Regional News
Are people losing hope in democracy? – Daily Trust
Premium Times carried a report yesterday posing the question of whether people are losing hope in democracy. It outlines findings of an International IDEA survey which shows that voters in 19 countries, including in three of the world’s largest democracies and three African countries, believe their political choices don’t matter and so they prefer a strong, undemocratic leader.
614,937 Nigerians killed, 2.2m abducted in 1yr – NBS – Daily Trust
No fewer than 614,937 Nigerians were killed and 2,235,954 others kidnapped across the country between May 2023 and April 2024, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed. The NBS disclosed this on Tuesday in its report titled ‘The Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024’, and based on the surveys conducted between May 2023 and April 2024.
Ibadan stampede: Tinubu mourns, wants perpetrators sanctioned as death toll hits 40 – Daily Trust
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the stampede during a children funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State. This came as the Chief of staff to Oyo State Governor, Mr. Segun Ogunwuyi, said the dead toll had reached 40.
Sultan decries present state of almajiri practice – Daily Trust
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has condemned the present state of the Almajiri system in the northern part of the country, describing it as embarrassing and needing total condemnation. The Sultan stated this on Thursday during the graduation ceremony of 1,897 Almajiri and 1,087 out-of-school adolescent girls at Sultan Maccido Institute of Quranic and General Studies, Sokoto.
Ibadan Funfair Stampede: Police confirm 35 deaths, say organisers have been arrested – Trending News
According to a statement made available by the Oyo State Police Command, the organisers of the event, including the main sponsor, Naomi Silekunola, and her media partner, Agidigbo FM, the principal of the school, and five others, have been arrested in connection with the tragedy. The police stated that the event was organised by Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, without proper permission or safety measures in place.
BREAKING: Explosions rock Niger community – Daily Trust
One farmer, Dauda Haruna has been reportedly killed while four others, including 3 siblings, were severely injured in suspected bomb explosions in Bassa community, Shiroro LGA of Niger State. Daily Trust gathered that the incident happened between Bassa and Gwadara communities on Thursday morning when the victims were going to farm to harvest crops.
Dangote slashes petrol price to N899 per litre – Daily Trust
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) product to N899.50k per litre. This was announced in a statement, on Thursday morning. The company said the decision was taken to “provide much-needed relief for Nigerians ahead of the holiday season”.
A religious schism has turned deadly in Nigeria, with a church member fatally shot and two young children killed as homes were set ablaze, according to United Methodist News Service. The news service said the reported violence on Sunday stemmed from a schism in the worldwide United Methodist Church over its decision to repeal LGBTQ bans — and the ensuing formation of the new Global Methodist Church by breakaway conservative churches.
MNJTF repels attack on military base, kills 10 terrorists – Daily Trust
Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating under Sector 1 in Mora, have successfully thwarted a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ Islamic state of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military base at Darak in Cameroon. This was contained in a statement by the Chief Military Information Officer MNJTF, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, who disclosed that the operations led to the elimination of 10 terrorists in the early hours of December 18, 2024.
Nigerian teen sentenced to death over poultry theft to be pardoned | Africanews
A Nigerian man sentenced to death for stealing hens and eggs as a teenager has been granted a pardon after spending 10 years on death row. Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State announced plans to release Segun Olowookere, now 31, who was arrested at age 17.
Nigerians press for solar jobs and electricity, with little success | Africanews
In sun-drenched Nigeria, 14 new solar farms were supposed to jumpstart a meager solar industry and generate huge amounts of power, about one-fifth as much as the country’s entire electric grid offers on a good day. “We were very excited because we were pioneers,” said Najim Animashaun, managing director of Nova Solar Power, who was working on one of the projects in 2016.
Army refutes claim of establishing French military base in Nigeria – Yerwa Express News
Nigeria Army has issued a statement refuting claims by some Nigerians of a plan to establish a French military base in Northern Nigeria by the Nigerian Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The statement released this afternoon, accused Mahdi Shehu, who posted the claim on X, of spreading falsehood and thus dismissed it as entirely baseless.
