Author: Aminu Imam

2025 Hajj: FCT sets Jan. 30 as registration deadline

Aminu Imam
FCT on 2025 Hajj2

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has fixed January 30 as the registration deadline for all intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise. The Board’s spokesman, Mohammed Aliyu, who announced the deadline in a statement in Abuja on Monday, explained that the new deadline followed the adjustment by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on the 2025 calendar, and directed all state Pilgrims Welfare Boards and agencies to remit all collections by February 1. He said that the Board had so far exhausted over 40% of…

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Port rehabilitation delayed, despite $700m loan

Aminu Imam
Port rehabilitation2

Despite securing a $700 million loan for the rehabilitation of Lagos’ Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports, the Federal Government has yet to start work on these vital projects. Recall that in April, it was reported that the NPA secured a $700m loan from Citibank for the rehabilitation of the Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports in Lagos. It had announced plans for reconstruction with the loan funded by UK Export Finance, an export credit agency. Announcing this in a statement, the NPA had said it also opened discussions with another funding…

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CBN fines 9 banks ₦150m each for ATM cash scarcity

Aminu Imam
CBN fines

The Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), has sanctioned nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) with fines totalling ₦1.35bn for failing to ensure cash availability via Automated Teller Machines, (ATMs) during the festive season. According to a press statement issued by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications of the Bank, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, each of the banks was fined ₦150m following spot checks that revealed non-compliance with the apex bank’s cash distribution guidelines. The affected banks include Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc; Keystone Bank Plc; Union Bank Plc; Globus Bank…

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“Suspend or withdraw tax reform Bills, or face consequences in 2027” – CNG warn Northern lawmakers

Aminu Imam
CNG warn Northern lawmakers

The Coalition of Northern Groups, (CNG), has pledged to continue its opposition to the Federal Government’s tax reform Bills currently before the 10th National Assembly, demanding the suspension or withdrawal of the proposed legislation. Recall that some northern lawmakers have also signified their opposition to the tax reform Bills. Both groups have called for the withdrawal or suspension of the Bills. The CNG warned of significant political consequences, including potential voter backlash in the 2027 elections. During a town hall meeting in Damaturu, CNG National Coordinator Aliyu Charanchi criticized the…

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SDP rules out alliance with Atiku, el-Rufa’i for 2027 presidency

Aminu Imam
SDP rules out alliance

National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), Shehu Gabam, has dismissed speculations of a political alliance with the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, ahead of the 2027 elections. Gabam, who made this known during an appearance on a television programme at the weekend, stated that the SDP’s priority is strengthening its structures and offering Nigerians credible alternatives. According to him, “There’s no alliance with anyone. As the chairman of the party,…

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‘4 States get full electricity regulatory oversight’ — NERC

Aminu Imam
NERC on electricity

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, (NERC)  has completed the transfer of regulatory oversight to four States. The States are Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, and Imo, which are now fully responsible for the regulation of their electricity markets. NERC made this known on its X handle yesterday, noting it has begun the transfer of regulatory oversight to 10 States as of 10th January 2025. According to the Commission: “As of January 10, 2025, NERC has commenced the transfer of regulatory oversight to 10 States. Once the transfers are complete, the States will…

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Military to sue Reuters over false abortion allegations – CDS

Aminu Imam
CDS on Reuters

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has disclosed plans by the Nigerian military to initiate legal action against the international news agency, Reuters, over a report alleging the forced termination of 10,000 pregnancies during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East region. Recall that the controversial report, published in late 2022, accused the Nigerian military of running a secret abortion program targeting women impregnated by insurgents. However, a 2024 investigation by the National Human Rights Commission cleared the military of any wrongdoing. Expressing his displeasure, General Musa criticised Reuters…

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NASS threatens to stop JAMB’s allocation, questions spending

Aminu Imam
NASS threatens JAMB

The 10th National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance yesterday threatened to stop the Federal Government’s grant to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB), in the 2025 Budget proposal. The position of the committee was informed by the presentation made by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, who appeared before the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives to defend the agency’s 2025 Budget proposal. Giving a breakdown of the performance of the JAMB’s 2024 budget, Oloyede said the agency remitted ₦4bn to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, while it…

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FOMWAN lauds Kaduna Deputy Gov. as ‘beacon of inspiration for women’

Aminu Imam
FOMWAN lauds

The Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria, (FOMWAN) has hailed Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, as a role model for women across the nation. Speaking during a courtesy visit to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the Amira of the Kaduna State Chapter, Nafisa Isa Musa, commended Balarabe for her unwavering commitment to addressing gender issues and her continued support for FOMWAN’s activities. The visit, aims to seek guidance and support from the state government ahead of FOMWAN’s National Conference and 40th Anniversary, scheduled to hold in Kaduna this August. …

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Senate screens N’West Devt. Commission nominees, issues stern warning to uphold public trust

Aminu Imam
Senate screens NWDC

The Senate has cautioned nominees to the Governing Board of the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) against betraying the trust reposed in them by President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people. This warning came on Monday during the screening exercise conducted by the Senate’s Ad-Hoc Committee on Regional Development Commissions, led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia-North). The session began with the 14-member NWDC board, headed by Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi as Chairman and Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji as Managing Director and CEO. Other nominees include Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe,…

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