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IGP Bans Vigilante, Amotekun from Participating in Ondo Election

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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As the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election approaches on November 16, 2024, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has pledged the Nigeria Police Force’s full commitment to ensuring a peaceful and orderly election across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units.

To guarantee a smooth and secure election, the IGP has laid out extensive preparations, including the deployment of sufficient personnel, resources, and advanced equipment. Specialized units such as the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force (FID-STS) will work alongside other security agencies. These teams will operate under strict adherence to the Electoral Act, 2022, with a commitment to fairness, transparency, and order.

Alongside on-ground personnel, the Nigeria Police Force will also implement aerial patrols using police helicopters and deploy gunboats to monitor waterways and riverine regions, ensuring security across diverse terrains. These comprehensive measures are intended to prevent any attempts to disrupt the electoral process and to support a stable election environment.

IGP Egbetokun has issued a strong warning to political thugs or any group contemplating violence or disruptions during the election period, emphasizing that violators will face legal consequences. The message is clear: any attempt to threaten the peace and security of the election will be dealt with strictly.

Moreover, the IGP reiterated the established security guidelines for Nigerian elections, declaring that no quasi-security organizations, including state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to engage in the election process. Election security will be handled exclusively by the Nigeria Police Force and authorized federal security agencies, in coordination with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

In partnership with other federal security agencies, the Nigeria Police Force remains vigilant and ready to ensure that the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election is conducted smoothly, securely, and in line with the highest standards of electoral integrity.

NLC To Begin Strike Dec 1 Over Minimum Wage

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has scheduled to begin an indefinite strike from December 1, 2024, in state councils where the N70,000 new minimum wage is not being fully implemented.

NLC resulted in this as they perceived the Federal Government has been implementing anti-people policies that were forcing Nigerians into destitution.

Joe Ajaero, NLC President in a communiqué at the end of its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Port Harcourt Rivers State, also warned that it would not accept a situation where Rivers State workers were made victims of the ongoing political crisis in the state by withholding fund meant for payment of workers’ salaries and other benefits.

The communiqué read: “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship. It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.

“The NEC, therefore, resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization, and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.

“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria. To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from December 1, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have.”
Nigerians facing economic hardship

On the worsening economic hardship, “The NEC observes, with profound concern, the accelerating economic hardship inflicted upon Nigerian citizens. Inflation continues to rise unchecked, with the costs of necessities spiralling beyond the reach of the average worker.

“Millions of Nigerians are being driven into destitution, forced to choose daily between feeding their families and seeking healthcare. Access to energy has become a mirage while workers become increasingly poorer even as they work longer hours to meet their other basic needs. As a result, nutritional diseases like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus have resurfaced in Nigeria.

“NLC demands immediate, concrete interventions from the Federal Government, not token measures, to relieve this suffering. We call for the implementation of comprehensive social protection policies that shield Nigerians from poverty, provide affordable healthcare, and ensure a wage that reflects the true cost of living. To this end, we call for a wage review across the nation including a review of all the policies that have rather emasculated Nigerian people.”

MIPAN 2025 Business Outlook Session: Navigating the Cost of Doing Business in Nigeria

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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In a rapidly evolving economic landscape, where businesses face the dual pressures of rising operational costs and shifting consumer expectations, the 2024 Business Outlook Session organized by the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) offered much-needed insights and strategies. Held under the theme “Navigating the Cost of Doing Business in Nigeria: Value Delivery in a Tough Economic Climate,” this year’s session brought together industry leaders, business professionals, and experts to discuss practical ways to navigate the country’s challenging economic environment.

The event featured a keynote presentation from Dr. Vincent Nwani, who explored the realities and strategies for delivering value amidst rising costs and economic pressures.

The CEO of 7th Dimension Media, a leading media and marketing agency in Nigeria, Anthony Ikeokwu, also delivered an in-depth overview of the television station LN247. Positioned as a forward-thinking platform, LN247 stands out for its sector-specific coverage, spanning news, business, technology, lifestyle, and more, with the goal of delivering timely and valuable content to a diverse audience. With a central station location and extensive reach across Africa from our hubs in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and coming up soon, Enugu.

