Reports indicate that notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji has fled to the Maradun Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, narrowly escaping the ongoing military offensive against bandit groups in Northwest Nigeria. Local sources said that Turji’s loyalists were sighted moving on motorcycles late Sunday evening and early Monday morning, reportedly transporting wounded gang members. The fleeing bandits were seen traversing through the areas of Galadi, Damaga, Rudunu, and Danbenchi before heading towards Garsa/Kadanya in the Bayan Ruwa axis. There are also indications that bandits are regrouping in Rudunu, Bankamawa, and Farfaru, all located within the Faru District, which is known for its armed criminal activities. The Bayan Ruwa axis has emerged as a strategic route for terrorists in Zamfara, where the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in August 2024. Further intelligence suggests that some of Turji’s foot soldiers may have taken refuge in Garsa/Kadanya, reportedly under the protection of Jummo Smally, a former rival who has now allied with Turji. The motives behind this unexpected alliance, however, remain unclear. When reached for comment, a defence intelligence source confirmed Turji’s flight to the Maradun area but emphasized that security forces are closely monitoring their movements before launching an attack. The source underscored the importance of caution to prevent civilian casualties, as Turji may be traveling with women, children, or captives. “Yes, Turji and a few of his lieutenants managed to evade our bombardment. We have observed occasional movements of these individuals, accompanied by vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly, who may also include kidnapped victims. “We are meticulously tracking their movements to assess the identities of those accompanying them, in order to minimize the risk of collateral damage. “I can assure you, however, that their days are numbered; they have no safe haven left to threaten the peace of the affected communities.” Source: By PRNigeria.
Ismailia Isah, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has confirmed that Federal Government has already approved the establishment of an International Airport in the state. The governor’s spokesman, who was answering questions on Classic FM 94.3 Abuja, as part of Media Engagements ahead of the first one year in office of the Governor, did not specify where the airport would be sited. According to him, work on the International Airport will soon commence, adding that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with NEXIM Bank for development of processing facilities for agricultural products for export of and local industries among others. Ismaila Isah said that the Governor, as the State’s Chief Marketing Officer, is working hard to engage relevant Federal Agencies and the International Community as well as investors in the private sector for collaboration that will ensure that the resources of Kogi are used for the development of the State. According to him, the Governor has been reaching out to illustrious sons and daughters of the state on the need to invest in the state, pointing out that the discussions are already yielding positive results. He said that with efforts of Governor Ododo, the establishment of an Industrial Park with the status of Free Trade Zone in the State is already in the pipeline. The Governor’s Spokesman said that prices of food items are now crashing in the state compared to the past, explaining that crop processing facilities have been provided as the government has been encouraging farming by buying directly from farmers. On security of lives and property, the Special Adviser said that a lot has been invested in the security sector which has produced positive results. He said that apart from the purchase of gadgets as well as hundreds of vehicles and motorcycles for hunters, vigilantes and conventional security agencies, the government is also in constant touch with neighbouring states in a bid to take the fight against crimes and criminality to hideouts of criminals in and around the state. Ismailia Isah said that Governor Ododo had since released over N600 million for the payment of WAEC fees, restructured the Bursary Programme for indigent students in tertiary institutions, free education from primary to secondary schools in public schools among others. He said that one unique achievement of the present administration in the state is the completion of projects inherited from the immediate past administration of Governor Yahaya Bello as a deliberate effort to avoid the scourge of project abandonment in the state. Such projects according to him, are the nine kilometer GYB Junction-Zango-Zone eight round about road and 5.5 kilometer Crusher-Zone 8 round about road which has been completed and awaiting commissioning.
