Regional News
Terrorists smuggle arms into Cameroon using Nigerian allies – Envoy – Daily Trust
The Republic of Cameroon’s Consul, Onana Patrice, has alleged that secessionists, terrorists and Ambazonian rebels in his country are taking advantages of the vast land and sea borders between Nigeria and Cameroon as well as the two nations’ strong socio-cultural affinities to smuggle arms into the latter. He stated this when he paid a courtesy call on the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone six in Calabar, AIG Jonathan Towuru on Thursday.
Niger jailbreak: Immigration puts commands on alert over influx of terrorists – Daily Trust
The management of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has alerted its commands, especially the ones along the Nigeria – Republic of Niger borders over a possible movement of suspected terrorists who escaped from a Niger prison into the country. This was contained in an internal memo from the office of the Deputy Comptroller General, Border Management, to Assistant Comptrollers General in Zone A, B, C, D, E, F, G and all Comptrollers of border posts across the country.
School collapse in Nigeria kills 22 students, rescue efforts ongoing | Africanews
A two-storey school building in Jos city, Plateau state, north-central Nigeria, collapsed during morning classes on Friday, resulting in the deaths of 22 students. The Saints Academy college collapsed shortly after students, mostly aged 15 or younger, arrived for classes. A total of 154 students were trapped; 132 were rescued and are being treated for injuries, according to Plateau police spokesman Alfred Alabo. Rescue and health workers, along with security forces, were immediately deployed to the scene.
Nigeria records 22 building collapses, 33 deaths in 7 months – COREN (premiumtimesng.com) The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the regulatory body governing the practice of engineering, has said that Nigeria recorded 22 building collapses between January and July 2024. The President of COREN, Sadiq Abubakar, made this known at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja. The news conference is themed, “The Incessant Spate of Building Collapse in Nigeria in Recent Times – A Call for Sustainable Collaboration by All Stakeholders.”
Zamfara attack: 5 women escape as 5 men killed by bandits buried – Daily Trust
Five women, including a nursing mother and her 6-month-old baby that were abducted in Dan Isa village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have escaped from their captors, Daily Trust learnt. The secretary of the Ward Head of Dan Isa Village, Malam Hassan Isa, who confirmed the development yesterday, said they all returned to the village on Monday.
Hundreds of terrorists and other criminals are on the loose after a prison break occurred at the high-security Koutoukalé prison in the Republic of Niger on Thursday, July 11, 2024. According to security expert Zagazola Makama, the jailbreak, which led to the freedom of hundreds of terrorists, criminals, and drug traffickers, occurred after the inmates gained control of the facilities around 12pm. “The prison, located near the capital city of Niamey, was the scene of a violent mutiny that overwhelmed guards and allowed inmates to escape with weapons and vehicles,” Makama posted on X.
Italian PM Meloni comments on migration and energy crisis at forum in Tripoli | Africanews Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made remarks on migration and the energy crisis as she took part in the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum in Tripoli, Libya on Wednesday. Meloni stressed the importance of fighting against human trafficking. “There are people making lots of money using the desperation of the fragile persons. And we cannot allow it, for these organizations are becoming very powerful, but they do not care about those human rights and human beings.”
Police ban Shi’ite procession in Abuja, threaten to arrest violators – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has banned the procession of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria to commemorate the 2024 Islamic calendar day of Ashura in Abuja. This is contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh on Tuesday in Abuja. The police said intelligence had it that members of the proscribed organisation, also known as Shi’ite were planning a procession to mark the 2024 Islamic calendar day of Ashura.
Rescuers race to find survivors of Nigeria school collapse | Africanews
Rescuers workers were attempting to find students buried under rubble after a two-story school collapsed during morning classes Friday in north-central Nigeria, killing 22 students. Workers were searching for more than 100 people trapped in the rubble, authorities said. The Saints Academy college in Plateau state’s Busa Buji community collapsed shortly after students, many of whom were 15 years old or younger, arrived for classes.