LN247 has rapidly established itself as a major player in Nigerian media. The CEO’s presentation emphasized LN247’s role in not only informing but also empowering Nigerian viewers by providing comprehensive, multi-sector news coverage that supports both individuals and businesses in making informed decisions in today’s economic climate.

The session culminated with a highly engaging panel discussion, which brought together thought leaders from diverse sectors. Panelists included seasoned professionals from the media, and business sectors, each sharing unique insights on the complexities of doing business in Nigeria and ways to drive value despite economic constraints.

The panelists tackled issues ranging from operational efficiency, Customer-Centric Value Creation, and cost management to the role of technology and digital transformation in enhancing value delivery.

Partnerships and Sponsorships: Fueling Industry Conversations

The success of the 2024 MIPAN Business Outlook Session was bolstered by the support of its event partners, which included notable brands such as LN247, JCDecaux, Grace Lake, QVT Media, City 105.1 FM, Media Guide NG, and 94.5 FM. Their collaboration and sponsorship reflect a shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s business sector by fostering dialogue, sharing expertise, and providing resources that benefit the larger business community.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, the insights shared during the 2024 MIPAN Business Outlook Session were both timely and relevant. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and strategies they could implement to improve operations, deliver value, and enhance resilience in the face of adversity.

The event underscored the importance of community and knowledge-sharing, reminding Nigerian businesses that while the path ahead may be challenging, a commitment to innovation, adaptability, and customer-focused value delivery can pave the way for success.

The MIPAN Business Outlook Session highlighted that despite the tough economic climate, there are opportunities for growth and transformation. Through collaboration, strategic planning, and an unwavering focus on value, Nigerian businesses can not only weather the current storm but thrive in the long term. The 2024 session will serve as a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a resilient, value-driven business landscape, with MIPAN at the forefront of driving impactful industry conversations.

NECO Examiners Threaten Protest Over Unpaid Allowances

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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The National Examinations Council examiners to mark the 2024 students’ examination papers have threatened to embark on a nationwide protest over the non-payment of their allowances after completing the assignment.

It was learned that the examiners have started mobilizing their colleagues across the states for the planned protest.

A letter written by aggrieved Kano examiners to the NECO Chief Registrar in Minna dated November 8, 2024, and circulated to NECO examiners and all team leaders in Plateau State confirmed the development.

It read, “Dear Sir, we write to bring to your urgent attention the ongoing issues surrounding the payment of examiners who were engaged in marking the recent examination papers set by the National Examinations Council (NECO).

“It is very appalling that despite the examinations being marked over three months ago, and the release of the candidates’ results for over a month now, a majority of the examiners are yet to receive the wages they are owed for their laborious efforts. Only an insignificant minority have been paid nationwide.

“As examiners who played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct and evaluation of the examinations, we find it utterly unacceptable that our payments have been delayed for such an extended period.
“Our dedication and commitment to our duties should not be met with such negligence and disregard for our welfare, especially in these economically trying times.

“Therefore, we hereby give NECO a two-week ultimatum to resolve the issues surrounding the payments of examiners.
“If this matter is not resolved within the stipulated time frame, the examiners will have no choice but to embark on a nationwide protest through coordinated efforts of the members across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).”

It added “We trust that NECO will take immediate action to rectify this situation and ensure that the examiners are paid their peanuts without any further delay.

“Failure to do so will force the examiners to pursue legal action against the examining body for negligence and total disregard for their rights as workers.
“We hope for a prompt and positive response to this matter to prevent any further disruptions or escalations.”

On Sunday, some of the NECO examiners in Jos said they were ready to participate in the protest if nothing was done to address their demand.

Petrol Landing Cost in Nigeria Drops to N971/litre

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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A recent report shows that the estimated landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), widely known as petrol, in Nigeria has dropped by 20.34%, reaching N971.57 per litre over the past three months. This decrease, which represents the cost of importing and distributing petrol, suggests a degree of relief driven by global market changes and supply chain dynamics.