“We were initially discouraged not to come to Yobe state, citing insecurity but, we insisted on coming and are impressed with the peace and security (we found), and the government’s commitment to the project.” This was the verdict of Mr. Javed khan, Senior Agriculture Specialist at the Islamic Development Bank. He spoke when he led a team from the Bank on assessment tour of the state to see for itself the documents developed and the preparations on ground for the project. He was on a courtesy visit to Governor Mai Mala Buni at the government House in Damaturu, the State capital. He expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of the state government to partner the bank for the proposed agricultural project. Javed Khan stressed that the commitment of the state government to meeting its obligations is quite impressive and encouraging. Javed Khan said that the team was convinced with government’s committment to the project. “We are working towards a target in the next three months for the state to obtain approval from the bank for the project. “The working synergy between our team and your team suggests that we will achieve our target within the stipulated time frame.” This was as Governor Buni commended the Bank for not listening to the enemies of progress of the state. “l am glad you did not listen to them, some of whom have never been anywhere close to Yobe state but giving stories about what they don’t know. “You are now here and you have seen things for yourselves and can tell the story better. We are ready for this partnership using agriculture to drive the economy of our state and the people. “All the 17 local government areas in the state are now accessible and the people can access their farms and make this proposed project successful.” The Governor explained the importance of agriculture to the people, saying: “this project would guarantee food security and economic prosperity in our post insurgency recovery programme. “The resilience exhibited by our people in embracing agriculture being their major preoccupation to rebuild their lives after the protracted insecurity is very encouraging and need to be supported.” Governor Buni made clear that with proposed partnership with the bank, agricultural development in the state will attain a huge success.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, in partnership with Dangote Fertilisers Limited, have awarded scholarships to 473 students from 10 secondary schools and 7 tertiary institutions to the Idotun Community Junior High School, a suburb of Lekki, Lagos. The company also donated 804 tables and chairs to secondary schools in their host communities of Ibeju-Lekki. At the venue of the donations, students, parents, teachers, and community leaders expressed their joy. The donations of educational materials; textbooks and notebooks, were part of the 5th Edition of the Dangote Scholarship Award Programme. The Group Vice President of Oil & Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, said that the event symbolised a shared vision, a partnership between Dangote Industries and the host communities, designed to build a foundation for sustained growth. He said that the donation was the one that is rooted in education, innovation and opportunity. He said that the initiative is not merely a celebration of achievements but a reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to nurturing potential, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future for the leaders of tomorrow. “Education, as we all know, is the passport to the future. At Dangote, we believe that education is not just a privilege but a right that every child deserves. This belief has fueled our dedication to supporting students and schools in our host communities since the year 2019 when we launched the Scholarship Award Programme as a key pillar of our Community Development Plan, with year-on-year progress.” Praising the students for their academic dedication, which he acknowledged has resulted in remarkable growth over the years, Edwin highlighted the impressive year-on-year progress—from 56 students in 2019 to 450 beneficiaries in 2024. He said that the company is deeply inspired by their determination and is confident that the resources provided will empower them to realise their dreams. He noted that the decision to donate the 804 tables and chairs to schools was part of the company’s broader commitment to enhancing the learning environment. This gesture, he emphasised, is a testament to the company’s dedication to ensuring that every child has access to a conducive environment for learning, where they can grow, dream, and thrive. “To the scholars here today, you are at the heart of our initiatives. Your dreams, aspirations, and hard work inspire us to continue making a difference. “As you embark on your academic journeys, remember that the support you receive today is a seed sown in fertile ground. Nurture it with dedication, perseverance, and a spirit of excellence, and it will yield remarkable fruits in your future. “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community leaders, dedicated school administrators who work tirelessly to ensure the success of these initiatives. “Your partnership and support are invaluable, and we are honored to work alongside you in empowering the next generation.” The Managing Director of Dangote Industries Free Zone Development Company (DIFZDC), Olayinka Akande, advised the beneficiaries to uphold excellence, which he identified as one of the core values of Dangote Industries Limited. Emphasising the importance of dedication and diligence, he encouraged the