Fuel Subsidy Removal: NLC Rejects Pricing Template

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May 31, 2023

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to immediately instruct the Nigerian Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) to withdraw the just released pricing template to allow free flow of discussions by the parties.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero made the call in a statement signed by him and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ajaero said that the new pricing template is vexatious, an ambush and may scuttle its ongoing dialogue with the federal government.

According to Ajaero, government cannot in one breathe be talking about deregulation and at the same time fixing the prices of petroleum products.

“We are worried that the Government through the NNPC despite the ongoing meeting of stakeholders in the Oil and Gas sector to manage the unilateral.

“But unfortunate announcement by the President to withdraw subsidy on petroleum products, went ahead this morning to announce a new regime of prices under a new pricing template.

Just In: NNPC Ltd. Confirms Petrol Price Hike

“This is an ambush and runs against the spirit and principles of Social Dialogue which remains the best platform available for the resolution of all the issues arising out of the petroleum Down-stream sector.

“This negates the spirit of allowing the operation of the free market unless the government has, as usual, usurped, captured or become market forces.

“It is therefore unacceptable and we seriously condemn it. Good faith negotiation is key to reaching agreement,” he said.

He added that what the government has done is like holding a gun to the head of Nigerian people and bring undue pressure on the leaders, thus undermine the dialogue.

The NLC president said that Nigerians would not accept any manipulation of any kind from any of the parties, especially from the representatives of the government.

“Our commitment to this process is buoyed on the fact that all the parties would be committed to ensuring that it is carried out within the ambits of liberty without undue pressure.

“The release of that Template may not allow us to continue if nothing is done to withdraw it so that the dialogue can continue unhindered. It is clear that Government is actually trying to scuttle the process.

“As it stands, the federal government has become fixated on their chosen course of action. Would this help this dialogue? It clearly will not.

“There must be flexibility to allow concessions and reasonable accommodation that will produce the best result for Nigerian people. This is what we all seek at this time,” he said.

Gov Idris Dissolves Political Appointees of Past Govt

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 31, 2023

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The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris has approved the immediate dissolution of the Kebbi State Executive Council, Board of Agencies and Parastatals and all political appointees of the immediate past administration.

Similarly, the governor has also approved the appointment of Attahiru Macido as Chief of Staff, Yakubu Bala as Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Idris, the State Correspondent of the Guardian Newspaper as Press Secretary to the Governor, and three Senior Special Assistants to the Governor.

Kebbi Sworn in Governor Pledge To Rebuild State

This was made known in a Press Release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmed Idris and made available to journalists in Birnin kebbi.

According to the Chief Press Secretary, all the appointments are based on merit and track records of the appointees.

The appointments are with effect from 29th May 2023.

The Governor Challenges the appointees to see their appointments as a call to service, and to do their best to justify the confidence reposed in them.

He wished them the best in the discharge of their patriotic services to the state and nation.

China Pledges More Economic Cooperation With Nigeria

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 31, 2023

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Chinese President XI Jinping has pledged increased economic cooperation with Nigeria, saying the country is important to Africa and the world.

The Chinese president spoke through his Special Envoy, Peng Qinghua, Vice Chairperson, Standing Committee of National People’s Congress, People’s Republic of China who met with President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

This was stated in a press release by Tunde Rahman at the State House, Abuja.

Rail Project: Nigeria’s Senate Approves China Development Bank As New Financier

Qinghua said the two countries at present had good bilateral relations and economic cooperation, noting that Chinese companies were doing well in Nigeria in railways, roads, hydropower and free trade zones.

While commending President Tinubu’s plan to lead Nigeria to a new era of economic development and prosperity, the Chinese envoy, however, said there were areas where Nigeria could benefit from China.

He called on the two countries to share ideas and align strategies, urging President Tinubu to also create more conducive environment for investment.

Responding, President Tinubu said Nigeria is open for business and constructive partnerships, and would do business with any country ready to do business with the country.

He promised that his administration would work to promote ease of doing business.

He said the world needs accelerated growth and Nigeria is ready to do business honestly with those ready to do business with her.

President Tinubu added that the country will continue to work to promote democracy in the West African sub-region. Noting that he is a product of democracy and shall work day and night to advance democracy.

While saying Nigeria will fight terrorism and all forms of criminality, the President emphasized that both countries can learn from each other, but will remain non-aligned.

The Chinese delegation included her Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun and Minister-Counselor Zhang Yi.