Interpol arrests 300 people in a global crackdown on West African crime groups | Africanews
In a global operation targeting West African organized crime groups across five continents, police arrested 300 people, seized $3 million and blocked 720 bank accounts, Interpol said Tuesday. Operation Jackal III, which ran from 10 April to 3 July in 21 countries, aimed to fight online financial fraud and the West African syndicates behind it, the agency said in a statement.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made the clarification at the Second Quarterly Engagement of the ministry with Heads of units and Chief Executive Officers of parastatals and agencies under the ministry. The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, had accused the federal government of plans to hand over federal universities to investors through Public Private Partnership. ”There is no plan to sell off universities to investors,” he said, noting the policy of the government allowed for transnational education.
Uproar as Minister pegs admission age at 18 – Daily Trust
Some stakeholders at the 2024 Joint Admissions Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) policy meeting on education holding in Abuja have kicked against the new minimum admission age pegged at 18 years. After the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, made the announcement at the meeting, stakeholders across tertiary institutions in the country, resisted turning the session into a rowdy one.
BREAKING: Reps slash salaries by 50% over nationwide hunger – Daily Trust
Members of the House of Representatives have agreed to cut their salaries by 50 percent for six months as part of their solidarity and sacrifice to support the economic hardship and hunger Nigerians are going through at the moment. This followed the adoption of an amendment to a motion’s prayer moved by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on the need for lawmakers to sacrifice 50% of their N600,000 monthly salaries to support Nigerians in view of the hardship in the land.
You have 2 weeks to end oil theft, defence chief tells commanders – Daily Trust
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, has ordered the commanders of security agencies involved in the fight against oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta to end the criminal activities in tue region in two weeks. General Musa, who gave the order during a meeting with security heads in Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta Region at the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt on Thursday, said President Ahmed Bola Tinubu was not happy about the decline in oil production.
NAHCON begins preparations for 2025 Hajj – Arabi – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Jalal Arabi, the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has revealed that the commission has commenced preparations for the 2025 Hajj. The Assistant Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON, Fatima Sanda-Usara, in a statement on Tuesday said Arabi made this known while bidding farewell to the last batch of Nigeria pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. The NAHCON boss expressed the hope that the commission would achieve greater success in the conduct of the 2025 Hajj based on the “lessons learned this year.”
UAE lifts 2022 visa ban on Nigerians | Africanews
The United Arab Emirates has lifted a 21-month long visa ban on Nigerians. Nigeria’s information minister Mohammed Idris said Monday that the UAE’s decision to lift the ban that has been in place since October 2022 came after “mutually beneficial negotiations” between both governments. He referred to “updated controls and conditions” that prospective Nigerian visitors to the UAE must abide by.
Niger welcomes top Turkish delegation after kicking US, France out (trtworld.com)
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has attended a joint working group meeting in Niger’s capital Niamey. He travelled to the West African nation on a day-long official visit. Fidan is accompanied by National Defence Minister Yasar Guler, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin, Secretary of Defence Industries Haluk Gorgun, and Deputy Trade Minister Ozgur Volkan.
Borno State Government is to sponsor indigent students wishing to study Chinese language in China. The Executive Secretary of the Borno Scholarship Board, Bala Isa, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (in Maiduguri on Tuesday. Mr Bala said that apart from the Chinese language, Governor Babagana Zulum also approved scholarships for undergraduate courses in Medicine, MBBS, and Engineering in reputable institutions in China.
Tinubu tackling hardship experienced by Nigerians – Minister – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, says the Federal Government is taking additional measures to ensure that the hardship experienced by Nigerians is drastically reduced. The Minister said this while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting on Monday. He said the council deliberated on the state of affairs of the country, especially the shortage of food.
Suleja Jailbreak: FG Unmasks Identities of Fleeing Inmates, Seeks Citizens’ Support – PRNigeria News
Suleja Jailbreak: FG Unmasks Identities of Fleeing Inmates, Seeks Citizens’ Support The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) on Thursday released the names and pictures of those who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State. Recalls that a downpour had damaged the perimeter fence of the centre which paved the way for over 180 inmates to escape in April 2024. While some were recaptured, many others are still at large. The service in a statement by its spokesperson, Abubakar Umar on Thursday said releasing their images and names was done to recapture the escapees.