Terrorists kill one soldier, steal telescope in Borno town – Yerwa Express News
Boko Haram terrorists have killed one Nigerian Army personnel in a deadly attack on Mai Borti in Molai axis, a community few kilometres away from Maiduguri, the state capital of Borno. A source from the community who preferred not to be named told our reporter that the attack happened on Thursday around 1:00 AM. He said, the terrorists who sneaked into the town trekking, attacked a military formation close to Molai Hospital.
NAN, NTA, VON to open foreign offices in some countries – Yerwa Express News
The National Council on Information and National Orientation has reached a resolution that the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN; Nigerian Television Authority, NTA and; Voice of Nigeria, VON, should open offices in some selected countries. This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the 48th Meeting of the council held from December 11 to December 13 in Kaduna.
Reps probe non-delivery of tractors, harvesters in $754.2m, N141.6bn deal – Daily Trust
The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to investigate the non-delivery of the 2,000 tractors, implements, and 100 combined harvesters within the stipulated period contained in an agreement under the Presidential Food Security Initiative and Renew Hope Agricultural Mechanization Drive and inquire on the status of the tractor assembly plants contemplated in the agreements.
Yiaga Africa urges N/Assembly to initiate voting rights for inmates – Daily Trust
The Yiaga Africa, has urged the National Assembly to amend the constitution to introduce voting rights for prisoners and special voting for eligible citizens performing essential election duties like security personnel, electoral staff, observers and journalists. The recommendation was contained in the Preliminary Report of the 2024 Ghana General Election, signed by Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Chair of Yiaga Africa’s Election Study Observation Mission (ESOM) and Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa.
NIMET parleys stakeholders ahead 2025 climate prediction – Daily Trust
Ahead of the public presentation of 2025 seasonal climate prediction (SCP) early in the coming year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), yesterday parleyed stakeholders to discuss the socio-economic impact of the SCP. The stakeholders, who cut across different sectors of the economy commended NiMet for its invaluable services towards Nigeria’s socio-economic development, through the timely release of the SCP document every year.
Nigeria clears N85bn, $54m ECOWAS community levy – Yerwa Express News
The Nigerian government has paid its ECOWAS community levy of N85 billion and 54 million dollars representing 2023 and up to July 2024. Omar Touray, president of the ECOWAS commission, said this on Sunday, during the opening of the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Nigeria’s only open defecation-free state struggles with human faeces
Wakili Abdu, 63, returned from his farm at sunset in Sabon-Gida, looking uneasy. A few minutes later, he headed into the shrub behind his hut with a plastic kettle and hoe, gazed around, bent over, and pulled down his trousers. When nature calls, Mr Abdu prefers to answer as his forefathers had taught him. He believes toilets are for women while the men should defecate in the open.
Ghanaian president-elect, Mahama visits Tinubu – Daily Trust
John Mahama, President-Elect of Ghana, on Monday, paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Dada Olusegun, Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, disclosed this in a post via X on Tuesday. “The President-Elect of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama paid a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at his residence, Presidential Villa, State House Yesterday,” the post read.
‘Nigeria will produce largest mismanaged plastic waste in Africa by 2025, if….’ – Daily Trust
The National Programme Coordinator of Environment and Energy at UNIDO, Oluyomi Banjo said by 2025, Nigeria will be the largest producer of mismanaged plastic waste in Africa if no proper action is taken. Banjo who stated this on Tuesday during the presentation of Implementation Guidelines for the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management to the Minister of Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja, said with that and other keys indices
Nigeria ranks 180th globally in women representation in politics – Daily Trust
In a bid to engender peaceful elections and inclusive electoral system, 19 political parties have met in Lagos under the auspices of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to review and adopt a constitution for the council. The constitution would replace the code of conduct being used by the council to guide its activities.
Reps ask FG to re-award, complete Adamawa multipurpose dam – Daily Trust
The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to prioritise the re-award and completion of the Jada Multipurpose Dam in Adamawa State, emphasising its importance to the socio-economic well-being of the area. Rep Mohammed Inuwa Bassi, who moved the motion, said the dam, located in Jada Local Government Area, is a critical project designed to provide water supply, irrigation, and hydropower benefits.