Hope Uzodimma Emerges Chairman of APC Governors’ Forum

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 31, 2023

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Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has emerged as the new Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, the umbrella body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, announced this during a meeting at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Governor Buni, along with a delegation of APC governors, including Mohammed Bago (Niger), Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), and Yahaya Bello (Kogi), were in attendance at a meeting chaired by APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

Uzodimma Sacks 20 Commissioners

During the meeting, Governor Buni introduced Governor Uzodimma as the newly elected Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum.

Upon the introduction, Uzodimma received applause from his fellow governors as he stood up to acknowledge the role.

In his address, Chairman Adamu congratulated the governors on their success in the March governorship elections and encouraged them to focus on delivering good governance to their respective states.

He also expressed gratitude to the governors for their prompt attendance despite the short notice.

Highlighting the importance of filling the leadership vacuum left by their predecessors in the Progressives Governors Forum, Chairman Adamu emphasised the need for Governor Uzodimma to adhere to the party’s principles and involve his colleagues in decision-making processes.

“One of the issues we thought we will express our desire to have you take steps to ensure that you fill the vacuum created with the exit of your predecessors (with) the leadership of the Progressives Governors Forum,” he stated.

“As God will have it, you filled the vacuum before this meeting with us. It is our hope and prayer that God will continue to guide you in all that you will be doing to administering to our people.”

Governor Uzodimma, in response, pledged his commitment to working closely with both the national and sub-national levels.

He assured the gathering that the forum’s purpose is to enhance the party’s activities and governance.

Uzodimma expressed confidence in the collective capabilities of the members and their dedication to implementing the party’s policies.

“Under my watch, we will be very close to the party. The purpose of the forum is to add impetus to the activities of the party and governance.

“I can assure you that you have a team, that working together with the kind of men I have seen as Progressives Governors’ members, we have gotten all that it will take to ensure that the policies (are followed),” he said.

Prioritise Local Drug Manufacturing, Health Insurance stakeholders Task Tinubu

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Cleopatra Okohai

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May 31, 2023

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Stakeholders in the health sector have urged President Bola Tinubu to address the lingering health issues in the country.

The stakeholders, who made the call in separate interviews with Pressmen, said the new government should be more sensitive to health and the well-being of Nigerians.

The National President of, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Adewale Oladigbolu, urged the new government to give priority to local pharmaceutical drug manufacturers.

He said such incentives would help scale up the percentage of drugs produced in the country, which currently stands below 30 per.

“Government need to prioritise incentives for drug manufacturers locally because drugs manufactured locally will generate lots of revenue, provide jobs and develop the sector.

“These incentives can be in the form of low-interest loans, setting up industrial parks in the six geo-political zones and stable power supply Amin others.

“This will increase the percentage of locally made drugs from below 30 per cent to 75 per cent target,” he said.

Speaking also, the Chairman, Nigeria Heart Foundation, Hypertension Committee, Professor Basden Onuwubere, said the new government should be more sensitive to the health and well-being of Nigerians.

He said that the health insurance policy in the country should be effective to ensure more access to good and quality healthcare.

“Over the years, Nigerian governments in the past have been insensitive to health and education, a country where the allocation for health is less than five per cent of the budget is very bad.

“We hope the new government will be more sensitive and do more on health insurance.

” The previous governments tried in the area of health insurance, but this government should make it more effective,” he said.

I look forward to working with Tinubu- Biden

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 31, 2023

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The President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, has expressed the desire to work with the newly sworn-in President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu.

This was disclosed in a statement, on Monday, from Biden to Tinubu while felicitating with the new Nigeria President.

Tinubu and the Vice President, Kashim Shettima were sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola.

Tinubu Sworn In As Nigeria’s President

Biden, in the release, reiterates his administration’s readiness to work with Tinubu “to strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria.”

He said, “On behalf of the people of the United States, I send warm wishes to the government and people of Nigeria as they inaugurate a new President. I look forward to continuing this work with President Tinubu to support economic growth, advance security, and promote respect for human rights.”

The U.S President expressed optimism about the ideas and energy of the dynamic connection between the two countries, noting that the US will continue to work closely with the most populous country in Africa.

“As Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success. Elected leaders owe it to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs. And the United States will continue to work closely with Nigeria, as a friend and partner, to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for our world,” Biden said.