students to aim high, saying that with such attributes, some of them could rise to become governors, ministers, captains of industry, or even the next ‘Edwin’ in the future. The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum & Petrochemicals, Ogunleye Mojisola, said that the education intervention is one of the four pillars of the Community Development Plan, which was jointly designed with the community. Ogunleye expressed gratitude to the management for consistently providing the necessary resources to sustain the programme. “The increase in the number of beneficiaries each year is a clear indication that the initiative is fulfilling its purpose, motivating students to study hard and achieve academic excellence.” The Aro of Lekki Kingdom, Chief Adewale Salami, who represented the Oni of Lekki, conveyed his appreciation for the intervention, affirming that the company is helping to shape the future of the community. He also expressed the kingdom’s continued support for Dangote Industries Limited. The Chairman of the Lekki Coastal Area Development Association, Alhaji Wasiu Ayeola, praised the founder and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, for transforming what was once a hunting ground of rabbits and lizards into a multibillion-dollar investment that benefits not only the local community and Lagos but also Nigeria and the world. He emphasised that education is the most effective way to shape the future of the community. Several beneficiaries, including Atibere Peter from Lagos State University, Dauda Omolara from Community Senior High School, Magbon Segun, and Ganiu Ayomide from Community Senior High School, Akodo, among others, expressed their heartfelt gratitude. They said that the scholarship and support would motivate them to study harder and alleviate the financial burden on their parents and guardians.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has pleaded with the management of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to complement his administration’s efforts at combating insecurity, improving agriculture and food security, fastracking land reforms. He also talked about development in other critical sectors using existing space technology and innovative capabilities of the agency. Governor Ododo spoke during a meeting with the Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Mathew Olumide Adepoju yesterday, January 20. The Governor, who was in the company of some senior officials of the government, assured that the state government is committed to ensuring partnership with NASRDA to improve the state’s Geographic Information System to facilitate land reforms, promote agriculture and food sufficiency, security of lives and property and other critical sectors of the state’s economy. Acknowledging the state of technology and innovative endowment available at NASRDA, Governor Ododo called on the leadership of the agency to ensure collaboration with the state government by providing needed assistance to enhance development in the areas already enumerated in the Memorandum of Understanding between the agency and the state government, signed late last year in Lokoja in critical sectors. The Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Mathew Olumide Adepoju commended Governor Ododo for the level of infrastructural development and other achievements recorded within one year of his administration. He thanked the Governor for adopting space technology as a way of combating insecurity and promoting development in different sectors of the state’s economy, assuring that the partnership between NASRDA and the Kogi state government will be sustained in the interest of the country and the people of Kogi state.
The Yobe State Audit Service Board has organised a two-day capacity building workshop on fiscal transparency and accountability for Auditors aimed at promoting good governance and service delivery in the state. The workshop, organised for Auditors from offices of the Auditors General for State and Local Governments, began today with the Head of Civil Service, Hamidu M. Alhaji announcing that the workshop is aimed at equipping Auditors of the State and Local Governments with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of modern auditing. “This workshop is a clear testimony on Governor Buni’s commitment for transparency and accountability, recognizing the vital roles of Auditors in carrying out their duties.” The Head of Service said that auditing is a key aspect of ensuring transparency, stressing the need for auditors to enforce accountability in public expenditure, thereby fostering trust between the government and citizens. He commended state Governor, Mai Mala Buni for his unwavering support towards the development of human capital asset in the state through continuous training and development of both local, national and international conferences and workshops. He called on the participants to be attentive, deligent and make meaningful contribution towards achieving the goal of the workshop and the knowledge to be translated into their work. Earlier, the Chairman of the State Audit Service Board, Alhaji Goje Modu Balube said that the workshop was organised at a critical time when the need for transparency and accountability is paramount, to ensure that public funds are effectively managed and that government programs align with the needs of the people. He commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for his support to the State Audit Service Board especially in the organization of the workshop, to improve transparency and accountability according to global best practices.