Nigeria’s inflation rate increases to 34.60% in November — NBS – Yerwa Express News
The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, reported Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 34.60 per cent in November 2024, a 0.72 percentage point increase from October’s 33.88 per cent. The NBS disclosed this in its Consumer Price Index, CPI, and Inflation Report for November, which was released in Abuja on Monday. On a year-on-year basis
800 arrested over Nigerian crypto-romance scam | Africanews
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has arrested 792 suspects in a major raid on a building allegedly used as a hub for international online fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said the suspects, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, were detained on December 10 at the seven-storey Big Leaf Building in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. According to EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren, the luxury building operated as a call center targeting victims from the Americas and Europe. Fraudsters lured people through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, offering romance or fake investment opportunities, particularly in cryptocurrency.
Nigeria’s immunisation efforts hindered by delayed budget releases -Experts
Health advocates have warned that delays in releasing funds for immunisation programmes are worsening Nigeria’s zero-dose children crisis. On Tuesday, the advocates made this known at a capacity-building workshop on ‘Media Advocacy for Vaccination Financing’ in Abuja. At the event, the Head of Programmes at Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Chika Nwankwo, said Nigeria remains the country with the highest number of zero-dose children, reflecting critical gaps in immunisation coverage.
Lookman and Banda proud to top African footballers of the year | Africanews
Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian striker playing for Atalanta, was named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Marrakesh on Monday evening. He motivated others by urging them not to let challenges deter their dreams. Lookman remarked, “First, I want to thank Almighty God for all the blessings in my life. I also want to express my gratitude to the president and all my teammates, both at club and national levels, for their unwavering support. This award is a blessing for me, my family, and my country, and being recognized as Africa’s best player is truly incredible. I am extremely proud.”
Islamic State Claims Web of Attacks Across Africa – HumAngle
In the newly released Al-Naba weekly newsletter, the Islamic State (IS) has claimed a series of attacks across several African countries in one week between Dec. 6 and 12, 2024. The jihadi group said it attacked military and civilian positions in a web of attacks across Nigeria, Niger Republic, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mali, revealing the group’s sustained influence in Africa despite global efforts to curtail its activities.
UNICEF says birth registration improving but millions of children remain “invisible” | Africanews
The United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF, said there has been a welcome increase in the number of children worldwide who have had their births registered. In a new report published recently, it says close to 80 per cent of youngsters under five were registered in the past five years. “We celebrate the progress made for millions of children in gaining their right to a legal identity, while calling for stronger efforts to ensure that every child, is registered at birth,” said its executive director, Catherine Russell. However, the agency says some 150 million children remain “invisible” to government systems, with more than half of these in sub-Saharan Africa.
ANALYSIS: Boko Haram adopts cattle rustling to raise funds
In Africa, transnational cattle rustling – the forceful theft of livestock for illicit commercial gain – is increasingly linked to organised criminal and terrorist groups. It is a source of illicit finance, a form of forced governance over local populations and a way to exert dominance. Stolen cattle are sold to fund the purchase of weapons and supplies and to recruit fighters. Rustling has grown in both scale and violence. And when perpetrated across national boundaries by actors such as Boko Haram, it demonstrates the terror-crime nexus in the Lake Chad Basin.
Niger says 39 civilians killed in militant attacks | Reuters
Suspected jihadists killed 39 civilians, including women and children, in two separate attacks in western Niger’s conflict-torn borderlands in recent days, the defence ministry said on Sunday. The attackers struck the communities of Kokorou and Libiri, it said, without giving further details on the date of the bloodshed.
2025 budget: Tinubu, Shettima’s trips, refreshments to gulp N9.4bn – Daily Trust
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will spend N9.36 billion on local and foreign travels as well as refreshments in the coming year. This is contained in the details of the 2025 Appropriation Bill released by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Peace and Security
Strategies for regional security: a debate among AU candidates | Africanews
Three African politicians vying for leadership of the African Union outlined their strategies for enhancing regional security amid ongoing conflicts and political upheavals during a debate on Friday. They also emphasized the importance of boosting inter-African trade, among other critical issues. Raila Odinga from Kenya, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar are all candidates for the chairperson position of the 55-member African Union.
ECOWAS establishes exit timeline for coup-affected nations | Africanews
West Africa’s regional organization, ECOWAS, has set an exit timeline for three nations affected by coups, following nearly a year of mediation efforts aimed at preventing a significant fracture within the bloc. Omar Touray, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, announced that the transitional period will run from January 29, 2025, to July 29, 2025, while keeping the door open for the three countries during this time. At the summit’s opening, Touray expressed that the decision was “disheartening.”