Falana Sues FG Over Unfair Treatment of ASUU Members

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 31, 2023

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Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government over discriminatory, unfair and illegal treatment of members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Joined in the suit as Defendants are Minister of Labour and Employment; Attorney-General of the Federation; and Accountant-General of the Federation.

In the suit number NICN/ABJ/152/2023 filed yesterday on behalf ASUU, Falana is asking the court to determine “Whether having paid the salaries of members of the Joint Staff Union, National Association of Resident Doctors and lecturers in the Medical Facilities/Medical and Dental Academic of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State during the period of industrial actions, the decision of the Defendants to withhold the salaries of the members of the Claimant from February to October 2022 is not discriminatory and illegal.”

Falana is also asking the court to determine “Whether the members of ASUU are not entitled to payment of their salaries for the months of February to October 2022 forthwith.”

ASUU: FG Offsets Salary Backlog of Medical Lecturers

The suit, read in part: “Lecturers’ duties cover the following areas: Seminars (Peer-review of Journals, Serving of Professional bodies, Public Lectures, Serving on board of Parastatals); Research (Gathering data, Reading new Books and Journals, Writing and Publishing Scholars text); Teaching.”

“Owing to the refusal of the Defendants to implement the agreements between them and the Claimant, a trade dispute was declared by the Claimant in February 2022.”

“The industrial action which resulted from the series of breaches emanating from the defendants herein does not abrogate our responsibilities as lecturers which includes paper administration, delivered lectures, seminars, tutorials, that should have been done during the withdrawal of the teaching component of our jobs, course evaluation, Peer evaluation, marking and moderating assignments, write course content, etc).”

“Despite the withdrawal of teaching, the provision of educational services which cover other aspects of our engagement as academics (i.e research and community service) subsists across the public universities in Nigeria.”

“The federal government failed to address the demands of the Claimant, the industrial dispute lasted until October 2022. The teaching component of our job was restored based on the orders made by this Honourable Court and the Court of Appeal.”

“The Minister of Labour and Employment specifically instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation not to pay the members of ASUU members for the period of the industrial disharmony.”

“The members of Joint Health Staff Union were on strike from March to May 2018 but the Defendants paid their salaries for the period of the strike. The members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors were on strike between September and October 2021 but the Defendants paid them their salaries for the period of the strike.”

“Despite repeated demand the Defendants have refused to pay the salaries of members of the Claimant who took part in the strike that took place from February to October 2022.”

“The 1st Defendant, who is a medical practitioner and hails from Anambra State, South East Nigeria directed the 3rd Defendant to pay all lecturers of the Medical Facilities / Medical and Dental Academic of the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State to the exclusion of members of the Claimant in other public universities in Nigeria.”

“The lecturers of the Medical Facilities / Medical and Dental Academic of the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State participated in the industrial action of the Claimant that lasted from February to October 2022.”

“Majority of the lecturers of the Medical Facilities / Medical and Dental Academic of the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State are indigenes of Anambra State like the 1st Defendant.The 1st Defendant ordered the 3rd Defendant to pay the salaries of the lecturers of the Medical Facilities / Medical and Dental Academic of the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State because of the circumstances of their birth.”

“Owing to the refusal of the Defendants to implement the agreements between them and the Claimant, a trade dispute was declared by the Claimant in February 2022. Pursuant to the said trade dispute, the members of the Claimant embarked on a strike in February 2022. The strike was eventually called off in October 2022 based on the orders made by this Honourable Court and the Court of Appeal.”

“The members of Joint Health Staff Union who were on strike from March to May 2018 were paid their salaries for the period of the strike. The 2nd Defendant ensured the payment of the health because of the fact that he is a medical doctor. The 2nd Defendant equally ensured the payment of the salaries of the members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors who were on strike between September and October 2021 because they are professional colleagues of the 2nd Defendant.”

“The Defendants have subjected the members of the Claimant who took part in the strike that took place from February to October 2022 to discriminatory treatment by refusing to pay their salaries for the period of the strike.”

“Equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation is a germane aspect of the overall principle of equality, which is now a universal norm. It is one of the most fundamental principles underlying any democratic society and is set forth in many international instruments, national constitutions and laws.”

“The decision of the Defendants to withhold the salaries of the members of the Claimant who took part in an industrial action from February to October 2022 is discriminatory by virtue of Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004.”

“It is submitted with respect that Sections 42 and 14 of the 1999 Constitution as amended contains anti- discrimination clauses prohibiting selective and discriminatory application of laws and policies in favour of a particular group, section or sex to the prejudice of others.”