President Donald Trump has accused those he referred to as ‘a radical and corrupt establishment” of having extracted power and wealth from the American citizens, even as the pillars of the country “lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair.” In his inaugural speech today, January 20, for his second coming, President Trump vowed to reclaim the country lost value systems. “As we gather today, our government confronts a crisis of trust, Trump regretted, assuring that America will soon be greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before. “I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success, a tide of change is sweeping the country, sunlight is pouring over the entire world, and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before.” Full Inaugural Speech of Donald J. Trump, 47th. President of America is reproduced hereunder: Thank you. Thank you very much everybody. Well, thank you very, very much. Vice President Vance, Speaker Johnson, Senator Thune, Chief Justice Roberts, justices of the United States Supreme Court, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and my fellow citizens. The Golden Age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first. Our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced. The vicious, violent and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end. And our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous and free. America will soon be greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before. I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success, a tide of change is sweeping the country, sunlight is pouring over the entire world, and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before. But first, we must be honest about the challenges we face. While they are plentiful, they will be annihilated by this great momentum that the world is now witnessing in the United States of America. As we gather today, our government confronts a crisis of trust. For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens, while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair. We now have a government that cannot manage even a simple crisis at home, while at the same time stumbling into a continuing catalog of catastrophic events abroad. It fails to protect our magnificent, law-abiding American citizens, but provide sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals, many from prisons and mental institutions that have illegally entered our country from all over the world. We have a government that has given unlimited funding to the defence of foreign borders, but refuses to defend American borders or more importantly, its own people. Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina, been treated so badly. And other states who are still suffering from a hurricane that took place many months ago. Or more recently in Los Angeles, where we are watching fires still tragically burn from weeks ago without even a token of defence. They’re raging through the houses and communities, even affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now. They don’t have a home any longer. That’s interesting, but we can’t let this happen. Everyone is unable to do anything about it. That’s going to change. We have a public health system that does not deliver in times of disaster, yet more money is spent on it than any country anywhere in the world. And we have an education system that teaches our children to be ashamed of themselves, in many cases to hate our country despite the love that we try so desperately to provide to them. All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly. My recent election has a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal, and all of these many betrayals that have taken place, and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy, and indeed, their freedom. From this moment on, America’s decline is over. Our liberties and our nation’s glorious destiny will no longer be denied, and we will immediately restore the integrity, competency, and loyalty of America’s government. Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250 year history, and I’ve learned a lot along the way the journey to reclaim our republic has not been an easy one that I can tell you. Those who wish to stop our cause have tried to take my freedom, and indeed to take my life. Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear. But I felt then and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again. Thank you. Thank you very much. That is why each day under our administration of American patriots, we will be working to meet every crisis with dignity and power and strength. We will move with purpose and speed to bring back hope, prosperity, safety, and peace for citizens of every race, religion, colour and creed. For American citizens, Jan. 20th, 2025 is Liberation Day. It is my hope that our recent presidential election will be remembered as the greatest and most consequential election in the history of our country. As our victory showed, the entire nation is rapidly unifying behind our agenda with dramatic increases in support from virtually every element of our society, young and old, men and women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, urban, suburban, rural and very importantly, we had a powerful win in all seven swing states, and the popular vote we won by millions of people. To the black and Hispanic communities, I want to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and trust that you have shown me with your vote. We set records and I will not forget it. I’ve heard your voices in the campaign, and I look forward to working with you in the years to come. Today is Martin Luther King Day and his honour, this will be a great honour, but in his honour, we will strive together to make his dream a reality. We will make his dream come true. Thank you. Thank you. Check This Out National unity is now returning to America and confidence and pride is soaring like never before. In everything we do. My administration will be inspired by a strong pursuit of excellence and unrelenting success. We will not forget our country. We will not forget our Constitution and we will not forget our God. Can’t do that. Today, I will sign a series of historic executive orders. With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense. It’s all about common sense. First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came. We will reinstate my remain in Mexico policy. I will end the practice of catch and release. And I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country. Under the orders I signed today, we will also be designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. And by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 I will direct our government to use the full and immense power of federal and state law enforcement to eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to U.S. soil, including our cities and inner cities. As Commander in Chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions and that is exactly what I am going to do. We will do it at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Next, I will direct all members of my