The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has warned the public against the consumption of smuggled frozen poultry products due to the health implications. The command’s Comptroller,Mr James Ojo, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ota. According to him, the World Health Organization (WHO),Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Food and the Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations(FAO), described the consumption of smuggled frozen poultry products as having adverse effects on the health of the people.
Army busts Plateau arms syndicate, declares district ‘criminal enclave’ – Daily Trust
The 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven have designated Fan district in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau state as a criminal enclave, citing significant arms and ammunition recoveries during recent operations. Major A. I. Danja, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 3 Division, made this declaration at Fan on Wednesday while parading seven suspects linked to the killing of a senior immigration officer and assistant commander of Sector 4 of OPSH in Barkin Ladi LGA.
Nigeria’s inflation hits 34.19 in June – NBS – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, says Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 34.19 per cent in June 2024. The NBS said this in its Consumer Price Index, CPI, and Inflation Report for June, which was released in Abuja on Monday.
FG warns 22 states of five-day massive flooding (punchng.com)
The Federal Government has predicted that 94 towns are at risk of a five-day flooding beginning Tuesday, July 16, and ending on July 20, 2024. The Minister of State of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed this to The PUNCH on Tuesday. Salako said the identified locations and their environs would likely witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flood within the prediction period
CCIJ, Media Trust partner to deepen collaboration on investigative projects – Daily Trust
The Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) and Media Trust Group, publishers of Daily Trust newspaper and owners of Trust TV and radio, have agreed to strengthen their collaboration on investigative journalism projects. The agreement was reached during a visit by Jeff Kelly Lowenstein, founder and Executive Director of CCIJ, who led a delegation to the corporate headquarters of Media Trust Group in Abuja on Wednesday.
Troops Nab Two Terrorists, Recover Motorcycles in Taraba – PRNigeria News
In a decisive operation, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully apprehended two notorious terrorists after a fierce shootout at Geshi Village along Rafin Kada road in Damisa Ward of Donga Local Government Area, Taraba State. The operation, which took place on 11 July 2024, also led to the recovery of two motorcycles used by the criminals.
Drugs fuelling insecurity in Yobe-Buni – Daily Trust
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has attributed the security challenges in the state to the increased consumption of illicit drugs. Buni stated this at the launch of the Ethical Re-orientation Campaign tagged “Operation Gyaran Hali” organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-Orientation in Damaturu.
NDLEA seizes US, UK, Europe-bound cocaine, opioids in Lagos – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted various quantities of cocaine and opioids such as tramadol, pentazocine injection, morphine sulphate and ketamine injection in Lagos. A statement by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja said that the drugs were concealed in soles of shoes, clothes and other items being shipped to the United States, United Kingdom and Cyprus.
Security Chiefs, GMD NNPCL Brainstorm to Tackle Oil Theft, Boost Production – PRNigeria News The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has assured Nigerians that oil production will increase in the next few months as security forces tackle oil theft and criminality in the South-South region. Speaking during a briefing with newsmen, General Musa said, “We want to assure all Nigerians that the South-South region will be cleared of vandalism, oil theft, and other criminalities. This has been a long-standing issue, but President M Bola Tinubu has mandated us to ensure the region is secured and criminal activities are curtailed.”
UN to roll out 18 million malaria vaccines across 12 African countries by 2025 (rfi.fr)
Speaking on Wednesday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing: “Malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases, killing nearly half a million children under the age of five every year.” In 2021, 96 percent of the world’s malaria deaths occurred in Africa. The Mosquirix vaccine, developed by British pharmaceutical giant GSK, has already been administered to more than 1.7 million children in three African countries – Ghana, Kenya and Malawi – as part of a pilot programme.
