due to worsening food insecurity and ongoing displacement caused by armed violence in the region.
Nigeria’s homeless: Sleeping under a Lagos bridge for 30 years (bbc.com)
Having lived for exactly half his life under a bridge in Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos, Liya’u Sa’adu sees himself as the “guardian” for the many other homeless people who have joined him there. More than 60 men now live in the tightly knit outdoor community – with the busy and noisy Obalende Bridge over them – as renting even a shack has proved unaffordable for them. Mr Sa’adu advises the newcomers – often young people from far-away towns and villages – on how to be streetwise in fast-paced Lagos, where it is easy to fall into crime and drugs.
Dread has gripped Nigeria after 20 medical students – including a house officer – were abducted on Thursday, Aug 15. while travelling to Enugu, Southeast Nigeria, for a national conference. The Universities of Jos and Maiduguri students were on their way to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention when they were seized on the Otukpo-Enugu road in North-central Nigeria. An official from the Jos University Medical Students’ Association told HumAngle that he received a Snapchat message from his friend, one of the abducted students, at around 2 p.m., which he viewed an hour later.
Mobilization and economic development
Nigeria’s NNPC posts 28% rise in annual net profit to $2.1 billion | Reuters
Nigeria’s state oil firm NNPC on Monday posted a 28% rise in annual net profit to 3.297 trillion naira ($2.14 billion) and declared a dividend. “Despite inherent challenges of our operational and economic environment, we have improved the productivity and the financial performance of this great company,” Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya said. The NNPC declared a dividend of 2.1 trillion naira and said it would announce its initial public offering plans once shareholders and the board give their approval.
MTN posts half-year loss as Nigeria currency devaluation weighs | Reuters
MTN Group (MTNJ.J), opens new tab reported a half-year loss on Monday as Africa’s biggest telecom operator grappled with the devaluation of the Nigerian naira and operational challenges in Sudan. It said it was working on cutting costs and reiterated it was on track to reach a target to sell off non-core assets by next year. The company reported a loss before tax of 9 billion rand ($507 million) in the six-month period ended June 30, compared with a restated profit of 8.3 billion rand a year earlier.
Cameroon – Bamenda: Over 30 Million F Invested Town’s Infrastructural Dev’t – Journal du Cameroun
Last August 13, 2024, a meeting to launch the work marked the beginning of a new era for the city of Bamenda, headquarter of the North West region. Chaired by the Governor and attended by various technical stakeholders, the meeting formalised the start of the major works planned under the C2D Urban “Regional Capitals” programme. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Célestine Ketcha Courtès, had previously announced during a visit in April 2024, accompanied by the French Ambassador to Cameroon, Thierry Marchand, and the Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), that more than 30 billion CFA francs would be invested in Bamenda. Nearly 21 billion of this sum will be spent on improving road infrastructure to optimise urban mobility in this beautiful city.
Ogun earns N1 billion revenue from rice production in three months – Abiodun (premiumtimesng.com)
The Ogun State Government has announced a revenue of N1 billion from its rice revolution project over three months. The State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed this on Monday, 19 August, when he flagged off the harvesting of the 200-hectare Magboro rice farm in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state.
UPDATED: CBN reports all-time high remittance in July (premiumtimesng.com)
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday announced that it recorded all-time high remittances in July. The bank said remittance inflow hit $553 million in July, representing 130 percent increase from the corresponding year. According to a statement by the Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Ali, the figure represents the highest monthly inflow on records and reflects the CBN efforts to improve liquidity in the market. It attributed the substantial growth in remittance receipts to a series of policy reforms implemented by the CBN to enhance liquidity in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
Why NNPC reduced stake in Dangote Refinery – Audited Report (premiumtimesng.com)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has explained why it reduced its stake in the Dangote Refinery. The NNPC Ltd, in its 2023 audited financial statement, said in September 2021, it proposed to acquire 20 per cent interest in Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Free Zone Enterprise (DPRP FZE). It explained that the interest, worth $2.76 billion, was financed by a forward sale agreement of $1.036 billion from Lekki Refinery Funding Limited of which $1 billion was paid to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Free Zone Enterprise (DPRP FZE). This investment, it said, was initially held by NNPC Greenfield Limited (a special purpose vehicle 100 per cent owned by NNPC) in trust for NNPC Limited.
Stock market rebounds, gains N66bn – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Nigerian equity market, on Tuesday, recovered from the previous session’s decline, recording a N66 billion gain. Investor interest in leading stocks such as Seplat, Oando, and StanbicIBTC contributed to the market’s upward trajectory. Notably, the market capitalisation, which opened at N54.382 trillion, added N66 billion or 0.12 per cent to close at N54.448 trillion. The All-Share Index also rose by 0.12 per cent or 114.24 to settle at 95,895.92, in contrast to 95,781.68 recorded on Monday.
Nigerian govt fines Fidelity Bank N555.8m over data breaches – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, says the Federal Government has fined Fidelity Bank Plc. N555,800,000 for data breaches. National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said this at the Nigeria Data Protection, NDP, Act General Application and Implementation Directive, GAID, validation workshop in Abuja. Mr Olatunji recalled that President Bola Tinubu signed the NDP Act into law on June 12, 2023, thereby empowering the Commission to enforce compliance of data protection on organisations by way of fines and other means.
Nigeria Ginger farmers lost N12bn in 2023 – Minister – Daily Trust
The Federal Government says that Nigerian Ginger farmers incurred losses amounting to N12 billion due to the disease epidemic that destroyed their crops in 2023. Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stated this at the Agricultural Insurance train – the – trainer workshop on Thursday in Abuja.
FG targets $100bn investment, 2m jobs from creative economy – Daily Trust
The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has disclosed plans to create $100bn investment and 2 million jobs from the creative and cultural sector to revitalise the Nigerian economy. The minister, in an interview, said the current administration is intentional about ensuring a large chunk of global market share of over $1 trillion dollar comes into Nigeria’s creative industry in line with the renewed hope agenda of the current administration.