cabinet to marshal the vast powers at their disposal to defeat what was record inflation and rapidly bring down costs and prices. The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices and that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill. America will be a manufacturing nation once again, and we have something that no other manufacturing nation will ever have, the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on Earth and we are going to use it, and they use it. We will bring prices down, fill our strategic reserves up again, right to the top and export American energy all over the world. We will be a rich nation again and it is that liquid gold under our feet that will help to do it. With my actions today, we will end the Green New Deal and we will revoke the electric vehicle mandate, saving our auto industry and keeping my sacred pledge to our great American autoworkers. In other words, you’ll be able to buy the car of your choice. We will build automobiles in America again at a rate that nobody could have dreamt possible just a few years ago and thank you to the autoworkers of our nation for your inspiring vote of confidence. We did tremendously with their vote. I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families. Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens. For this purpose, we are establishing the External Revenue Service to collect all tariffs, duties and revenues. It will be massive amounts of money pouring into our treasury coming from foreign sources. The American Dream will soon be back and thriving like never before. To restore confidence and effectively is to our federal government, my administration will establish the brand new Department of Government Efficiency. After years and years of illegal and unconstitutional federal efforts to restrict free expression, I will also sign an executive order to immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America. Never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents. Something I know, something about. We will not allow that to happen. It will not happen again. Under my leadership, we will restore a fair, equal, and impartial justice under the constitutional rule of law and we are going to bring law and order back to our cities. This week I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life. We will forge a society that is colourblind and merit based. As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female. This week, I will reinstate any service members who were unjustly expelled from our military for objecting to the COVID vaccine mandate, with full back pay. And I will sign an order to stop our warriors from being subjected to radical political theories and social experiments while on duty. It’s going to end immediately. Our armed forces will be free to focus on their sole mission: defeating America’s enemies. Like in 2017, we will again build the strongest military the world has ever seen. We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into. My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier, that’s what I want to be, a peacemaker and a unifier. I’m pleased to say that as of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families. Thank you. America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth, inspiring the all and admiration of the entire world. A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and we will restore the name of a great president, William McKinley to Mount McKinley, where it should be and where it belongs. President McKinley made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent. He was a natural businessman and gave Teddy Roosevelt the money for many of the great things he did, including the Panama Canal, which has foolishly been given to the country of Panama after the United States, the United States, I mean, think of this spent more money than ever spent on a project before and lost 38,000 lives in the building of the Panama Canal. We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made and Panama’s promise to us has been broken. The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated. American ships are being severely overcharge, charged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form. And that includes the United States Navy and above all, China is operating the Panama Canal and we didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama and we’re taking it back. Above all, my message to Americans today is that it is time for us to once again act with courage, vigor, and vitality of history’s greatest civilization. So as we liberate our nation, we will lead it to new heights of victory and success. We will not be deterred. Together, we will end the chronic disease epidemic and keep our children safe, healthy, and disease free. The United States will once again consider itself a growing nation, one that increases our wealth, expands our territory, builds our cities, raises our expectations, and carries our flag into new and beautiful horizons. And we will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars launching American astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars. Ambition is the lifeblood of a great nation and right now, our nation is more ambitious than any other. There’s no nation like our nation. Americans are explorers, builders, innovators, entrepreneurs and pioneers. The spirit of the frontier is written into our hearts. The call of the next great adventure resounds from within our souls. Our American ancestors turned a small group of colonies on the edge of a vast continent into a mighty republic of the most extraordinary citizens on Earth. No one comes close. Americans pushed thousands of miles through a rugged land of untamed wilderness. They crossed deserts, scaled mountains, braved untold dangers, won the Wild West, ended slavery, rescued millions from tyranny, lifted billions from poverty, harnessed electricity, split the atom, launched mankind into the heavens and put the universe of human knowledge into the palm of the human hand. If we work together, there is nothing we cannot do and no dream we cannot achieve. Many people thought it was impossible for me to stage such a historic political comeback. But as you see today, here I am, the American people have spoken. I stand before you now is proof that you should never believe that something is impossible to do. In America, the impossible is what we do best. From New York to Los Angeles, from Philadelphia to Phoenix, from Chicago to Miami, from Houston to right here in Washington, DC, our country was forged and built by the generations of patriots who gave everything they had for our rights and for our freedom. They were farmers and soldiers, cowboys and factory workers, steel workers and coal miners, police officers and pioneers who pushed onward, marched forward, and let no obstacle defeat their spirit or their pride. Together they laid down the railroads, raised up the skyscrapers, built great highways, won two world wars, defeated fascism and communism, and triumphed over every single challenge that they faced. After all we have been through together, we stand on the verge of the four greatest years in American history. With your help, we will restore America’s promise and we will rebuild the nation that we love and we love it so much. We are one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God. So to every parent who dreams for their child and every child who dreams for their future, I am with you. I will fight for you and I will win for you. We are going to win like never before. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. In recent years, our nation has suffered greatly but we are going to bring it back and make it great again, greater than ever before. We will be a nation like no other, full of compassion, courage and exceptionalism. Our power will stop all wars and bring a new spirit of unity to a world that has been angry, violent and totally unpredictable. America will be respected again and admired again, including by people of religion, faith, and goodwill. We will be prosperous. We will be proud. We will be strong and we will win like never before. We will not be conquered. We will not be intimidated. We will not be broken and we will not fail. From this day on, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign and independent nation. We will stand bravely. We will live proudly. We will dream boldly, and nothing will stand in our way because we are Americans. The future is ours and our golden age has just begun. Thank you. God bless America. Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has finally approved a maximum of 50 percent increase in tariff rates charged by telecommunications operators such as MTN, Glo, Airtel and others operating in the country. The Commission explained that pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate, it will be granting approval for tariff adjustment requests by Network Operators in response to prevailing market conditions. “The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.” In a statement today, January 20, the Commission’s spokesperson, Reuben Muoka, said that the increase in tariff will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, “and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.’ He said that tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators, adding that the approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised. “These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage. “Recognising the concerns of the public, this decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. “The NCC has prioritised striking a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem. “The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments. To this end, the Commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers. Operators are also required to educate and inform the public about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery. “Additionally, the NCC reaffirms its dedication to fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector. Beyond protecting consumers, the Commission’s actions are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, support indigenous vendors and suppliers, and promote the overall growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. “As a regulator, the NCC will continue to engage with stakeholders to create a telecommunications environment that works for everyone—one that protects consumers, supports operators, and sustains the ecosystem that drives connectivity across the nation.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has fixed Hajj fare for the 2025 pilgrimage in the Holy sites of Saudi Arabia at over N8 million. According to the Commission, in a statement today, January 20, by its Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, the cost for intending pilgrims from Southern states is N8, 784, 085.59 while those from the Northern zone will pay N8, 457,685.59. The statement said that the fare for Borno and Adamawa zone intending pilgrims is N8,327,125.59. It said that the modest effort on the fare was reached after extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity in this important decision-making process. The statement said that the fare was arrived at after an approval from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Indeed NAHCON Chairman and his team in collaboration with representative of the Presidency, Malam Ameen Amshi, who is Special Assistant to the President, Special Duties did their best to maintain the Hajj fare within the same range as previously charged. “Others who actively participated in stemming the cost are leadership of State Executive Secretaries, namely Malam Idris Ahmad Almakura, the Forum Chairman who doubles as the Executive Secretary (E.S) of Nasarawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, his colleague from Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro, with their Secretary and E.S of Adamawa State, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu among others who worked tirelessly to ensure that the fares do not skyrocket.” The statement quoted the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as commending the team. He described the Hajj fare as a product of extensive collaboration with all stakeholders. He appreciated the support of the Presidency and Forum of State E.S. The Chairman advised prospective pilgrims to take note of the timelines and Saudi guidelines, emphasizing the importance of early payment and timely registration to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
Federal High Court in Sokoto has convicted the accountant of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, (UDUTH), Sokoto, Lukumanu Sani Waziri, for diverting over N60 million through the Government Integrated Financial Information System (GIFMIS). Waziri, who faced a nine-count charge of corruption and abuse of office, was found guilty on seven counts. Justice M. Abdulgafar of the Federal High Court, Sokoto, sentenced him to various prison terms totaling seven years or fines ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 for specific charges, to run concurrently. Dr. Osuobeni Akponimisingha of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), had, during the trial, presented evidence showing how Waziri altered financial records on GIFMIS and facilitated the illegal transfer of funds into private accounts, including his own. The diverted money included state taxes meant for Kogi, Edo, Bauchi, and Zamfara States, which were fraudulently rerouted to the account of one Monday Michael Adejo. In one instance, Waziri transferred over N20 million into Adejo’s account in 2020. ICPC described the act as a blatant abuse of office, with funds forming part of proceeds from corruption and fraud. “This conviction underscores ICPC’s commitment to ensuring accountability and justice in the management of public funds,” said Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education at ICPC. The Commission urged public institutions to strengthen internal financial controls to prevent similar crimes.
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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has finally approved a maximum of 50 percent increase in tariff rates charged by telecommunications operators such as MTN, Glo, Airtel and others operating in the country.