NAF air strikes eliminate terrorists, destroy enclaves in Kaduna communities – PRNigeria News Despite the weather challenges hampering ongoing efforts to diminish the capabilities of criminal elements in the Northwest, air operations by the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch have continued unabated with remarkable levels of success being recorded. In one of the strikes carried out on 12 July 2024 at terrorist Alhaji Layi’s enclave, situated in Kufan Shantu Village in Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, several terrorists observed within the location were eliminated while their thatched roofed huts were burned down. Similarly, their logistics tucked under thick foliage were also destroyed.
Tech Report: Nigerian schools win big in US STEM competition (voaafrica.com)
Robotics competitions are not just events but invaluable learning processes that foster teamwork and 21st-century communication and collaboration skills. The competitions allow students to unleash their creativity, tackle challenges, and collaborate effectively, all while exploring different concepts within STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. VOA’s Paul Ndiho has more.
Cameroon activists hope for change after president’s daughter comes out (rfi.fr)
Rights activists in Cameroon and abroad have praised the daughter of President Paul Biya for announcing that she is in a same-sex relationship. By challenging the country’s stringent anti-homosexuality laws, campaigners hope Brenda Biya’s declaration will help highlight the persecution faced by LGBTQ+ people in Cameroon.
Hardship: Northern students withdraw from planned nationwide protests – Daily Trust
A group of students belonging to the Coalition of Concerned Northern Youth and Students has announced their withdrawal from a planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria. The decision was conveyed by Comrade Jibrin Sani Bello, Senate President of the National Association of Kano State Students (NAKS), during a press briefing in Kano. Bello explained that the withdrawal stemmed from concerns over the unknown identity of the protest organisers.
North West clerics hold prayer over insecurity – Daily Trust
The clerics, representing states including Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina, also prayed for the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Nigerian Armed Forced.
Fresh 250 Nigerians to be repatriated from UAE – NiDCOM – Daily Trust
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has said fresh 250 Nigerians will be repatriated from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) soon. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, disclosed this during a visit to Ambassador Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, on Tuesday.
SCAM ALERT: UAE not charging N640k Visa application fee – Daily Trust
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is yet to open its visa application portals for Nigerians contrary to information being circulated in the public domain, multiple sources have confirmed to Daily Trust. Also many prospective applicants must have been scammed over the document verification number (DVN) fee of N640,000 allegedly introduced by the UAE authorities.
Peace and Security
AU Police need a greater hand in peace and security governance | ISS Africa
The African Union (AU)’s ambitious development and free trade plans will struggle to bear fruit unless matched by new approaches to instability and security threats. Giving police, who bring a community-oriented approach, an enhanced role in peacebuilding and peace support operations (PSOs) could contribute to stability and development. Violent conflict and organised crime remain major threats to human security across Africa.
Sahel: Tuggar underscores Nigeria’s role peace building – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has underscored the need for Nigeria to continually play key role towards sustainable peace, security and stability in the Sahel region. Tuggar stated this while delivering a lecture titled: “Pathways to peace, security and stability in the Sahel: What Role for Nigeria?”, at the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tinubu Hosts Portugal, Vietnam, Kuwait Ambassadors, Seeks Enhanced Economic Ties – PRNigeria News
Tinubu Hosts Portugal, Vietnam, Kuwait Ambassadors, Seeks Enhanced Economic Ties President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja called for the enhancement of the economic value of bilateral relations between Nigeria and partner nations. The President spoke when he received Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of Portugal, Jorge Adao Martins Dos Santos; the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Biu Quoc Hung; and the State of Kuwait, Salim Khalifa Mohammed Almuzayen, at the Presidential Villa.
NEF condemns eviction order against Northerners in Delta – Daily Trust
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly condemned the recent eviction order issued to northerners residing in Avavo, Delta State, as reported by the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, NEF Director of Publicity and Advocacy in a statement on Wednesday, said the action was deeply concerning and unacceptable.