Despite this drop in landing costs, the retail price of petrol in Nigeria has surged by N443, or 71.79%, rising from N617 per litre on August 1, 2024, to N1,060 per litre by November 8, 2024.

According to data from the Major Energies Marketers Association’s daily energy bulletin, oil marketers imported petrol at a cost of N1,219 per litre in August, based on a Brent crude price of $80.72 per barrel and an exchange rate of N1,611 per dollar. During this period, petrol retailed at N617 per litre.

By November, with a reduced landing cost of N971.57, Brent crude at $75.57 per barrel, and an exchange rate of N1,665.84 per dollar, the product’s retail price had escalated to N1,060 at Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) stations and N1,180 at independent stations.

The report also highlighted landing costs of N945.63 in September and N903.64 per litre in October. Despite these falling import costs, prices have risen due to the effects of fuel market deregulation, currency exchange fluctuations, inflation, and broader economic challenges.

Experts predict that a reduction in landing costs could eventually lead to lower pump prices. However, on Sunday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) accused fuel marketers of unjustly inflating prices, claiming that consumers are paying well above the actual market value.

In a statement from its National Executive Council meeting, the NLC stated that Nigerians face severe hardship due to policies that are increasing economic strain and pushing many into poverty. The organization urged for accountability from both fuel marketers and the government to ease the financial burden on citizens.

Osimhen Dedicates Winning Brace to Injured Teammate Mauro Icardi

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Victor Osimhen showed his team spirit on Sunday, dedicating his two goals in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Samsunspor to his injured teammate Mauro Icardi. The Nigerian striker opened the scoring just three minutes into the Turkish Super Lig’s Week 12 clash and then netted another in the 55th minute, shortly after Samsunspor equalized with a penalty from Jules Ntcham.

Osimhen held up Icardi’s jersey to celebrate his goals, honoring his sidelined teammate in front of an enthusiastic crowd at RAMS Park in Istanbul. The 25-year-old, currently on loan from Napoli, has been thriving alongside former teammates Icardi and Dries Mertens, forming a potent offensive trio for Galatasaray. Osimhen’s brace brought his league tally to six goals in as many games and eight across nine appearances in all competitions.

Galatasaray announced that Icardi, aged 31, will need surgery following an ACL tear and meniscus damage sustained in their Europa League victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Icardi, who had previously missed matches due to a muscle injury, was stretchered off the field. The club confirmed in a statement, “MRI scans revealed a rupture in the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage in his right knee. Rehabilitation has started ahead of surgery.”

Galatasaray currently leads the Turkish Super Lig and stands third in their Europa League group.

I’m Not Afraid of EFCC Probe – Obaseki

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has asserted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is planning to arrest him upon the conclusion of his term on November 14. Speaking at the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session in Abuja on Thursday, Obaseki claimed he received intelligence about the EFCC’s alleged intent to detain him over accusations of fraud.

Despite this, Obaseki expressed confidence, saying he has no fear of potential arrest or investigations into his administration. He attributed these alleged charges to a vendetta from political opponents.

Obaseki remarked that, should he be detained, he would make productive use of his time in custody by conducting research, stressing that he has “nothing to hide.”

“I hear the EFCC plans to arrest me next week after my tenure ends. If they do, I’ll dedicate my time in custody to research. We’ve achieved much that can be deemed legacy projects,” Obaseki said. “Our focus has always been on serving Edo people and addressing issues that matter to them, which has led to impactful reforms.”

Reflecting on his term, Obaseki added, “Today, the progress we’ve made is visible. What happens afterward is out of my hands, but those with a political agenda can continue their attacks. That’s their issue, not mine.”

Obaseki also pointed out that his opponents are driven by jealousy over his achievements, which he believes have left a lasting legacy in the South-South region. He commented on the broader state of the nation, describing it as plagued by bitterness and vendettas.

“Our country suffers from excessive spite and vindictiveness. My opponents in Edo have shown cruelty, jealousy, and resentment because they can’t match our accomplishments over the past eight years. But our focus should remain on improving Nigeria for the people, especially during these challenging times,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of the public and civil servants in Edo State, calling it a crucial step for national improvement.