Burkina Faso frees four French spies after Moroccan mediation | Reuters
RABAT/PARIS, Dec 19 (Reuters) – Four French nationals held in Burkina Faso for a year have been released following mediation from Morocco, France and Morocco said on Thursday, resolving a diplomatic row over their detention. The head of France’s foreign intelligence agency, the DGSE, has previously said, opens new tabthat they were spies. A spokesperson for the French military, which oversees the DGSE, and the DGSE did not respond to a request for comment.
Security agencies worst enemies of media in Nigeria – Report – Daily Trust
An annual state of media freedom report for 2024 released yesterday by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) said security agencies, including the police, military and intelligence services, have consistently been the worst enemies of the media in Nigeria in recent years and were responsible for the highest number of attacks against journalists this year 2024.
Azman Air under probe over aircraft ‘sale’ to Iranian airline – Daily Trust
Azman Air, one of Nigeria’s domestic airlines, may face sanction over alleged smuggling of two Nigerian registered aircraft to Mahran Air, Daily Trust can report. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said it would write to its counterpart in Iran, the Civil Aviation Authority of Islamic Republic of Iran (CAA.IRI) over the status of the two aircraft.
FG Secures Death Penalty, Life Sentences for 325 Terrorists – PRNigeria News
Over 325 terrorists have been prosecuted and convicted by the Federal Government. This achievement was made possible through the successful conclusion of Phase 5 and Phase 6 trials held at the Kainji Detention Facility. In the Phase 5 trial, which took place in July 2024, a total of 143 cases were heard, resulting in 125 convictions. During Phase 6, held at the same venue, a total of 237 cases were heard, with 200 convictions secured.
Niger Junta Suspends BBC, RFI Operations for Allegedly Inciting Violence – HumAngle
The Niger Republic military government has suspended the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and threatened to take the Radio France Internationale (RFI) to court for allegedly “inciting violence and misreporting security-related issues in the country.” The junta has stopped the BBC from broadcasting its programs on FM stations in the country for the next three months. The RFI operations in the country have also been put on hold pending the expiration of the suspension.
NEDC trains CSOs, journalists in non-kinetic approaches to insurgency – Daily Trust
The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has commenced a three-day training workshop for journalists and civil society organisations (CSOs) on Non-Kinetic Approaches to insurgency and terrorism across the North-East region and the nation in general. Speaking at the opening session in Maiduguri, NEDC Managing Director, Muhammad Alkali, explained the commission’s dedication to addressing the root causes of conflict through its North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan.
Nigerian Army, Chinese Army University Deepen Military Training, Cooperation – PRNigeria News
In a move to bolster bilateral cooperation, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede on Friday 13 December 2024, received a delegation from Chinese People’s Liberation Army Defence University (PLA) at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. The delegation led by Rear Admiral Hu GangFeng aims at exploring areas of cooperation, fostering a robust relationship, and promoting better understanding for training and military education between the two Armies.
Our determination to protect Nigeria must be stronger than ever – COAS – Yerwa Express News The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to ensure that their determination to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity remains stronger than ever. Mr Oluyede said this at the opening of the 2024 COAS Annual Conference on Monday in Abuja.
Why Nnamdi Kanu’s release may not address insecurity in South-east Nigeria – Soludo
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has said the release of Nnamdi Kanu may not address growing insecurity in Nigeria’s South-east. According to Punch newspaper, Mr Soludo spoke during Tuesday’s press briefing at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia. Mr Kanu, facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). IPOB is a group leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants carved out from the South-east and some parts of South-south Nigeria
Gombe killings: Senate asks DSS, police, army to investigate attacks – Daily Trust
The Senate has asked the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS) to investigate the attacks and killing of innocent Nigerians in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State by armed men on Thursday last week. The red chamber also asked the security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of the heinous act and bring them to justice, while asking the federal government to establish modern ranches in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to enhance safety and the socio-economic well-being of both herders and farmers.