“In order to promote industrial harmony the Defendants decided to pay the salaries of health workers and resident doctors who were on strike between March and May 2018 as well as between September and October 2021 respectively.”

“The 1st Defendant instructed the 3rd Defendant to pay the salaries of the members of the Claimant in medical faculties/medical and dental academics of the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State.”

“But without any legal justification, the Defendants have refused to pay the salaries of the members of the Claimant who took part in the industrial action that took place from February to October 2022 the Defendants have subjected the members of the Claimants to discrimination contrary to section 42(1) of the Constitution.”

“Having paid the members of the Joint Health Staff Union and lecturers of the faculties/medical and dental academic of the Nnamdi Azikwe University Nnewi Campus Anambra State during the period of their strikes, the Defendants are under a legal obligation to order the payment of the salaries of the claimant’s members during that strike that lasted from February to October 2022.”

“The Defendants’ recondite refusal to pay members of the Claimant having paid members of other unions that embarked on industrial action under the same circumstances contravenes section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Articles 2 and of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and other international treaties against discrimination.”

“It is submitted that the members of the Claimant and the members of the joint Health staff union, National Association of Resident Doctors as well as lecturers of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University are entitled to equal treatment. By paying the members of the Joint Health Staff Union, National Association of Resident Doctors and lecturers of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University during their strikes and denying the members of the Claimant their salaries during their strike the Defendants have violated Section 42(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights Act (Cap A9).”

UNICEF to Tackle Nigeria’s Out-of-School Children Challenge With New Model

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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May 31, 2023

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The United Nations Children Emergency Fund is expected to develop a model to tackle the out-of-school menace in Nigeria by 2027

Though the number of out-of-school children as of May 2023, cannot officially be verified by our correspondent at the time of filing this report, a 2022 report by UNESCO estimated that Nigeria currently has approximately 20 million out-of-school children.

But the Nigerian government argues that the country only accounts for 12.4% of the total number of out-of-school children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Experts, however, noted that while UNESCO’s statistics were based on out-of-school children aged 6-18 years, the Federal Government only focused on those within the age bracket of 6-11 years, causing the disparity in statistics between the figures presented by UNESCO and the government.

In a country development programme for 2023-2027 as presented by UNICEF and obtained by our correspondent, the UN agency noted that it would develop a sustainable model to tackle the out-of-school children menace.

“10 million children access formal or non-formal education; 4.8 million children access learning materials and 21 states scale up foundational literacy and numeracy; 22 states using integrated data system for sector planning and 12 states with improved adequacy, efficiency and equity in education finance,” the document stated.

Meanwhile, Communications Specialist for UNICEF, Geoffrey Njoku, noted during a media dialogue for journalists that the organisation, over the last five years has supported the enrollment of 1.5 million girls in schools across the country using a new evidence-based approach, while five million children continued to learn during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Njoku further lamented that Nigeria ranks 139 out of 156 countries in the Gender Index Gap, noting that many children in the country were deficient in many areas, requiring all hands to be on deck to resolve.

The United Nations Children Emergency Fund is expected to develop a model to tackle the out-of-school menace in Nigeria by 2027

Though the number of out-of-school children as of May 2023, cannot officially be verified by our correspondent at the time of filing this report, a 2022 report by UNESCO estimated that Nigeria currently has approximately 20 million out-of-school children.

But the Nigerian government argues that the country only accounts for 12.4% of the total number of out-of-school children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Experts, however, noted that while UNESCO’s statistics were based on out-of-school children aged 6-18 years, the Federal Government only focused on those within the age bracket of 6-11 years, causing the disparity in statistics between the figures presented by UNESCO and the government.

In a country development programme for 2023-2027 as presented by UNICEF and obtained by our correspondent, the UN agency noted that it would develop a sustainable model to tackle the out-of-school children menace.

“10 million children access formal or non-formal education; 4.8 million children access learning materials and 21 states scale up foundational literacy and numeracy; 22 states using integrated data system for sector planning and 12 states with improved adequacy, efficiency and equity in education finance,” the document stated.

Meanwhile, Communications Specialist for UNICEF, Geoffrey Njoku, noted during a media dialogue for journalists that the organisation, over the last five years has supported the enrollment of 1.5 million girls in schools across the country using a new evidence-based approach, while five million children continued to learn during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Njoku further lamented that Nigeria ranks 139 out of 156 countries in the Gender Index Gap, noting that many children in the country were deficient in many areas, requiring all hands to be on deck to resolve.