Nnamdi Kanu finally allowed access to his doctor — Lawyer (premiumtimesng.com)
Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday, announced that the State Security Service (SSS) had now allowed Mr Kanu access to his medical doctor. This came barely 24 hours after Mr Ejimakor raised an alarm that the SSS denied Mr Kanu access to his medical doctor despite making formal requests to them. The lawyer, in a series of posts on his X handle on Tuesday, expressed concern that Mr Kanu was denied access to his doctor despite his worsening health condition.
Türkiye’s Fidan discusses battle against terrorism during Niger visit (trtworld.com)
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that during a recent visit to Niger, he discussed the fight against terrorism, “which is the main source of instability in the Sahel region.” “We discussed what could be done to advance the defence industry and intelligence capacity within the framework of counterterrorism in Niger, as we have done in Somalia. We also discussed what steps we will take against terrorism, which is the main source of instability in the Sahel region,” Fidan told reporters in the Nigerien capital, Niamey.
Ohaneze asks Igbo resident in North, West to boycott planned protests – Daily Trust
Igbo elders have asked Igbo living in other parts of Nigeria to shun the planned nationwide protest against hardship from August. A statement by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro on Tuesday said the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohaneze Ndigbo, has cautioned against the protests due to historical antecedents where Igbo people have suffered disproportionately in the aftermath of major protests and riots.
VOA 60: Germany says a lack of trust stops military cooperation with Niger and more (voaafrica.com)
German Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock said Wednesday during a visit to Ivory Coast that her country can no longer cooperate militarily with Niger due to a lack of “trust” in the military regime there. The U.N. is warning that the ongoing security crisis in the eastern North Kivu province in the DRC has led to unprecedented levels of deforestation. Displaced people as well as combatants are burning logs to make charcoal for cooking or to sell. These, and more Africa-related news updates on today’s VOA 60.
NAF, US officials Meet to Finalize AH-1Z Helicopter Delivery – PRNigeria News
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced the first Program Management Review (PMR) meeting with officials of the United States Government and Bell Textron Company to discuss progress made so far on the supply of the AH-1Z attack helicopters to the NAF. A statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday said the meeting followed assurance that the delivery dates for the AH-1Z attack helicopters purchased by the Federal Government was on track.
What’s next as key Sahel states leave ECOWAS? (trtworld.com)
Earlier this month, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso signed a treaty that marked their departure from the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), setting them on the path to form their own joint confederation: the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). “Our people have turned their backs irrevocably on ECOWAS,” said Nigerian military ruler Abdourahamane Tchiani at AES’s first press conference in Niamey. “It’s now up to us to create the Alliance of Sahel States confederation. It’s an alternative to any artificial regional grouping by building a sovereign community of peoples,” he underscored.
Police ban unlawful gatherings in Kaduna – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Police Command in Kaduna State said it has banned all forms of unlawful gathering by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) including its planned Ashura procession. The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, announced the ban in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna. Hassan said, “The command has banned every manner of illegal protest in the State.” This is coming on the heels of a received intelligence indicating that the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria also known as Shi’ite are planning a procession to mark the 2024 Islamic Ashura day ceremony.
DHQ, CCC Partner on Effective Crisis Communications, Civil-Military Relations – PRNigeria News In a significant move to enhance effective crisis communication and healthy civil-military relations, Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) partner to bolster collaboration towards effective crisis management initiatives. This was revealed when the management of CCC led by Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd), paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Chris Musa at Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
Nigerian Navy Rescues Drowning Fisher Men, Victims of Human Traffickings – PRNigeria News
In the past week, from 9-13 July 2024, Nigerian Navy units across the Nation’s maritime domain, rescued 8 female victims of human trafficking, 2 drowning fishermen and arrested 8 male stowaways. Additionally, a sea robbery attempt was foiled within the same period. Specifically, on 9 July 2024, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BADAGRY intercepted a wooden passenger boat with 8 females aged between 18-23 years en-route the Benin Republic.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, has said the instruction of the Advance Ruling System by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will bring to an end the illegal importation of firearms and all other substandard goods into Nigeria. Adeniyi who disclosed this on Monday, at a sensitisation programme on the operations of the Advance Ruling System organised for officers in Lagos, also urged officers of the service to adhere to the NCS rules of engagement.