ONSA: How security forces arrested over 600 criminals hiding in forests, parks – PRNigeria News
ONSA: How security forces arrested over 600 criminals hiding in forests, parks No fewer than 621 criminals using some forests and national parks in some parts of the country as their hideouts to perpetrate heinous crimes have been arrested, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has disclosed. The office said the parks like Kamuku, Chad Basin and Kainji Lake had faced violent incursions, threatening park management and surrounding communities before the criminals were arrested by the operatives of the National Park Services.
Senate Adopts Dickson’s Call for Modern Ranching – Daily Trust
The Senate, on Tuesday, unanimously adopted Senator Henry Seriake Dickson’s position that the Federal Government should provide funds for the establishment of ranches across the country in collaboration with states, local government areas, and businesses. Sen. Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, while contributing to the debate on perennial clashes between herders and farmers, said: “Animal husbandry is a legitimate business. Maybe we should use the opportunity of this motion, as we deal with this every time.
Humanitarian
$1.4 Million Raised to Fight Maternal and Infant Mortality in Niger Republic – HumAngle
The fight against maternal and infant mortality in Niger Republic has received a significant financial boost. On Saturday, Dec. 14, 880 million FCFA (about 1.4 million US dollars) was raised during the launch of a national campaign against maternal and infant mortality in the country. The occasion, which took place in the Niamey Congress Hall, was presided over by the country’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.
Scores of Flood Victims Stranded in Cameroon’s Far North – HumAngle
Four months after devastating flooding caused death and destruction in Yagoua, the Mayo-Danay division of Cameroon’s Far North, thousands of displaced persons are stranded with no roofs on their heads. The displaced people are left to their fate, with most doing menial jobs to make ends meet and provide for their families. Many of the IDPs are housed in the Ouro-Dabang site in one of the entrances into the town of Yagoua, according to sources from Yagoua’s local council.
NIGERIA DAILY: Why Katsina Has The Highest Rates Of Acute Malnutrition – Daily Trust Malnutrition in northern Nigeria has skyrocketed to 51 percent, with Katsina State recording the highest rate, according to a recent MSF report. Families are grappling with impossible choices—feeding their children or themselves, while chronic hunger leaves many too weak to work.
Millions affected by unprecedented flooding in Chad, says UNFPA | Africanews
Since July 2024, catastrophic flooding in Chad has wreaked havoc on nearly two million people, marking it as one of the most severe disasters in recent memory.Homes have been swept away, and lives have been shattered. As the floodwaters surged, countless families sought safety on higher ground, grabbing whatever belongings they could carry. No region has been untouched by this disaster. Numerous individuals have lost everything, with over 13,000 people displaced and compelled to find shelter in temporary camps.
Over 5m Nigerian farmers supported since 2019 –U.S – Daily Trust
The U.S. government Tuesday said it has supported more than 5 million Nigerian farmers in its multifaceted agricultural partnership programmes with Nigeria since 2019 through its Agency for International Development (USAID). The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. It said the partnership has helped strengthen Nigeria’s food security by increasing food production and bolstering rural economies nationwide.
263 million malaria cases, 597,000 deaths recorded globally
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, stated on Monday that new data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 malaria deaths occurred worldwide in 2023. This marks an increase of approximately 11 million cases compared to 2022, with nearly the same number of deaths reported.
Economic Hardship: Reps raise N704m for vulnerable Nigerians, to present money to Tinubu
The House of Representatives has raised N704 million through a 50 per cent cut in the basic salaries of its members. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen announced this during the plenary on Thursday. He stated that he would lead a delegation to present the money to President Bola Tinubu on 31 December. In July, members of the House resolved to save 50 per cent of their salaries to support the federal government’s efforts to cushion the effects of economic reforms on vulnerable members of society.
Female Sudanese refugees face desperate times in Chad camps | Africanews
Tens of thousands of Sudanese continue to flood into neighbouring Chad as the civil war in their country rages on unabated. Fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April last year has displaced over 11 million people with the country and outside. Chad has taken in more than 700,000 Sudanese refugees fleeing the conflict and the hunger that comes with it. In October, some 60,000 more people arrived following an escalation of fighting in the Darfur region, as well as the retreat of floodwaters. Chad has long been a home to refugees fleeing conflicts in neighbouring countries, but this is the largest refugee influx in its history. There are now over a million Sudanese in Chad.