Canada Ends Automatic 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Canada has revised its visitor visa policies, ending the automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas for tourists. The new guidelines, issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), give immigration officers more discretion in determining visa duration and type.

Previously, eligible visitors were routinely granted long-term visas allowing multiple entries over a decade. Now, each application will undergo individual assessment, and officers can choose between single-entry or multiple-entry visas, tailoring validity periods based on specific circumstances rather than defaulting to maximum-validity options.

The IRCC stated, “Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document. Officers may exercise their judgment in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa and in determining the validity period.”

This shift reflects Canada’s strategy to manage immigration in line with infrastructure and economic pressures, including housing shortages and rising living costs. The new approach balances temporary immigration needs with the country’s current resource capacity.

Previously, Canada offered both multiple-entry and single-entry visas, with most applicants qualifying for the former. The former allowed for multiple entries over a 10-year period or until a month before their passport’s expiration. Single-entry visas were typically reserved for special cases, such as official visits or one-time events.

With the updated policy, maximum-validity multiple-entry visas will no longer be the standard issue. Immigration officers will now assess each traveler’s circumstances to determine the most suitable visa type and duration. Although the application fee for a Canadian visitor visa remains at CAD 100, the new policy may increase costs for frequent travelers who could need to reapply more often due to shorter visa terms.

Alongside this change, Canada is also adjusting its permanent residency targets, reducing admissions from 500,000 in 2025 to 395,000, with further reductions expected through 2027. These updates reflect Canada’s efforts to align immigration policies with its infrastructure capabilities.

Seven African Countries Line Up for Dangote Refinery’s Fuel Exports

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex is gearing up to begin fuel exports to several African nations, including South Africa, Angola, and Namibia. With a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the refinery has reportedly reached advanced stages of negotiations to start fuel supply to these countries.

Additionally, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic have also initiated talks with the $20 billion refinery based in Lekki, Nigeria. Recently, Ghana joined the list, expressing interest in sourcing fuel from the refinery to reduce its monthly $400 million fuel imports from Europe. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Chairman of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority, confirmed that negotiations are progressing with Ghana, Angola, Namibia, and South Africa.

When asked about some marketers’ reluctance to buy from the Dangote refinery despite its capacity, a source within the company suggested these dealers may have hidden motives. The source added that the refinery remains a crucial asset for ensuring stable fuel supplies in Nigeria and can support the country’s entire fuel demand.

Amidst these developments, local Nigerian marketers have opted to import fuel independently, alleging that the Dangote refinery’s prices are too high. Both the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) recently advocated for permission to import cheaper fuel to provide price relief for Nigerian consumers facing rising fuel costs after subsidy removal. They are awaiting necessary approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

In response, NMDPRA officials clarified that fuel import licenses can only be issued to individual marketers, not to associations. The spokesperson, who requested anonymity, explained that while IPMAN and PETROAN applied for a collective license, regulatory standards require individual applications.

Dr. Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, contended that the Dangote refinery aims to monopolize the market, pushing competitors out. He emphasized the association’s commitment to offering Nigerians more affordable, high-quality fuel, and appealed to the public to support efforts to end monopolistic practices in the sector.

Osimhen Commits to Galatasaray Amid Transfer Rumors

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has shut down rumors of a January move, affirming his commitment to Galatasaray and downplaying transfer talk. Currently on loan from Napoli, Osimhen has attracted interest from top clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and PSG as the summer window approaches. However, he has made his intentions clear: he’s focused on completing the season with Galatasaray.

“People are talking about January, but I am here until the season ends,” Osimhen told Nexus Sports. “What happens after that is between Galatasaray and Napoli. We’ll discuss it when the time comes. I really like this club.”

Osimhen’s comments follow his impressive showing in Galatasaray’s 3-2 Europa League victory over Tottenham, where he netted twice, bringing his season total to six goals along with four assists in just eight games. With Mauro Icardi sidelined due to an ACL injury, Osimhen is set to take on an even greater role in leading the Turkish Super Lig champions through the season.

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