Mali junta re-authorises political activities suspended in April (rfi.fr)
The government decided to lift the suspension that barred political parties and the activities of political associations,” said a statementon Wednesday from the council of ministers, which is dominated by the military leaders who took power in a 2020 coup. The head of the military government, Colonel Assimi Goita, had justified the suspension by citing the political parties’ “sterile discussions” and “subversion”, which he said posed a danger to an ongoing national “dialogue” on Mali’s political future.
Humanitarian
Chad declares humanitarian emergency, pleads for international aid | DONARE
Officials in Chad say urgent international help is needed to save the lives of more than 2 million of the most vulnerable people caught in a severe humanitarian crisis caused by conflict and climate shocks. The Sahel country is one of the poorest nations in the world, and food is particularly scarce now as hunger peaks in the June-August lean season between harvests.
Global immunization coverage stalls in 2023, increasing risk of disease outbreaks | Africanews Global childhood immunization coverage stalled in 2023, leaving 2.7 million additional children un- and under-vaccinated compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to WHO and UNICEF data. The latest estimates highlight the urgent need for catch-up efforts and system strengthening to close the immunization gap. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the necessity for global efforts and investments in primary healthcare to ensure every child gets vaccinated. The data revealed that the number of children receiving three doses of the DTP vaccine stalled at 84%, with 14.5 million children missing their first dose.
Mobilization and economic development
Tinubu seeks additional N6.2tr for 2024 budget, writes House of Reps – PRNigeria News
Tinubu seeks additional N6.2tr for 2024 budget, writes House of Reps President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, July 17, wrote the House of Representatives seeking to increase the 2024 Appropriation Act by N6.2 trillion. The President’s letter was read by the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary on Wednesday. This would increase the 2024 budget to N34.9 trillion from an initial N28.7 trillion signed by the President on January 1 this year
Nigeria’s auto industry sees boom in domestic production (voaafrica.com)
A new era is emerging in the Nigerian automotive industry with groundbreaking innovations. An indigenous engineer is aiming to lead the Nigerian and African markets with his unique made-in-Nigeria car, proving that innovation knows no bounds. Gibson Emeka reports from Abuja.
IOCs selling crude at $4 per barrel above market price — Dangote – Daily Trust
The Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) said local petrol prices will continue to increase as trading arms offer cargoes at $2-$4 per barrel above the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) official price. Vice President of Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr DVG Edwin stated this while responding to a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, in an interview on ARISE News TV where he said: “it is ‘erroneous’ for one to say that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) are refusing to make crude oil available to domestic refiners, as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has a stipulation that calls for a willing buyer-willing seller relationship.”
UK appoints new country director to lead trade, investment relations with Nigeria – Daily Trust The UK has appointed Mr Mark Smithson as the Country Director for the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), in Nigeria, according to a statement by the UK High Commission in Lagos. He takes over from Chim Chalemera who recently concluded a 3-year posting in that role. Mark is an experienced civil servant having undertaken a wide variety of roles both in the UK and overseas, the statement said.
South Africa: AfDB to lend $1 billion to Transnet | Africanews
The African Development Bank said on Thursday it had approved a $1 billion loan to South Africa’s state-owned railway and ports company, Transnet. The 25-year loan is fully guaranteed by the South African government and will help finance the first phase of an $8.1 billion investment plan for Transnet to improve the country’s rail and port infrastructure, the bank said. South Africa has Africa’s most industrialised economy, but its deteriorating railways and ports are seen as a major barrier to investment by foreign companies and have strangled the efficiency of its export market . Transnet is also one of several state-owned companies that have come under scrutiny for corruption and mismanagement.
Minimum wage: Private sector worries over N70,000, lists conditions for payment – Daily Trust The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has expressed concern over its ability to pay the N70,000 newly approved minimum wage, saying private organisations are over-burdened by high cost of production. The Director-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, who spoke on behalf on the body, however, commended the federal government over the approval of the new minimum wage, urging it to put in place reforms that would strengthen private sector to be able to pay.