FG, World Bank to spend $600m on rural roads expansion – Daily Trust
The Federal Government and the World Bank have jointly allocated $600 million for the next phase of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Sabi Aliyu Abdulahi, stated this during a press briefing in Abuja. The minister said the funding modality includes $500 million from the World Bank and a $100 million counterpart fund from both federal and state governments
Mobilization and economic development
We took $1bn loan to support Dangote Refinery —NNPC – Daily Trust
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed that the federal government through the company took a loan of $1 billion to support the Dangote refinery project when it encountered some financial difficulties. NNPC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olufemi Soneye, made the disclosure during his remarks at the Energy Relations Stakeholder Engagement in Abuja.
Banks restrict multiple account owners to N20,000 withdrawal – Daily Trust
There is no end in sight yet to the low cash supply by commercial banks as customers face increasing difficulty with cash withdrawal, checks by Daily Trust have shown. There are indications that commercial banks have also limited cash withdrawal on Automated Teller Machine (ATMs) to N20,000 for multiple account holders.
ICPC intercepts N5.9bn diverted funds, recovers N10bn COVID-19 fund – Daily Trust
Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have intercepted the sum N5.882 billion that was about to be diverted by different Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The anti-graft agency also recovered the sum of N10 billion meant for COVID-19 vaccine production and returned it to the treasury as well as recovery of the sum of N10.986 billion in value-added tax (VAT) and remitted it to FIRS.
WTO fixes date for major meeting in Cameroon in early 2026 | Reuters
World Trade Organization members agreed on Monday to hold the next ministerial conference in Cameroon in early 2026, the global trade watchdog said in a statement. The WTO holds such conferences every two years where trade ministers from around the globe gather to try to reach deals to set or update new trade rules.
$1trn economy necessary for Nigeria’s prosperity – SEC – Daily Trust
The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, on Tuesday, insisted that achieving Nigeria’s N1 trillion economy “Is not merely an aspirational goal, but a necessity for the prosperity and resilience of Nigeria.” He spoke on Tuesday in Lagos while delivering a keynote presentation at the 2024 SEC Journalists Academy.
Senate proposes bill to ban use of foreign currency in Nigeria – Daily Trust
The Senate has proposed a bill to ban use of foreign currencies for payments and other transactions in Nigeria. It is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, No. 7, to Prohibit the Use of Foreign Currencies for Remuneration and for Other Related Matters.”
It is sponsored by the Chairman Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko.
Cameroon’s Biya warns of disaster for Central Africa financial stability | Reuters
YAOUNDE, Dec 16 (Reuters) – Cameroon’s President Paul Biya warned on Monday of “disastrous consequences” for the countries of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa if urgent action is not taken to address their deteriorating net external reserves. The member countries – Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, and the Republic of Congo – share monetary policy and a currency with a common central bank.
In one year, EFCC, ICPC recovered N277.69b, $106m – PRNigeria News
The nation’s two main anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt and Other Offences Commission (ICPC), recovered more than N277.685 billion and $105,966 million this year. While the EFCC recovered 753 duplexes, the ICPC tracked 1,500 projects nationwide. The ICPC also made Ministries Departments and Agencies(MDA) forfeit N10.8 billion in unspent funds. The two agencies secured 3,468 convictions during the period.
Nigeria plans to auction undeveloped oil and gas blocks in 2025 | Reuters
LAGOS, Dec 18 (Reuters) – Nigeria will auction undeveloped oil and gas blocks next year, prioritising natural gas development to support the country’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals, the oil regulator said on Wednesday. This would be the third auction of blocks since the country passed an expansive oil overhaul law in 2021, part of efforts to ramp up oil production to fund government spending.
Barrick Gold seeks arbitration over Mali gold mine dispute | Reuters
Canadian miner Barrick Gold (ABX.TO), opens new tab said on Wednesday it had submitted an arbitration request to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, to settle a disagreement with Mali over its Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine complex.
Nigeria approves Shell’s $2.4 billion asset sale to Renaissance | Reuters
Shell (SHEL.L), opens new tab has received approval from Nigeria’s oil minister for the sale of $2.4 billion in onshore and shallow-water assets to Renaissance Group, Renaissance said in a statement on Wednesday.
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