Just In: NNPC Ltd. Confirms Petrol Price Hike

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 31, 2023

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The Nigerian National Petrol Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has confirmed that it has adjusted pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, across the country.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, titled “Adjustment in pump price of PMS” and signed by Garba Deen Muhammad, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer.

According to the statement, the adjusted pump price was in line with “current market realities”.

NNPC To Build Jetties To Boost Gas Supply

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Monday declared an end to fuel subsidy, adding that the 2023 Appropriation Act did not provide for petrol subsidy beyond June.

In lieu of this, NNPC wrote that ” It wishes to inform our esteemed customers that we have adjusted our pump prices of PMS across our retail outlets, in line with current market realities.

“As we strive to provide you with the quality service for which we are known, it is pertinent to note that prices will continue to fluctuate to reflect market dynamics. We assure you that NNPC Limited is committed to ensuring a ceaseless supply of products.

“The company sincerely regrets any inconvenience this development may have caused. We greatly appreciate your continued patronage, support, and understanding during this time of change and growth”

Earlier, a document supposedly emanating from NNPC indicated that while the cost of petrol in Borno State was put at N557 per litre, the prices in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Ekiti were outlined as N488 per litre, N537 per litre, N520 per litre, and N500 per litre respectively.

Tobacco Growing Worsening Food Insecurity – WHO

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Cleopatra Okohai

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May 31, 2023

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The World Health Organisation has decried the conversion of land meant for food cultivation into tobacco growing purposes, noting that it has worsened food and nutrition insecurity in several parts of the world.

WHO in a statement published on its website to commemorate ‘The World No Tobacco Day’, noted that about 3.5 million hectares of land are converted for tobacco growing each year across the globe.

The global world body also revealed that the growing of tobacco also contributed to the deforestation of 200,000 hectares annually.

It noted that an investigation revealed that tobacco growing is resource intensive and requires heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers, which have reportedly contributed to soil degradation.

On the theme; ‘Grow Food, Not Tobacco’, WHO said it was meant to raise awareness about alternative crop production and marketing opportunities for tobacco farmers.

The statement reads partly, “This year’s theme is “Grow food, not tobacco”. The 2023 global campaign aims to raise awareness about alternative crop production and marketing opportunities for tobacco farmers and encourage them to grow sustainable, nutritious crops.

“It will also aim to expose the tobacco industry’s efforts to interfere with attempts to substitute tobacco growing with sustainable crops, thereby contributing to the global food crisis.

“The growing food crisis is driven by conflicts and wars, climatic shocks, and the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Structural causes like the choice of the crop also have an impact, and a look into tobacco growing reveals how it contributes to increased food insecurity.

“Across the globe, around 3.5 million hectares of land are converted for tobacco growing each year. Growing tobacco also contributes to the deforestation of 200 000 hectares a year.

“Tobacco growing is resource intensive and requires heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers, which contribute to soil degradation.

“Land used for growing tobacco then has a lower capacity for growing other crops, such as food, since tobacco depletes soil fertility.

“Compared with other agricultural activities such as maize growing and even livestock grazing, tobacco farming has a far more destructive impact on ecosystems as tobacco farmlands are more prone to desertification,” WHO stated.

While stressing that profits gained from tobacco products may not offset the damage done to sustainable food production in low- and middle-income countries, the global health organisation stressed the need for urgent legal measures to reduce its production.

The statement added, “The tobacco industry often touts itself as an advocate for the livelihood of tobacco farmers. This is a far cry from the truth. The intensive handling of insecticides and toxic chemicals during the cultivation of tobacco contributes to many farmers and their families suffering from ill health.

“Further, unfair contractual arrangements with tobacco companies keep farmers impoverished, and the child labour that is often woven into tobacco cultivation interferes with the right to education and is a violation of human rights.

“The 2023 WNTD campaign calls on governments and policy-makers to step up legislation, develop suitable policies and strategies, and enable market conditions for tobacco farmers to shift to growing food crops that would provide them and their families with a better life. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control offers specific principles and policy options on the promotion of economically viable alternatives for tobacco workers, growers, and individual sellers (outlined in Article 17), and on enhancing the protection of the environment. and the health of people (Article 18). The implementation of these provisions should be strengthened in countries.”